Mikkis hearing loss from childhood and changes made for the better
Mikki’s story isn’t just one of hearing loss – it’s one of growth, resilience, and the power of informed choices. As a mother, she was prompted to revisit assisted hearing and began a life-changing journey that would eventually lead her to consider a cochlear implant. Along the way, she discovered not only new technology, but also a renewed sense of identity, community, and purpose.
In her interview, Mikki shares her honest reflections on hearing loss from childhood to adulthood, the decisions she’s had to make, and the hope she carries as she steps into a future with greater sound – and greater connection.
Early Days:
Mikki attended mainstream school alongside her hearing peers, so she struggled academically and mostly learnt from reading textbooks. She managed to leave school with reasonable results.
A Teen’s Choice:
As Mikki entered adolescence, hearing aids became ‘uncool’. At fourteen she made the decision to stop wearing her hearing aid altogether due to peer pressure and hopefully to reduce bullying. For the next decade, she navigated life with limited auditory input, relying on lip-reading and residual hearing to maintain contact with the outside world.
Revisiting assisted hearing:
At twenty-four, Mikki had a young child and became more aware of her hearing loss and it's impact on raising her son. Mikki revisited the idea of assisted hearing. She hoped for a hearing aid once again in her right ear, but was informed the hearing loss was so great in this ear that her only option was an aid for her left ear going forward. This was the first time Mikki learnt she also had hearing loss in her left ear. Mikki continued to upgrade her hearing aid over the years until she learnt she had the option of a cochlear implant. Her hearing had been steadily declining, and an implant seemed to be the obvious next step.
Considering an implant:
Mikki was now in her late forties and hoped for a cochlear implant in her deaf, right ear with the continued use of a hearing aid in her left ear. However, clinicians at the University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service (USAIS) explained that her right ear’s remaining hearing was too diminished and had been unstimulated for too long to support a successful implantation. Instead, they recommended an implant in her left ear to replace the hearing aid as this still retained some hearing capacity. Mikki was unaware the hearing loss in this ear was great enough to qualify for an implant. Mikki faced a difficult choice. The left ear offered the best chance for post-operative sound perception, but it also carried the risk of obliterating her remaining natural hearing. Moreover,because her right ear was almost silent, she knew she would emerge from surgery unable to hear at all until the implant healed and clinicians fine-tuned its frequency settings.
Weighing the risks and rewards:
Beyond the temporary silence, Mikki’s other major concern was her hyperacusis, that is, hersensitivity to loud noises. Even now, with her partial hearing, the chime of a bouncing coin can be startling and painful. Post-implantation, some sounds might feel overwhelming. Yet,despite these reservations, Mikki believes the potential benefits – effective communication,fuller engagement in everyday life, renewed independence – outweigh the risks. The slight possibility of total hearing loss and an unsuccessful implant is not a deterrent, as Mikki is aware this is already inevitable and the sooner an implant is in use the better, as the recent memory of sound would enhance the potential effectiveness of the implant.
Building Community and Skills:
Mikki’s decision-making process has been bolstered by the support and resources she found at USAIS. There, she spoke with audiologists, surgeons, a psychologist specialising in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and – perhaps most importantly – other implant recipients. Through their shared stories, Mikki learned both practical tips and realistic expectations. Mikki was referred to a local group of implant recipients who meet once a month. In the meantime, Mikki is interested in joining her local Deaf Club again, to practice her British Sign Language (BSL), something she learnt the basics of in her early thirties. Her decision to learn BSL inspired her sister, who is now a Teacher of the Deaf (ToD) and working at USAIS with children receiving or about to receive an implant. Mikki herself has also served as a sign-language interpreter for a pre-school child with an implant and has taught basic BSL to school children at a ‘Lunch Club’.
Looking Ahead:
Mikki’s cochlear implant journey began eighteen months ago – it was paused for a year due to personal circumstances. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy at USAIS revealed that other areas of Mikki’s life had to take priority before she was ready to go ahead with surgery. She also had to come to terms with the idea that her left ear with residual hearing was to be implanted, not the deaf ear on her right side. As Mikki resumes the process with USAIS, her concerns are now minimal. She knows she will need patience through healing, perseverance through sound calibration sessions, and dedication to daily auditory rehabilitation exercises. Mikki's cochlear implant is scheduled for the 1st of July 2025. Our heart is with you Mikki, as you embark on this journey to regain your hearing.
A Message for Prospective Recipients:
'Deciding on a cochlear implant is extremely personal,’ Mikki says. ‘You have to weigh the possible gains against the risks – you must accept these risks – and then commit fully to the work it takes. If you believe your life will improve, embrace the challenge and never underestimate the effort you’ll need to put in after surgery to make it all worth it.’
If you are considering a cochlear implant, Mikki’s story underscores three key takeaways:
1. Gather Information – Consult with your local auditory implant centre (your GP will have to refer you) and connect with other implant recipients.
2. Build Community – Sign Language classes, peer support groups and advocacy clubs can provide invaluable emotional and practical guidance.
3. Prepare for Rehabilitation – Implants require ongoing tuning and auditory training, commitment after surgery is just as important as the procedure itself. Mikki’s experience isn’t just about hearing devices – it’s about resilience, informed choice, and the power of community. Acceptance of, and commitment to any set of circumstances can be life changing.
-Debbie Ebiniyi