One of the things that is critical to patient care is listening to each person’s individual hearing challenges, limitations and life experiences so we can accurately diagnose and treat their hearing condition.
One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is witnessing how a new hearing device or treatment can completely transform our patient’s life. But hearing is an intricate process and sometimes it takes time for the body and brain to adjust before improvements take place.
This is why we wanted to share the story of one our patients who had a life changing experience with Cochlear Implants, and how she went from initial disappointment to delight!
Pat’s Story:
I was born able to hear but in my family we have a history of hearing loss and doctors told me it’s the kind of hearing loss that occurs rapidly. I first started to notice it at age 20 but it wasn’t until I was 43 that I got fitted for hearing aids. I was hoping I would be able to wear small, in-ear hearing aids but my hearing loss was already so significant that I needed the much larger over-the-ear type of hearing aids.
By my late 50’s, I was still having a lot of trouble hearing and felt that my hearing aids just weren’t working very well for my type of hearing loss. I knew I needed something different but at the time, I just wasn’t in the position financially to invest in new hearing aids.
Unfortunately, my hearing loss continued to deteriorate. It became increasingly harder to talk with my 3 small grandsons. I constantly had to ask them to repeat what they just said and still ended up missing a lot. When I was little, my grandfather had a very hard time hearing and I remember how my brothers and sisters and I just never really talked to him. I didn’t want that to happen to me. I’m a hands-on grandma and didn’t want my hearing to have a negative impact on the time I spent with my grandsons.
When I turned 65 and learned that Medicare could help cover of the cost of hearing related treatments, I was ready to try something new. Cheryl Tanita recommended cochlear implants based on the type and severity of my hearing loss. I knew a little about the procedure, but admittedly not a lot. I knew that my hearing would be different and that it may take a while because it is something you have to work at and get used to. I didn’t have a problem getting used to hearing aids before and I consider myself a pretty quick learner so I thought if this can help me to hear, that’s what matters most.
When they turned on my cochlear implant, I have to admit I was shocked and disappointed. My hearing was not what I expected and I was heartbroken. I just knew I’d done something and there was no going back. I thought I’d never be able to hear. I was so distraught but Cheryl and the team at Shohet Ear Associates helped me to understand that my hearing would improve overtime once I got used to the implant.
When I got home, I just thought, well here I am and I guess I better give it the old college try. So I did the things they’d said to do. After about a week, it was better. After a month, I was able to hear my grandchildren. It’s now been around 8 months and all I can say is “Wow.” It’s great. I’m so glad I did it. I hear so much better.
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– Many thanks to Pat for sharing her experience! Wishing her years of laughter and joy with her beautiful grandchildren.