Hearing loss affects 50 million Americans, but the use of cochlear implants is on the rise, and support networks are expanding. Steve Latus, who began losing his hearing in his mid-20s, received his second cochlear implant in November. He is the president of the Wake Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America-North Carolina (HLAA) and a member of the N.C. Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Latus emphasizes the importance of support networks like HLAA in combating isolation and depression among those with hearing loss.
Latus' journey with cochlear implants began after experiencing sudden deafness in both ears. His first implant was in 2017, and his second was performed by Dr. Noam Bartuv at Duke Otolaryngology of Raleigh. Latus notes that his hearing has already improved significantly with the new implant.
Steve Barber, another individual with hearing loss, shares a similar story. After gradual hearing loss and the removal of an acoustic neuroma, Barber received a cochlear implant, which greatly improved his hearing. Both Latus and Barber highlight the positive impact of cochlear implants and the importance of support networks.
The National Institutes of Health reports that the number of cochlear implants has been increasing, with significant growth among elderly individuals. Cochlear implants do not typically need to be replaced, but the external processor can be upgraded as technology advances.
Read the original article in Triangle Business Journal here.