Overwhelmed by the sudden silence, Kay was referred to Nepean Hospital’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon Dr Vanaja Siva and was told a cochlear implant could restore her hearing – and things started to look up.
From the moment Kay met Dr Siva, she felt supported. The team not only addressed her immediate medical needs but also took the time to explain the procedure in detail, ensuring that both Kay and her family understood what to expect and how the implant would impact her life and that of her loved ones around her
“Dr Siva and her team were so kind and thorough. They made sure I understood everything and guided me through every step,” says Kay.
Following the cochlear implant procedure, the results were nothing short of life changing.
“The improvement in my hearing was immediate, and I quickly realised how much I had been missing.”
“I can hear a pin drop now. It’s amazing how much I missed.”
With her hearing restored, Kay has regained her independence and can now engage in conversations with her family and friends—a simple act that was difficult in previous months.
“I can join in on conversations and truly connect with my family. I can also hear the ocean, the birds, and even the smallest sounds. It’s like rediscovering the world.”
Kay credits her successful recovery to the support she received from Dr Siva and the multidisciplinary ENT team at Nepean Hospital.
Dr Siva has treated many patients like Kay at the Hospital and explains that cochlear implant procedures provide remarkable benefits to patients’ quality of life.
“The benefits of cochlear implants extend beyond just the restoration of hearing,” explains Dr Siva.
“Studies have shown that for patients like Kay, hearing enhancement can also reduce the risk of future dementia, offering both immediate and long-term neurocognitive benefits.
There is emerging evidence that early enhancement and restoration of hearing, even in cases of mild hearing loss, can help maintain the stimulation of neural connections.
A unilateral cochlear implant is considered the most cost-effective health intervention in people with severe to profound hearing loss. Cochlear implants are recommended for individuals with severe hearing loss who do not benefit from conventional hearing aids.
The team at Nepean Hospital are proud to provide the public local access to life changing procedures like cochlear implants and give people such as Kay a chance to experience life to the fullest.
“I’ve been given the chance to experience life in a whole new way, and I’m forever grateful,” says Kay.
