Amy S. lost her hearing because of antibiotics needed from surgery. Luckily, her parents offered her the option to get a Cochlear™ Nucleus® 22 Implant. After enjoying the opportunity to upgrade to a smaller sound processor, Amy is excited to enjoy each day full of hearing:

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“My name is Amy S. and I will be 43 years old on October 10. I was born in 1976 in Jacksonville, Florida to my biological mom who gave me up for adoption. When I was in the process of being adopted by my new parents, John and Joanne, I contracted meningitis in my elbow.

I had surgery on my elbow, but unfortunately the antibiotics from the medication somehow damaged my hearing completely. The path to a cochlear implant did not happen for me until 1992. I had been wearing hearing aids prior to then, although they did not help much at all.

Getting a cochlear implant

Amy with the Cochlear Nucleus ImplantMy parents asked if I was interested in getting a cochlear implant and after weighing the pros and cons, I said yes. I am so glad and grateful that my parents offered up the opportunity to get a cochlear implant! I had cochlear implant surgery in June of 1992 at our local university hospital and received the Cochlear Nucleus 22 Implant.

After having cochlear implant surgery, I went on to perform in the color guard/JROTC at my high school. At the time, the cochlear implant sound processor was larger than it is today and looked like a small computer with a wire to the sound processor. I was constantly worried about losing it or damaging it with my lifestyle. Luckily, sound processors today are much smaller and more durable.

In love with my sound processor

Amy who has the Cochlear Nucleus ImplantI am totally in love with my sound processor. Talking on the phone is a lot easier as I can connect to my iPhone®1 with the True Wireless Phone Clip. I also like being able to adjust the settings to the surroundings I am in! My hobbies include reading books and watching my favorite movies and TV shows (which I still do use captions from time to time). I have not allowed my hearing impairment to keep me from my goals for my life!

As I graduated from school, I have worked many jobs including being a bagger, a cashier, a waitress and even a cook. I went to school to be a vet assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant, which is what I currently do. I also have a son who is going to be 18 years old in March!

My future goal is to take one day at a time and enjoy years of happiness because I am able to hear. I do know how to read lips and have used sign language from time to time, but in June of 2020, I am approaching 26 years of being able to ‘Hear now. And always’.”

Are you interested in learning about the Cochlear Nucleus Implant portfolio? Get more details today.

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Cara Lippitt
Cara Lippitt is the Senior Manager, Social Media Strategy at Cochlear Americas. Cara is inspired by the stories of the recipients that she is able to tell and the incredible journeys they have taken. Cara was born and raised in Colorado and adores the mountains, snow and the world of musical theatre.