Mekayla is a longtime Audiology client at Columbus Speech & Hearing. Born with profound hearing loss, she wore hearing aids since she was a toddler and signed but made the choice at 16 to undergo cochlear implant surgery. She decided, on her own, that she wanted to expand her communication abilities and her parents supported her decision. With her cochlear implant, Mekayla can now hear speaking, which helps support her lip reading, especially in the classroom environment. “I love the opportunity to hear and catch the things that I was missing in class. I can now also hear my basketball bouncing and the volleyball slap against my arm. And music. I can hear music now.” Her mother has noticed improvements as well. “Since her implant and the encouragements and supports from Columbus Speech & Hearing, Mekayla’s speech has improved dramatically because she can hear herself speak now.”
Mekayla is many things to many people. She is a big sister to two. She is a recent graduate of the Ohio School for the Deaf, where she was President of the Junior NAD (National Association for the Deaf), a basketball and volleyball player, and a lover of her English and grammar classes. Her internships this year convinced her that she wants to be a teacher more than anything in this world, because that’s how she can best make a difference to very young people. As Mekayla readies herself for the transition to Gallaudet University – she brings not just excitement for her new adventure and her dream of majoring in Elementary Education -but also bestows this advice for the young ones she leaves behind who are hard of hearing in a hearing world: “It’s hard and awkward sometimes. That’s ok. Be strong. You can do it. Keep a positive attitude and believe in yourself.”
We haven’t heard the last of Mekayla. Look out, world – here she comes.
