My name is Foroogh, I live in Vienna and I am a bilateral cochlear implant user. I have been hard of hearing since birth and wore conventional hearing aids until 2015. After completing my studies in Iran, I came to Vienna, where I found out about cochlear implants and finally had them implanted.
Today, thanks to my CIs, I can hear significantly more sounds than before and can perceive my surroundings better. I can recognize new voices, birdsong and rushing water. Now it is also easier for me to hear when I am tired and find it harder to concentrate. I also no longer have to lip-read to understand.

I advise everyone to be considerate and support those affected. Understanding and support from other people is an incredible boost to self-confidence. Patience is also part of it. Implantation is only the first step; careful and regular hearing training is crucial for hearing success.