Cochlear recipient benefits from each new technology upgrade more than a decade after implantation.

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Shane C. received his Cochlear Implant in 2006, and thanks to Cochlear’s innovative sound processing chip, he continues to benefit from each new release of sound processor technology without any additional surgeries. Hear from Shane on why he doesn’t worry about cochlear implant headroom with Cochlear:

Shane - cochlear implant headroom“I was not born with hearing loss, but at 18 months of age I contracted a high fever that damaged the hearing in both my ears.

I wore hearing aids in both ears from the age of 3 until I was 30.  I realized at age 30 I was not getting enough benefit from hearing aids and started researching cochlear implants.

I went to support group meetings and talked to others with a similar hearing loss. I noticed right away that those with the Cochlear brand of cochlear implants were very satisfied with their device and hearing performance.

In addition to meeting others with the Cochlear™ Nucleus® System, I researched Cochlear’s microchip. I’m an engineer by trade and have worked on microchips for over 20 years. I understood the complex design and was impressed by the fact that my implant would be compatible with future technology. The microchip played a large part in my decision to get simultaneous bilateral Cochlear Nucleus Implants in March 2006.

Since my first surgery in 2006, I’ve upgraded from the Freedom™ Sound Processor to the Nucleus® 5 Sound Processor and most recently to the Nucleus 6 Sound Processor. I’m currently working on upgrading to Cochlear’s latest technology, the Nucleus 7 Sound Processor. With my Cochlear Implant, my internal implant has been compatible with each sound processor upgrade.

cochlear implant headroom and future technology

I’m very thankful for my implant. After extensive auditory rehab, utilizing music, podcasts, videos, books on tape and other various media, my hearing performance improved from 0 percent to 98 percent word and sentence recognition in three months. With my improved hearing performance, talking on the phone was no longer a challenge, which led to a subsequent promotion!

I have volunteered with Cochlear for over 11 years, and I am very grateful for those who supported me when I was researching cochlear implants and the support at group meetings after surgery.  I am happy to pay it forward and share my journey with others. With my Cochlear Nucleus Implant, I enjoy music, motorcycling, building and flying drones, cars and activities with my family.”

Find more information about cochlear implants as a treatment option for your hearing loss here.  

Renee Oehlerking
Renee Oehlerking is the Public Relations Manager at Cochlear Americas where she is responsible for the region’s public relations and consumer marketing social media. Renee enjoys uncovering, telling and showcasing the inspiring stories of hearing implant recipients. As a recent transplant to Denver, Colorado, Renee enjoys exploring all that the state has to offer outdoors.