But despite being profoundly deaf since then, Gillian, (30), has not allowed her disability to prevent her from travelling, studying, and making friends.
She was the first deaf person from Northern Ireland to complete a masters degree and has studied at universities in the United States and England.
Today she is a freelance graphic designer, illustrator and artist and has recently trained as a role model for the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) to encourage families with deaf children.
There are just 47 such role models across the UK who have been recruited by the charity.
Gillian said: "I grew up as the only deaf child in the family, attended mainstream school, was educated orally and learnt sign language at around 14 years old.
"I want deaf children to achieve their fullest potential regardless of restrictions. Deaf children should not feel fragmented from society."
Gillian, whose parents survived the 1989 Kegworth air crash, moved from Derriaghy to Banbridge as a teenager and she studied for her A Levels at school in Craigavon.
She admits that coping with deafness was not always easy.
"Being deaf and trying to gain my education was no easy picnic. Gaining my qualification was a very exhausting, worthwhile journey.
"I had the helpful assistance of interpreters and notetakers at university and college, but while at school I had to rely very heavily on lipreading, even from long distances in the classroom and this was a massive drawback to my confidence.
"I remember having to guess the answers for some exam questions because I missed out on some verbal information."
Today, she says, things have improved in schools and as a deaf role model Gillian wants to reassure families with deaf children that it is possible to lead a fulfilling life with deafness.
She said: "Having a disability is often considered as a very bad thing and most people aren't used to wide ranges of diversity and differences.
"I wake up in the mornings and the first oddest thing is - I don't realise that I am deaf.
"Sometimes I feel unnecessarily defeated by not achieving my dreams and goals because of being deaf - my deafness can become awkward for others to deal with.
"I stay positive because I am determined to encounter and enjoy what life has happily tucked away in store for me. If one route does not work, why brood over it?"
She is also happy to give people an insight into deafness.
She said: "I am still able to perceive loud bangs, thumps and mostly bass in music, including some slight treble. When I like a particular kind of music, I always take to reading the lyrics if I adore the feel of the genre that is being played in accord.
"Placing my toes on the loud speakers just after painting my toe nails, while reading the lyrics of the tracks I am playing, is also a great enjoyment of mine."

Modern technology has been a great help to Gillian who says she is never without her mobile.
She explained: "The mobile phone is one of my most used gadgets and I feel safer having it with me at all times when necessary because of the use of text messages.
"The internet has enabled me to reach out to a large number of people which I never thought possible. I am a freelance graphic designer, illustrator and artist.
"I also use the minicom combined with typetalk to communicate with my hearing counterparts as I cannot make out words on the phone as words become garbled like static."
Gillian said life is easier with subtitles, text messages and email, which she describes as a life saver.
"I feel very much on the same level as everyone else knowing what is going on. I can also survive without these necessities because there is so much more to enjoy in life."
Gillian had been thinking about becoming an art teacher to deaf teenagers when she saw an advertisement for deaf role models.
She began her first job with a family at the start of the year, and she said she was able to give the little girl she was working with the confidence she was lacking.
"It was incredibly heartwarming. I was so delighted to see this little girl on the up and out, as she regained her inner spark.
"Hearing children are naturally curious of me and they enjoy absorbing sign language.
"Deaf children are easily timid because they are cut off socially and they need the much valued encouragement to achieve their fullest potential without having their abilities undermined.
"There are very few deaf people globally and it's very important deaf children have positive role models in their lives to feel at ease."
Gillian however has learned how to deal with people who have never met a deaf person.
She explained: "I had to remind myself that most people have never met a deaf person and to them it's a massive jolt to their daily routines.
"Most people are not deaf aware and they can be inconsiderable, but I do not look upon this as rude because people can become scared.
"Some of my boyfriends were drummers in bands, who found my deafness fascinating because they were musicians.
"Looking back I believe I had my own fair share of fun and I am glad that I did.
"Being deaf has taught me to have more patience with people because people themselves are not perfect."
NDCS is inviting families with deaf children to take advantage of its unique Deaf Role Model Project.
The free service will give deaf children the chance to meet successful deaf adults who will share their personal experiences of growing up deaf.
If you are a family member of a deaf child who would like to arrange for a deaf role model to visit your home, please contact Valerie Copenhagen on 020 7490 8656 (voice or text) or email deafrolemodel@ndcs.org.uk