Ken Gabehart

All my life I have only been able to hear out of my left ear. I had a birth defect which left me with no ear canal on the right side. I worked in a foundry and eventually had to get a hearing aid for my left ear. Then, in 1993, I had Meniere's Disease. Since then my hearing has gotten worse and it comes and goes.

So, what made you decide on a cochlear implant?

My hearing got so bad I couldn't understand or talk to people and I couldn't talk on the phone. So, my doctor referred me to Dr. Roland.

What is your life like now that you have the implant?

Much better! First, when I got programmed, I heard things I had never heard before. Now, I understand better. I talk to people better and I can talk to people on the phone again. Also, I had a lot of dizziness before (the implant) and so far it hasn't returned.

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Mr. Gabehart. Is there anything else you'd like to tell someone who might be considering an implant for themselves or a loved one?

Yes. If your hearing is bad it isn't going to get any better! With the implant my hearing IS better and I can communicate a lot better. I would also like to add that the study I am in has helped me. It has really built my confidence. I can't say enough about Gary Overson who works with me. He takes the time to explain and he teaches me a lot about speech. You can tell he is truly committed to helping people.