Growing up with deaf grandparents, Erika understood hearing loss intimately, but her own hearing loss journey began at the young age of just 2 years old. After years of dealing with bilateral hearing loss and gradual decline, including a ruptured eardrum, she discovered Cochlear bone conduction solutions. Now Erika’s hearing has improved for the better and she can hear birds sing and her children playing. Read her story:
“I am no stranger to hearing loss. Both my grandparents on my father’s side were deaf, my grandmother was born deaf, and my grandfather became deaf at age four as a result of the Spanish flu. My hearing journey began when I was 2 years old.
I had recurrent ear infections, which led to tubes. When I was 16 years old the eardrum in my right ear ruptured and never healed. I had surgery to reconstruct my eardrum, and I was able to hear in my right ear again. Over the years, my hearing has gradually worsened.
A hearing solution that changed everything
I have 30 percent hearing loss overall, with bilateral loss. I utilize the Cochlear™ Baha® 6 Max Sound Processor1 for my left side, I was ‘activated’ with the Baha Sound Processor in 2017 when I was 26 years old.
My first ‘aha’ moment was when we were at the audiologist, and my daughter (who was three at the time) whispered I love you and I was able to hear it clear as day. My second ‘aha’ moment was in classes; I was able to hear crystal clear as a classmate was speaking; I was also able to contribute to the class discussion. I love the crystal-clear sound of the Baha 6 Max Sound Processor and streaming2 is one of my favorite things about the device.
When I was 29 years old I decided to also receive the newest technology in the bone conduction solution lineup – the Cochlear Osia® System3, in my right side. I had just started a new position, and I realized that my hearing could potentially get worse as time went on. I ultimately decided to have the surgery done and get the Osia Implant while I was younger and my body was able to handle it. I knew it would help me as I got older not only at work but in my personal life as well.
Benefits of life with the Baha and Osia Systems
The benefits of these two hearing devices together are indescribable. Before any device at all, it was so hard to hear, and I would struggle daily just to be a part of regular conversation. Now, my directional hearing has improved for the better, and day to day activities are more enjoyable.
I do not feel like I am missing things in a conversation or in a group setting. I can focus better on the person I am speaking with in a crowded room. I can hear the birds singing like they are right next to me. I can hear my children playing outside, and their soft breaths as I check on them at night.”
If you or a family member are experiencing hearing loss, a bone conduction solution may be an option to help them get back the sounds that have been missing. Learn more about Cochlear bone conduction solutions today!
- In the United States and Canada, the placement of a bone-anchored implant is contraindicated in children below the age of 5.
- For information regarding the compatibility of Cochlear’s Sound Processors with True Wireless, Apple or Android devices, visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility
- In the United States and Canada, the Osia System is indicated for children ages five and older. Patients should have sufficient bone quality and quantity to support successful implant placement. Surgery is required to use this product. Any surgical procedure carries risk.
