LIBERTY HILL, Texas — The Jefferson family knew almost immediately after the birth of their son Cole that something wasn’t right with his hearing. Multiple tests showed he wasn’t responding to sounds and that ultimately he couldn’t hear. 

What You Need To Know

  • Cole Jefferson was born deaf, and he had surgery for cochlear implants at 10 months old

  • He’s a top pitcher and student at Liberty Hill School

  • He plans to go to college and play baseball at Johns Hopkins University

“I was born deaf in both ears, about as deaf as you can be,” says Cole Jefferson.

The Jeffersons decided for Cole to have surgery at just 10 months old to have cochlear implants put in. The device was able to partially restore hearing. Cole would need speech therapy to help his communication skills as he grew up.

“It was a lot of time and effort,” says Michelle Jefferson, Cole’s mother. “From the time he got hearing aids, we were in speech therapy three days a week.”

When Cole started school, he could be in classes with all the students that could hear. His hearing aids aren’t perfect, but he’s been able to thrive despite some challenges.

“I’ve made adaptations for myself knowing that I can’t hear when it’s loud around me,” says Cole. “I’ve gotten good at self-advocating. I’m not afraid to ask questions and ask teachers to do certain things because I won’t be able to hear them as well.”

Those adaptations and his dedication to school have propelled Cole to be in the top five of his senior class at Liberty Hill High School. He also got in to Johns Hopkins University, one of the top colleges in the country.

“I definitely think it’s helped shape him as a person and what he wants to accomplish,” says Michelle Johnson. “I’m just excited he has all of these opportunities ahead.”

One of those opportunities is the chance to play baseball in college. Playing sports has presented some unique challenges over the years, but Cole found his passion for playing baseball and being a pitcher.

“On the mound, coaches have signs for everything, catchers have signs for everything, it’s easier to be in communication,” says Cole. “Pitching is probably the job I’m best suited for right now.”

“I think there’s a lot of times when we hear things going on and we’ll ask him after the game 'Do you know what they were saying in the dugout?' but Cole does not know when he’s on the mound,” says Michelle.

Cole has been one of the top pitchers for Liberty Hill this season and helped them reach the playoffs. While he has accomplished so much, Cole has much more he wants to do. He plans to study chemical and biomolecular engineering in college, with the potential to focus on things that are very personal for him.

“It’s amazing seeing his struggles and seeing what a difference in his life having cochlear implants has made that he wants to study something in engineering,” says Michelle. “Everything seems to revolve around making the world a better place, whether it’s making new advances in technology helping someone like himself.”

Cole’s mother says they always told him he did not differ from anyone else, to do anything you want and let nothing hold you back. She says he took them to their word and has done just that.