Woody S.
Cochlear® Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor – Bimodal | US Veteran
A quick summary about Woody S.
- I received my implant at age 78.
- After a family vacation I decided I needed more than hearing aids to hear my best.
- I get great pleasure helping candidates.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born with normal hearing, but after a traumatic experience in my 40s, my hearing gradually declined and I began using hearing aids. Over time, they we no longer enough for me. The turning point came during a vacation when I couldn’t use the tour device provided to the group and had to stay close to the guide just to catch bits of what was said. During meals, I stayed quiet because I was afraid of mishearing or repeating others. When I returned home, I realized how much I had missed socially and informationally.
That experience pushed me to revisit my options with an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) doctor, who explained that my hearing aids were excellent but no longer enough. He recommended a cochlear implant. After attending a Cochlear support meeting,* I chose to move forward with surgery at age 78. I’m now bimodal, with an implant on one side and a hearing aid on the other. The improvement in sound has been life changing.
Nearly a decade later, I’m so happy with the result of my cochlear implant, that’s why I want to help others. Supporting new candidates and seeing them find the same satisfaction continues to bring me joy.
*To find a meeting or event, please visit: https://www.cochlear.com/us/en/home/ongoing-care-and-support/connect-with-us/events
Disclaimer
Cochlear's Connect with a Mentor program is monitored Monday-Friday, excluding some holidays. Questions and inquiries submitted over the weekends or holidays may see a delay in response.
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Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.
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