For Rose, the journey to hearing began at the age of 31 when she received her first cochlear implant (CI) surgery in Korea. This life-changing moment introduced her to a new world of sound, starting with her very first processor, the Nucleus 5 (N5).
Determined to make the most of her new hearing experience, Rose’s mother became her guide, helping her practice listening to Korean words at home. Slowly but surely, she began to recognise environmental sounds, each one a milestone in her auditory journey. One of the most memorable moments came when she heard the sound of her mother playing the ukulele for the first time. Inspired, she learned to play along using sheet music, discovering the joy of making music with her newfound sense of hearing.
Years later, after moving to New Zealand, Rose received an upgrade to the Nucleus 7 (N7) sound processor. The difference was profound. After her mapping session, she returned home and heard the soft yet distinct sound of a dog barking—an experience that filled her with amazement. The clarity and comfort of the N7, along with the advanced SCAN sound processing feature, enriched her listening experience in ways she had never imagined.
Six years after her upgrade, Rose decided to challenge herself once again by playing a small ukulele on her own. With her CI, she could fully enjoy the sounds of her strumming, deepening her connection to music and strengthening her appreciation for her hearing journey. When Rose plays or listens to music, she is mindful of the people that have helped give her the incredible gift of sound.
Today, Rose continues to embrace her love for music, cherishing every melody played on her ukulele. Her journey is a testament to the power of cochlear implants and the life-changing impact they can have. For Rose, her CI is more than just a device—it is a gateway to a world filled with music, connection, and joy.
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