David: Age 60 male
I have otosclerosis and gradually lost most of my hearing from the age of 18. I had two operations which did not succeed on my right ear and thereafter used increasingly powerful hearing aids on my left ear, and had no meaningful hearing in my right ear. 5 years ago I found that I could manage only with great difficulty. I could not hear the radio properly and work and even ordinary conversations were very difficult. Music was beyond much enjoyment as my high frequency hearing had almost completely gone.
I was implanted in my right ear in June 2003 and in my left ear in June 2006. The operations were tiring but not painful. The results exceeded my expectations.
I can join in conversations over meals. Eating out is a pleasure again instead of a constant struggle with background noise. I can hear conversations in the car.
I can now use the telephone with no problem. The radio is clearer than it has been for years and I am enjoying music again for the first time for about 15 years. ( I can hear in stereo which I haven't since I was 18.)
In general life is much easier and more enjoyable I do not have to concentrate nearly as hard as I used to in order to understand what people are saying, and so I do not get as tired as I did and nor do I feel as isolated.