Cochlear volunteers are the heartbeat of our Cochlear Family, sharing their stories, inspiring others and championing hearing loss prevention every day. They remind us that hearing is more than a sense, it’s a bridge to connection, joy and a fuller life. This year, we are thrilled to honor an extraordinary individual who embodies this passion and dedication. Join us in celebrating Kelly, from South Carolina, the Cochlear Americas 2024 Hear-o of the Year.
Cochlear volunteer
Kelly was nominated by Genevieve, his local Cochlear Engagement Manager, who shared: “Kelly has consistently set a high standard for volunteerism, embodying the spirit of selflessness and service. He has made it his mission to inform as many people as possible about cochlear implant technology. His dedication shines through at every event I host, where he shares his firsthand experiences and insights. Kelly’s authenticity and willingness to connect create a lasting impact on those exploring cochlear hearing solutions.”
Kelly’s path to hearing with a cochlear implant
Kelly comes from a family with genetic hearing loss, but his lifestyle also took a toll on his hearing. He explained, “Everything I do for work and fun is loud—welding, mechanics, heavy equipment, hotrods, motorcycles, lots of music—I played guitar in bands. It ultimately contributed to my hearing loss.” An interim audiologist referred Kelly for a cochlear implant evaluation after noticing his audiograms. “While filling in at my hearing aid center, she looked at my audiograms and told me a cochlear implant may be a good solution.”
After surgery, Kelly adjusted to new sounds through dedication and rehabilitation. He spent time talking, listening and streaming audiobooks, podcasts and music. “Early on, everyone sounded like a little robot alien. But about two months after activation, I had a breakthrough—my son’s voice sounded almost normal, just like I remembered it.” Kelly also credits his success to his medical team, calling his surgeon Teddy and audiologist Kara his “personal heroes.”
Paying it forward
Aware of the effort it took Kelly to relearn how to hear, he felt driven to share his story with others. His first experience of talking to someone about the process of getting a cochlear implant hooked him. He wanted to continue to raise awareness of how life changing this technology can be.
Before receiving his cochlear implant, Kelly avoided unknown social interactions due to anxiety. Volunteering became a learning experience, allowing him to step out of his comfort zone, share his journey, and use his improved communication skills to help others considering an implant. The experience boosted his confidence, easing social discomfort and even enabling him to speak publicly—something he never imagined before. While volunteering remains a work in progress, it has been mutually meaningful, helping Kelly reconnect with people and break down old barriers.
Raising awareness in whatever small ways I can
The Cochlear Volunteer community has provided an excellent way to connect with people on similar journeys as Kelly. Through advocacy efforts, participation in research projects and conversations with professionals in the hearing health industry, these opportunities have been invaluable. Additionally, sharing the news that Cochlear was recently recognized by Newsweek as the most trustworthy healthcare company in the world underscores the significance of its groundbreaking technology and community-driven initiatives. Such recognition is an important consideration for those exploring implantable hearing solutions.
Kelly finds great joy in connecting with others who are navigating similar journeys with hearing loss. Whether they seek answers, reassurance, advice or simply a listening ear from someone who has been through it, he values these conversations deeply. “The biggest reward that keeps me going,” he says, “is witnessing the life-changing impact this technology has on those who take the leap of faith—and the new friendships I build along the way.”
Join us in celebrating Kelly from South Carolina, the 2024 Cochlear Volunteer Hear-o of the Year! To connect with a volunteer like Kelly, click here.
