Annual Report 2010/11 - Sonova

Eight years later, Evelyn almost completely relied on lip
reading – even when wearing her hearing aids. She had
developed a profound hearing loss by then. Despite being
a sociable person, she felt uncomfortable among other
people and spent less time with friends, resulting in a feeling
of isolation. Her hearing aid dispenser finally told her
that she might be a candidate for a cochlear implant. She
had never heard of it before but started researching and
finally got a sense of hope that she might be able to hear
better again.
In 2006, Evelyn got her first Advanced Bionics cochlear
implant. One year later, the second cochlear implant
followed. Ever since, her world has changed completely.
Evelyn now hears sounds that she has never heard before:
the remote control of the car clicking, the air conditioning
“I am so used to being able to hear now
that I don't place any limitations on
myself like I used to prior to my implants.”
Evelyn Gardner, 68 years, USA
Her solution: a cochlear implant (Harmony)
from Advanced Bionics
humming and the wind blowing in the trees. She no longer
feels limited in any way, enjoying the company of friends
and family, giving painting lessons, and regularly taking her
grandchildren to the movies. She gains confidence every
day and actively takes part in society again.
It is all the small sounds of life that make a difference
today. The timer going off when the microwave is ready,
the doorbell ringing when the neighbor comes over, birds
singing, and rain drops falling against the window. The
feeling of isolation long gone, Evelyn still marvels every
day at how amazingly beautiful life can be if one is able
to hear again.