For individuals with hearing implants, the allure of water often presents a significant dilemma: the choice between full immersion in water-based activities and the ability to remain connected to the auditory world. This was a reality Dr. Nashlea Brogan, a seasoned audiologist and cochlear implant (CI) user from Canada, navigated for years. Her personal journey, marked by progressive hearing loss and a profound love for an active lifestyle, has culminated in a powerful testament to how technological advancements, specifically MED-EL’s WaterWear accessory, can bridge the gap between a cherished past and a fully engaged present. This article delves into Dr. Brogan’s experiences, exploring the evolution of her hearing journey, the challenges she faced, and the life-altering impact of solutions that enable her to embrace water activities without compromising her hearing.
A Lifelong Connection to Sound and Activity
Dr. Nashlea Brogan, aged 50, has dedicated over two decades of her professional life to audiology, owning and operating her private practice. Her deep understanding and passion for her field are rooted in her own lived experience with hearing loss. This personal connection fueled her pursuit of a doctorate in audiology, enabling her to approach her patients’ needs with both clinical expertise and profound empathy. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Brogan has consistently led an active life, embracing pursuits such as skiing, extensive travel, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Water, in particular, has always held a special place in her heart, a sentiment that would later be challenged by the progression of her hearing impairment.
Her hearing loss is a hereditary condition, a trait shared by two other family members who are also cochlear implant users. This genetic predisposition meant Dr. Brogan’s hearing loss was not a sudden onset but a gradual decline over many years. Her first formal hearing assessment occurred at the age of 14, with her initial hearing aid fitting taking place at 18. Early memories of her hearing loss often involved practical challenges, such as the inability to hear passengers in the back seat of her car while driving. As a competitive Highland dancer, she also recalls the frustration of struggling to discern the nuances of bagpipe music during competitions, a critical element of her performance.
By her late thirties, a period marked by the demands of raising two children and the growth of her audiology clinic, the limitations of hearing aids became increasingly apparent. The cumulative effects of two decades of progressive hearing loss necessitated a more advanced solution. It was at this juncture that Dr. Brogan made the significant decision to pursue bilateral cochlear implants, a choice that would fundamentally alter her relationship with sound.
The Water-Aversion Era: A Choice Between Connection and Participation
Dr. Brogan’s love for water activities predates her reliance on cochlear implants. However, for approximately 20 years, while wearing hearing aids, water gradually became an element to be avoided. This avoidance stemmed from a dual concern: the fear of damaging her assistive devices and, conversely, the profound isolation experienced when removing them. The decision to remove her hearing aids meant a complete disconnection from the auditory world, rendering communication impossible. Consequently, each excursion to the beach, each boat trip, and every leisurely afternoon by the pool presented a difficult compromise. This constant internal conflict led Dr. Brogan to curtail many of the water-based activities she once cherished, creating a void in her otherwise vibrant lifestyle.
The challenge faced by bilateral cochlear implant users like Dr. Brogan is significant. When both audio processors are removed, the individual is left with no access to sound. This underscores the critical role of waterproof solutions in maintaining not only recreational enjoyment but also ensuring communication and safety in aquatic environments. The development and availability of accessories like WaterWear by MED-EL address this fundamental need, offering a pathway to reintegration and continued participation.
The Revelation: Hearing Underwater with WaterWear
The introduction of MED-EL’s WaterWear accessory marked a pivotal moment in Dr. Brogan’s journey. Years ago, she began utilizing this innovative solution, and the experience proved to be far more transformative than she could have anticipated. The most striking revelation was the realization that she could actually hear while fully submerged in water. This capability, previously thought impossible for CI users, filled her with astonishment and renewed a sense of possibility.
One particularly cherished memory encapsulates the impact of WaterWear. Dr. Brogan recalls a moment of pure relaxation, floating in her pool on an inflatable. The profound joy of this experience was amplified by her ability to still hear her children’s laughter and the sounds of their splashing. This seemingly simple moment represented a profound reclamation of connection, a return to a state of being fully present and engaged with her family during an activity she had previously been forced to moderate.
WaterWear has, by her own account, been "life-changing." It has enabled her to comfortably spend time by the pool, enter the water without the persistent worry of damaging her processors, and, most importantly, simply enjoy being present with her family. This liberation from constant anxiety has allowed her to fully embrace the moments that matter most.
Travel and Adventure Reimagined
Travel has always been an integral part of Dr. Brogan’s life, and the WaterWear accessory has become an indispensable companion on her journeys. The accessory has fundamentally altered her approach to vacations, transforming her experience of various water-based environments. Hotel pools, hot tubs, beaches, boats, and lakes are no longer sites of apprehension but opportunities for uninhibited enjoyment. The constant mental calculus of protecting her hearing equipment has been replaced by a carefree engagement with her surroundings.
A vivid example of this transformation occurred during a family trip to Arizona. While out on a speedboat with her family, and after her daughter had finished wakeboarding, the boat stopped to allow everyone to enjoy the lake. Dr. Brogan recounted how, in the past, she would have abstained from joining them in the water. However, with WaterWear, she was able to seamlessly participate, jumping into the lake alongside her family. This spontaneous act of inclusion, which would have been unthinkable before, highlights the profound impact of the technology on her ability to live in the moment.
Beyond Waterproofing: Reconnecting and Empowering
Dr. Brogan’s dual perspective as both an audiologist and a cochlear implant user provides unique insights into the challenges and triumphs of individuals with hearing loss. She frequently encounters individuals who express concern that choosing a hearing implant might necessitate the abandonment of swimming and other water activities. She acknowledges the validity of this fear, as she herself harbored similar anxieties.
For Dr. Brogan, WaterWear has been instrumental in facilitating a reconnection with activities she had actively avoided for over two decades. She emphasizes that accessories like WaterWear are not merely about protecting sensitive equipment; they are about enabling individuals to continue living their lives as they did before, rather than forcing them to adapt their lifestyles around their hearing technology. Whether engaged in paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, or simply relaxing at the beach, she can now remain attuned to the sounds around her, fostering a richer and more immersive experience.
The ability to hear conversations, the sounds of the boat, and to remain an active participant in discussions holds significant value, extending beyond mere enjoyment. Dr. Brogan highlights the crucial role of auditory connection in communication and safety, particularly in dynamic water environments.
The Ripple Effect of Confidence
If there is one overarching benefit that Dr. Brogan attributes to the combination of cochlear implants and WaterWear, it is the restoration of confidence. This renewed confidence has far-reaching implications, empowering her to maintain a vibrant social life, embrace new experiences, and participate fully in activities without the persistent worry about her hearing.
Prior to the advent of WaterWear, Dr. Brogan would often sidestep water-related events, anticipating the inevitable need to remove her processors. Now, instead of experiencing distress, she feels a sense of assurance, connection, and the freedom to fully immerse herself in cherished activities with her loved ones.
Practical Advice for New WaterWear Users
Dr. Brogan offers valuable insights for individuals considering WaterWear for the first time:
- Embrace the Sound: Do not be afraid to test the limits of your hearing in the water. The ability to hear while submerged can be a truly remarkable experience.
- Versatile Application: WaterWear is not solely for swimming. It is an invaluable tool for any water-adjacent activity, from boating and paddleboarding to enjoying hot tubs and beaches.
- Inclusivity: The benefits extend to a wide range of individuals, including children at splash pads, families at pools, and anyone who enjoys water sports or relaxation by the water. It allows everyone to stay connected to the auditory environment.
- Empowerment: WaterWear provides more than just physical protection for devices; it offers the confidence to participate fully, transforming the experience from one of apprehension to one of active engagement.
Living Life on Her Own Terms
When asked about potential lifestyle limitations imposed by cochlear implants, Dr. Brogan’s response is consistently affirmative: her life has been expanded, not restricted. Her active pursuits – skiing, cycling, paddleboarding, extensive travel, and a deep connection with nature – remain fully accessible. In essence, her cochlear implants have opened up her world, rather than confining it.
The most gratifying aspect of her professional work, she notes, is witnessing this same transformative journey in her patients. Many individuals gradually lose parts of their lives due to hearing loss, only to experience a profound re-engagement with the world upon receiving an implant. This return of moments, accompanied by enhanced connection, confidence, and reduced fear, is a deeply rewarding outcome. Dr. Brogan’s personal experience serves as a powerful and enduring testament to this profound change.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The story of Dr. Nashlea Brogan and her experience with MED-EL’s WaterWear highlights a critical area of innovation in assistive listening technology. As the prevalence of hearing loss continues to be a significant global health concern – the World Health Organization estimates that over 5% of the world’s population, or 430 million people, require rehabilitation to address their moderate to profound hearing loss and over 230 million people have disabling hearing loss – solutions that enable active lifestyles are paramount.
The implications of such technologies are far-reaching:
- Improved Quality of Life: By removing barriers to participation in enjoyable activities, these solutions directly contribute to enhanced mental well-being, social engagement, and overall life satisfaction for individuals with hearing loss.
- Economic Impact: Enabling individuals to maintain active professional and social lives can have positive economic consequences, reducing reliance on support services and fostering greater independence.
- Reduced Social Isolation: The ability to communicate and participate in group activities, particularly in environments like swimming pools or on boats where clear communication is essential, combats the social isolation often associated with hearing impairment.
- Advancement in Rehabilitation: The development of accessories like WaterWear signifies a move beyond basic hearing restoration towards comprehensive auditory rehabilitation that addresses the diverse needs and desires of users.
The ongoing development of waterproof and water-resistant technologies for hearing implants and accessories is likely to continue. As research progresses and user feedback is integrated, we can anticipate even more robust and versatile solutions that empower individuals to live their lives without compromise, fully embracing every aspect of their world, both on land and in the water. The journey of Dr. Brogan is a compelling narrative of how innovation, coupled with a deep understanding of user needs, can redefine the boundaries of possibility for individuals living with hearing loss.
