Miss America in 1995, Cochlearized in 2002

From Cochlear Corporation:

In 1995, Heather Whitestone, deaf since infancy, was crowned Miss America. She was the first disabled woman to receive this honor. Now, Heather is embarking on a new path into the hearing world. On August 7, 2002 Heather received the Nucleus® 24 Contour™ cochlear implant. Her surgery was performed at Johns Hopkins by John K. Niparko, M.D., one of the nation's leading cochlear implant surgeons. Heather's device will be activated during mid-September.

Learn more about her, visit:
Cochlear Corporation on Heather Whitestone
Heather Whitestone's website