Connect with a mentor

Nucleus® 7 System, Bilateral

I’m an Army Veteran in my late sixties. I enjoy walking, bike riding, hiking nature trails and helping others.

A quick summary about Stephen K.

• I noticed my hearing loss in my 40s and wore hearing aids until 2007.
• I received my first Cochlear™ Implant in 2007 in my right ear and my second implant in 2009 on the other ear.
• After I received my implants I started hearing sounds that I hadn’t heard in years. Each sound that came back was a WOW moment.

I’m Stephen, an Army veteran in my late sixties. I entered the Army in 1970 and worked with an artillery unit. Many of my assignments exposed me to varying degrees of noise. I noticed my hearing loss in my 40s. My wife started asking why I didn’t answer the doorbell for our apartment. It was because I did not hear it! We both knew that something was wrong. I had my hearing tested, and we found out I had a moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears. I was fitted with hearing aids. Years later, in 2007, I was struggling to communicate even with the best efforts of my audiologist. I became withdrawn and frustrated.

That year, I received a Cochlear™ Implant in my right ear and was activated with wonderful results. I started hearing sounds again that I had not heard in years. Each sound that came back was a WOW moment, I treasure each one. Still hearing those sounds is a wonderful feeling. A year and a half later, I received another Cochlear Implant on my other ear.

My biggest satisfaction as a mentor is providing information that helps answer questions for people considering Cochlear implants. One of the rewards of mentoring others is being able to expand my understanding and reinforcing my knowledge. I’ve supported many adults with hearing loss, many of whom are veterans and enrolled in the VA health care system. I enjoy helping others. If I can help you along your hearing journey, please feel free to contact me.

Top advice for mentees:

• Be patient when going through your hearing journey. Things take a while to sort out.
• Maintain good communication with your audiologist. He or she will be working with you for years and wants you to have the best possible outcome.

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.

Nucleus® 7 Hybrid™ Implant System* & ReSound Hearing Aid- Bimodal

I’m also available to connect on Cochlear Americas – Connect with a Mentor Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CochlearConnectwithaMentor

I enjoy sharing my experience with others in support of their hearing journeys.

A quick summary about Susan H.

• My hearing loss began after a severe viral infection.
• I struggled to hear women’s and children’s voices and later men’s voices as well.
• Now, I can hear my daughter clearly, freely talk on the phone, and pursue work projects again.

My hearing journey began after I experienced a severe viral infection. I remember not being able to hear the phone ring and realizing something was wrong.  Shortly after, I got hearing aids and went on with my life. I didn’t realize my hearing loss would be progressive, dropping unpredictably through the next years until hearing aids were no longer effective. I struggled with my career and hearing my daughter, as well as most women’s and children’s voices. Men’s voices came next and I couldn’t function professionally. I was losing my career and my relationships were suffering, I was devastated. I learned about the Hybrid™ implant system through a friend, went in for an assessment and sometime later I scheduled the procedure. My sister shed tears of joy at my activation, and my family was thrilled. Although it took time, I could communicate with them again, and life got a lot more pleasant for all of us! I felt like I’d been given my life back.

I found a mentor early on in my hearing journey. She was tremendously helpful, and we remain friends today. I mentor others because this is a difficult journey and I don’t want anyone to go through it alone.  My advice to others considering this type of hearing solution: Reach out, don’t try to go it alone. The fears and concerns you’re having are likely the same as we all had!

* 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 for unilateral use only.

Baha® 5 SuperPower & Baha® 5 Power Systems – Connect, Bilateral

I enjoy traveling and being a Special Needs Daycare Teacher. The Baha® System brought me out of my shell.

I’m also available to connect on Cochlear Americas – Connect with a Mentor Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CochlearConnectwithaMentor

A quick summary about Amanda D.

• I had hearing aids in both ears by the time I was 8 years old.
• I received my first Cochlear™ Baha® System in 2013.
• I’m able to hear the children that I work with as a Special Needs Daycare teacher.

I wore hearing aids from the time I was 8 years old until I was in college. When I got my first hearing aid, I remember sitting in the hospital waiting area and telling my mom that I can hear the phone ringing and the elevator, it seemed like it was too much, and I wanted it out of my ear. Eventually I got used to my hearing aid and got a second one on my other ear. I was in college when my left ear stopped benefiting from hearing aids. I received my first Baha® in 2013 and my second in 2017 on the other ear.

Life with my Baha 5 SuperPower Sound Processors is wonderful. I love traveling to see my friends. I love going to the Cochlear Celebration to meet up and visit with my Cochlear family. My Baha System helps me carry out my duties as a Special Needs Daycare Teacher, because 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 love mentoring people that need more information about the Baha System. My advice to them is, “don’t wait to get it!”

Parent – Baha® 5 Attract, Unilateral | Single-sided cholesteatoma

My son, Alex, plays in his school’s performing arts music program.

I’m also available to connect on Cochlear Americas – Connect with a Mentor Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CochlearConnectwithaMentor

A quick summary about Chrissy F.

• My son plays bassoon, trombone and baritone in his school’s music program.
• He’s enrolled in advanced classes and thriving!
• He’s passionate about pursuing a future in music.

My name is Chrissy, and my son, Alex, wears a Baha® 5 Attract System. When he was two, we learned that he had a unilateral cholesteatoma that caused severe damage to his hearing. When he was 9 years old, he tried a Baha demo in the Audiologist’s office and wanted it immediately. We moved forward with the Baha System shortly after that, and he has done very well with it. Today, Alex is enrolled in all advanced classes and active in his school marching band. He is passionate about a future in music and hopes to join a college with a music program. He is a strong, proud kid that embraces his situation and makes the very best of it. My advice to parents with children with hearing loss is to keep a positive attitude and teach your child to know that they are special and unique. If you do these things, they will thrive. Alex and I are both here to help with questions on your family’s hearing journey.

Nucleus® 7 Systems – Bilateral

I’m retired and I love that I can hear my grandchildren and that it’s easy to converse with family and friends.

A quick summary about Marty G.

• I was in my mid thirties when I learned I had a mild hearing loss in both ears.
• In 2011, I lost all hearing in my right ear.
• I enjoy walking on trails and attending Classic Fit classes.

I was in my mid thirties when I learned I had a mild hearing loss in both ears. It was recommended that I wear hearing aids. With time, my hearing loss progressed in both ears. Then, in 2011, I lost all hearing in my right ear suddenly as I was preparing to return to work as a high school librarian. It was vital that I be able to communicate and understand fellow teachers, students, and, of course, my family. I saw more than one ENT as I researched solutions for my hearing loss. A cochlear implant was recommended by one of the ENTs. I received my first Cochlear™ implant in 2012 and the second one more recently. When my sound processor was activated, I could hear at that very first appointment with my audiologist but was somewhat overwhelmed when I went home and heard lots of good sounds but also very loud annoying sounds. I knew from that first day, that I would focus on hearing again and I became my own cheerleader. Within 3 months I was hearing so much better that my book club friends and family commented on it.

My top tips for new recipients are to keep a journal right after activation, noting new enjoyable sounds but also recording any issues or questions you might have. Prioritize your questions or concerns before your next appointment with your audiologist. I emphasize the 3 P’s, Patience, Practice, and Persistence as good strategies to make the most out of your hearing.

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.

Nucleus® 7, Bilateral | Sensorineural Hearing Loss

I’m a college graduate with a love of music, fitness and helping others.

I’m also available to connect on Cochlear Americas – Connect with a Mentor Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CochlearConnectwithaMentor

A quick summary about Olivia W.

• When I was 4 ½ years old I completely lost my hearing.
• I graduated with a Master’s degree.
• I enjoy listening to music, working out and sharing my knowledge with others.

Hi! I’m Olivia and I received a Cochlear™ implant when I was 5 years old. I was diagnosed with hearing loss at 3 ½ years old and initially I wore hearing aids for a short time. When I lost my hearing completely, I remember sitting in the back of the car as my father drove us back from hearing therapy. Suddenly, it sounded as if someone was turning down the volume on my hearing aids. I thought that my batteries needed to be changed, but that was not the case. After that, my parents took me in to be tested and was diagnosed with profound hearing loss. I received a Cochlear Implant at this time. I started kindergarten shortly after having my sound processor activated. I progressed well with my Cochlear implant. Later on I decided to move forward with getting a Cochlear implant on my other ear and I was able to do even better.

One of my most vivid memories of my family reacting to me first hearing with my Cochlear implant is when the phone rang, and I reacted and questioned if that was the phone. They were shocked and excited, realizing that the Cochlear implant was working for me.

Mentoring is important to me because I’m able to let others know they aren’t alone on this journey. There are so many people that have gone through this. We are a community and we stick together. A piece of advice I would give to families looking into Cochlear implants for their children is that supporting your child 100% is so important. Between scheduling the procedure to emotional support afterwards and encouragement and patience as your child learns to listen and speak and even excel!

Nucleus® 6 System – Unilateral | Progressive sensorineural hearing loss
I enjoy the visual arts, writing, cooking, Bollywood music and movies and exploring places less traveled.

I’m also available to connect on Cochlear Americas – Connect with a Mentor Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CochlearConnectwithaMentor

A quick summary about Saahi K.

• My Cochlear™ implant gave me confidence and has helped me become an ambitious individual who aspires to become a successful cochlear implant audiologist.
• I speak four languages fluently; English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.
• I’m very passionate about mentoring others with hearing loss and I’m excited to hear from you.

At the age of 13, I was diagnosed with a mild sensorineural hearing loss in my left ear and severe sensorineural hearing loss in my right ear. The cause is still medically undetermined. At the age of 19, my hearing in my left ear suddenly went from a mild loss to a profound loss within one hour while I was playing badminton. After being implanted with my Cochlear™ implant a few months after the loss, I really started focusing on building my self-confidence and esteem after spending my teen years in social isolation and bouts of depression. My family and I think that my Cochlear implant has helped me become the ambitious and passionate individual that I am today.

I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology and my personal experience and expertise in navigating life with my Cochlear implant and hearing aids inspired me to pursue a doctoral degree in audiology. I aspire to become a successful cochlear implant audiologist. I want to inspire and educate others about the amazing technology from Cochlear and how it makes life worth living. . .again.

Spouse – Nucleus® 7 & Kanso® Systems, Bilateral

My husband can socialize more easily now and attend plays and shows.

A quick summary about Sherree L.

• My husband lost his hearing gradually over time.
• He received his first Cochlear™ implant in 2010 and became bilateral in 2013.
• I’m passionate about helping others find out how cochlear implants can help them.

My journey began as I noticed my husband having difficulty in conversations as his hearing began deteriorating. Reluctantly, he got a hearing aid, then a second one for the other ear. Because hearing aids amplify sound, being in crowds or in loud restaurants became unbearable for him. He couldn’t socialize or enjoy activities. Eventually, the hearing aids stopped helping him.

My professional background is in speech and hearing, and when my husband’s speech discrimination became very low, we both realized that he needed to see if he was a candidate for a cochlear implant. He received his first Cochlear™ implant in 2010 and went on to become bilateral in 2013. At each activation, we were amazed at his ability to hear environmental sounds and understand speech. He’s able to socialize more easily now, attend plays and shows, and comfortably eat out in most restaurants.

Since this technology has helped my husband to communicate successfully, I’m excited to share our journey with other families! I’m passionate about helping others to find out how cochlear implants can help them regain usable hearing and supporting them after activation. Volunteering for Cochlear is our way of saying “thanks” for this amazing technology!

Parent – Nucleus® 7, Bilateral | Sensorineural Hearing Loss

My daughter graduated with her Master’s degree just one year after finishing her Bachelor’s degree.

A quick summary about Iraida W.

• My daughter lost all her hearing when she was 4 ½ years old.
• She graduated with her Master’s degree only a year after finishing her Bachelor’s.
• She’s an intelligent and driven young lady looking forward to helping others.

My name is Iraida and my daughter, Olivia, became a Cochlear recipient when she was 5 years old. When she lost her hearing suddenly, it shot our whole world down. As soon as we learned she had hearing loss, we researched and spoke with the hospital to learn more. As a family, we knew we would go forward with the cochlear implant. I worried that she wouldn’t learn to listen and talk, but I was so wrong. When we first saw Olivia responding to voices and sounds, we were elated. No words could describe our joy. Watching her interact with her twin and respond to questions was amazing. Now, Olivia is a young lady and she graduated with her Master’s degree only a year after finishing her Bachelor’s. She’s happy and looking forward to working and helping others on their hearing journeys.

The three things I told myself as my family and I embarked on this adventure with Olivia is to:

• Be her voice until she finds her own.
• Allow yourself to feel some kinda way… but only for A BIT!
• Never give up. Giving up is just not an option.

Our journey has gotten better and better with time. I share our family’s story in hopes that it will help parents considering a cochlear implant for the hearing loss of their children.

Nucleus® 6 System, Bilateral

I’ve had Cochlear™ implants for thirty years, ten years bilateral. I love going to concerts and listening to music.

I’m also available to connect on Cochlear Americas – Connect with a Mentor Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CochlearConnectwithaMentor

A quick summary about Margo K.

• My hearing challenges began when I was two years old after a car accident.
• I received my first Cochlear™ implant in 1989 and have enjoyed seven sound processor upgrades since then!
• When I began to hear again, my twelve-year-old son told me, ““Now I can tell you anything Mom”.

I’m Margo. My hearing challenges began when I was two years old after a car accident. I’d lost all hearing in my left ear and part of my hearing in my right ear. When I was 21 I received my first hearing aid for my right ear. At 25 a virus took what remained of my hearing. I was married with a one-year old son and suddenly my world became silent. It was traumatic. My biggest concern was whether I would be able to be a good mom to our son and wife to my husband.  Our family adapted and grew. Some of my biggest challenges were constant fatigue due to the effort it took to communicate. In 1989, I received my first Cochlear™ implant (CI).  My children were 5, 7, 9, and 12, and they became my teachers helping me learn to identify sounds. As I began to understand what was being said, my family and friends were very happy. I no longer struggled to communicate.  I remember my 12-year-old son telling me “Now I can tell you anything Mom”.

In 2008, I received a Cochlear implant in my other ear, which had lived in silence for 54 years. My world of sound became richer and more vibrant compared to having only one CI ear. I was thrilled as it meant the new CI ear had the potential to learn to hear. The hearing journey took a bit longer for my second ear and required more effort and perseverance but, it was well worth the effort.

The biggest pieces of advice I like to give people with hearing loss in those early months after getting their CIs are the P words. Patience, practice, perseverance and a positive attitude are key in getting the most out of your Cochlear implants.

I enjoy music, hiking, camping, geocaching, gardening, and wine making.  I was implanted in 2008 and 2009 with cochlear implants. I have participated in several bilateral bimodal research studies including the FDA Nucleus® 6 Hybrid™ clinical trials. Cochlear implant technology has allowed me to re-engage in life, let me know what questions I can answer for you.

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.

Parent – Nucleus® 7 System*, Bilateral | Sensorineural hearing loss

My daughter, MaKayla, enjoys extracurricular activities and sports. She’s in mainstream classes.

I’m also available to connect on Cochlear Americas – Connect with a Mentor Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CochlearConnectwithaMentor

A quick summary about Angel V.

• My daughter began wearing hearing aids at two months old.
• By age 4 she had lost all her hearing.
• It’s important to keep up the work to better hearing. It’s all worth it in the end!

My daughter, Makayla, was diagnosed with hearing loss through a routine screening. I was upset, scared, and worried. My biggest concern was that my daughter would never hear me say “I love you”. I didn’t know any other individuals living with hearing implants. Her hearing continued to decline over the course of four years, and she was implanted just before her fifth birthday. After her sound processor was activated, she began to respond to sounds and voices and my family and I were excited. Each day when she heard a new sound she would ask us to identify what she was hearing.  I became increasingly comforted by these experiences.

As a mentor it is so rewarding to give back to others at a time when they need reassurance most.

A piece of advice I have for people that are beginning their hearing journeys is to remember that they are not alone.

* The Cochlear implant system is intended for use in children 12 to 24 months of age who have bilateral profound sensorineural deafness and demonstrate limited benefit from appropriate binaural hearing aids.

Nucleus® 7 & 6 Systems – Bilateral | Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease

I’m also available to connect on Cochlear Americas – Connect with a Mentor Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CochlearConnectwithaMentor

I enjoy spending time with the grandchildren, volunteering, and listening to the sounds of nature.

A quick summary about Lori O.

• I lost my hearing overnight.
• I received my first Cochlear™ implant in 2012 and my second in 2014 on the other ear.
• Practice the 4 P’s – practice, patience, perseverance and positive attitude.

One day in 1985 I woke up deaf. My family and I were stunned at the sudden loss. I was able to regain some of the hearing in my right ear and was fitted with a hearing aid. Fast forward to 1991 and I once again woke up deaf. After many tests I was diagnosed with Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED). I struggled for 27 years to keep what hearing I had by using medications and several experimental treatments. Over the years we managed to get past the many “down times” I had. In 2012 I realized the battle to keep my natural hearing was not to be won. I received my first Cochlear™ implant shortly after that. After activation, my husband and I had a blast on the 2-hour drive home. It was the first time in years that I heard and understood music. I understood him while in the car, heard the passing cars and the blinker! My silenced social life blossomed. My two sons and their families smiled from ear to ear as I heard everything they were saying. The little ones…oh how blessed I was to be able to understand them!

Being a volunteer mentor has brought so much joy to my life. Seeing how happy someone I mentored has become after his/her hearing is restored is very exciting. The most important piece of advice I can give to someone (and their family) considering a Cochlear implant is to understand that there’s a learning curve after receiving your Cochlear implant. For some, speech comprehension isn’t instant. It can take time for the brain to connect the dots to hearing and involving family and friends is helpful.

Nucleus® 7 System – Bilateral

I’m an Air Force veteran. I enjoy music, yoga and talking to friends and family on the phone.

A quick summary about Denise B.

• My hearing progressively declined on my right side until I had little hearing left.
• In 2008, I lost the hearing on my left side overnight becoming profoundly deaf.
• I received my first Cochlear™ implant in 2009 and my second one in 2017 on my other side.

My hearing journey began with single sided deafness in my early thirties. I began using a hearing aid in 1992. My hearing progressively declined on the right side until I had little hearing left. In 2008, I lost the hearing on my left side overnight becoming profoundly deaf. This total hearing loss was sudden and catastrophic for me.  I couldn’t communicate, use the phone, understand music, practice yoga, all things that made life enjoyable, and I was struggling to keep my job as a college professor. When I learned about cochlear implants, I took everything about them on faith. There were no mentors available to talk with and most of the information came from the audiologist, who was wonderful. I received my first Cochlear™ implant in 2009, and my second one in 2017 on my other side. It was wonderful to hear sounds again. Speech took a bit longer, but it was a miracle to hear again.

As a volunteer mentor I help people learning about cochlear implants by sharing my experience, explaining what to expect, and sharing the challenges and strategies that I used to overcome the learning curve.

My piece of advice to new recipients is to practice, practice, practice. It gets better over time and every time you use the sound processor your brain is working. When you start to get tired, take a break 15-30 minutes then go back to the sound processor. Audio books are a good way to practice speech recognition and use the online tools, connect with a mentor and ask questions.