Tasha Ghouri Opens Up About Her Journey Learning to Speak with a Cochlear Implant
Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri has shared her inspirational journey of learning to speak after being born deaf. The 25-year-old, who made history as the first deaf contestant on Love Island, took to social media to answer fans’ questions about her life with a cochlear implant and how it has shaped her ability to communicate.
Tasha engaged with her 1.4 million followers, offering insight into the technology and its impact. “I’ve had a lot of questions on how a cochlear implant works, what it is, and I’ve tried to keep it short and concise with as much information to help you understand what it is,” she shared. She emphasized that each person’s experience with cochlear implants is unique, stating, “I’m speaking from my own experience… Hope this helps, and any more questions, please ask away.”
In response to a fan’s question about how long it took her to start speaking after receiving her cochlear implants, Tasha revealed that she began speech therapy at a young age. “I started having speech therapy when I was 5 or 6, and it was a long process!” she explained. Her openness provided a glimpse into the dedication and perseverance required in her journey.
When another fan asked about her age when she first received a cochlear implant, Tasha responded, “Got my first one when I was 5 and I got a new second one when I was 16 as my first one broke. I had to undergo the whole operation for the new implant, which is what I still have now!”
Despite her success with the implants, Tasha shared some of the challenges she still faces. She explained that, even with her implants, she often needs to lip-read in certain situations. A curious fan asked, “Thank you for the explanation! Can I ask why you need to lip-read as well when you have the cochlear implant? Is it when you have it turned off, or is it more when it can’t pick up everything?”
Tasha’s candid engagement with her followers highlights the ongoing effort required for those living with hearing impairments, even with technological assistance. By openly discussing her journey, she offers encouragement and education, showing that perseverance and resilience are key. Her willingness to answer questions not only provides valuable information to her fans but also raises awareness about the realities and challenges faced by those with cochlear implants.
Through her platform, Tasha continues to inspire, using her voice to advocate for understanding and inclusivity, while sharing her personal story of triumph over adversity.