Margo K.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I have celebrated and lived with my first cochlear implant (CI) since 1989 and have been bilaterally implanted since 2008. I’m forever grateful for my two much-loved and appreciated cochlear implants. I have seen incredible improvements in cochlear implant technology over the years. I like to tell people that my body continues to age but my hearing will be forever young as I will continue to be able to take advantage of future cochlear implant sound processor technology.

When I was evaluated for a cochlear implant in 1989, I lived in silence for 11 years. I had never heard three of my four children or my husband’s voice, making life challenging for my entire family due to communication barriers. With guidance from women who already had cochlear implants, I received my first implant in 1989 and was activated four weeks later with a body worn processor. Hearing sound again was incredible — environmental sounds came quickly, while voices, phone use, and music took more time. Communication with my family has become much easier. In 2008, I became bilateral, implanting my left ear after 54 years of deafness. Although progress was slower, it was well worth the effort. As a bilateral cochlear implant recipient, my world of sound is richer, more vibrant, and clearer, especially in noisy environments. It was well worth all of the effort, patience, practice, perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude.

I love being a Cochlear volunteer as a way to give back for the joy and richness my cochlear implants bring to my life every day. I enjoy supporting others on their cochlear implant journey by answering questions and providing information and encouragement. Each day is truly a gift of sound. I’m a retired farmer who still enjoys gardening, walking, reading, crafting, volunteering as a kidney transplant peer mentor, spending time with my children and grandchildren and listening to music daily.