Cochlear Implant

One of my husband’s dreams for several years of his life was to receive a cochlear implant, but the cost for such an operation made it impossible for him. When he moved to Utah, the university hospital was able to have most of the cost covered by Medicare.

The doctor warned him that because of his age and because of the calcium buildup inside his ear, the implant may not work for him. Implants work best on children (according to the doctor). The thought of having his head cut open was not too thrilling, but he decided to go ahead with it, having high hopes of being able to hear.

The operation was a success, too successful I guess. He could hear sounds but it was just noise to him. Even people talking was just noise. When he wore it to church, all he could hear were the children, and babies crying. I tried to help him make out the different sounds, but it was too confusing for him. He finally decided he likes being deaf. He still has the implant in his head, but he does not use the receiver.

At least he had an opportunity to know what it might be like to hear, but sometimes it’s better to accept our lot in life. Besides, many sounds in this world we are better off not hearing.