HH/Beck: Please tell me about your hearing loss? When did it start and what was the origin?
AFG: My hearing loss started a little after I turned 6. It started with ear infections and a high fever. It was a gradual thing, it just got worse as I got older.
HH/Beck: Did your hearing loss impact your education?
AFG: Yes, I attended hearing schools it was tough, but I got by. One thing that was always a problem was if the teacher had a beard or mustache, I had to transfer out of the class -- because I wasnt able to speech read with facial hair! I also attended College but since the required lecture courses were too hard to follow, I just took the courses to enable me to learn computer, bookkeeping, accounting and achieve a career in business and accounting.
HH/Beck: If you don't mind my asking, as a child, did hearing loss impact your friendships?
AFG: Yes. Kids can be really cruel, and theres not much new there. However, I tried to make the best of it, and I did have a few friends, and they were all hearing.
HH/Beck: Who was it that first noticed your hearing loss?
AFG: My third grade teacher was the one who realized I had hearing loss. My parents decided something should be done, I think I was about 8 years old.
I tried hearing aids when I was about 8 or 9 years old at that time, they were the body worn hearing aids, and they didnt do very much for me. I did get my first in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids at 13 years old, then a behind-the-ear (BTE) at age 16 and then two BTEs at 32 years of age.
HH/Beck: How old were you when you received your cochlear implant?
AFG: I was 44 years old when I received the Clarion CII Bionic Ear System in May, 2002 and it was turned on June, 2002.
HH/Beck: How has the CI changed your life?
AFG: From the day I was initially hooked-up, the CI has changed my life dramatically. Since I have had the cochlear implant I have more friends than I ever had and I met that special someone. I received an outstanding performance award and I was promoted to Lead A/P Clerk (which is just under my manager), I was just recently nominated for Quality Ambassador at work so my life has improved dramatically. I recently started to attend conventions. That too, has been a rewarding experience.
HH/Beck: Has the cochlear implant allowed you to attend movies? plays? musicals?
AFG: I havent tried movies yet, but I did attend a Bruce Springsteen concert, it was awesome, but hard to discriminate the words to the songs.
HH/Beck: Do you generally do OK with the phone?
AFG: Yes, with familiar people I do OK. I try to answer the phone at work sometimes with co-workers, to see if I can hear them. Im making progress there too. One thing I do remember is the first time I called my parents house, my dad said Can you hear me? and I said No! He repeated it and I said Yes Daddy, I can hear you. I hear my dad the best, and he does have a low tone voice.
HH/Beck: Can you offer any advice for others CI candidates?
AFG: Go for it, it will change your life for the best!!!!!!!!!!
HH/Beck: Did your insurance cover the costs of the CI?
AFG: Yes! They did cover the expense and I am grateful! But mostly grateful for the help of the Advanced Bionic insurance department who did wonders with helping me fight the insurance company for the use of my doctor nearby.
HH/Beck: Whats the best thing about the cochlear implant?
AFG: There are many best things. The wonderful people Ive met, the accomplishments I have achieved and --- hearing again is just awesome.
I seem to remember sounds, songs from long ago just hit me when they come on the radio, and I can remember the words and actually hear them. A few other things stand out ... hearing the water running, hearing the microwave beep (which I never did before as when I was growing up they didnt have microwaves), the turn signal on a car, people calling my name. I can actually hear all of these things again. It is amazing.
HH/Beck: Whats the worst thing about cochlear implants?
AFG: There is nothing bad about it. To not hear is the worst thing!
HH/Beck: Did the cochlear implant meet your expectations?
AFG: More than you can ever imagine, it has changed my life for the better, and I am very pleased.
HH/Beck: Thanks so much for your time and energy! Its a pleasure to work with you.
AFG: My pleasure also, Thank you too.
Click here to visit the Advanced Bionics website.
