Cochlear Implant Changes Life of ENT Doctor

My name is Miao, I’m 39, and I’m from China. I work as an otolaryngologist (ENT) in the healthcare industry. I have one cochlear implant on my left side which helps me communicate with my family and work colleagues without any barriers.

From Tinnitus to Hearing Loss

In my first year of junior high school, I experienced intermittent tinnitus, which later developed into continuous tinnitus resembling the sound of cicadas in trees. Subsequently, I gradually began to experience hearing loss. Up to now, despite undergoing genetic and CT examinations without finding a definitive cause, my hearing has been gradually declining. Before attending university, my daily life was manageable, and I had no trouble communicating with patients during my graduate studies. However, when assisting in surgeries with my mentor and wearing a mask for communication, I faced difficulties.

Reasons for Getting a Cochlear Implant

Upon completion of my postgraduate program, I began wearing hearing aids to ensure minimal impact on my future work and life. In the first half of 2017, I felt a significant decline in my hearing.

At the same time, my child was due to be born in October of 2017, and I wanted to communicate freely and happily with my child.

Choosing MED-EL for Cochlear Implants

MED-EL’s implanted electrodes are soft, and the design concept of full implantation and 360-degree circular electrode stimulation appealed to me. So, in September 2017, I underwent surgery for a left-side cochlear implant. Initially, I used OPUS 2, and now I’m using the third-generation audio processor RONDO 3.

Activating RONDO 3

Wearing RONDO 3 is genuinely comfortable and convenient, and I also like the design. The moment it was turned on, I heard a rush of various sounds coming from outside. They all flooded in at once, making it impossible to distinguish them.

The Advantages of RONDO 3

My RONDO 3 can be very useful in various work situations:

• I wear RONDO 3 during work hours without any concerns.
• I can communicate smoothly with colleagues and patients, making work very enjoyable.
• My RONDO 3 can be charged wirelessly and only needs to be re-charged after a day of use.

The Advantages of Having a Cochlear Implant

It took me about six months to adjust to my new way of hearing. I haven’t engaged in any specific rehabilitation activities. I simply communicate and talk more every day, actively listening and experiencing. My levels of auditory and speech frequency are near normal with my CI:

• I can enjoy various styles of music.
• I can distinguish between different male and female voices.
• I can communicate smoothly and without barriers.
• I can also perceive emotions such as joy, anger, sadness, and laughter.
• Outdoors, I can hear birds chirping, insects buzzing, and leaves rustling in the wind.

Therefore, I believe the sounds I hear are generally similar to those heard by people with normal hearing in terms of speech frequency range.

My Advice to Others

For mild-to-moderate hearing loss, wearing hearing aids can help improve hearing. However, for severe-to-profound hearing loss, if you meet the criteria for cochlear implantation and have no contraindications, it is advisable to get a cochlear implant as soon as possible.

Hearing technology has transformed lives, and cochlear implants are a remarkable invention that has altered the course of my life, giving me a different perspective. I hope cochlear implants can assist more people with hearing loss in reintegrating into society, enabling them to work and live without restrictions. Thank you, Miao!