Meet Faye Yarroll

Name: Faye Yarroll
Profession: Information Technology Manager
Cochlear Implant Status: 2 x Nucleus 24
Speech Processors: 2 x Freedom Processors with Smartsound
First Implant  23rd March 2005
Second Implant  27th April 2007

Hi. I m Faye Yarroll from Sydney, Australia. I would like to share some insight with you into my new world of hearing using Bilateral Nucleus Freedom Cochlear Implants.

I was born with hereditary hearing loss. My grandparents, parents and siblings are all hearing impaired to some degree. I used two hearing aids during my early school days. I spent five teenage years mastering lip- reading, which I think I m pretty proficient at. I had a profound hearing loss for 23 years in my right ear prior to my first implant in 2004 at age forty- seven. My left ear was implanted in 2007.

I ve always had a positive outlook on life and have two personal mottos, never say can t  and everything is possible. I ve had my fair share of communication problems. Hearing and comprehension has always been difficult for me. However, good lip- reading and a positive attitude has always helped me to cope.

I was handling my hearing disabilities pretty well until 2004 when things started to get particularly difficult. I was even considered throwing in my job that I really love. I have a very responsible position as an Information Technology Manager with a large International I.T. Company. This involves various forms of electronic communication, as well as much talking and listening. I have overcome many challenges during my career to achieve a very high level of success in one of the most stressful careers anyone could imagine.

In 2005 I received my first Cochlear implant and began my NEW WORLD OF HEARING. My first implant has allowed me to regain confidence and independence. I can now communicate much better at work and at home. I couldnt be happier with the results I have achieved with my Cochlear Implants. My new world is now looking and HEARING better than ever!

I couldn t wait for Switch- On day after my first operation. Not knowing exactly what to expect did cause me some worry. Sound was a bit robotic on day one, but my brain quickly responded and within 24 hours people actually sounded like people. I have had many remarkable hearing experiences since switch- on day.

I ve heard many things that I ve never heard before. I now love listening to birds. I can now use the telephone, mobile phone and watch the TV without sub- titles. I can listen to the radio, go to restaurants, enjoy the cinema and theatre, and hear just about everything.

I now totally rely on my implants from when I get up in the morning until I go to bed at night. My Freedom processors provide me with 80- 100% hearing results. Fantastic! Without a doubt, my first implant was the best thing I have ever done. And, I couldn t be happier now that I have bilateral implants. I find that I am now talking softer and clearer, and understanding much more.

Every aspect of my day to day life has been improved with my implants. Words can not properly express the gratitude I feel towards Cochlear and my surgeon. This has been a wonderful experience.