A Cochlear Implant Success Story: Nandini’s MED-EL Testimonial
When Nandini realised her hearing aids weren’t enough, she found a better solution: a MED-EL cochlear implant. Better hearing is within reach for you too—start your journey today!
About Nandini
Nandini has been an audiologist for 25 years—and she has progressive hearing loss. She was prescribed hearing aids at the age of four, but now her hearing aids are no longer enough. She worked for MED-EL India for over 15 years and began working for MED-EL UK as a Hearing Journey Support Specialist in October of 2025.* Drawing on both her personal experience and professional background, she knows there is another option that can enable her to hear again: a cochlear implant.
“If you’re unsure and afraid of taking the step for cochlear implantation, I would say, OK, it’s natural to feel that way. I certainly was. It took me a long time to reach my decision, as well—and that was as an audiologist. But I will say, it’s so much easier than I ever imagined it to be before I took the step. So just go for it—it’s going to change your life.”
Nandini
MED-EL Cochlear Implant User and Audiologist
Not Hearing Well—Even With Hearing Aids
In her late twenties, Nandini experienced more of a decline in her hearing and worsening tinnitus. More recently, her family has noticed the change, too—sometimes she misses out on what her children say. Group situations have become difficult because she can’t lip-read everyone at once, and talking on the phone is a challenge.
"When the hearing load has been too much and I’m tired at the end of the day, my patience for conversations with the children has reduced—they want to share things with me that I don’t necessarily have the energy for."
Deciding to Get a MED-EL Cochlear Implant
As an audiologist, Nandini understands the science behind hearing loss and cochlear implant technology. She chose a MED-EL cochlear implant system because of factors unique to MED-EL that support closest to natural hearing: long and flexible electrodes, individualisation with OTOPLAN software, and anatomy-based fitting. The surgery is a big deal, but Nandini and her family are looking forward to her hearing well again and regaining confidence.
"What made me realise I need a cochlear implant is that my hearing aids are doing the very best that they can, and I’m still not comfortable."
Cochlear Implant Surgery
Nandini now has a sense of urgency, but despite her worries, she knows she’s in the right place. Cochlear implantation is a routine procedure for ENT surgeons, and in typical cases, it takes 30 to 120 minutes. The clinical team does a great job of preparing Nandini for surgery, and they make her feel comfortable and confident.
"The strongest feeling I have right now is, I think I have a sense of urgency. I just want to get the operation completed now."
Cochlear Implant Activation
At activation when her SONNET 3 audio processor is switched on, Nandini is pleasantly surprised by the sensation of the sound being in her ear instead of coming from outside it. Based on the frequencies in the ear where the electrodes are located, the audiologist performs an anatomy-based fitting—something only possible with MED-EL CIs—and Nandini notices an immediate improvement in the sound quality.
"When the audiologist initially turned on the device, it was with the standard map, and it sounded very tinny. But the moment he activated the anatomy-based fitting map, everything changed, and the sound was so much more natural."
Six Months of Hearing With a Cochlear Implant
With SONNET 3 on her right ear, Nandini feels she’s in a really great place. It has taken her time to adapt and learn, and certain situations were tough, but she reassures CI users that they can do it. Nandini now has more energy and confidence and can hear sounds she’d forgotten—like her son laughing. Communication is more relaxed, and she can listen without lip-reading.
"It is a massive difference compared to acoustic hearing aids, and until you go through that change from acoustic to electrical, you can’t even imagine what that change is going to be like."
Convenient Hearing in Everyday Life With SONNET 3
For Nandini, struggles at work were a key turning point that influenced her decision. Now, with her MED-EL CI, she says she hears everything. Her SONNET 3 is well-equipped for helping her throughout the rehabilitation process, from streaming music to doing rehab exercises—even with background noise in the car. And with the ReDi app from MED-EL, she can easily gauge her progress.
"I was feeling very stuck with my hearing aids that I wasn’t able to contribute as much in meetings. With the cochlear implant, all of that has changed."
MED-EL’s Unique Anatomy-Based Fitting Technology
At her first fitting, Nandini got to hear for herself what a standard fitting sounds like—and how much more natural hearing is with MED-EL’s anatomy-based fitting. As an audiologist, she understands the technology behind this profound difference in hearing, and experiencing it for herself has proven to her that MED-EL really delivers what it promises: closest to natural hearing.
"Every cochlea is different. Why would we not take that information and use it and apply it to the patient and give them the sound that is more natural? And as a user, I felt it, I felt the difference, and I can hand-on-heart say it works."
Start Your Cochlear Implant Journey With MED-EL
We hope Nandini has inspired you to take the next step toward better hearing with a MED-EL cochlear implant too. To receive more obligation-free information and connect with our Hearing Journey Support Specialist, fill out this form. We’re excited to answer all your questions and help you on your journey to closest to natural hearing with MED-EL.
* Nandini is a MED EL employee. Her appearance forms part of company marketing reflecting her personal journey with hearing loss. The content does not represent clinical advice. For questions about hearing loss or cochlear implantation, please consult your healthcare professional.
