Jordan’s Story: How Bilateral Cochlear Implants Help Her Stay Tuned Into Life

Life for Jordan has been a symphony of resilience, connection, and creativity, all amplified by her bilateral MED-EL cochlear implants. From her early days in South Africa to her adventures in the Netherlands, these devices have helped her stay attuned to the world around her. Now, she’s sharing how they’ve shaped her journey and unlocked the sounds of life, music, and joy.

Hi, I’m Jordan, a 24-year-old graphic designer from sunny South Africa, now living and exploring the flatlands of the Netherlands. I’ve been happily dancing through life, thanks to my bilateral MED-EL cochlear implants and the support I’ve received along the way. Music and creativity have always been a big part of my life. Let me share my journey as a bilateral CI user with you.

Growing Up Deaf

I was born profoundly deaf. At just one-and-a-half years old, I received my MED-EL cochlear implants. My family discovered I was deaf in an unusual way when I was eight months old. My grandmother, Beverly, accidentally dropped a wooden chest lid, expecting me to startle—but I didn’t react. Later, banging pans behind my head had the same result.

After many doctor visits, it was confirmed that I was profoundly deaf. Family and friends came together to raise funds. Everyone eagerly awaited the day my cochlear implants were activated—a moment that changed our lives forever.

My Educational Journey With Cochlear Implants

Rehabilitation started right after my implantation. I was fortunate to attend Eduplex, a school in Pretoria, South Africa, that caters to both children with normal hearing and those with cochlear implants.

At Eduplex, each table had a mix of children, with about three kids with normal hearing for each one with a cochlear implant. This educational style emphasized repetition, listening, pronunciation, confidence-building, special support, and acoustically designed classrooms for optimal learning.

After two crucial years there, I transitioned to a regular primary school at the age of seven, and I flourished. I was able to speak normally and confidently, completing my exams alongside my classmates.

Daily Life With SONNET 2: Sound Quality, Comfort, and Style

Living with cochlear implants has made everyday interactions easier. Over the years, I’ve used different models of audio processors, but I’m currently in love with my SONNET 2 processors. Here’s how they support me in daily life:

Growing up with these devices, l’ve never been able to compare the sound quality to anything else, but for me, it’s top-notch. While I may not catch every single word in certain situations, in others, I sometimes hear better than most people! Or maybe it‘s my lip-reading skills…
I love that they allow me to experience everyday sounds—the laughter of my family and friends, the chirping of birds, the ocean waves crashing, rustling leaves—honestly, the list could go on forever.
Whether video-calling in English, attending online meetings, or handling public transport announcements, I usually manage well, except for accents I’m not used to.
My audio processors are so lightweight, with improved handling and battery life. I often forget I’m wearing them—it’s like they’re not even there!
I do stream music to my processors occasionally, but I still love the volume and power of headphones or good-quality speakers. The next generation of audio processors promises even better streaming features, and I’m beyond excited for that!
Sometimes, what I choose to wear also reflects how I style my devices. If I’m wearing braids or tying my hair up, my processors might stand out more. It’s never about hiding or showing them—it’s always about what suits my look that day.

How Music Fuels My Creativity and Lightens Up My Everyday Life

Music and creativity are at the heart of my hobbies. Music sparks my imagination and helps me push through creative blocks—it keeps my creativity flowing. I listen to various genres, from Afrobeat and EDM to R&B, soul, reggae, classics, house, and I like some Dutch music.

Here are some of the songs that are currently on repeat for me:

Breakfast in Soweto – Prince Kaybee
Love Again – Moon Soul
Calm Down – Rema
Party with a Jagaban – Midas the Jagaban
Island – Miley Cyrus
Her Eyes – Charlie Jeer
Doo Be Doo – FreshIyground

I go crazy for music events like festivals, concerts, and live bands. My latest experience was at Cabo Beach in Cape Town for a Black Coffee performance—such an incredible mix of sounds! Feeling the rhythm and beats when listening to live music lifts my spirit.

Music brings people together, heals, and energizes me. It creates lasting memories, allows me to be fully myself and move without judgment, and boosts my mood. It reduces stress, motivates me, and shapes my personal identity!

Jordan

CI user from South Africa

My CI Journey in a Few Notes

The power to communicate, to feel included, to connect, and even to enjoy silence—I have the whole package, and I get to choose when I want to hear and when I don’t.

My devices have given me the confidence to navigate social situations and fully enjoy life experiences with those around me. For all of this, I’m incredibly grateful to MED-EL for creating such life-changing technology.