Qais story
Written by Qais Khan
I was born profoundly deaf into a hearing family. My diagnosis was a shock and turned my family’s world upside down in so many ways. Everything was new and unfamiliar, but my parents were determined to learn, adapt and make sure I had the support I needed from the start. I had a cochlear implant installed for the first time when I was three and a half years old, which was essential to my communication and access to education as I grew older.
Being deaf has brought many challenges and obstacles into my life. During high school and college, I struggled with my mental health. I had low self-esteem and very little confidence. My communication skills were poor, and I had no real friends. Furthermore, some teachers and professionals had low expectations about what I could achieve. There was a general feeling that my chances were not good and that I would not do well in the exams. It was not possible to pursue a college education and follow the career path I had chosen.
Overcoming obstacles
Qais in the HLAA 2024 Convention Expo hall in Phoenix.
Thanks to the unwavering support and encouragement of my parents, charities and hearing health professionals, I was able to prove them all wrong. I passed my exams with excellent grades, applied to college, and successfully graduated with a degree. Receiving my degree remains one of my proudest moments, not only on an academic level, but also on a personal level. It represented years of perseverance, resilience and a quiet determination to prove that deafness does not limit potential or ambition.
Entering the world of work brought its own challenges, especially during the pandemic, when everything seemed uncertain and time stood still. What I didn’t expect was that this period would lead me towards advocacy.
I got involved with International Working Society for Cochlear Implants (CIICA), where I can combine my life experience with creative and purposeful work, and collaborate with hearing health experts and professionals to provide solutions for people with hearing loss. As a board member and coordinator for youth with cochlear implants, I was able to contribute to strategic initiatives and support online events to discuss the challenges they face between the ages of 18 and 35.
Find and share my voice
Qais with a group of young adult ambassadors of the Community International Cochlear Implant Action (CIICA).
When I was a child, my spoken voice was not easy to understand, but today, I speak at global events sponsored by the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK Parliament and other international entities. Along the way, I’ve been able to support conversations, share stories, and help create spaces where young people with cochlear implants feel seen, heard, and understood.
My cochlear implant has played a huge role in my journey. It didn’t remove all barriers, but it gave me the access, independence, and confidence to stand tall in my educational, professional, and advocacy arenas. Most importantly, he helped me find my voice.
Despite all the obstacles I’ve faced, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve learned that progress isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up, even on the tough days. Disabilities do not define who we are. With the right support, faith and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams. I hope my story reminds others of that too.
