Rediscovering the sounds of life

How a cochlear implant helped Lue Ann hear again.

Lue Ann Smith first noticed hearing loss in 1970 while working in a factory.

“I used a loud machine every day,” said Lue Ann. “We didn’t have the hearing protection that is available today.”

Over time, it became harder for Lue Ann to understand speech and everyday sounds. Hearing aids helped some, but not enough.

“It’s hard to be part of conversations with your family and not really be there,” said Lue Ann. “I learned to read lips to try to keep up.”

Searching for a better option

Lue Ann wanted a lasting solution. After learning about cochlear implants, she made an appointment with Max D. Pusz, M.D., Board-certified Ear, Nose and Throat Physician at Genesis ENT Group.

At her 2023 hearing evaluation, Lue Ann’s hearing score was 8% in the left ear. A score below 60% means traditional hearing aids are no longer enough to help patients understand speech. Dr. Pusz said Lue Ann was a strong candidate for a cochlear implant.

“Cochlear implants can help patients feel connected to everyday life again,” said Dr. Pusz. “That means hearing a loved one’s voice more clearly, enjoying conversations with friends and reconnecting with sounds they have missed for years.”

An implant has two parts. A small device, known as the processor, is worn behind the ear. It picks up sound and sends it to a receiver placed under the skin. The receiver sends signals to the hearing nerve, which sends messages to the brain that are recognized as sound.

Taking the next step

Lue Ann quickly scheduled cochlear implant surgery for her left ear in November 2023.

“I wasn’t going to miss more conversations with my growing family,” said Lue Ann.

After surgery, the brain needs time to learn to recognize sound through the implant. Lue Ann’s implant was activated in December 2023. She worked with Dr. Pusz and Ali Colopy, Genesis Audiologist who also works with ENT providers at Genesis ENT Group, to fine-tune the implant and practice listening exercises.

“Similar to a joint replacement, the body needs time to heal,” said Dr. Pusz. “About four to six weeks later, we turn on the implant and help patients adjust to the device. Progress continues over the next several months.”

Feeling connected again

Lue Ann began hearing sounds she had not heard in years. At her 12-month checkup, her hearing score improved from 8% to 48% with her left cochlear implant. When used with a hearing aid in her right ear, her score improved from 11% to 81%. Seven months later, testing showed continued progress, reaching 51% with the cochlear implant and 92% when paired with a hearing aid.

“I felt blessed to hear little sounds again,” said Lue Ann. “I remember noticing the birds and the trees. I could hear leaves rustling and how different they sounded with each season. It was amazing.”

Lue Ann can use a wireless microphone with her TV or place it near friends during conversations. An app adjusts her processor for different situations, like restaurants, movie theaters and phone calls.

Lue Ann continues to enjoy the many sounds of daily life. She treasures time with her family, including the laughter of her great-grandchildren. She has also reconnected with her favorite hobby, golfing. At her favorite local course, she can hear the wind and the crack of the ball.

Lue Ann Smith is back to enjoying the sounds of the game she loves. A cochlear implant paired with a hearing aid helped her reconnect with the sounds and friendships that make the game special.

“Progress comes with practice,” said Lue Ann. “If I didn't use my cochlear implant and hearing aid every day, meet with my care team and do therapy, nothing would have improved. You’re never too old to hear. My cochlear implant changed my life.”