Talk to someone who has been there
If you have been looking into Cochlear™ Hearing Implants, you may be wondering what it is like to have one. Connect with one of our Cochlear™ Buddies, someone who has a Cochlear Hearing Implant and can share their experience with you.
What you'll find on this page
- An overview of the Cochlear™ Buddies program
- Benefits of connecting with a Cochlear Buddy
- Introduction to some of our Cochlear Buddies
- How to connect with a Cochlear Buddy
What is the Cochlear Buddies Program?
The Cochlear Buddies Program pairs you with someone who has a Cochlear Hearing Implant, either the Cochlear™ Nucleus® or Osia® System, and can share real-life experience.
Your Buddy isn’t a doctor, but they are someone who knows what life is really like with a Cochlear Hearing Implant and are willing to share their knowledge and personal experiences with you.
Why connect with a Cochlear Buddy?
Talking to a Cochlear Buddy could help you:
- Learn what hearing with a Cochlear Hearing Implant sounds like from someone who already has one
- Understand what the cochlear implant process was like from their perspective - from assessment to surgery and beyond
- Feel supported by someone who’s walked the same path
”Speaking to a cochlear implant recipient before I decided to go ahead with the surgery was important for me because I could identify with what she was saying, and it allayed some of those fears. It does make you feel less alone and feel like you're speaking to someone who understands.”
- Allie, NSW – Cochlear implant recipient
Meet some of the Cochlear Buddies
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Thea, Nucleus® 8 recipient, retiree and bushwalker. In my 50s I was having difficulty in hearing conversations and began wearing hearing aids. I was losing confidence and withdrawing from group activities. The concentration and stress of listening was exhausting. I became a Buddy to help others and give them the knowledge and confidence to seek more information. |
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Julieann, Nucleus 7®/Kanso® recipient. Teacher. Author. Artist. My implant is pivotal when I am writing or doing art as I feel like I have no deafness in my left ear, allowing me to concentrate on what I am doing. It also allows me to listen to music in stereo again and I enjoy it immensely. When talking to candidates, a bonus I have found, is talking about my husband, and how he is also now happier that I can hear well again. It takes a lot of pressure off him and our relationship. I have had wives tell me that they 'have their husband back!' after getting their cochlear implant. Their happiness spills over to me and I am so thankful I have been able to help them on that journey. |
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Angela, Nucleus 6®/Kanso® recipient. Design manager and urban bird watcher. I wore hearing aids since age 18. My hearing further declined throughout my lifetime, in both ears. At age 48 I experienced significant deterioration of hearing in my right ear and was no longer able to function at work. If I can help someone better understand the process, like others did for me, then I think it will be a nice way to "pay it forward”. |
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Neil, Nucleus® 8 recipient, retiree and loves lawn bowls I was always deaf in right ear and my left ear deteriorated due to Meniere’s disease. I have had such a positive outcome from having implants that I like passing on my experiences and allaying any fears people may have about the process. Knowing that I can in some way help people to have the opportunity to put the frustrations of hearing loss behind them is a great feeling. |
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Terri, Osia® System recipient, hairdresser and loves being social. I’ve been in your position, and it’s changed my life. I love that I’m able to share my story and give candidates support and confidence. |
It’s simple to connect with a Cochlear Buddy
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Fill in the short form below. |
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We’ll match you with a Cochlear Buddy who understands your situation. |
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Your Buddy will reach out by phone, video call, or email — whatever works best for you. |
You’re supported by people who understand
Every Cochlear Buddy is a volunteer who has been through the cochlear implant journey themselves. They don’t provide medical advice, but they can share what the experience has been like, answer your questions honestly, and help you feel more confident about your next step.
Not ready to connect with a Buddy? These resources can help you.
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 5 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.
Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.