Amy S. lost her hearing because of antibiotics needed from surgery. Luckily, her parents offered her the option to get a Cochlear™ Nucleus® 22 Implant. After enjoying the opportunity to upgrade to a smaller sound processor, Amy is excited to enjoy each day full of hearing:
“My name is Amy S. and I will be 43 years old on October 10. I was born in 1976 in Jacksonville, Florida to my biological mom who gave me up for adoption. When I was in the process of being adopted by my new parents, John and Joanne, I contracted meningitis in my elbow.
I had surgery on my elbow, but unfortunately the antibiotics from the medication somehow damaged my hearing completely. The path to a cochlear implant did not happen for me until 1992. I had been wearing hearing aids prior to then, although they did not help much at all.
Getting a cochlear implant
My parents asked if I was interested in getting a cochlear implant and after weighing the pros and cons, I said yes. I am so glad and grateful that my parents offered up the opportunity to get a cochlear implant! I had cochlear implant surgery in June of 1992 at our local university hospital and received the Cochlear Nucleus 22 Implant.
After having cochlear implant surgery, I went on to perform in the color guard/JROTC at my high school. At the time, the cochlear implant sound processor was larger than it is today and looked like a small computer with a wire to the sound processor. I was constantly worried about losing it or damaging it with my lifestyle. Luckily, sound processors today are much smaller and more durable.
In love with my sound processor
I am totally in love with my sound processor. Talking on the phone is a lot easier as I can connect to my iPhone®1 with the True Wireless™ Phone Clip. I also like being able to adjust the settings to the surroundings I am in! My hobbies include reading books and watching my favorite movies and TV shows (which I still do use captions from time to time). I have not allowed my hearing impairment to keep me from my goals for my life!
As I graduated from school, I have worked many jobs including being a bagger, a cashier, a waitress and even a cook. I went to school to be a vet assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant, which is what I currently do. I also have a son who is going to be 18 years old in March!
My future goal is to take one day at a time and enjoy years of happiness because I am able to hear. I do know how to read lips and have used sign language from time to time, but in June of 2020, I am approaching 26 years of being able to ‘Hear now. And always’.”
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