Breaking sound barriers in the pool and daily life

How an upgrade has “radically changed” Mariana’s life

Becoming a competitive swimmer means everything to Mariana, an athlete with hearing loss, who has defied the odds and has achieved results in the pool that once seemed unimaginable.

Born prematurely and weighing less than 1kg, doctors painted a grim picture for Mariana’s future. They suggested she might survive but risked being blind and deaf.

However, Mariana’s perseverance and resilience, and the unwavering support of her family has paved the way for her to beat the odds.

A turning point in Mariana’s life came with updating her device to the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 8 Sound Processor. Having the latest technology has redefined her perception of the world.

“Nucleus 8 changed my entire life – I can hear more clearly.”

Now a World Cup athlete, swimming is not just a sport for Mariana. She says it defines her. It makes her feel “alive” and brings her unparalleled joy.

Mariana acknowledges that she owes her success to dedication, hard work and the unwavering support of her family. But she is also quick to call out the impact her new sound processor and Aqua+ kit has had, helping her both train and compete.

“Nucleus 8 radically changed my entire life, and now I can hear my coach when I am in the pool. It’s a dream come true. Aqua+ is immensely helpful during my daily swimming training,” she says.

Benefits beyond the pool

While much of Mariana’s life is spent in the pool, upgrading her sound processor has also brought a lot of benefit in other aspects of her life – from improved hearing in noisy situations to being able to enjoy music.

“I attended an event in my city featuring a musical show, numerous children, and loud conversations. It was then that I realised the substantial difference in sound quality,” she says.

Discover more about the Nucleus 8 Sound Processor: Click here.

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Disclaimer

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.

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