When Grayson was just a newborn, a hearing screening revealed something life-changing: he had profound hearing loss in both ears. Even with hearing aids, he would never be able to hear. For his family, the diagnosis was overwhelming, but it also marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.
“We met Grayson very early on,” recalls Dr. Daniela Carvalho, Director of the Hearing and Cochlear Implant Program at Rady Children’s. “When the audiologist shared the news, she explained the family had options, they could learn ASL and embrace the deaf community, or choose the cochlear implant track. Grayson’s family asked, ‘What about both?’ That was the start of his path to total communication.”
At six months old, Dr. Carvalho successfully performed cochlear implant surgery on Grayson. The procedure opened the door to sound, allowing him to grow up in a world where he could thrive in both speech and American Sign Language.
The Cochlear Implant Program at Rady Children’s is about more than restoring hearing. It’s about bridging communities, empowering families with choices, and helping children embrace their full potential in both the deaf and hearing worlds.
Watch Grayon’s amazing story below: