BBC Strictly's Tasha Ghouri explains how she learned to speak after being born deaf

Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri has opened up about her personal journey of learning to speak after being born deaf.

The 25-year-old, who became the first deaf contestant on Love Island, took to social media to answer questions from fans, offering insight into life with a cochlear implant and how it has helped her communicate.

“I’ve had a lot of questions on how a cochlear implant works, what it is and I’ve tried to keep it short and concise with as much information to help you understand what it is," Tasha shared with her 1.4 million followers.

"Everyone’s experience is different with cochlear implants - I’m speaking from my own experience," she added, finishing with: "Hope this helps and anymore questions please ask away."

Tasha revealed that she began speech therapy at a young age, responding to a question from one fan who asked how long it took her to start talking after receiving her cochlear implants.

Tasha explained: “started having speech therapy from when I was 5/6 and was a long process!”

Another fan asked how old she was when she got her first cochlear implant.

Tasha explained: “got my first one when I was 5 and I got a new second one when I was 16 as my first one broke so had to do the whole operation for the new implant which is what I still have now! X”

Tasha also detailed some of the challenges she faces despite having the implants, explaining that she still needs to lipread in many situations.

Another fan asked: “Thank you for the explanation! Can I ask why you need to lip read as well when you have the cochlear implant? Is it when you have it turned off or is it more when it can’t pick up everything? X?"

Tasha responded: “I do it all the time with and without because if I don’t I’ll miss out on a lot of conversation/information as the microphone can only pick up so much xxx.”

Tasha admitted that wearing the implant can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when she feels overstimulated or experiences headaches. She also explained how she adapts to everyday life without sound, such as relying on a vibrating alarm clock that helps her wake up on time. “I use an alarm clock that vibrates under my pillow, literally shakes the whole bed,” she revealed.

Her openness and willingness to share her experience inspired many of her followers. One fan said" “@tashaghouri you are extremely inspiring xxx,” while another teacher commented that she would share Tasha’s video with her students.

“This was so helpful and informative - my class of Year 4 children have been learning about sound and were asking about cochlear implants so looking forward to showing them this tomorrow! X”