|
We are honored to have received the following expressions
of appreciation from our patients. I was born
deaf and was profoundly deaf since birth, but I was
able to speak and talk on the telephone until I was
in college. My hearing became progressively worse as
I got older. Two years ago, I realized I was not able
to hear as much as I used to with my hearing aid and
it became difficult to communicate. This led to my decision
to consider getting a cochlear implant.
It was not an easy decision because I am actively involved
in the deaf culture and I am fluent in American Sign
Language. However, all the members of my family are
hearing, including my own children. I work with deaf
and hearing clientele, which requires professional communication.
After about a year of research and getting the evaluation
done, I came to the conclusion that I should go ahead
and get the cochlear implant.
After I received the implant and it was turned on,
I had to adjust to hearing a lot more than I had her
in many years. It was a shock. Gradually, I began to
hear people talk. It was amazing that I could understand
what they said after 15 years of being unable to hear
clearly. It was the best thing I have done for myself
and I am really grateful to have gained the ability
to hear sounds again, even if it will never be perfect,
it’s perfect for me.
- Debbie Smith
My name is Lora and I received my cochlear implant
in 2001. After 20 years of profound hearing loss, I
have regained, not only my ability to hear, but also
confidence in social situations. Hearing sounds long
forgotten like birds and the ocean have made my heart
happier. If you are considering an implant and fear
it, in my opinion it’s better to take the risk
and enjoy sounds and life again.
- Lora
I was in my mid sixties when I developed a progressive
hearing loss. I tried several different hearing aids
but they did not help much. I still had difficulty hearing
what people were saying, because most of the time sound
was distorted. I had to have someone accompany me shopping,
to appointments tan make phone calls for me.
In December 2000 I had my cochlear implant surgery
– the Nucleus 24. I am now able to have conversations
with family and friends, even on the phone. I can watch
TV and go places alone without the fear that I would
not understand what people were saying to me.
Now, I have the ESPrit3G Processor behind the ear.
It gives me more freedom of movement and sometimes I
forget that I am wearing it.
Since receiving my latest implant, I have returned to
the hearing world. No longer am I hesitant about understanding
anyone. Some TV comes in clear. I can use the telephone
with confidence. Some music is music to my ears! With
each mapping my hearing has improved. The lanyard banging
on the flagpole is very loud. People walking with slippers
are also loud. Church bells are heard differently than
what I remember. Toddlers are very screechy. Only 10
percent of voices are a problem and when I ask them
to repeat, I usually get it the second time! Auto horns
sound differently than I remember…
- Leonard
There is not much to add when I say the cochlear implant
gave me back my life … gave me contact with humanity…
gave me connection… filled the silent void with
joyous sound of chatter and laughter … free from
wondering what is going on, free from missing out on
the punch line, free to hear the sweet voices of my
grandkids.
Am I implying I hear perfectly? This is not a denial
of my deafness, nor is it ignoring the fat that the
implant has many years of new discovery ahead of it.
This is celebration of the gift the implant gave me.
I do not have perfect hearing. I have perfect happiness
even when I take the appliance off and hear nothing.
It’s just that at my age, when very little surprises
me, I go the surprise of my life, along with the added
blessing of a caring doctor and audiologist. THANK YOU
Cochlear. Thank you Doctor! Thank you Lisa!
For a long time, there were no sounds. The quality
of my life was poor. I could not hear music, listen
to my favorite TV shows or communicate with my family.
The cochlear implant gave me a second chance to enjoy
my life. I’m so happy with the implant, my only
wish is that it could be done in both of my ears!
- Lucresia Diaz
|
About
the Institute
Printer
Friendly Page
