About Sophie-Anne
Location:
Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Profile:
Implant Recipient
Type of Implant:
Bone Conduction Implant
Hearing Loss Type:
Bilateral Hearing Loss
Sudden Hearing Loss
Prelingual Hearing Loss
„Having bilateral BONEBRIDGE implants is the best decision I’ll ever make in my entire lifetime.“
My hearing journey
I’ve had a hearing loss since I had glue ear at about three years old. I had lots of grommet operations and was told I would grow out of it but it never seemed to happen. When the grommets didn’t help, I had four T-tube operations, which are similar to grommets, but over time my hearing loss gradually worsened due to the glue ear and repeated infections.
When I was about 16, I got my first pair of hearing aids, but I kept developing ear infections that affected my social life. I also had to keep taking time off work, affecting my career development. My hearing loss affected my family too. When I took my hearing aids out at home, everyone had to shout to get my attention and I needed subtitles on the television to follow programmes.
My surgeon and audiologist suggested the BONEBRIDGE system to me. They provided lots of information about the implant and I was given the choice between BONEBRIDGE and a bone-anchored hearing aid. The decision process was instant for me. I chose the BONEBRIDGE as it’s more discreet, the chances of infection are lower, and it requires less maintenance.
The day I was told I was having my first implant in my left ear, I was ecstatic and bought a bottle of champagne to celebrate! My family and partner were equally happy.
I found the international HearPeers forum helpful, as I was the first person in England to receive bilateral BONEBRIDGE implants so it meant I could exchange experiences with BONEBRIDGE users from other parts of the world.
Life with my implant
My social life has changed dramatically since receiving my implants. I can now enjoy life as a typical 23-year-old, going out with my friends and actually being able to hear them. ,Also, my partner can now speak to me from the next room without a problem.
I’m starting a BSL course and hope to begin a career as a communication support worker. This would have been far more difficult without my implants.
I still have occasional ear infections but far less often than with the hearing aids.
My role as a mentor
I want to give back after all the help I have received. It’s important for people considering an implant to find out everything they want to know. I want to encourage others to take the opportunity to have a hearing implant if they get the chance.
My top tip
If you have the opportunity to have a hearing implant, go for it!
