Randy, a Colorado resident, endured 44 years of his life with profound hearing loss. After years of trying hearing aids with little results, his hearing loss worsened, leading him to a cochlear implant in 2023. Implementing a dedicated daily rehabilitation, spending several hours per day, Randy saw remarkable improvements in his hearing. Read below for more on his journey that highlights the importance of hearing in all areas of life:
“My name is Randy and I live in Colorado. I have had profound hearing loss in both ears that started 44 years ago, due to working underground with high noise levels. I started wearing hearing aids 43 years ago. The last four years my hearing loss progressed significantly. My word recognition and ability to understand what was being said deteriorated to the point it was difficult to work in noisy areas.
I had heard about cochlear implants but didn’t fully understand what they were or how they worked, so I started researching them. I went in for a cochlear implant evaluation early in 2021 but was informed that while the hearing loss itself was extremely profound, my word recognition skills were still above the threshold.
Continued attempts to find a solution for my hearing loss
In late 2023, I completed yet another hearing test for new hearing aids, but my audiologist also wanted to complete another cochlear implant evaluation. This time the results showed my hearing loss had become even worse and the word recognition in my right ear was at or below 20 percent; my left ear was around 40 percent. I now qualified for cochlear implants. My audiologist explained in detail the whole process including the fact they start with one ear, not both, as it aids in the hearing rehabilitation process.
Several things happened at the same time. I ordered a new hearing aid for my left ear and set an appointment with the ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon to begin the process for a cochlear implant in my right ear. I was given information on several devices by different manufacturers, then began my own research on failure rates, battery life, success stories versus unsuccessful implants and decided Cochlear was definitely the best on the market.
A phone call from my audiologist informing me that the latest model of hearing aid we had chosen didn’t integrate with Cochlear. It had been on the market for only two weeks before this, but that conversation resulted in more questions regarding the integration, which my audiologist was able to answer with a few exceptions. I had some additional questions on the technical aspects of Bluetooth® in this hearing aid as well as the sound processors. I was given a phone number for Cochlear and the response time was immediate. Calls were returned always before the date promised and all questions were answered without hesitation. I also received a call from a Cochlear representative, providing me with a direct line to her office for any future questions.
The next step in my hearing journey: a cochlear implant
I was implanted in January 2024 and my sound processor was activated later that month after an approved upon recovery window. The surgery was smooth with very little pain, easily managed with recommended treatment from my medical staff. The sound processor activation day was amazing. Once the cochlear implant and sound processor were paired and adjusted, I was asked how things sounded. My response was ‘I can hear so much and I can also understand what was being said.’ This included what my wife was saying even though she was sitting behind me. My new hearing journey had begun.
For the first two weeks after activation I did experience what I call R2-D2 beeping in my ear and voices all sounded like Micky Mouse after inhaling a helium ballon. Over the next few months I was back for mapping adjustments with my audiologist, once at 2 more weeks, then three months and finally at six months. Each time some minor adjustments were made and my sound and word recognition were checked.
At the six-month evaluation very little adjustment was made but an extensive hearing test was performed. I had hearing levels that were close if not spot on normal. My word recognition was hovering around 98 percent. I contribute my overwhelming success to the diligent hours of rehab I did following my activation. I worked the rehab with only the sound processor on so I could focus on my right ear.
The benefits of cochlear implants in my life today
I am now back fully enjoying all aspects of my life and have really been able to jump back into my favorite hobby of Ham Radio. This was a life changing experience for me and my family. I am fully active with Amateur Radio Emergency Services® (ARES®) and a couple other emergency communications groups and work with our local search and rescue organization as a communications officer. None of this would have been possible without my implant.
I was just bilaterally activated in late July 2024, with my second implant in my left ear. It has only made things better. In my opinion Cochlear was the best decision I ever made and their customer service behind the product is amazing.
My wife even says: ‘I can attest to the significant improvement in his [Randy’s] quality of life. He had struggled so long trying to keep up on conversations he was exhausted by the end of the day. He is now a new and improved person.’”
If you or a loved one have been experiencing hearing loss, like Randy, for a long number of years, cochlear implants may help! Learn about your options by visiting our website to learn how these devices work.
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