Words cannot describe the effects of losing one’s hearing. I for one, loved classical music and good old Aussie country music until it became just a jungle of sound. Speaking as a once effective debater, I found not only was my flow of language broken, but my ability to respond in a debate diminished, irrespective of strong knowledge. Around the kitchen table, I struggled to pick up on the family’s news and even the district’s gossip. My life was becoming more isolated and silent!
About one year ago, Lindsay Symons, my audiologist at the Goulburn Valley Hearing Clinic, discussed the option of adding my name to a list of possible patients selected for assessment of a cochlear Implant. My immediate response was, “How many times do I have to travel to Melbourne, a dozen?” He gave me a proud grin. “No! We shall be working under the supervision of the Cochlear Implant Clinic at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne. The pre-operative assessments and post-operative mapping of the implant shall be conducted here in Shepparton at our clinic.” For myself, this was by far a more attractive and practical option. It was Elizabeth Webster, an enthusiastic audiologist at the clinic, who had accepted the challenge to upgrade her clinical skills to include the management of cochlear implant patients, which made this possible.
Now in July of 2023, it is less than two months since my cochlear implant surgery by Dr Tim McLean at Epworth and the outcome is pleasing. My left ear, which for many years was incapable of processing sound, is now enabling me to hear the TV news without the aid of my right hearing aid. It may still take me many months to hear outside in the real noisy world and adjust, but even now my family and friends have congratulated me on my ability to be more involved in conversation and ability to communicate and comprehend conversation.
It was during my degree studies for upgrading to a Bachelor of Nursing at the La Trobe University Dookie campus many years ago that the need to improve clinical skills and health services to both rural and remote areas was realised. This objective resonated in my own recent experience of receiving a cochlear implant, which was closely supported by a Shepparton specialist. I urge not only the health professionals to support this partnership, but all my regional neighbours who suffer from a severe hearing impairment to scream, “Let it be heard, I want to hear!”
Congratulations Elizabeth, for electing to take on the challenge of adding cochlear implants to your credentials. This practice has resulted in the reduction of visits required to Melbourne’s large hospitals. In the future, we can only hope that expertise and resources continue to further develop in our regional areas. As for now, my journey leaves me singing along with Slim Dusty to the old hillbilly song When the rain tumbles down in July once again.
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