Lori Miller, a family friend of ours, has significant hearing loss due to genetics. To improve her hearing, Miller was invited to be part of a study for the company Cochlear Americas.

Her previous hearing aids had been adjusted to provide better hearing. However, no more tuning could be done that was further beneficial. Miller was provided with a Cochlear Implant.

Cochlear implants are options for people with severe hearing loss, for whom hearing aids no longer serve them. They consist of four pieces; a microphone and processor on the outside and a receiver and electrode array on the inside of the ear. The electrode array is a small wire that is placed inside the cochlea. The processor collects sounds and sends signals to the receiver and then through the electrode array to the auditory nerve which then sends the information to the brain.

The Cochlear Implant is an incredible tool but can be challenging to learn to use. However, it can provide further benefits than hearing aids, as in Miller's case. The implant provides artificial hearing and takes some effort to use. Miller has had to train herself to hear through the implant.

Miller has had the implant for just under a year and goes once a month to have the implant programmed. This is done through a process called mapping. A personalized map is done to re-tune the implant with the hope that each mapping provides benefits to her hearing.

Each time, she must engage in a series of tests. The process takes a lot of time, patience, and effort. The staff Miller works with in the study serve her well. She notes, “The people are amazing and have nothing but good intentions.”

After the study finishes, Miller will have one final map done and the changes will remain for an extended period of time. She will also have the opportunity to pair her Cochlear Implant and her hearing aid together to her phone. Another possibility in the future would be receiving an implant on her other ear and participating in a further study.

Miller’s relationship with God has been a comfort through the process. She knows that this is part of God’s plan for her family and He will work things out for good.

Miller’s advice to someone who may be experiencing hearing loss would be to get their hearing tested. “It is so important to know where your hearing is at.” Joining studies may also be a possibility. There are several requirements necessary to be eligible for a study. Joining a study is also a large commitment, though through it you can receive enormous benefits.

Included companies that Miller has worked with are; Cochlear Americas and Denver Ear Associates.

Though hearing loss has been discouraging and encouraging, most importantly, Miller knows that it is part of God’s plan for her family. She is confident that she can share her experience for the benefit and comfort of others.