JCPS 5th grader first pediatric patient in U.S. to receive new cochlear implant
A Louisville boy has become the first pediatric patient in the U.S. to receive a new, state-of-the-art cochlear implant.
From birth, Letisha Broadus and her husband knew their son DuJuan was special.
"He was the best baby ever. He was very happy, didn't cry much. It was just great, he loves people," Letisha Broadus said. "We would call him baby Obama because he would wave at everybody."
Baby Obama, or DJ as mostly everyone calls him, is like many 11-year-old fifth graders. He loves to learn and have fun.
"Probably playing video games and going to SkyZone," DuJuan Broadus said.
But last year, as he was in class, his teacher noticed something unusual.
"His teacher came to us and said I'm noticing some things when I'm asking him questions, it's almost as if he doesn't hear me or understand the question," Letisha Broadus said.
"I really didn't know, I was just over here being myself," DuJuan said.
After getting tested, it was discovered that DJ was experiencing hearing loss in both ears. His family was referred to the University of Kentucky Healthcare Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic.
First, he received a hearing aid.
"It was like I'm happy I can finally hear better," DuJuan said.
But his hearing didn't improve in his right ear; it actually got worse. Specialists told his family he needed a cochlear implant to prevent it from continuing to deteriorate. It's a device that's placed in the ear during surgery and allows that person to better hear sounds.
"When I was told I had to get surgery, I was just worried, negative thoughts started coming to my head," DuJuan said.
The surgery went smoothly as doctors installed a FLEX34 electrode cochlear implant, recently approved by the FDA. DJ will never forget his first follow-up appointment when they turned on the implant.
"I can actually hear better, I was crying a little bit. I was really happy, too," DuJuan said.
As he navigates his new way of life, DJ will be honest. This was a scary experience. Here is his advice for any other kid going through what he went through.
"Don't be scared because people will be there for you and think happy thoughts," DuJuan said.
DJ's journey isn't over yet. He'll continue to get routine testing as he gets older. He says he feels like he's ready for anything.