Living with a hearing implant – new patient films now available

Wednesday 14 September 2016


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A series of films showing patients’ experiences of living with a cochlear implant are now live on our website and Youtube channel.

The films were developed by the hearing rehabilitation team from the Hearing Implant Centre at St Thomas’ Hospital. They help people understand the journey involved in adjusting to life with a cochlear implant, which can include a long rehabilitation period and several speech and language therapy sessions.

Cochlear implants are electronic medical devices that replace the function of the damaged inner ear. Unlike hearing aids, which make sounds louder, cochlear implants do the work of damaged parts of the inner ear (cochlea) to provide sound signals to the brain.

This project was funded through the Fit for the Future Dragons’ Den competition which is open to all staff who have an idea to improve safety, quality and efficiency. Staff can bid for up to £5,000 to fund their improvement projects. 

Caroline Bartrop, a speech and language therapist who led the project, says: “I am delighted that we have been able to create these films using the funding we received from the Dragons’ Den competition last year.

“They are real patient stories and show how everyone’s experience is unique. I hope it offers the public, as well as those who are undergoing assessment to have a cochlear implant, an insight into the journey involved.”

Terry Nunn, Head of Audiology, says: “Well done and many thanks to Caroline for all her work in developing these clear and honest films, which will help guide and inform our future patients.”

Last updated: March 2022

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