Following a sudden hearing loss, Patricia was referred to NAIP to be assessed for possible cochlear implantation. In 2021 she had a cochlear implant in her left ear. Patricia has written about her experience of the assessment process and her feelings following the initial programming (switch on). Thanks to Patricia for sharing her story for others to read.
Cochlear implant assessment.
My name is Patricia, after suffering dramatic hearing loss in both ears in August 2019 my GP referred me for further investigations. After I had an MRI scan and further tests, I was told that the only option left to me was to receive a cochlear implant. I expressed my wishes to take this step and was referred to the Nottingham Auditory Programme and given my first assessment appointment.
From that moment on I was dealt with by such caring professional people who have guided me through every step of the assessment process with such professionalism and care. I've been given appointments both via video and in person with an advanced specialist in communications and updated on a very regular basis at every step of the assessment. I found the video meetings very good as they are time saving with no travelling or waiting around.
I am hopeful that I can begin to rebuild my life with an enhanced hearing ability, which will restore my confidence in social situations. However small the benefits will be, I feel it's been worth it for me as at the moment any improvement enhancing communicating with friends and family will be wonderful.
After the cochlear implant operation
I was feeling nervous! I had tried to manage my expectations from the outset, believing that after the isolation of being profoundly deaf for the past four years, with all that entailed, even the slightest improvement with my hearing would be worth undergoing the implant surgery.
At the switch on appointment my own voice, which I’d not heard for a long time, was the surprise. It sounded deep, masculine and robotic, as though another person was speaking loudly into my ear, which I found uncomfortable but that improved gradually over a couple of days. It’s difficult to express how I felt at that moment, but I was relieved, happy, and optimistic all at the same time. From that moment I knew I was getting my life back again. My son and I were a little emotional as we chatted about the way forward with the audiologist.
I was given advice on how to proceed in the coming weeks until my next video appointment, I was also given some literature and lists of sounds to practice hearing once I got home, such as the door bell, running water, microwave peeping, light switches, car engines etc.
I am so happy to be able to telephone the Vets myself to make an appointment for my little dog or pick up the telephone and speak with family and friends. A small thing to be able do but for me it is so liberating knowing that I don’t need to ask for help using the telephone anymore. I feel like I’d gotten my independence back which I believed was lost to me forever.
Gradually I’ve accepted that I’m still profoundly deaf but I know that with the wonderful gift of my cochlear implant, I can enjoy the wonderful sounds hearing people take for granted.
I’m so impressed with the excellent service and care that I’ve received from all of the team at Ropewalk House. Their ongoing support has given me such confidence knowing that they are always there to support me whenever I need their help.
The implant has made such an enormous change in my life.