After an abrupt and progressive experience with hearing loss, Tracy spent more than a decade relying on hearing aids that only helped with volume and missed the clarity in conversations. As a teacher, this made her job very difficult. After encouragement from her audiologist and a former student, Tracy discovered what life could be like with a cochlear implant. Read her life-changing story below:
“My name is Tracy. I have bilateral cochlear implants. I received my first cochlear implant in November 2021 and the second in September 2023. To say I am a happy recipient is an understatement. Living life with cochlear implants has truly given me my life back.
Difficulties of daily life with hearing loss
My hearing loss is mysterious and progressive. I am a retired high school Spanish teacher. I noticed that I was missing a lot of what my students said. I thought they were getting quieter and mumbling more. I was shocked at my first hearing test at the level of my hearing loss.
I began wearing hearing aids and wore them for 11 years. While they helped with volume, they did not provide clarity. I began to feel frustrated and isolated. I began to make decisions for social activities based on my hearing. At my age I felt I was too young to miss all that life had to offer. I became a grandmother and really wanted to interact with my family, husband, daughter, son and their families. I knew something needed to change.
My audiologist encouraged me to see if I would be a candidate for a cochlear implant. I was tested and I qualified. And then I became scared of having the surgery. I backed out of further testing. I continued to teach high school and struggled to do so. Upon my retirement, my audiologist encouraged me to reconsider cochlear implants. I was tested again and qualified again. By coincidence, I saw a former student who was using the Cochlear™ Kanso® 2 Sound Processor.
Learning what life can be like with a hearing solution
He was a rather recent recipient and could only sing the praises of hearing this way. He helped put me at ease and I began my hearing journey. I really wanted an off-the-ear device like the Kanso 2 Sound Processor, like my student. I am an active person who loves to ski, hike, snowshoe, cycle, do yoga and swim. I teach swimming using the Kanso 2 Sound Processor and the Aqua+ kit1. The Kanso 2 Sound Processor has been the right choice for me and has allowed me to enjoy all of my hobbies with family and friends.
I am so grateful and blessed that these devices were invented and are available to so many of us. I use the direct streaming technology through my phone2 with Bluetooth®. I consider myself to always be doing aural rehab as I realized very quickly how important it is with a cochlear implant. My husband was so supportive and helped me through all of the hearing workbooks. I listen to podcasts almost every day. I listen to audiobooks often.
Having my cochlear implant has allowed me to resume many activities that I previously enjoyed. My husband and I can go to the movies again; I can hear in church, at concerts, family gatherings, lectures, phone calls, book discussions and in restaurants. I have even begun taking piano lessons.
These devices are life changing!”
Tracy discovered clarity through cochlear implants when her hearing aids were no longer enough – if you’re experiencing a similar experience, discover how cochlear implants may benefit you.
3
- The Cochlear Kanso 2 Sound Processor meets the IP68 rating of the International Standard IEC60529 of freshwater waterproof. These processor configurations were tested by continuous submersion in freshwater for 60 minutes at a depth of 1 meter and functioned as intended. Cochlear offers the Aqua+ accessory for additional protection during extended water use, in salty or rushing water environments. For additional information, please refer to the appropriate user guide.
- 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.
