In the United States, about 2 to 3 babies out of 1,000 are born with some level of hearing loss in both of their ears, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. While a person with hearing loss most certainly isn’t considered “broken,” our science communities are constantly researching ways to restore hearing to those who cannot hear. One of the most advanced methods is by using a cochlear implant. This device works with the brain to send impulses that are not normally being sent because part of the inner ear is damaged. The moment that someone is the recipient of an implant is very special, as it can be very costly and take years to receive. This video shows a handful of people, from infant to adult, who hear for the very first time. So grab a tissue and press play!
It’s videos like these that remind us how amazing it is to have the ability to hear. It’s also a great way to shed light on how our technology has advanced so much so that we can bring joy and help people overcome such difficult obstacles! Do you know anyone who has received a cochlea implant? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!