Dr. Brogan, a 50-year-old audiologist with over two decades of experience running her private practice in Canada, has always been driven by her personal understanding of hearing loss. This firsthand experience fueled her pursuit of a doctorate in audiology, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of hearing restoration. Her life is characterized by an active lifestyle, encompassing skiing, frequent travel, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors, including a lifelong love for water-based activities.
A Progressive Journey with Hearing Loss
Dr. Brogan’s hearing loss is not a sudden onset but a hereditary condition, a characteristic shared by two other family members who are also cochlear implant users. Her hearing loss unfolded gradually over many years, a slow progression that began to manifest noticeably in her mid-teens. Her first formal hearing assessment occurred at age 14, and by 18, she was reliant on hearing aids.
One of her earliest poignant memories of her hearing loss involved the simple act of driving. "I remember realizing I couldn’t hear people sitting in the back seat of the car when I was driving," she recounts. This subtle yet significant auditory gap impacted not only daily life but also her participation in activities she loved. As a competitive Highland dancer, the inability to clearly hear the bagpipes during competitions represented a tangible barrier to her performance and enjoyment.
By her late thirties, a period marked by the demands of raising two children and concurrently building her audiology practice, the limitations of even advanced hearing aids became apparent. The progressive nature of her hearing loss meant that auditory aids were no longer sufficient to bridge the gap. It was at this juncture that Dr. Brogan made the pivotal decision to pursue bilateral cochlear implants, a step that would fundamentally alter her auditory experience.
The Water-Aversion Conundrum
Despite her enduring passion for water, Dr. Brogan’s experience with hearing aids created a significant disconnect. For two decades, while wearing hearing aids, water activities became an area of increasing avoidance. The primary concern was the potential damage to her sensitive electronic devices. However, an equally powerful fear was the complete loss of hearing that would accompany the removal of her devices. This created a constant internal conflict: protect the technology and be cut off from sound, or risk damaging the devices and lose auditory connection entirely.
"Every trip to the beach, every day on the boat, every afternoon at the pool meant making a choice between protecting my devices or staying connected with the people around me," Dr. Brogan explained. Over time, this forced compromise led to a gradual withdrawal from many of the water-related activities that had once brought her joy. The simple pleasure of a day at the lake or a refreshing swim became tinged with anxiety and a sense of exclusion.
The Significance of Waterproofing Solutions
The reality for many bilateral cochlear implant users is that removing both audio processors results in a complete absence of sound. This underscores the critical role that waterproof accessories play in enabling continued auditory access during water-based activities. These solutions are not merely for recreational convenience; they are vital for maintaining communication, ensuring safety, and fostering social inclusion for individuals with hearing implants.
A Revolutionary Auditory Experience: Hearing Underwater
The introduction of MED-EL’s WaterWear accessory marked a turning point in Dr. Brogan’s engagement with water. She began using WaterWear several years ago, and one of its most astonishing benefits was the realization that she could actively hear while fully submerged in water. This was a revelation, a moment that defied her previous expectations and limitations.
"I still remember how amazed I was the first time it happened," she shared. This ability to hear underwater opened up a new dimension of auditory experience, transforming her perception of water environments.
One particularly cherished memory encapsulates the profound impact of WaterWear. "One of my favorite memories with WaterWear is floating on an inflatable in my pool, completely relaxed, while still hearing my kids laughing and splashing around me," Dr. Brogan recounted. This seemingly simple moment represented a profound reconnection, allowing her to be fully present and engaged with her family’s joy, a stark contrast to the auditory isolation she had previously experienced.
WaterWear: A Life-Changing Accessory
The impact of WaterWear extends far beyond its functional protection of cochlear implant processors. "WaterWear has truly been life changing," Dr. Brogan stated. "I can spend time around the pool, get into the water without worrying about my processors, and simply enjoy being present with my family." This newfound freedom has allowed her to reclaim activities she had previously abandoned and to create new, cherished memories.
Travel Without Compromise
Travel has always been an integral part of Dr. Brogan’s life, and WaterWear has become an indispensable travel companion. The accessory ensures that her auditory connection remains intact, regardless of the destination or the water-based opportunities it presents.
"WaterWear has completely changed the way I experience vacations," she elaborated. "I can enjoy hotel pools, hot tubs, beaches, boats, and lakes without constantly thinking about my hearing equipment." This liberation from constant concern allows for a more relaxed and immersive travel experience, where she can focus on the adventure and the company rather than on the limitations of her technology.
A particularly vivid memory from a family trip to Arizona highlights this transformation. While on a speedboat and later enjoying the lake, Dr. Brogan was able to fully participate in the aquatic activities with her family. "Before WaterWear, I never would have done that," she admitted. This single experience represents the restoration of spontaneity and shared enjoyment, previously curtailed by her hearing concerns.
Beyond Waterproofing: Restoring Life’s Richness
As both a practicing audiologist and a cochlear implant recipient, Dr. Brogan frequently encounters individuals who harbor concerns about the potential impact of hearing implants on their participation in water activities. She empathizes deeply with this apprehension, having experienced it herself.
For her, WaterWear was not merely a protective accessory; it was a catalyst for reconnection. It enabled her to re-engage with activities she had actively avoided for over two decades. The broader implication of such technological advancements, Dr. Brogan notes, is their ability to empower individuals to continue living their lives as they always have, rather than forcing them to adapt their lives around their hearing technology.
Whether engaged in paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, or simply enjoying an afternoon at the beach, the ability to hear her surroundings is paramount. "With WaterWear, I can hear people talking, I can hear the boat, and I can stay connected to conversations," she explained. This not only enhances enjoyment but also significantly bolsters communication and safety in water environments.
Confidence: The Ultimate Enabler
If there is one overarching benefit that cochlear implants and WaterWear have collectively provided, Dr. Brogan identifies it as confidence. This restored confidence is a powerful enabler, fostering social engagement and providing the courage to embrace new experiences. Instead of stepping back due to hearing concerns, individuals can step forward, fully participating and enjoying life.
"Before WaterWear, I often avoided being around water because I knew I’d eventually have to remove my processors," she reflected. "Now, instead of feeling distressed, I feel confident, connected, and free to enjoy the activities I love with the people I love." This profound shift from apprehension to assured engagement underscores the life-altering potential of accessible and effective assistive technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions About WaterWear
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Can you really hear while swimming?
Yes. One of the biggest surprises for me was realizing I could still hear even while fully submerged. This allows for a more connected and aware experience in the water. -
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. Its versatility makes it an invaluable accessory for a wide range of water-related activities.
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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. Its broad applicability makes it a solution for many. -
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. It restored a sense of freedom and normalcy to my interactions with water.
Living Life on Her Own Terms
When asked if cochlear implants have limited her lifestyle, Dr. Brogan’s response is consistently affirmative: "There is very little in my life that I’ve had to give up." Her active pursuits—skiing, cycling, paddleboarding, extensive travel, and spending ample time outdoors—remain vibrant aspects of her life. In fact, she posits that her cochlear implants have expanded her world rather than constrained it.
The most fulfilling aspect of her professional life, she observes, is witnessing this same transformative journey in her patients. Many individuals experience a gradual erosion of life’s experiences due to hearing loss. The advent of cochlear implants, coupled with enabling accessories like WaterWear, allows them to reclaim those moments, fostering greater connection, enhanced confidence, and diminished fear. Experiencing this profound change personally, and facilitating it for others, remains a deeply rewarding endeavor for Dr. Brogan.
For those seeking to order WaterWear and reclaim their connection to sound during water activities, MED-EL offers a straightforward order request form, promising prompt contact with further information. This accessibility ensures that the transformative power of this technology can reach those who stand to benefit most.
