Making a noise about cochlear implants

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.