A Lifelong Connection to Sound and Sport
Dr. Nashlea Brogan, a 50-year-old audiologist based in Canada, has dedicated over two decades to her profession, owning and operating her private practice. Her passion for audiology is deeply rooted in her own experience with hearing loss, a journey that inspired her to pursue a doctorate in the field. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Brogan has consistently embraced an active lifestyle, engaging in activities such as skiing, extensive travel, and a profound love for the outdoors and aquatic environments.
Her personal narrative of hearing loss began early, stemming from a hereditary condition that also affects two other family members who are cochlear implant users. Dr. Brogan’s hearing loss was a gradual, progressive one, first identified at age 14, with hearing aids becoming a necessity by 18. She vividly recalls early instances of realizing the extent of her hearing impairment, such as being unable to hear passengers in the back seat while driving or struggling to discern the bagpipes during competitive Highland dancing events. By her late thirties, a period marked by raising two children and building her audiology practice, conventional hearing aids were no longer sufficient. This realization led her to opt for bilateral cochlear implants, a decision that would significantly reshape her auditory experience.
The Water Barrier: A Long-Standing Challenge
For two decades, while relying on hearing aids, Dr. Brogan found herself increasingly avoiding water-related activities. The fear of damaging her devices was a primary concern, yet the prospect of removing them and consequently losing all auditory connection was equally daunting. Every beach trip, boat excursion, or pool afternoon presented a difficult compromise: either risk the integrity of her hearing aids or forgo the ability to hear and communicate. This constant internal conflict led to a gradual withdrawal from many activities she once cherished.
Understanding the Need: The Significance of Waterproof Solutions
The challenge faced by Dr. Brogan is not unique. For many individuals with bilateral cochlear implant systems, the removal of both audio processors renders them profoundly deaf. This underscores the critical importance of waterproof solutions, such as MED-EL’s WaterWear. These accessories are not merely for recreational purposes; they play a vital role in maintaining communication, ensuring safety around water, and enabling participation in everyday life.
The global prevalence of hearing loss is substantial. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 5% of the world’s population, or 430 million people, have disabling hearing loss. By 2050, this figure is projected to increase to 700 million people. For those with severe to profound hearing loss who opt for cochlear implants, the ability to engage in water-based activities without fear of damaging their devices is a significant factor in their quality of life. Accessories like WaterWear address this need directly, offering a practical solution that bridges the gap between technological dependence and the desire for an unrestricted life.
A Paradigm Shift: Hearing Underwater with WaterWear
Dr. Brogan’s introduction to MED-EL’s WaterWear marked a turning point. The initial experience of hearing underwater was profoundly surprising and transformative. She recalls the astonishment of realizing she could indeed perceive sound even when fully submerged. This revelation opened up a new dimension of auditory experience previously thought impossible.
One particularly poignant memory highlights the emotional impact of WaterWear. Dr. Brogan described floating in her pool, completely relaxed, while still being able to hear her children’s laughter and the joyous sounds of their splashing. This seemingly simple moment represented a profound reconnection with her family and the ability to be fully present in their shared experiences, free from the anxieties that had previously constrained her.
Travel and Adventure Without Compromise
Travel has always been an integral part of Dr. Brogan’s life, and WaterWear has become an indispensable companion on her journeys. The accessory has fundamentally altered her approach to vacations, liberating her from the constant worry about her hearing equipment. Hotel pools, hot tubs, beaches, boats, and lakes are no longer environments to be approached with caution, but rather opportunities for unrestrained enjoyment.
A memorable instance occurred during a family trip to Arizona. While on a speedboat, her daughter was wakeboarding. When the boat stopped to allow everyone to enjoy the lake, Dr. Brogan was able to join them in the water without hesitation. This spontaneous participation would have been unthinkable before adopting WaterWear.
Beyond Protection: Reclaiming Life’s Moments
As both a practicing audiologist and a cochlear implant user, Dr. Brogan frequently encounters individuals who express concern about potential lifestyle limitations, particularly regarding swimming and water activities, after choosing a hearing implant. She empathizes with this apprehension, having experienced it herself.
For Dr. Brogan, WaterWear has been instrumental in enabling her to reclaim activities she had avoided for over two decades. She emphasizes that such accessories are crucial because they allow individuals to continue living their existing lives rather than feeling compelled to adapt their routines around their hearing technology. Whether engaging in paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, or simply spending an afternoon at the beach, she can now remain attuned to her surroundings.
The ability to hear conversations, the sounds of a boat, and to remain connected during discussions around water is not just enjoyable; it is also a critical component of safety and effective communication. This underscores the dual benefit of WaterWear: enhancing personal enjoyment while bolstering security.
The Confidence Factor: A Foundation for Full Engagement
If there is one word that encapsulates the gift of cochlear implants and WaterWear, it is "confidence." This newfound confidence empowers individuals to remain socially engaged, to venture into new experiences, and to participate fully in life without the persistent worry about their hearing.
Prior to WaterWear, Dr. Brogan often found herself avoiding water-based settings, anticipating the inevitable moment she would have to remove her processors. Now, instead of experiencing distress, she feels confident, connected, and liberated to pursue the activities she loves alongside the people she cares about. This shift from apprehension to assurance has been transformative.
Expert Insights for New Users
For individuals considering or new to using WaterWear, Dr. Brogan offers valuable insights based on her extensive experience:
- Can you really hear while swimming? "Yes. One of the biggest surprises for me was realizing I could still hear even while fully submerged," she states. This direct affirmation addresses a common point of curiosity and potential doubt.
- Is WaterWear only useful for swimming? "Not at all. I use it whenever I’m around water—on boats, paddleboards, at the beach, in hot tubs, at lakes, and during family vacations," Dr. Brogan clarifies. This broadens the perceived utility of the accessory beyond its most obvious application.
- Who can benefit from WaterWear? "I think anyone who enjoys being active around water can benefit. Children playing at splash pads, families at the pool, people who love boating, kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding, cruises, or simply relaxing at the beach can all stay connected to the sounds around them," she suggests. This inclusive perspective highlights the wide-ranging applicability for diverse age groups and interests.
- Does WaterWear really make a difference? "Absolutely. For me, it wasn’t just about protecting my processors. WaterWear gave me the confidence to participate again instead of sitting on the sidelines," she emphasizes. This powerful statement underscores the emotional and psychological impact of the accessory, going beyond mere functional protection.
Living Life on One’s Own Terms
When asked if cochlear implants have limited her lifestyle, Dr. Brogan’s response is consistently affirmative: her life has been enhanced, not restricted. Her active pursuits, including skiing, cycling, paddleboarding, and extensive travel, continue unabated. She believes her cochlear implants have, in fact, broadened her world.
The most rewarding aspect of her professional work, she shares, is witnessing similar transformations in her patients. Many individuals experience a gradual erosion of life experiences due to hearing loss. Upon receiving an implant, they begin to reclaim those moments, experiencing greater connection, enhanced confidence, and reduced fear. Dr. Brogan’s personal journey mirrors this profound change, a transformation that she finds continually rewarding.
The Broader Impact of Accessible Technology
The narrative of Dr. Nashlea Brogan and the role of MED-EL’s WaterWear serves as a compelling case study in the power of accessible technology. The development of such accessories signifies a maturation in the hearing implant industry, moving beyond mere restoration of hearing to a focus on holistic integration into users’ lives.
The implications extend beyond individual enjoyment. For bilateral cochlear implant users, the ability to hear in aquatic environments is directly linked to safety. Understanding warnings, distress calls, or even simply maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings can be critical in preventing accidents. Furthermore, the social inclusion fostered by these technologies combats isolation, a known contributor to mental health challenges among individuals with hearing loss.
The fact that a practicing audiologist, intimately familiar with the technical and personal aspects of hearing loss and its management, finds such profound benefit in WaterWear lends significant credibility to its efficacy. Her advocacy and testimonials can serve as a powerful tool in demystifying cochlear implant technology and its potential to overcome perceived barriers.
As the technology continues to evolve, the focus on user-centric design, such as the development of robust and user-friendly waterproof solutions, will remain paramount. The goal is to ensure that individuals with hearing implants are not merely managing their condition but are actively thriving, unhindered by the limitations that once defined their experiences. The story of Dr. Brogan is a testament to this ongoing progress and the enduring human desire to connect, explore, and live life to its fullest, regardless of auditory challenges.
For those interested in learning more or ordering WaterWear, MED-EL provides dedicated resources, including an order request form on their website, ensuring that individuals can access these life-changing solutions and continue to live their lives without compromise.
