An Octogenarian's Cochlear Implant Journey: I Can Hear Your Lovely Voice

by Bruce Sloane

Millions of people are hearing-impaired. For many older folks, hearing loss is progressive, slowly getting worse, year by year. Hearing aids, which may have provided sufficient help a few years earlier, are of little help. Voices sound muted and muddy; conversation–especially with loved ones--is difficult and frustrating. Understanding anyone over the phone becomes almost impossible. Social events, now a chore and no longer enjoyable, are often avoided. Life is being lived in isolation, alone, and often depressed. That last paragraph describes me several years ago. Even with hearing aids I was close to being totally deaf. But I decided to do something about my unsatisfactory At age 81 I got a cochlear implant. I kept a journal as I went through the the decision, evaluation, surgery, first days with the implant, and later adjustments in the following months. I now have near-normal hearing. You can read about my problems getting the implant, my initial struggles getting adjusted to it, how it has brought my wife, Joy, and me closer together, and my greater involvement in community affairs. The cochlear implant has changed my life. The American Cochlear Implant Alliance liked what I had written and published it as a blog on their website. They want to emphasize that nobody is too old to get a cochlear implant. By making the blog available as a short e-book on Amazon, they hope, and so do I, that it will be read not only by possible cochlear implant recipients and their spouses, loved ones, and friends, but also by those curious about cochlear implants and want to learn more. Read this book. It may change your life.Bruce Sloane

43 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2019

Reviews

[Gloria Lloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful but not very detailed

This is the essay of an 83 year old man who got a cochlear implant. The point was to show that age is no barrier to this technology. It’s a fairly routine description of the progression of his hearing loss, the decision to get a CI, the surgery, his recovery, and (spoiler alert) his eventual satisfaction with his hearing.

It really is an extended essay, not a book. It needs some editing for spelling errors and the duplicated re-telling of an anecdote at the end. That aside, it could help encourage older people to avail themselves of this technology to improve their hearing and add enjoyment to their lives. Age is no limit to this surgery. Just don’t expect this essay to be an in-depth look at the subject.

[Linda Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend for any older adult considering a cochlear implant

There are a few grammatical errors and double sections but good information none the less. Thank you sir for giving us your experience.

[edward b easter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in the process of getting a CI

This book has been a great help for me. I have really been getting worked up over the whole process facing me. I have a totally new outlook on my new journey.