How Cochlear Implant Made Me More Deaf: A Journey of Acceptance and Discovery

In a world where hearing is often taken for granted, the experience of living with hearing loss can be isolating and frustrating. For some, a cochlear implant can offer a lifeline, restoring a sense of connection and independence. However, the journey towards accepting and adapting to a cochlear implant can be complex and challenging.

Connected: How a Cochlear Implant Made Me More Deaf

by Faith Ringgold

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1826 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	119 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In her memoir, "How Cochlear Implant Made Me More Deaf," author and advocate Emily Grodin shares her personal account of living with hearing loss and the decision to receive a cochlear implant. With honesty and humor, Grodin explores the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, from the initial surgery to the ongoing process of adjusting to a new way of hearing.

The Decision

Grodin's journey began with a gradual loss of hearing in her late teens. As the years went by, she found it increasingly difficult to follow conversations, enjoy music, and navigate social situations. Eventually, she reached the point where she could no longer work and had to rely on sign language interpreters to communicate.

After years of struggling with hearing loss, Grodin decided to explore the possibility of a cochlear implant. She underwent a thorough evaluation and was ultimately approved for the surgery. The decision was not an easy one, but Grodin felt that it was the only way to regain her independence and quality of life.

The Surgery

The cochlear implant surgery was a major undertaking, both physically and emotionally. Grodin underwent a five-hour procedure during which a small device was implanted into her inner ear. The device consists of a microphone, speech processor, and electrodes that stimulate the auditory nerve.

The surgery was successful, but Grodin's recovery was slow and challenging. She experienced dizziness, balance problems, and tinnitus. It took several months for her to adjust to the new sounds and sensations produced by the implant.

The Adjustment

Once Grodin had recovered from the surgery, she began the process of adjusting to her new way of hearing. At first, she found the sounds produced by the implant to be overwhelming and distorted. She had difficulty understanding speech and struggled to adapt to the new ways of perceiving sound.

With time and practice, however, Grodin gradually grew accustomed to the implant. She learned to focus on the speech cues that were now available to her and to use strategies to improve her understanding. She also found that the implant restored her ability to hear certain sounds that she had not heard in years, such as birds singing and the rustling of leaves.

The Acceptance

As Grodin became more comfortable with her cochlear implant, she began to reflect on its impact on her life. She realized that it had not only given her back her hearing but had also changed her perception of herself and her place in the world.

Initially, Grodin had felt a sense of loss when she realized that she was no longer "deaf" in the same way that she had been before the implant. She had to re-learn how to navigate a world that was now accessible to her in a way that it had not been before.

However, over time, Grodin came to embrace the changes that the implant had brought into her life. She realized that her cochlear implant had made her more deaf in the sense that it had given her a new appreciation for the deaf community and the unique experiences that come with hearing loss.

Emily Grodin's memoir, "How Cochlear Implant Made Me More Deaf," is a powerful and inspiring account of one woman's journey towards acceptance and discovery. Grodin's story provides a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of living with hearing loss and the transformative power of technology.

For those considering a cochlear implant, Grodin's book offers a valuable resource and source of support. It provides a realistic and honest account of the journey ahead, from the initial decision to the ongoing process of adjustment.

For those who are already living with a cochlear implant, Grodin's book can serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience that can be found within the deaf community. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced challenges and adversity in their lives.

Connected: How a Cochlear Implant Made Me More Deaf

by Faith Ringgold

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1826 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	119 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE