After living most of her life (35 years) with single-sided deafness, Jeannie grew up being told there were no solutions that would help her. She adapted to her diagnosis until learning about the new technology offered with the Cochlear™ Osia® System. She is now enjoying the features of streaming phone calls, actively working in her childcare job and even being a Cochlear Volunteer to share her experience with other potential candidates. To learn more about Jeannie’s experience read below:
“I received my Cochlear Osia System in July of 2021. I can honestly say that getting the Osia System is the best decision I have ever made.
Living a life without a hearing solution
I lived over 35 years with single-sided deafness without a solution. When I was diagnosed in the early 1980’s, I was told there was nothing I could do – just keep living my life. Since the doctors were telling me that’s how I should move forward, I did that, lived my life and adapted with deafness on my right side just being part of who I was.
I wasn’t really comfortable talking on the phone, being in large groups or noisy situations and got progressively more uncomfortable. I avoided them when I could.
When I turned 50 years old, I decided to see how technology had changed, and what solutions may be available to help someone with single-sided deafness. I was told that I was a candidate for the Cochlear Baha® System, a bone conduction device, but it just didn’t feel right for me. I was afraid that I would be overwhelmed with sounds that I hadn’t heard in 35 years. Covid hit around this time as well, and with everyone wearing masks, it took away my ability to read lips and facial cues; being deaf was now even harder.
Living a life with a hearing solution
In early 2020 I heard about the Osia System and the Cochlear Osia Sound Processor. Everything I read about it sounded like it was the solution I needed. I found out I was a candidate and decided to go ahead with surgery.
I had surgery in July 2021. It went great, recovery was uneventful, and I was activated about a month later at the end of August. I remember on the day of my activation; I couldn’t stop smiling. I marveled at the little things I heard. I remember hearing the chairs scrape on the cobblestones at lunch and the birds singing overhead. For the first time I felt 360 degrees not just one good side and one deaf side.
I have not been overwhelmed with sound as I feared and it has all been very natural. Streaming phone calls1 through the Osia Sound Processor has made me so much more comfortable on the phone. Walking outside is much safer now that I can stream through the Osia Sound Processor because my good ear is free to hear what is going on around me. I work as a childcare provider and my kids all know about my Osia Sound Processor and how it helps me.
I have had the privilege of sharing my journey with other Osia System candidates as a Cochlear Volunteer. I absolutely loving telling my story and answering questions about my experience in hopes of helping others.”
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with single-sided deafness, the Osia System may be a solution to help you hear your best. And if you’re interested in learning more from a Cochlear Volunteer, just like Jeannie, click here today!
- For information regarding the compatibility of Cochlear’s Sound Processors with Apple or Android devices, visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility.
