Life with a Cochlear Implant - Interview with Jill Rivoli and Lauren Deckard

This Week in Hearing
16 Jun 202228:44
EducationalLearning
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TLDRIn this insightful discussion, Gael Hannan speaks with Lauren Deckard and Jill Rivoli, two cochlear implant recipients, about their experiences with hearing loss and the impact of the technology on their lives. Both women share their journeys, from the initial challenges of hearing loss to the decision-making process leading to cochlear implantation. They discuss the post-surgery period, the 'switch-on' experience, and the ongoing process of auditory rehabilitation. They also touch on the limitations and benefits of the technology, offering valuable insights for those considering a cochlear implant.

Takeaways
  • 🌟 Both Lauren and Jill experienced significant hearing loss and chose to get cochlear implants to improve their quality of life.
  • πŸ’‘ The decision to get a cochlear implant was not immediate for either of them; both took time to research and consider their options.
  • πŸ₯ Jill's journey involved a recommendation from an audiologist that led her to explore cochlear implants despite initial fear and uncertainty.
  • 🀰 Lauren's hearing loss impacted her professional life and her desire to hear her son's voice, motivating her to pursue the implant.
  • 🦻 The process of getting a cochlear implant was physically and emotionally challenging, with both experiencing a range of emotions post-surgery.
  • 🎧 Both women found that their cochlear implants significantly improved their social interactions and professional capabilities.
  • πŸ‘‚ Jill experienced a quick improvement in her listening comprehension after the activation of her implant, thanks to her dedication to training her brain.
  • 🌊 Lauren's experience with the implant was positive, though she chose not to get a second implant and feels she can hear sufficiently with one.
  • 🎢 Music and complex sounds remain a challenge for both of them, as the richness and nuances of sound are not fully replicated by the implants.
  • πŸ“± The use of technology, particularly smartphones, has been beneficial for both in improving their ability to communicate and interact in daily life.
  • πŸ”„ The women emphasize the importance of finding a supportive and understanding surgeon, as well as the necessity of continuous training post-implantation.
  • πŸ’ͺ Both Lauren and Jill express a strong recommendation for others considering cochlear implants, highlighting the life-changing benefits and urging thorough research and preparation.
Q & A
  • What is the main topic of the discussion in the transcript?

    -The main topic of the discussion is the experiences of two women, Lauren Deckard and Jill Rivoli, who have learned to live well with hearing loss and have received cochlear implants.

  • What is Gael Hannan's profession and her role in the discussion?

    -Gael Hannan is a writer with hearinghealthmatters.org and the author of the book 'Hear & Beyond, Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss'. She is the host and interviewer in the discussion, guiding the conversation and sharing her own experiences with cochlear implants.

  • How did Lauren Deckard lose her hearing?

    -Lauren Deckard unexpectedly lost her hearing during her final semester of college, but the specific cause is not mentioned in the transcript.

  • What was Jill Rivoli's experience with hearing aids before getting a cochlear implant?

    -Jill Rivoli's hearing aids did not help her very much, and she was shocked to learn that her right ear was considered 'dead' by an audiologist, leading her to consider a cochlear implant.

  • What challenges did Lauren Deckard face after losing her hearing?

    -Lauren Deckard faced physical and mental challenges, especially in her corporate job, where she had to deal with phone calls and felt humiliated due to her hearing loss.

  • How did Jill Rivoli's life change after receiving a cochlear implant?

    -After receiving a cochlear implant, Jill Rivoli experienced significant improvements in her social life and professional capabilities, as she could function at an executive level and enjoy her role at a guest ranch and resort.

  • What was the process like for Jill Rivoli and Lauren Deckard after their cochlear implant surgeries?

    -Both women experienced a period of sound adjustment and training. Jill Rivoli used apps to help identify sounds and improved her listening comprehension within six months. Lauren Deckard initially had a difficult recovery with vertigo but eventually adjusted to the implant.

  • What misconceptions about cochlear implants were mentioned in the discussion?

    -A common misconception mentioned is the expectation that cochlear implants will restore normal hearing immediately. Both women emphasized that the implants do not provide 'normal' hearing and require brain retraining.

  • What advice would Jill Rivoli and Lauren Deckard give to someone considering a cochlear implant?

    -Both women advise thorough research and finding a trustworthy surgeon. They emphasize the importance of being comfortable with the decision and understanding that the implant requires effort and training to maximize its benefits.

  • What are some challenges that people with cochlear implants still face?

    -Some ongoing challenges include difficulty hearing in noisy environments like restaurants, issues with hearing music, and the need for continuous training to improve listening comprehension.

  • How do Jill Rivoli and Lauren Deckard feel about their decision to get cochlear implants?

    -Both women express satisfaction with their decision to get cochlear implants, describing it as life-changing and a positive step towards improved communication and quality of life.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ“– Introduction and Background Stories

The video begins with Gael Hannan introducing herself and her co-author Shari Eberts, highlighting their recent publication, 'Hear & Beyond'. They discuss their experiences with hearing loss and introduce their guests, Lauren Deckard and Jill Rivoli, who share their personal journeys with hearing loss and cochlear implants. Lauren, a holistic healing center owner, and Jill, an assistant general manager at a Montana ranch, both emphasize the transformative impact of their cochlear implants on their lives.

05:02
πŸ—£οΈ Jill Rivoli's Hearing Journey and Decision-Making

Jill Rivoli shares her emotional journey towards getting a cochlear implant. She discusses the challenges she faced with hearing aids and her initial shock and fear when told she had a 'dead ear'. Despite her fears, she decided to undergo the surgery after careful consideration and research. Jill highlights the significant improvement in her social and professional life post-surgery and the six-month period it took her to make the decision.

10:04
πŸŽ“ Lauren Deckard's Path to Cochlear Implantation

Lauren Deckard recounts her hearing loss experience since college and the struggles she faced in her corporate job and during pregnancy. After much deliberation and finding a surgeon she trusted, Lauren decided to get the cochlear implant. She emphasizes the importance of finding a surgeon who understands the patient's feelings and the profound impact the implant had on her life.

15:10
πŸ₯ Post-Surgery Experiences and Adjustments

Both Jill and Lauren discuss their post-surgery experiences, including the physical recovery and the process of adjusting to the new sounds they started to hear after the implant activation. They share the challenges of辨别 different sounds and the efforts they put into retraining their brains to understand these sounds. Jill mentions her rapid improvement in listening comprehension, while Lauren talks about the initial 'Minnie Mouse' voice she heard.

20:13
🎧 Cochlear Implant and Daily Life

The conversation shifts to the daily use of cochlear implants and associated devices. Jill and Lauren discuss the situations they find challenging, such as hearing in noisy environments and the unique experience of listening to music with an implant. They also share their experiences with streaming technology and the benefits it brings to their communication.

25:15
πŸ’¬ Final Thoughts and Advice

In the concluding segment, Jill and Lauren offer advice to those considering cochlear implants. They stress the importance of research, understanding the procedure, and being prepared for the hard work of retraining one's hearing after surgery. Both women express their satisfaction with the decision and the positive changes it has brought to their lives.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a decrease in the ability to hear or a reduced sensitivity to sound. In the context of the video, it is a central theme as both guests, Lauren and Jill, have experienced significant hearing loss and share their journeys towards managing and improving their hearing through cochlear implants. Their experiences highlight the physical and emotional challenges associated with hearing loss and the impact it has on daily life and social interactions.
πŸ’‘Cochlear Implant
A cochlear implant is a medical device that replaces the function of the damaged inner ear, providing a sense of sound to a person with severe hearing loss. In the video, cochlear implants are discussed as a solution that has significantly improved the hearing and, consequently, the quality of life for both Lauren and Jill. They share their experiences with the implantation process, the adjustment period, and the benefits they have received from this technology.
πŸ’‘Holistic Healing
Holistic healing is an approach to health and wellness that considers the whole personβ€”body, mind, spirit, and emotionsβ€”in the quest for optimal health and wellness. In the video, Lauren Deckard mentions that after receiving her cochlear implant, she left the corporate world to start her own holistic healing center, indicating a shift towards a more integrated approach to her health and well-being following her experience with hearing loss.
πŸ’‘Adaptation
Adaptation refers to the process of adjusting to new conditions or circumstances. In the video, both Lauren and Jill had to adapt to living with hearing loss and then again to living with cochlear implants. Their stories emphasize the mental and emotional challenges of adapting to a new reality, as well as the resilience and determination required to overcome these obstacles.
πŸ’‘Professional Life
Professional life refers to an individual's career or occupation, including the work they do and their interactions within their professional environment. In the context of the video, both guests discuss the impact of hearing loss and cochlear implants on their professional lives, highlighting the challenges they faced in the corporate world and their subsequent career changes.
πŸ’‘Social Life
Social life refers to the interactions and activities an individual engages in with others outside of their professional or academic settings. The video emphasizes the importance of social life for both Lauren and Jill, who found that their hearing loss and subsequent cochlear implants significantly affected their ability to communicate and connect with others socially.
πŸ’‘Vertigo
Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off balance or experiencing a false sense of movement, often caused by a problem with the inner ear. In the video, Lauren mentions that she experienced vertigo after her cochlear implant surgery, which required her to undergo physical therapy to manage the symptoms. This highlights the various physical reactions and complications that can occur as a result of the implant procedure.
πŸ’‘Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are electronic devices that amplify sound to help individuals with hearing loss. In the video, both Lauren and Jill initially used hearing aids before opting for cochlear implants. The discussion around hearing aids illustrates the range of assistive technologies available for managing hearing loss and the personal journey in finding the most effective solution for each individual.
πŸ’‘Bimodal Hearing
Bimodal hearing refers to a situation where an individual uses two different types of hearing devices, typically a cochlear implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the other. In the video, Gael Hannan mentions being bimodal, which has allowed her to achieve a better hearing experience by combining the strengths of both devices.
πŸ’‘Streaming
Streaming, in the context of hearing devices, refers to the wireless transmission of audio signals from a source, such as a phone or television, directly to a hearing aid or cochlear implant. The video highlights the benefits of streaming technology, which has significantly improved the ability of individuals with hearing loss to engage in phone conversations and listen to media content more effectively.
πŸ’‘Challenges
Challenges, in the context of the video, refer to the difficulties and obstacles faced by individuals with hearing loss, both in their personal and professional lives. The guests share their experiences with various challenges, such as adjusting to new hearing technologies, navigating social situations, and dealing with the emotional impact of hearing loss.
Highlights

Introduction of the guests, Lauren Deckard and Jill Rivoli, who have learned to live well with hearing loss and have received cochlear implants.

Lauren Deckard founded a holistic healing center in New Jersey after losing her hearing in college and later receiving a cochlear implant.

Jill Rivoli experienced a decline in hearing over 40 years, leading to complete deafness in her right ear and profound loss in her left ear, before getting a cochlear implant.

Both guests share their experiences with hearing loss and the impact of cochlear implants on their lives.

Jill Rivoli discusses her initial hesitation and fear about getting a cochlear implant but ultimately deciding to go through with the procedure.

Lauren Deckard's journey to getting a cochlear implant, including her struggles in the corporate world and her decision to start her own business after the implant.

The physical and mental toll that hearing loss and adjusting to new reality can have on individuals.

Jill Rivoli's process of deciding to get a cochlear implant, including her research and meeting with different surgeons.

Lauren Deckard's experience with vertigo and recovery after cochlear implant surgery, highlighting the importance of finding a supportive surgeon.

The challenges faced by cochlear implant recipients, such as hearing in noisy environments and the unique sound experiences post-implantation.

Jill Rivoli's success in improving her listening comprehension to 90% within six months of her cochlear implant activation.

Lauren Deckard's decision not to get a second cochlear implant and her experience with bimodal hearing.

The guests' discussion on the use of technology, such as streaming devices, to assist with hearing and the challenges they faced.

Jill Rivoli's advice for individuals considering a cochlear implant, emphasizing the importance of research and understanding the process.

Lauren Deckard's encouragement for those considering cochlear implants, sharing her positive experience and the impact on her life.

The hosts' closing remarks, thanking the guests for sharing their stories and emphasizing the value of their experiences for others in similar situations.

Transcripts
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