"I can't thank the team enough for their dedication and professionalism"

Two years ago I was referred to the Cochlear Implant Team at St George's Hospital, Tooting. I had had experience of various hearing aids on and off over the past 25 years, none of which had seemed to work for me.

The Team confirmed that I would be a good CI candidate and the process began. As part of the process, I was required to give my hearing aids (Phonak) one last chance. I was seen by Darval who adjusted my aids and, for the first time in my experience, gave them a thorough test, even making me make a phone call with them in to make sure I could hear. For the first time in 25 yrs, I could hear clearly! My life suddenly changed for the better. I had believed that I didn't have a volume problem, just clarity. Ha! How wrong was I? The first thing I had to do when I got home was to turn the TV volume down from level 40 to 14! My friends and family noticed the difference in me immediately. My speech was clearer, I wasn't straining to hear them so much and far fewer 'WHAT? ' and 'PARDON? ? '

My CI was put on hold.

I've just had my 2nd annual appointment with Dr Ceranic who has now officially taken me off the CI programme. She thinks I will still need implants at some point, but not for at least another 5 years.

I can't thank the team enough for their dedication and professionalism. Especially Darval, who is an extremely talented man in his field. A charming and helpful man who genuinely cares. My only regret about being signed off the programme is that my aids will no longer be looked after by him.

Thank you team.