Wilmington child hears for first time

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington 1-year-old is the 1,000th child to receive a cochlear impact from the UNC Medical Center.

Tatum Lanier heard her first words today after staff at the Children’s Cochlear Impact Center at UNC activated the device. Her mother Melinda asked, “Can you hear Mommy?” After slowly turning up the volume, you could see baby Tatum react to her mother’s voice.

Tatum’s father John and her brother Gavin were there too. All four are deaf. Gavin, 7, wears an implant as well that he has had since he was 2.

We will feature the family in a special “Extraordinary People Next Door” segment next Wednesday, September 23. They have a wonderful story that is sure to warm your heart.