Hearing loss: the story of my middle ear implant
Struggling with hearing loss, painful distortion, cognitive decline and other challenges after two ear strokes, international cognitive behavioural therapist and speaker Cherona Dannhauser had a successful middle ear implant. She shares her journey, including what if felt like to hear her own voice – and that of her young adult son’s – for the first time in 4 years.
If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Cherona and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.
In ep. 198 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, Cherona Dannhauser - International Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Neurolinguistic Practitioner - considers:
her history of ear problems since birth, coupled with hearing loss
the ear stroke that caused complete loss of hearing in Cherona’s left ear
the biggest mistake she made and the first step to take in a similar situation
possible causes of an instantaneous loss of hearing: a viral infection, tumour or stroke
the effects of Cherona’s ear stroke: an inability to hear her own voice, resorting to lip reading, finding her day-to-day work exhausting, social isolation, speaking at fewer events and problems watching TV programmes without subtitles; feeling her world contract, and struggling with emotional regulation
how hearing loss affects one’s cognitive strength
Cherona’s 2nd ear stroke, which caused relentless and painful distortion of any sound
a shocking signs of brain atrophy
why hearing aids didn’t work
how a middle ear implant became a possibility
why Cherona wanted the middle ear implant: to hear sounds and rebuild or map new neural pathways, and to feel safe again
Cherona’s surgery - and a “beautifully bizarre” surprise
her middle ear implant with off-the-ear audio processor
rehabilitation, including adjusting the strength of the magnet and the volume and frequency of the device
addressing a pressure sore
the switching on, 6 weeks post-surgery – and “getting the fright of her life”
what Cherona prayed for on this journey
more about her practical guide, Honour your capacity: your journey towards emotional regulation (scroll down for more information).
In this episode, Cherona mentions Dr Frank Lin from John Hopkins University and a study on the link between hearing loss and dementia; MED-EL, the implant specialists she worked with; and her annual conference, “Boldly Be.”
Please scroll down for more information on Cherona, including her contact details. and her new book, ‘Honour your capacity - your journey to emotional regulation.’
In the photograph above, Cherona shows us her SAMBA 2 Audio Processor device.
Here’s the Instagram link to the video depicting Cherona’s 5 week post-surgery switching on: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBOkt24Kugz/?igsh=M2s3YTlzN21qYjdx
Here’s the story of Cherona’s cancer seasons and first ear stroke, recorded before a middle ear implant was on the horison.
Honour your capacity (2024) is available here, in large bookstores countrywide and on Amazon.
Cherona also shares her journey with her son, Luke, who has Tourette Syndrome - and why they can face their challenges with hope.
About Cherona
Cherona Dannhauser (also known as Cherona D) is an international cognitive behaviour therapist, neurolinguistic practitioner, relational & transformational coach, international keynote speaker, corporate trainer, facilitator and author from Richard’s Bay, South Africa. Cherona works in person as well as online.
Website: www.cheronad.com
Instagram: cherona.dannhauser
Facebook: Cherona D – Speaker, NLP Coach & Author
Cherona Dannhauser
LinkedIn: Cherona Dannhauser
Feel free to click on Home and browse this website for articles and podcasts on more fulfilling love relationships, easier parenting, and upping your emotional well-being.
Original music by Mart-Marie Snyman
Thumbnail image: Unsplash. Model used
Photograph of Cherona Dannhauser: supplied