Woody S.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born with normal hearing. Unfortunately, about 35 years ago when I was in my 40s, I had a traumatic experience, nothing physical but slowly started to have hearing issues. I started wearing hearing aids at that time. My hearing continued to deteriorate. I went on what should have been a wonderful vacation. On a tour with guides describing what was happening, I was not able to use the device they gave to the others in the group because I could not attach them to my hearing aids. Instead, I ran along with the guide trying to get close enough to hear. When we had meals, I was very quiet and did not talk much even though I would have liked to participate, but I was fearful of repeating what had been said by others. I realized when I got home that I missed much of the social and informative conversations that would have made it even more enjoyable. Mostly, because of the unhappiness on the trip, I decided to revisit my options with an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT), who explained that my hearing aids were ‘top of the line’ and working but no longer enough for me and I should consider getting a cochlear implant. I attended a Cochlear support meeting* and last year, at 78, I decided to have the surgery. I am bimodal (I have an implant on one side and wear a hearing aid on the other side). I am so happy with the result of my cochlear implant that I want to help others attain what I now have.

*To find a meeting or event near you, please visit: https://www.cochlear.com/us/en/home/ongoing-care-and-support/connect-with-us/events