Bilateral cochlear implant recipient Tiena shared her story of battling hearing loss as a result of lupus with Cochlear in 2018. Now she’s back to revisit her experience, and how her cochlear implants have allowed her to resume her dreams of singing and modeling. Learn more about Tiena’s journey below:
“In 2015 I started losing my hearing; I started noticing things around me sounding different. Things like people talking and their voices sounding muffled. I would be watching television and it seemed really low, so I would turn it up not realizing it was super loud. Family members would tell me ‘Mone (my nickname) you need to turn the tv down!’ I would respond back: ‘it’s not even loud!’ In reality it was I just didn’t know I was losing my hearing.
In 2002, I was diagnosed with lupus. The type I was diagnosed with (Systemic lupus erythematosus) affects your major organs. I went to my lupus doctor who referred me to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. She was one of the best doctors I ever met. We quickly realized that hearing aids weren’t helping me, and seeing how fast my hearing was deteriorating, she knew what needed to be done.
Presented with a hearing solution – cochlear implants
She introduced me to cochlear implants. She explained to me my hearing test results and told me my right ear’s ability to comprehend words and sound went from 70 percent to 1 percent in a matter of weeks from my last visit. This wasn’t good. She explained how getting a cochlear implant could give me my hearing back, a new sound that would take some getting used to but would be worth it in the end.
I wanted to hear again so of course I was sold! In September 2016, I underwent my first surgery to place the cochlear implant in my right ear. I chose to go with the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 6 Sound Processor over the other devices. I loved the fact it sat behind my ear, and the ability to use Bluetooth® to stream1 and use wireless accessories.
In April 2017, I went back in the operating room and got my left ear implanted, going bilateral. I chose the same sound processor for that ear as well. In December 2023, I had to go back in the operating room due to having some complications with my left side. The connection to the magnet was strong like it should be, but the doctors went in and removed fat and shaved down skin to allow the sound processor to connect to the internal implant better.
Picking back up on my dreams
I chose Cochlear because I wanted to hear again. Losing my hearing put a pause to some of my dreams, one of which I really miss, singing! It’s crazy how life can change in the blink of an eye. Something you once did effortlessly, is snatched from you like a thief in the night. I also had to put my dreams of modeling on hold. You know when you lose your hearing, your equilibrium can be off. I was off balance bad, so walking became a task.
Since receiving my cochlear implants, my life has done some shifting. I have a new sound and I can hear again. I have started back modeling. I’m still working on reintroducing the singing part but I’m getting there. I have been encouraging others who are struggling with hearing loss, who are unsure of what to do, or how to get help while dealing with hearing loss.
My future goals are to continue being an advocate for hearing loss and lupus. I want to acquire a platform to shine a light on these topics so the funding needed to help others will be available. My faith in God is what has/does keep me sane and pushing. I know He chose me to use because He knew I could handle it. I want to encourage those of you reading this article, never judge a book by its cover. We never know what a person is dealing with on the inside or behind closed doors.
In due time when they are ready to share they will. So, before you go assuming she’s crass, she’s being funny, I spoke to her and she didn’t speak back, she honestly didn’t hear you because she was going deaf. When she was ready she shared her truth with everyone. Some accepted it and apologized, some didn’t and still hated her. In the end she realized what the devil meant for her bad, God meant for her good. I am her, and she is me, a proud – 8 year right, and 7 year left bilateral cochlear implant recipient.”
If you are experiencing hearing loss and are anxious to get back to pursuing your dreams, learn about how cochlear implants may be a solution that can help you get back on that path.
2- For a full list of smartphone and app compatible devices, visit: www.cochlear.com/compatibility.
- The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Cochlear is under license.
