Maggie Gleason, who was born deaf, heard sounds for the very first time at age 14.
In a moment that captured hearts worldwide, a deaf girl experienced the sound of the world for the very first time, thanks to groundbreaking technology.
Maggie Gleason’s story went viral in 2015 when medical experts documented her reaction to hearing for the first time with the help of an advanced auditory brainstem implant (ABI).
The footage is one of the most moving clips you’ll see, even in 2025, and it’s no surprise that it continues to touch people across the globe.
Maggie’s Journey to Hearing
Born deaf, Maggie faced a life without sound until an innovative medical procedure offered her new hope as a teenager. At just 14 years old, she underwent a major surgery at UH Case Medical Center in Cleveland. Doctors implanted an auditory brainstem device on the lower part of her brain, bypassing the damaged auditory nerves that typically transmit sound.
Her life-changing moment was captured on video when the implant was turned on for the first time. In the footage, Maggie’s face lit up with pure joy as she realized she could hear.
“Maggie, can you hear me?” her father Frank asked.
Her mother Joanna followed, asking, “You can hear my voice? What about your sister?”
In an emotional response, Maggie nodded and softly uttered “yes.” The room erupted into tears and smiles as everyone shared in her once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Viral Sensation
The clip was uploaded to YouTube by University Hospitals, quickly going viral and amassing close to three million views.
“Maggie Gleason, 14, who was born deaf, heard sound for the first time ever when hearing specialists at UH Cleveland Medical Center turned on an innovative electronic device called an auditory brainstem implant (ABI),” read the description accompanying the video.
The comments section was filled with praise, encouragement, and awe at the power of medical science.
“What an inspirational family! I’m happy that this technology has reached Maggie; may it help her continue to make great strides in her life. Bravo!” wrote one commenter.
Another added, “WOOOO!! Go humans and science!!!! This is so amazing… just wow.”
How Does the Technology Work?
The auditory brainstem implant, an electronic device, is placed at the junction where the spinal cord meets the brainstem. Unlike traditional cochlear implants, which rely on the auditory nerve, the ABI bypasses damaged nerves and directly stimulates the brainstem, allowing the user to perceive sound.
Many viewers were curious about how Maggie could understand the voices of her family and doctors. In response, the University Hospitals account provided an explanation:
“Maggie does not yet understand words as we do. She currently communicates using a combination of American Sign Language (ASL) and lip-reading cues, now combined with auditory cues. She is working with a speech-language pathologist toward the goal of understanding words using the auditory cues.
“Think of it like learning a foreign language; the auditory sounds of the foreign words are being heard, but the brain must be trained how to make sense of the sounds. This will take time.”
The Road Ahead for Maggie
For Maggie, the journey didn’t end the moment she heard her first sound—it was just the beginning. Her brain is now working to interpret and make sense of the auditory signals it receives, a process that will require patience, dedication, and ongoing support.
While she continues to rely on ASL and lip-reading, the combination of auditory input from the implant and speech therapy will help her progress over time.
Maggie’s story is a testimony to the amazing advances in medical science and the resilience of the human spirit. It also highlights the dedication of medical professionals and the steadfast support of her family, who have stood by her every step of the way.
This life-changing breakthrough not only transformed Maggie’s life but also inspired millions of people around the world, proving that with determination and innovation, even the seemingly impossible can become reality.