After a failed newborn hearing test Piper’s parents were shocked to learn that their little girl had hearing loss. Seeking out immediate support from hearing health professionals, they turned to cochlear implants and the Kanso Sound Processor to help give their daughter a path for her future. Now Piper is social, athletic and sings as often as she possibly can. Learn about her story here:
“Piper failed her newborn hearing test in the hospital and then failed again a couple of weeks later. At three months old, our local children’s hospital (Akron Children’s Hospital) conducted an auditory brainstem response (ABR) test. This test can tell how the cochlea and the brain pathways for hearing are working. After the test was complete it was determined that Piper had severe-profound hearing loss in both ears.
We were devastated, concerned and grieved that our child may not live a normal life. The amazing technology of cochlear implants proved us wrong.
An almost immediate solution
Luckily, we were connected right away to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, audiology and speech therapy to point us in all the right directions toward cochlear implants.
Piper tried hearing aids from about 3 months-12 months old, but the hearings aids did not give her the proper access to sound. In the fall of 2016, at 14 months old1, Piper underwent bilateral cochlear implant surgery and at 15 months, she was activated with two Cochlear™ Kanso® Sound Processors, an off-the-ear device. She was the first child in the state of Ohio (according to our audiologist) to receive the original Kanso!
We selected Cochlear as the brand for Piper due to our research in finding out the company makes quality products, provides great customer service and patients achieve exceptional results. Our goal was for Piper to have access to sound and fit in just like her hearing peers. Akron Children’s Hospital ENT and Audiology2 also highly recommended Cochlear and we trusted their advice.
We first selected the Kanso Sound Processor due to the off-the-ear feature. Piper later became eligible for an upgrade, and with new technology being available we went with the Kanso 2 Sound Processor. Both devices have been wonderful for Piper.
Piper’s life with cochlear implants
Since Piper was implanted at a very young age she has reaped the benefits of cochlear implants. At just 15 months old, we ensured she was wearing her Kanso Sound Processors as many waking hours as possible. We paired that with aggressive speech therapy and have seen exceptional results. Because her cochlear implants give her quality access to sound, most people don’t even know she has hearing loss when she speaks.
Piper has been decorating her sound processors since she was a toddler. With the original Kanso Sound Processors she had princess stickers and now that she’s older she likes cheetah print stickers on her Kanso 2 Sound Processors.
Some of the technology that Piper LOVES about her devices are the ability to stream3 to her iPad® through the Made for iPhone/iPad capabilities.
Since the Kanso 2 Sound Processors are off-the-ear devices, Piper uses the retention cord4 and clips daily to keep her sound processors in place. We are very happy with the accessories that Cochlear offers; in the summer Piper is able to swim a lot using the Aqua+ waterproof cover5.
The benefits we’ve seen in her life
She is extremely social, has many friends and participates in sports such as swim team, dance, volleyball and tennis. She also loves to sing! This past school year, she participated in her school’s choir program, requiring her to practice before school, followed by an end of the year performance.
In spring of 2025, Piper just finished 3rd grade. For the first time, she took the state standardized tests for language arts and math. Piper scored above average in both subjects. She loves to read, loves school and aims to succeed in academics in every way possible. She still receives speech therapy through school and that really helps her continue to thrive in both written and oral language.
Piper also loves animals of all kinds, especially her two golden retriever mixes named Clara and Roxy.
Piper loves to travel, especially to Walt Disney World®, where she rides all the rides – even the fast ones, like Space Mountain®. The retention cord and clips ensure her Kanso Sound Processors stay in place and so that she can enjoy the sounds around her on the rides.
Piper relies on her cochlear implants in everything she does, from streaming on her iPad to listening in class to playing sports and doing extracurricular activities.
A future filled with possibilities for Piper
The technology has been life-changing for Piper. Without cochlear implants, Piper wouldn’t be speaking today. Now, she’s not only talking – she’s singing, laughing and communicating nonstop. She’s thriving in every way, doing everything a typical 9-year-old would do, including occasionally ignoring her dad. Cochlear implants didn’t just change Piper’s life – they gave her a future filled with connection, acceptance, confidence and joy. We are forever grateful.
We hope Piper can be an advocate not only for those with hearing loss but also for anyone with a disability or those struggling to fit in. Piper loves younger children and often acts as a junior caretaker for them.”
Most recently, with her mom, Piper has volunteered at GiGi’s Playhouse which is a Down syndrome achievement center. She wants to help others succeed, feel accepted and live life to their fullest potential, no matter the physical or mental disability.
If your child has been diagnosed with, or is experiencing hearing loss, a hearing solution like the Kanso Sound Processor, may be a solution that can help. Learn more about Cochlear’s solutions today!
6 7 8- 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.
- This is not an endorsement or recommendation of any particular healthcare provider. For a list of hearing specialists in your area, visit www.cochlear.com/us
- For information regarding the compatibility of Cochlear’s Sound Processors with True Wireless, Apple or Android devices, visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility
- Retention lines longer than the Safety Line (standard length) are not recommended for use by children as they may present a risk of strangulation.
- The Cochlear Kanso 2 Sound Processor meets 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.
- Apple, Made for iPad logo, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
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- © 2025 GiGi’s Playhouse
