Dr. Tjellstrom reunites with his first U.S. Baha® recipient

After being born without ears and struggling to use hearing aids, Maribel's parents knew there had to be a better way.

At age eight, Maribel became the first person in the United States to receive a  Cochlear™ Baha^® System, which allowed her to live her life to its fullest.

Growing up, Maribel played the violin and a variety of sports. She credits her Baha System with helping her enjoy the same opportunities as other children.

Maribel has paved the way for more than 140,000 other Baha System recipients to date, and many more to come. Thirty years later, Maribel was able to thank the man who granted her the gift or sound, Dr. Anders Tjellstrom, the founder of the Baha System.