Connect with a mentor

Baha® 5 Connect, Unilateral| Single Sided Deafness

My hobbies are spending time with our grandsons, woodworking, traveling and listening to old time radio detective programs.

A quick summary about Dan N.

• I had a sudden hearing loss in one ear and became single sided in 1971.
• I’ve been a mentor for over 14 years.
• I wore Bi-CROS hearing aids for a while before switching to a Baha® System.

I had a sudden hearing loss in one ear and became single sided in 1971. I wore hearing aids for 20 years. Back then there wasn’t any treatment available, so I just sort of faked it for the next 15 years. In the mid-1980s I started wearing Bi-CROS hearing aids.  They were fair to poor in the best of circumstances.  I learned about the Baha® in 2005 and did a test drive comparing it with newer Bi-CROS aids. The Baha provided sound, clarity and volume unequaled by the hearing aids and I was convinced. I currently wear the Baha 5.

I derive great satisfaction from guiding mentees as they take steps toward hearing. As a recipient myself, I’ve “been there and done that,” and I’m able to relate to their experiences. There are hearing solutions and together we can explore them. You are not alone on your hearing journey.

Nucleus® 6 System & ReSound Hearing Aid, Bimodal | Usher’s Syndrome

As a visually challenged individual, I made the right decision to receive a Cochlear™ Implant.

A quick summary about David K.

• I’m a visually challenged individual.
• I no longer shy away from social engagements or meetings.
• I enjoy sharing my experience with others, giving back and encouraging them.

I’d been wearing bilateral hearing aids for many years and thought I was hearing well. My son noticed I was favoring my right ear and encouraged me to get tested. I made an appointment with an otologist to be evaluated. She told me I was a candidate for a cochlear implant and should consider having the procedure. I had several concerns but after discussing the situation with my family, I decided to go ahead. I had the procedure in 2016. My family and friends noticed that my hearing improved dramatically. I can now enjoy listening to music, TV, radio, and nature. I’m able to actively participate in everyday, business and social situations. I don’t regret for a second getting a Cochlear™ Implant, especially since I’m visually challenged.

My advice to those considering a cochlear implant or those that just received one is to keep in mind that better hearing doesn’t happen overnight. It takes work to “train the brain” to interpret the sounds it is receiving from the cochlear implant.

Baha® 5 System – Connect, Unilateral | Acoustic Neuroma

My Baha® enables me to hear riders, walkers and runners on my left side so I’m better able to navigate and enjoy my bike rides.

A quick summary about Marilyn K.

• My hearing journey began with gradual hearing loss over several years until 2015.
• I’ve had my Cochlear™ Baha® System since September 2016.
• I love streaming music from my iPhone® to my Baha.

My hearing journey began with gradual hearing loss over several years. 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 in 2016. Because total left side hearing loss after surgery was likely, we discussed the benefits of a Baha.

I spoke with a former colleague’s sister, who had the same surgery and a Baha® 5. After six months of waiting between the acoustic neuroma surgery and getting my Baha, I was so ready to get back to hearing. My long-anticipated “hook up” took place, and I was amazed with the technology.  I immediately adapted to new sounds! I could hear my friend while she was driving with me in the passenger seat. I love streaming music through my iPhone®, and telephone calls are so much easier now.

As a volunteer mentor, it is such a joy to help someone else through their decision-making process. I’ve also learned so much from the people I’ve helped as a mentor. For me, it’s a real feeling of family with everyone I’ve met through Cochlear.

My top tips for people considering a bone conduction implant:

• Be patient with the doctor(s), insurance and scheduling process.
• Research and learn whatever you can about your hearing and Cochlear™ hearing solution.
• Reach out to Cochlear recipients, they’ve been through the process and are glad to help.

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Nucleus® 6 System, Bilateral

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Nucleus® 7, Bilateral | Sensorineural Hearing Loss

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

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

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!

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 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.

Nucleus® 6 & Hybrid™ Hearing¹ System, Bimodal

Getting the Cochlear™ Implant has increased my confidence when interacting with people. I enjoy traveling the world!

A quick summary about Pam J.

• I wore hearing aids for a while as an adult, but they became less effective with time.
• I got a Cochlear™ Implant in my left ear when I was 66.
• I wear a ReSound Linx 9 3D in my right ear.

I had a mild hearing loss as a child and my hearing worsened as I aged.  Because of the slow progression of my hearing loss and my ability to compensate as it got worse, I was able to get by. With time my hearing aids became less and less effective.  I got a Cochlear™ Implant (CI) in my left ear when I was 66. I use it with the Acoustic component and I continue to use a ReSound hearing aid in the other ear. Getting the CI has increased my confidence when interacting with people. 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 hearing aid combination. My husband says he’s also happy because I can hear him better.

My biggest satisfaction in being a mentor is listening to what people are experiencing after they receive the CI. I have found that it is important to be proactive about practice and experimenting with accessories. The payoff is big. Quality of life is important to me and the CI has improved it – a lot.

1. The Acoustic Component should only be used when behavioral audiometric thresholds can be obtained and the recipient can provide feedback regarding sound quality.

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.