In a truly touching moment at a hospital in Lake Nona, 3-year-old Jolene Davis got to hear more clearly for the first time, all thanks to her new cochlear implant.
This special event comes just in time for Cochlear Implant Awareness Day on Feb. 25, shining a light on how these devices can change the lives of kids with severe hearing loss.
Jolene’s journey with hearing loss started right from birth. Her parents, who’ve been by her side every step of the way, couldn’t hide their excitement and hope for what lies ahead.
“It’s been three, almost four years,” Jolene’s mother, Jade Davis shared. “She got her first hearing aid when she was three months.”
Turning on Jolene’s cochlear implant was a huge milestone. As the device came to life, the medical team at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Lake Nona explained that Jolene might hear some beeping sounds at first, which is pretty normal for anyone hearing through a cochlear implant for the first time.
“That ear hasn’t heard sound before, so that can be overwhelming,” said pediatric audiologist Chelsea Clancy. “To be able to give her this opportunity to hear is incredible because we know that that’s going to have a positive impact on her life moving forward.”
Jolene’s parents are filled with optimism about her future. “I look forward to her speaking more,” Davis said. “She socializes really well, but she will use her hand gestures, and just that makes her so good at making friends.”
This event wasn’t just a personal victory for Jolene and her family; it also showcased the amazing advancements in medical technology that are making a real difference.
Watch the video above to see Jolene’s emotional reaction and hear from her family and medical team about this life-changing moment.