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My name is Chrissy and I have a 13 year old son named Alex has worn a Baha Attract for over 3 years. He was diagnosed at two years-old with a cholesteatoma that caused severe damage to his hearing. Alex was implanted at 9 years old with his Baha Attract and has done very well. He plays the bassoon for his school Wind Ensemble and is very active in robotics. He is a strong, proud kid that embraced his situation and makes the very best of it. We are both here to help with questions on your family’s journey to becoming a Baha user.

I have been a volunteer with Cochlear America for 11 years.  My husband Shane has bilateral cochlear implants.  He was profoundly deaf (from an illness as a baby) when we met online in 2001.  In 2006 he made the decision to get both ears implanted at the same time because hearing aids did not help him anymore.  It changed our lives!  He worked very hard practicing with music, YouTube videos, Ted talks and books on tape; he went from 0% word and sentence recognition to 95% in just three months.  Because of his influence, my mother Mary (who grew up with single-sided deafness from a childhood illness) decided to get a Baha in 2010 and loves it.  She was able to hear in stereo for the first time in years and tell which direction sound was coming from.  She enjoys the iPhone® compatibility and Bluetooth® streaming for phone and videos as well.

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I had mild hearing loss as a child (because of a medicine side effect) that worsened as I aged. I wore hearing aids for a while as an adult, but they became less and less effective. In my career, I was able to hear adequately but not great, so I used lip reading and context to understand what was going on. I received a N6 Cochlear Implant(CI) in one ear when I was 66. I use it with the acoustic component. I continue to use a ReSound hearing aid in the other ear. Getting the CI has increased my confidence when interacting with people. I used to speak loudly, to hear myself, and people would ask me why I was speaking so loud. I always felt stressed, because I wasn’t sure if I was hearing correctly. With the CI, I hear and speak more normally. I’m very happy with the CI and Resound HA combination. (My husband is also happy. He tells me that I hear him better.)

1. The Acoustic Component should only be used when behavioral audiometric thresholds can be obtained and the recipient can provide feedback regarding sound quality. The Hybrid L24 Implant is approved in the US for adults ages 18 and older.

I was in my 30’s with ringing in my right ear and was evaluated for acoustic neuroma.  Thankfully there wasn’t a tumor, but my hearing continued to decline. In September 2008 I woke up profoundly deaf in both ears.  I had no ability to understand speech with hearing aids.  I received my first CI in February 2009 with a Freedom® processor. In March 2017 I received a second implant for my left ear. With two Nucleus® 6 processors and the wireless accessories I can hear in most settings.

I was born profoundly deaf and have received two cochlear implants. I received my first one as a child and my second one as an adult. I am a teacher of the deaf with children who are in preschool through second grade. I also volunteer with several hearing loss organizations. I enjoy traveling, hanging out with friends and family, hiking, being outside and reading.

I was diagnosed with Meniere’s in 1993 and struggled with hearing loss for over 12 years. Even with hearing aids I could no longer hear the TV, hear people talking that were standing next to me and I struggled at work. I love my implant. I can’t even feel it on my head! I feel like a kid on Christmas morning every day when I go to get my processor and put it on.   The technology is unbelievable and I can’t wait to see what the future advances will be in cochlear implants.

My cochlear implant has made it possible for me to continue working as a registered dietician. When I am not working I enjoy gardening, growing flowers, weight training classes, yoga, and attending theater.   I would like others to have the opportunity to hear again and maintain the quality of their lives.

I’ve had cochlear implants for over 28 years, eight years bilateral (implant on each ear). I was 36 years-old and married with 4 children when I received my first cochlear implant in 1989. I’d never heard three of my children because I’d been deaf for 11 years by that time. My family and friends helped me to learn to recognize sounds and celebrated my hearing successes. I’ve had seven sound processor upgrades since my first device. It’s been wonderful to enjoy the new technology which has allowed my hearing skills to improve. I love answering questions, and providing support and encouragement to those learning about cochlear implants.

I lost my hearing to Autoimmune Inner Ear disease over a 27 year period. Immunosuppressants slowed the progression on my hearing loss but keeping my hearing was not meant to be. I enjoy my flower beds and the voices of my grandchildren are like music to my ears! I am involved in many volunteer projects and am passionate about being an advocate for those with hearing loss and cochlear implants.

For several years I had been wearing bilateral in-the-ear hearing aids, and I thought I was hearing pretty well. Eventually, my family pointed out I was not hearing everything being said, and I was favoring my right ear. My son, an otolaryngologist, read my latest audiogram and told me that I should seriously consider a cochlear implant. I realized that this was a major step to getting my hearing loss treated, but knew I had to do something. My surgeon took the time to explain the procedure to me in detail, was so encouraging and exuded such confidence that I had no hesitation about going forward with the Cochlear Implant. After a successful unilateral left ear cochlear implant surgery, I healed for one month, and then my audiologist activated my sound processor. Shortly after that I was fitted with a ReSound Enzo™ BTE hearing aid on my other ear. Between my cochlear implant audiologist’s expert mappings, processor adjustments and my hearing aid audiologist’s steadfast determination to maximize the ReSound hearing aid, I have been able to achieve my goal of dramatically improved hearing with the bimodal solution. It is a wonderful feeling not to have to struggle to hear.

I was in my early 40s when a sudden onset of Meniere’s disease prompted significant hearing loss (and weeks of debilitating vertigo).

I had lost the ability to hear and comprehend with any degree of confidence. My career was stressed. My personal relationships were strained. I was defensive all the time. My physician ascertained as much and suggested a cochlear implant as the best path forward.

The doctor was pleased with the procedure. All went as planned, he said. My first sound processor was activated. What a difference. So many new sounds. I’m so much more connected to the world around me.

I had hearing aids in both ears by the time I was 8 years old. I continued on to college with hearing aids and the help of live event captioning. But eventually, a regular hearing aid didn’t help me in my left ear. I received my first Baha implant in 2013, an upgrade in 2016, and my second implant in 2017.

I love the SmartSound® iQ technology, the True Wireless^TM Mini Microphone 2+, and the Smart App! Life with my new Baha 5 SuperPower Sound Processors is wonderful. I love traveling to see my friends. My Baha System enabled me to keep my job as a Special Education teacher. I’m able to hear the children that I work with and, more often than not, I can hear them the first time without having them repeat themselves. The Baha System brought me out of my shell.

I became single sided deaf in 1971, and wore hearing aids for 20 years before learning about the Baha in 2005. The sound, clarity, and volume was great. I currently wear the Baha 5. My hobbies are our grandsons, woodworking, traveling, and old time radio detective programs.

My hearing loss journey began in January 2017, when I woke up without the ability to hear on the right side. I was diagnosed with single-sided sensorineural hearing loss, likely caused by a virus that also affected the vestibular system. I tested a Cochlear Baha 5 with my audiologist and had great results. In May 2017, I had my Cochlear Baha 5 connect system implanted and in June I was activated with the Baha 5 processor. I’m blessed to have received this technology, as I was able to return to work full-time. I’m a business owner, wife, and mother of two to Victoria, 26 and Noah, 17. I still work my full-time job managing a title company, but I have more time to focus on my new passion, sharing what Cochlear has to offer. I am glad that I took a leap of faith and chose the Cochlear Baha 5 as my hearing loss solution.

I am a full-time Registered Nurse and a full-time writer. I write fiction, non-fiction, and young reader books. I’m currently working on my ninth book. Because of my cochlear implants, I’m able to host writing workshops and talk about finding the creative spark. My husband and I live in Hawaii. We enjoy keeping active with hiking and exploring the beautiful island.

Although the exact cause of my hearing loss is unknown, after a severe viral infection I experienced a steep, progressive deterioration, especially in the high frequencies. Many years and many hearing aids later, I struggled to understand speech and received the L24 Hybrid implant. To say my life has changed would be a massive understatement! I can now hear my daughter clearly, freely talk on the phone, enjoy restaurants, and pursue work projects again. I got my life back.

1. 1. The Acoustic Component should only be used when behavioral audiometric thresholds can be obtained and the recipient can provide feedback regarding sound quality. The Hybrid L24 Implant is approved in the US for adults ages 18 and older.

I am a mother of two kids with cochlear implants.  Alyssa, 8, and Donovan, 5, were born with sensorineural hearing loss and implanted at 14 months and 22 months, respectively. Both are now in mainstream schools where they excel in speech, language, and academics.  They are active in swimming and basketball and they love to read books and play with friends.

I am a bimodal Cochlear recipient with a Nucleus 7 sound processor in one ear. I am upgrading to ReSound hearing aid and can hardly wait for all the benefits. I enjoy book clubs, Tai Chi, volunteering in the local library, traveling with family and even better, talks and singing with my young grandson.

I had mild hearing issues as a child. Years later, I had a beautiful baby girl with bilateral hearing loss. Because of her experiences, I began to learn more about hearing loss and wondered if it was too late for me to improve my own hearing. I was tested and learned that my hearing had deteriorated to a severe level. In February of 2014 I had surgery to install an abutment and then was fitted in April of that year with the new Baha 5. As I walked out of the office that day, I could hear the bells that came from a downtown church. I was so amazed!

I love that I can control my Baha with my iPhone®. Three clicks of the home button and I can access controls for volume, streaming and live speak. I’ve joined the Hearing Loss Association of America, and work as a volunteer for Cochlear. I have met so many people with similar experiences, making me feel that I am not alone.

Baha 5 Smart App works together with all Cochlear Baha 5 sound processors with FW 5.4.4.3 or later. It is available on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch running iOS 8.1 or later. For detailed compatibility visit www.Cochlear.com/US.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone®, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

My hearing loss was sudden. I heard what seemed like a pop in my right ear and then it felt like it had water in it. This is how my hearing journey began. I visited my primary care physician, then I was referred to an ENT. After trying different types of treatment I was told that my hearing loss was permanent. I tried out several devices and chose Baha because it gave me the clearest sound. I had some fears about how others would perceive me but none of my fears came true. Please feel free to connect with me if you have questions.

I am a retired CPA/CFO.  I enjoy tennis, running, reading and spending time with my grandchildren.  My hearing problems started with sudden hearing loss.  I was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease and since that time have struggled with vertigo and hearing loss.  In 2012 I received a cochlear implant (Nucleus 5) and it was an amazing change.  This April I was eligible to upgrade and now have a Kanso that I use with a compatible ReSound hearing aid.

I am a bilateral Nucleus 6 recipient.  I use an acoustic component (Hybrid Hearing) on one of my cochlear implants.  I began to progressively lose my hearing at 22 due to Meniere’s disease, and became profoundly deaf in both ears by 6 years later. After working with my audiologist and ear surgeon, I gained the support and confidence to have my first cochlear implant surgery.  About a year later I had my second surgery and absolutely love hearing in stereo!  I can relax and enjoy all my activities and interests, knowing that I can hear well every day.  As a teacher, I have gained confidence while teaching and also insight into the journey that my students’ families must navigate for themselves.  In my spare time I enjoy cooking, dancing, traveling and exploring new places, as well as connecting with friends and family.

1. The Acoustic Component should only be used when behavioral audiometric thresholds can be obtained and the recipient can provide feedback regarding sound quality. The Hybrid L24 Implant is approved in the US for adults ages 18 and older.

After months of exhausting tinnitus and continuing hearing loss on my left side I met with an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor. The MRI indicated that I had an acoustic neuroma; this was something I had never heard of and it sounded frightening. After various hearing and balance tests I learned that my options were to observe the tumor over a period of time, do radiotherapy, or surgery.  I decided to go with the surgery to remove the acoustic neuroma. Because total left side hearing loss after surgery was likely, we discussed the benefits of a Baha.

I researched and decided on the Baha 5 Sound processor. I was implanted and after some time my long-anticipated “hook up” took place, I was amazed with the technology.  I immediately adapted to new sounds! I can hear water trickle down the drain while doing dishes.  My Baha is my headphone for music played off my iPhone®. And telephone calls are so much easier now.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone®, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

I was born with no hearing problems.  At age 18 months I had a high fever that damaged the hearing in both ears and I wore bilateral hearing aids from ages 3-30.  I realized at age 30 I was not getting any benefit from hearing aids and started researching cochlear implants.  I went to support group meetings and talked to people with similar hearing loss.  I noticed right away that those with Cochlear brand implants heard better and reported more satisfaction than those with AB or Med-El.  Also, I am an engineer and have worked on microchips for over 20 years.  I saw the microchip superior design and its backwards compatibility and made the decision to get Cochlear bilateral implants simultaneously in March 2006.  I did a lot of auditory rehab using iTunes® and YouTube, listening to music, books on tape, and Ted talks.  I went from 0% to 98% word and sentence recognition in three months.  This enabled me to talk on the phone at work and led to a subsequent promotion.  I have been through several upgrades (Freedom to N5 then to N6, working on N7 upgrade now) and have volunteered with Cochlear for over 11 years.  I am very grateful for those that supported me when I was researching CI’s and at support group meetings after surgery.  I am happy to pay it forward and share my journey with others.  I enjoy music, motorcycling, building and flying drones, cars, and activities with my family.

I am 65 years old. I gradually lost my high frequency hearing due to heredity factors. I was bilaterally implanted with Hybrid Cochlear implants in 2014 and 2015 after wearing hearing aids for nearly 30 years. Prior to implantation, I had difficulty successfully engaging in the activities I loved because I could not hear. Now and again, I enjoy swimming/exercise in group settings, traveling with friends, being outside, attending theater and symphony, as well as volunteering in the community and at church and working with children. My life is full again with the things I love to do. I hope I’ll be able to answer any questions you may have.

1. The Acoustic Component should only be used when behavioral audiometric thresholds can be obtained and the recipient can provide feedback regarding sound quality. The Hybrid L24 Implant is approved in the US for adults ages 18 and older.

I am a 74 year-old bilateral cochlear implant recipient. I lost the hearing in my right ear when I was five with a high fever and lost the hearing in my left ear from noise exposure when I was 40. In 2007, I lost all of the hearing in my right ear but didn’t get a cochlear implant until 2011. I was worried I would be too old for an implant, and also about losing my residual hearing. Since receiving both Cochlear Implants, I have been active on Facebook and having face to face chats with potential recipients. My hobbies are reading and volunteering for holiday events at our local fairgrounds.

My son, Joshua, is a bilateral Baha recipient. His hearing loss journey began when he was 3, and when he was 5 or 6 he was diagnosed with congenital cholesteatoma. He has had numerous surgeries and an unsuccessful attempt with the hearing aids. He was fit with his first Baha in 2015 and the following year he was approved for his second one. They allow him to listen to music and his favorite sport teams clearly and he has shown a great improvement in school. Joshua’s hobbies are sports, dancing and he has a huge heart for helping people.