When Michelle adopted her son Mickey at just 18 months old, she soon learned he was profoundly deaf in both ears. This blog recounts their family’s journey from diagnosis to researching solutions to eventually receiving cochlear implants and developing listening and spoken language. Michelle credits finding support through the hearing loss community as a large factor in Mickey thriving with the help of hearing technology. Read their story here:
“We adopted our son Mickey when he was 18 months old and shortly thereafter, we found out that he was profoundly deaf in both ears. It’s been quite a journey, these past 16 years. I remember trying to quickly become knowledgeable in an arena that was new and sometimes overwhelming.
I immediately started reaching out and connecting to other families with children who had hearing loss. I wanted to understand the unique needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and apply all their trials and tribulations when I was told we had to decide if we wanted our son to be a ‘hearing and speaking child.’ I wanted to give my son a wonderful chance of fulfilling his hopes and dreams for a meaningful life. Then the world changed.
Choosing cochlear implants
After meeting and talking with other families, doctors and researching we decided on cochlear implants1. We also knew that if he gained hearing we would enroll him in a school with both signing and spoken language. As his mother, I was able to form life lasting friendships with parents of his peers and received endless support from my family and community.
When we went to the audiologist for activation, it was huge. For many people that were hearing and experienced hearing loss and have cochlear implants it’s a different outcome. For Mickey, going from hearing nothing at all to hearing everything was almost overwhelming. That initial experience, trying to develop language, activities, making sounds into words, was like having a newborn that already runs very fast!
Learning, growing and finding support
We were very fortunate to attend a camp at the John Tracy Center about six months after he had been implanted. This was very valuable being surrounded by other families that also had children with hearing loss.
To this day, I use the knowledge I gained that summer and tools for supporting and communicating with Mickey on a daily basis. The interaction with other families from all over the world going through the same journey and emotions was priceless. There I learned skills, cues and signs to use at home to help my son develop listening spoken language.
Turning experience into advocacy
When COVID-19 changed our lives, and we all became more insular, a dear friend and author suggested that I write about our experiences and its rewards. I hoped that kids like Mickey could see themselves in books and learn from our experiences; breaking the stigma associated with hearing loss. Now, two books and several prestigious National book awards later, my books have become a staple in libraries across the country.
‘Mickey on the Move: Farming should be part of any collection strong in positivity and overcoming adversity with a blend of technology and attitude.’ – Midwest Book Review
Why Cochlear was the right choice for our family
Cochlear North America has proven to be the best decision we could have made in 2011. Our audiologist is incredible – Cochlear has made getting help with any technical issues or physical damage, easily accessible. Science and technology are constantly changing and Cochlear is committed to staying on top in terms of improvements for the benefit of the recipient. Since my son was implanted, Cochlear developed the Aqua+ waterproof accessory2 to allow him to hear and fully engage in nature, swimming and with life.
A message for other families
Mickey does not let his deafness define or stop him. That’s the message that I wanted to get across – though kids with hearing loss may require special technology or accommodations, they are no different than anyone else.”
– Michelle, Advocate and grateful mom for a cochlear implant recipient child.
If you or a family member is experiencing hearing loss and would like to connect with other families, discover stories, resources and support visit the Cochlear Mentor’s page today!
3- In the United States and Canada, the Cochlear Nucleus Implant System is approved for use in children 9 to 24 months of age who have profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears and demonstrate limited benefit from appropriate hearing aids. Children 2 years of age or older may demonstrate severe to profound hearing loss in both ears.
- The Cochlear Nucleus 8 Nexa and Nucleus 8 Sound Processors with the rechargeable battery module and Kanso 3 Nexa and Kanso 3 Sound Processors meet the IP68 rating of the International Standard IEC60529 of freshwater waterproof. These processor configurations were tested by continuous submersion in freshwater for 60 minutes at a depth of 1 meter and functioned as intended. Cochlear offers the Aqua+ accessory for additional protection during extended water use, in salty or rushing water environments. For additional information, please refer to the appropriate user guide.
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