A Voice, A Future, and a Celebration of Possibility

From the moment Nico didn’t pass his newborn hearing screening, his parents were faced with uncertainty. At just 10 days old, Nico was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, and like so many families at the beginning of this journey, questions quickly filled the space where answers were hard to find.

Would he hear their voices?
Would he speak?
What would his future look like?

What they did know was that Nico deserved every opportunity, and that advocacy would start immediately.

Choosing Early Intervention and Finding CCHAT 

When Nico was just three weeks old, his family toured CCHAT and enrolled in the Baby & Me program. His mom, Jennifer, quickly stepped into the role of advocate, learning everything she could and seeking out the best possible support for her son during those early, uncertain weeks.

“We wanted our deaf child to talk,” Jennifer shared. “The expertise and educational background of the entire team at CCHAT was fantastic. It immediately felt like a second home.”

At two months old, Nico received his first hearing aids and wore them during all waking hours. He explored sound, played with his voice, and continued attending Baby & Me classes while also enjoying daycare. These early months laid the foundation for everything that followed.

Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants, and Early Listening Milestones

At just 12 months old, Nico received his first cochlear implant. He recovered quickly, and within weeks, his world opened even wider during activation. Soon after, Nico said his very first word: “Mama.”

“It was one of the most special moments of my life,” his mom recalled.

As Nico continued to grow, so did his access to sound. By the time he was almost two, he received a second cochlear implant, becoming a bilateral cochlear implant user. With full access to sound on both sides, Nico experienced what his family described as a language explosion.

He enrolled in CCHAT’s daily Toddler class, where listening and spoken language were woven into every part of the day. Around the same time, Nico’s older brother Louis joined CCHAT as a reverse mainstream preschool student, allowing both boys to thrive in a language-rich environment supported by CCHAT’s dedicated team.

How Listening and Spoken Language Education Builds Confidence

Nico attended CCHAT through his Pre-K year before graduating and transitioning to his local school in El Dorado Hills, CA. Today, he is a second grader surrounded by friends, playing soccer, and reading at a fourth-grade level.

Perhaps most importantly, Nico carries confidence, self-advocacy, and empathy with him wherever he goes.

“Nico’s hearing loss has made him especially empathetic,” his mom shared. “He picks up on emotions quickly and has an incredible ability to read the room while also having full access to speech. He hears birds chirping, a bee buzzing past his ear, and me whispering ‘I love you’ at night.”

There is truly nothing he can’t do.

Giving Back as a CCHAT Ambassador: Uncorked 2026 

This year, Nico will take on a special role as the Event Ambassador for CCHAT Uncorked 2026, a celebration that holds deep meaning for his family.

“I’m excited to sit back and watch my amazing bionic kiddo shine,” his mom shared. “It’s hard to put into words how proud I am of what he’s already accomplished. I can’t wait to celebrate this school that changed our lives.”

CCHAT Uncorked is more than an event - it’s a reflection of what’s possible when early intervention, family partnership, and expert care come together. Nico’s journey is a living example of that impact.

A Message for Families Beginning Their Journey

When asked what advice she would share with current and future CCHAT families, Nico’s mom didn’t hesitate:

“This is the beginning of the rest of your child’s future. You must put in the work now to fully reach that potential. Wear your devices, show up for class, listen to the teachers, and don’t stop talking.”

Celebrating Nico… and the Future Ahead

Nico’s story reminds us why CCHAT’s mission matters. Through early access to sound, intentional education, and unwavering support, children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing are building bright, confident futures.

We are honored to celebrate Nico, not only as a CCHAT alum but as a shining ambassador for the incredible possibilities ahead.

If you have concerns about your child’s hearing, or if your child didn’t pass a newborn hearing screening, you are not alone, and support is available. Early identification and intervention can make a powerful difference in a child’s ability to listen, speak, learn, and connect with the world around them. At CCHAT, our team partners with families from the very beginning, offering hearing screenings, early intervention services, and education rooted in listening and spoken language.

Contact CCHAT today to learn more about hearing screenings, early intervention options, or how we can support your child and family on this journey.

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