Making a noise about cochlear implants

25 February, 2016

On International Cochlear Implant Day, Thursday, February 25, Cochlear Limited, together with hearing care partners and recipients around the world will be celebrating how this cochlear implant technology has changed the lives of over 400,000 people around the globe with severe to profound hearing loss.

Globally there are 360 million people – 5% of the world’s population – with a disabling hearing loss. Of these, 32 million are children, with up to 5 in every 1,000 infants born with or developing disabling hearing loss in early childhood1.

To support this international day of recognition, Cochlear will be sharing inspiring stories on social media of people who are part of the global Cochlear Family and who describe their devices as "a gift", "a miracle" and “life changing". We wish to share these stories of courage and celebrate the achievements of our implant recipients and their loved ones.

“When Professor Graeme Clark invented the world’s first multi-channel cochlear implant, he created something truly life-changing”, says Chris Smith, Cochlear’s CEO/President. “More than 30 years later, Professor Clark’s legacy lies in the incredible accomplishments of recipients around the world, who live rich and fulfilling lives thanks to cochlear implant technology”.

“I think it’s very important that we recognise and support the amazing things our recipients have achieved. Their stories may also encourage other people with treatable hearing loss to seek help and ultimately live the life they want,” says Chris.

Cochlear is planning a day of celebration and awareness on February 25, to mark how cochlear implants have transformed the lives of recipients and their families.

If you would like to read more about personal experiences of Cochlear recipients or would like to speak to somebody with an implant, Cochlear can put you in touch with a volunteer.

If you would like to share your experiences of cochlear implant technology, or encourage others to do so, on February 25, International Cochlear Implant Day, the hashtag for social media will be #celebratecochlear

About Cochlear Limited

Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. The company has a global workforce of 2,700 people and invests more than AUS$100 million a year in research and development. Products include hearing systems for cochlear, bone conduction and acoustic implants. Over 400,000 people of all ages, across more than 100 countries, now hear because of Cochlear.

Disclaimer

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.

In Australia, Cochlear™ Nucleus® implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderately severe to profound hearing loss.

In Australia, Baha® bone conduction implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderate to profound hearing loss.

In Australia, the Cochlear™ Osia® System is indicated for patients with conductive, mixed hearing loss and single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD) aged 10 years and above with up to 55 decibels sensorineural hearing loss. Patients should have sufficient bone quality and quantity to support successful implant placement. Surgery is required to use this product. Any surgical procedure carries risk.

For Cochlear™ Nucleus®, Osia® and Baha® systems: This product is not available for purchase by the general public. For information on funding and reimbursement please contact your health care professional.

Any testimonial featured on this website is intended for an Australian audience only.

Reference

  1. Who.int. WHO | Deafness and hearing loss [Internet]. 2015. Available from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs300/en/