Jeff - Grateful Patient of Dr. Hinrich Staecker

Cochlear Implantation

I have progressive hearing loss and the hearing aids which I had depended on were useless. I was withdrawing. I called my family physician and I was referred to Dr. Staecker. He recommended cochlear implants. We immediately set a date for surgery and for activation. I was amazed at the difference that it made for me!

One day after the activation, I could hear! I went back in a week to be tested. During the test, I turned and closed my eyes and I was still able to repeat the words that Nicole my audiologist was saying! That was awesome but it was the first of many similar experiences:

• My wife and I were talking while she was up in our loft and I was in the master bedroom on the other side of our house!

• I heard my daughters name called at Graduation a month after the activation.

• I went to the movies and was able to  be a part of the conversations.

My new found ability to hear is incredible. I'd like to share some cochlear implants moments:

• I go around thinking "what's that background noise"? My wife, Tammy, helps me put the noises into an intelligent sound.

• I was sitting at the kitchen table when I heard a sound. So I tried to mimic the sound. Still I had trouble making it out. So my wife said it was a chickadee. I had no idea what a chickadee sounded like! 

• The car was an interesting experience. I heard for the first time the alarms when you step out of the cars with your light on! No more running down the battery.

This is all possible because of Dr. Staecker, Nicole Neihues and their team. I would simply like to say Thank you!