Cochlear Implant

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Here you can read testimonials from cochlear implant users who have used Phonomena

"Despite a rapid improvement in my hearing post switch-on ( having been profoundly deaf with no high frequency hearing ) some things were relatively slow to improve. My biggest disappointment to date had been when I was given a set of Beatles CD's for my birthday. Despite having been a real Beatlemaniac in my time, I found I couldn't distinguish the lyrics or tell one tune from another - it was all a noisy jangle (which is probably what my parents thought in 1964!).

Then I played Phonomena !...And three days later found I could distinguish the tunes and lyrics of well over half the songs-instantly ! Other music has become more melodious and much easier to listen to - I'm completely hooked on Handel - and I can now tell which instruments are playing - the first time I heard a trumpet I was in tears, it was so beautiful. Since I've been playing the game all sounds are crisper and I'm told my speech is noticeably better.

Initially, I thought I'd never do it. All the sounds were the same-"ugh! ugh! ugh!". I tended to agree. But then, after about 30 repetitions I suddenly heard my brain click into gear, and I was able to tell the difference between the sounds.

The first time this happened was quite exhilarating and extraordinary. The first week, my scores were around 25, increasing to about 38 in the second week. This week it's around 48-50, improvements across all phonemes especially L & R, but M &N are still very hard. I've noticed a real difference in many areas, birdsong - which I heard for the first time in my life soon after switch-on, has become more musical by the day. I'm also suddenly able to understand some conversations without lip-reading. I can even understand some Tannoy announcements at Kings Cross ! Maybe these things would have happened anyway - who can tell? But I know that Phonomena has speeded up the process dramatically for me, and I do recommend this kind of brain exercise for anyone with a CI who wants to get the most out of their implant."

Lesley Pinchbeck. July 4th 2006
Cochlear implant user

Had a cochlear implant switched on 3 months before her testimonial after over 50 years of profound deafness.

"I found "Learning to Listen With Cochlear Implants" by Professor David Moore, in the Summer 2006 edition of the Newsletter most interesting. As a former pianist his final subject, auditory training was of special interest to me.

I had my cochlear implant on 5th May this year and whilst I am very pleased with it for conversation and for every day life, music was a no go area. However, after reading Professor Moore's words I sat down at the piano and played a few notes. I should mention that I had done so soon after my implant but found that I could only tell the difference between the notes if they were at least an octave apart. At this recent attempt at first I could hear a difference 5 notes apart, but after practice and much concentration I can now hear the difference only one note apart. (I am 66).

It seems that the frequency discrimination training mentioned by Professor Moore would be of great benefit to children with cochlear implants. Music still does not sound very pleasant with my cochlear implant but when I wear a hearing aid as well as the implant it sounds reasonable and I have even tried playing the piano a little recently."

Gillian Brodie, Summer 2006
Cochlear implant user

66-years-old, had her cochlear implant on 5th May 2006.