Joy
I was born with a severe to profound hearing loss. My parents did not know until I was 15 months old. I was immediately fitted with hearing aids, which went through some modifications until I was appropriately amplified. I was raised with the auditory verbal approach and learned to make listening a part of my life. As I matured, my hearing got worse. By the time I was 18, my mother learned that I might be a candidate for a cochlear implant. In the summer of 1997, I was implanted with the Clarion, a major decision for me. We chose the Clarion at that time.
In May 2000, I was involved in a very serious car accident, which damaged my implant. Due to being pregnant, I was unable to be re-implanted until my son was born which was 6 months later. I had to go back to wearing a hearing aid in one ear. THAT was indescribably devastating. Due to some problems we learned that other adult Clarion users were experiencing, we researched the MED-EL and liked what we read about it. I liked the faster processing speed and the sleek European style, in addition to the BTE.
I have had my MED-EL BTE since mid-December and I love it. I will not trade it for anything else. My family and friends have noticed that I understand speech and the clarity of my speech has improved immensely. I am using the telephone and cell phone for most voices, but unfamiliar people can be difficult for me to understand. I know that will come in time with more practice.
In May 2000, I was involved in a very serious car accident, which damaged my implant. Due to being pregnant, I was unable to be re-implanted until my son was born which was 6 months later. I had to go back to wearing a hearing aid in one ear. THAT was indescribably devastating. Due to some problems we learned that other adult Clarion users were experiencing, we researched the MED-EL and liked what we read about it. I liked the faster processing speed and the sleek European style, in addition to the BTE.
I have had my MED-EL BTE since mid-December and I love it. I will not trade it for anything else. My family and friends have noticed that I understand speech and the clarity of my speech has improved immensely. I am using the telephone and cell phone for most voices, but unfamiliar people can be difficult for me to understand. I know that will come in time with more practice.
|
