A Reader's Story - What I'm Thankful For

Chris Stern, one of our regulars here on the blog, submitted a photo that really touched me during this month's "What I'm Thankful For" photo contest. With his permission, I'm sharing the photo and his email and hope that you will join me in supporting his cause.

Chris Stern writes:

These are Nucleus Freedom Cochlear Implants which I wear everyday to help me hear what is going on in the world.  I have been hearing impaired all my life since 18 months old.  In February 2005, I lost additional hearing in my right ear which was my dominant ear.  As a result of additional hearing loss and after 3 hearing tests in a 8 month period I was finally a candidate for Cochlear Implants.  I had my first surgery in my left ear in May 2006 then lost additional hearing again in my right ear in May 2007.  I had my second surgery in July 2007.  Since then, I can hear more than I have ever had in my lifetime. 
 
The first time I realized how privileged I was to have this technology was going on a ride with in-laws.  We stopped at a yard sale and my mother-in-law asked if I could hear the sound...well, it was a cricket and it was the first time I heard one.    

If you want to learn more about my Cochlear Implant, please click here.

If you want to support the Hearing Loss community, please visit Walk4Hearing.

I will be particpating in the Boston Walk4Hearing in the Fall...so let me know if you want to make a contribution by emailing me at nolanstern@gmail.com and please supply your email address so I can email you when I start looking for donations.

- Chris

Comments

[Chris]

A true touching story - thank you for sharing.

May the Lord be praised for all He has done for you Mr. Stern and may He be with you all the days of your life.

[Baird Lashley]

I know Chris personally. We went to high school together and were both on the wrestling team. As the years have passed Chris has become one of my heroes. He has had to overcome tremendous obstacles that most of us take for granted. And yet he meets them with a smile and is always looking to encourage someone else. Thanks for sharing a small part of his story with your readers. He is a remarkable man.

[Hali]

What an fabulous story, I also say thank you for sharing it.

[Jason]

Very touching! I've been reminded myself recently of how much we overlook or take certain things for granted, and hearing could definitely be counted among them!

[Paula Rosenthal]

Like Chris, my life has changed dramatically after having bilateral cochlear implant surgeries. My daughter is bilateral as well. We are so fortunate to be living in a time when anyone from infants to people in their 80s can have even profound hearing loss restored to near normal levels. Even if you've been told you have nerve damage, you may still be eligible. Contact a cochlear implant center and surgeon if hearing aids are no longer benefiting you enough.