Mathilde, a recipient of cochlear implants who was born with profound deafness, shares her inspirational journey from childhood hearing loss to becoming not only a division 1 tennis athlete, but a passionate mentor and advocate for cochlear implant recipients. Read Mathilde’s journey below:
“My name is Mathilde, and I am a 24-year-old bilateral cochlear implant user from Denmark. I was born with profound sensorineural hearing loss and received my cochlear implants when I was 2 and 6 years old1. At that time, I could only receive one cochlear implant, so I traveled to Sweden to get my second implant.
Therefore, it was my parents who decided to move forward with cochlear implants which was not an easy decision for them. They chose the Cochlear brand since it has excellent reliability, and they liked the look and the technology. I am using Cochlear™ Nucleus® 7 Sound Processors, and I like the behind-the-ear (BTE) sound processor as I have found that it’s more secure on my ear.
Helpful innovation and technology in cochlear implants
I am a very big fan of Bluetooth® streaming2 since I use it a lot when I’m out running, walking, or catching up with friends or family over the phone or laptop. I have also been traveling a lot throughout my life, and I have been able to easily stream movies directly to my sound processors while I travel in airplanes, using the Mini Microphone that connects to the airplane screen using an auxiliary cable. It works great!
Besides being a cochlear implant user, I am a very social and active person. I have played Division I College tennis for four years in America which means that my cochlear implants needed to be able to stay on my head while I was running, playing tennis, lifting weights and so on. My sound processors make it possible to do all these things, and what I find helpful is the Cochlear Snugfit, a retention tool that makes it so my sound processors stay on my ear. I have always used the Snugfit, and it is something I can recommend to other cochlear implant recipients who are very active.
Advocacy and professional experience in the hearing industry
I am happy my parent’s decided to move forward with cochlear implants, so I can connect with my family and friends as well as enjoy events, concerts, festivals, tennis and much more.
I have always tried to avoid showing my cochlear implants since I didn’t like it when people were looking at my ears since it made me feel different. I’m still challenging myself to show my sound processors more since they are life-changing devices. I hope to use my story to inspire the younger generation to believe in themselves, even with hearing loss. My cochlear implants help me experience life to the fullest, and I will never take them for granted. There are certain days that do bring challenges, and I wish I was a normal-hearing person, but my family has always been supportive of me, and I will forever be grateful for them.
“Now, I am working at The Pacific Neuroscience Institute to help other cochlear implant recipients. I am doing patient support and outreach. My goal is to educate, support and spread awareness about cochlear implants since it’s still new for a lot of people.” and instead say: “I’m the Outreach Ambassador at The Pacific Neuroscience Institute, where I support our patients, collaborate with community audiologists and hearing aid specialists, and help educate people about cochlear implants. Every Wednesday in Santa Monica, I host a free weekly lip-reading class for the hard-of-hearing community. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others who have cochlear implants, hearing aids, or are navigating hearing challenges. To join, just email me at mathilde.tranberg@providence.org.
Thank you for reading my story. My goal moving forward is to continue educating and to offer cochlear implant recipients hope, support, and guidance throughout their hearing journey. I also strive to raise awareness that solutions exist for those struggling with hearing loss, making this knowledge more accessible to everyone.”
If you or your child have received a hearing loss diagnosis like Mathilde, cochlear implants may be a solution that can help. Learn about this technology and your options here.
3 4- In the United States and Canada, the Cochlear Nucleus Implant System is intended for use in children 9 months to 24 months of age who have bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss and demonstrate limited benefit from appropriate bilateral hearing aids. Children 2 years of age or older may demonstrate severe to profound hearing loss bilaterally.
- For a full list of smartphone and app compatible devices, visit: www.cochlear.com/compatibility.
- The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Cochlear is under license.
- © Pacific Neuroscience Institute, 2025. All Rights Reserved.
