Implant Anniversary

Three years ago, October 24, 2004, my cochlear implant was activated. For 18 years I suffered in the realms of amplified sounds via bilateral digital hearing aids. Many moons ago, when CI technology peeked over the horizon, I resisted the audiologists recommendation for the operation.

Looking back at what three years has taught me, and what the future may or may not promise. I have learned there is beauty in silence and in hearing; each person has a unique voice of distinctive harmony. NO longer do I have to stretch my neck or my eyes to investigate sound. There are many factors to successful speech discrimination, and within speech is clarity, tone and inflection. I have learned that facial expression is one small component of self-expression - tone and volume are other important factors too. I never realized a person could keep a straight-face yet have the most stern, serious voice with an angry tone. I have learned that young children can cry out of hunger, fatigue, urgency or loneliness. I have become a better, more understanding parent.

I'm wearing the most technological advanced Cochlear Implant on the market; the promise of better technology is all part of Advanced Bionics' mission to ensure the internal device can be upgraded via the external processor (i.e., I will not undergo additional surgery).

I have traveled throughout the United States sharing my story, my journey to hearing, from a world of silence-filled with depression and confusion. Many have been touched, and even made the personal decision to pursue a Cochlear Implant, including my oldest brother, Fred.

I love hearing, I love the freedom I have gained with my Cochlear Implant, and I look forward to additional self-discovery. I look forward to acoustically challenging environments, such as concert halls and banquet facilities. I look forward to my ever-expanding horizon of hearing, because within sound I have discovered is the beauty of life.