For these beautiful photographs of our Dallas Hearing Foundation patients. Grab some tissues and read on for their touching testimonials.
Blaine Moore
I was born on August 31, 1997. My mom said that was one of the best days of her life. When I was born, I was very sick. I was three days old, and my parents came to visit me in the hospital. My mom said all of the babies in the intensive care unit had a sticker on their crib that said, "I CAN HEAR." I did not have one of those stickers.
I am deaf. My dad is also deaf. I think if I have children they will also be deaf. Sometimes I get sad that I was born not able to hear. But the really good thing is that Dr. B. Robert Peters did cochlear implant surgery on me and my dad on the same day! So now, my dad and I, both deaf, can talk and hear each other!
I had to go to auditory-verbal therapy for 7 years to learn to hear and speak. Now I can talk, and I am a really good speller and reader. I am not very good at math, but I don’t think being deaf has anything to do with me being bad with numbers. Next year the Dallas Hearing Foundation is sending me to an awesome school - Dallas Academy. I am also a Boy Scout. I just got my Arrow of Light, and I really want to get the Eagle Scout.
If I did not have my cochlear implant, I would have to talk with my fingers, and only a very few people would be able to understand me. Now everyone knows what I am saying. I am so happy that Dr. Peters and his staff helped me and my dad to hear and speak!
Carl R. Smith, R.Ph.
I am a lot older than most cochlear implant recipients. My hearing loss started when I was about three years old. My left ear had less hearing than my right ear, and I had to sit close to the teacher in all of my classes.
After I graduated from the University of Texas College of Pharmacy, I had a physician friend who treated and accidentally damaged my right ear. I bought a large RadioEar analog hearing aid, which I wore in a holder around my neck, and when I used the phone, I held it upside down. One day a lady came to the pharmacy and asked to speak to the pharmacist who talks out of his stomach! I have had all types of hearing aids - in the ear, behind the ear, in my eye glasses, bone conduction…. and now cochlear implants.
I have read that "every society is judged by how it treats the least fortunate amongst them." People with hearing loss have been in the valley, but with the cochlear implant, they are on the mountain top. A person can live for a few days without water and more days without food, but people cannot live without hope. The Dallas Hearing Foundation gives hope to people with hearing loss.
Cayla Coleman
To hear birds was a childhood dream for me. I could never hear their sweet melody. However, with my new Freedom cochlear implant, my dream has come true.
The gift of my cochlear implant has been made possible by Dr. Peters, Melissa Benton, and the amazing Dallas Hearing Foundation.
Wow! Now I like to listen to Dr. Laura on the radio. I can even hear my mom on the phone with little difficulty. I volunteer for the City of Allen and rely heavily on my Freedom cochlear implant to interact with my bosses. One even said, "You're not deaf, you're hearing." What a nice compliment after being in a world of silence. With my Freedom, I truly am free!
Dakota Clark
Dakota failed her hearing test on the day she was born. After many tests, it was determined that she had a profound hearing loss in both ears. She was fitted with hearing aids before she was two. They did help with her hearing, but after more testing, it was determined that her hearing loss was a progressive loss and would go up and down without warning. It would eventually bottom out, but there was no way to determine when that would happen. Dakota became frustrated when these fluctuations would happen because she wasn’t old enough to communicate what was going on with her hearing.
We started going to Dr. B. Robert Peters of the Dallas Hearing Foundation and continued to routinely test Dakota’s hearing so we would know when her hearing was up or down. In 2007, the hearing in her left ear bottomed out. We knew it was time to take the next step and give her a cochlear implant. The cochlear implant has given her hearing in her left ear that she never had with any hearing aid since she was born. She is now a more peaceful child, and her speech has improved dramatically. She has been in the deaf education program since she started school, and since she has been implanted, she has been able to have less and less assistance.
As far as Dakota is concerned, Dr. Peters is her hero! The cochlear implant is the best thing we ever could have done for her.
Elijah Shaddox
Elijah was born prematurely in April of 2000. He was diagnosed with Auditory Neuropathy (AN) in June of 2000. Elijah was given a cochlear implant in September of 2001 when he was 18 months old. He had no oral language prior to receiving his implant. When Elijah was four and a half years old he received his second cochlear implant. His activation went very well as he sat there saying, "I hear it!" We were thrilled. He received auditory-verbal therapy from the time he was first implanted until he was in kindergarten.
Elijah began school in Plano's Regional Day School Program for the Deaf at the age of three, and after one year in a total communication classroom, he easily transitioned to the oral program. Elijah's vocabulary and language skills grew and grew each year. His language skills have allowed him to succeed and cope with other challenges as well. It has not been easy, but he is doing well. Without his cochlear implants and the Dallas Hearing Foundation, he would not be as successful as he is today!
Jackie Charles-Rosson
The Dallas Hearing Foundation was very instrumental in my cochlear implant journey. Through the guidance of Melissa Benton and funding by the Dallas Hearing Foundation, what I thought was an overwhelming impossibility became a reality. The time answering questions, the information that was provided, the reassurance of the support group - all made the path negotiable and enjoyable.
My Cochlear Implant, aka Ethyl (the ear), has opened my mind to a broader range of sounds that enable me to hear and understand children, softer voices, and conversations in a crowd. "Ethyl" has made it possible for my speech to improve because I am now hearing sounds that were not available to me in the past. Improved communication sums it up the best. Hearing and speaking. It was a decision that I have had no regrets making, and I recommend the cochlear implant to all who can benefit from it!
Jason Beyette
The cochlear implant has allowed me to take a whole new perspective on life. I can now understand conversation and speak on the phone with confidence. The cochlear implant has opened up a whole world of possibilities for me and my family. I’m now training to be a teacher, a career that was simply not available before my implants. Now I feel empowered to take on new challenges and realize my fullest potential.
It wasn’t easy getting to this point. I struggled for a long time and there didn’t seem to be any kind of recourse. As my hearing continued to deteriorate, I asked myself “What is to become of me?” I sank into a helpless depression, not being able to answer the question. By the Grace of God, this technology and the Dallas Hearing Foundation were made available to me, and I knew this was the answer I’d been praying for. My speech discrimination and hearing improved dramatically and quickly. This has given me the confidence to start my career anew, to follow my dreams, and live the life I’ve always wanted to live, but was afraid to.
While challenges still remain, they are nothing compared to life before the cochlear implant. I am forever grateful for this technology and what it has done for so many. My prayers were answered and the result is truly miraculous.
As the technology continues to improve, I wonder how much better the cochlear implant will become and how many more people will see their lives changed for the better. It is an amazing feeling to be a part of such discovery and what is to come in the near future.
Jillian Liebert
Jillian received her gift of hearing through the technology of bilateral cochlear implants at the age of 14 months. At 2 ½, she began speaking jargon with her 2 year old neighbor and her classmates. From that point on, Jillian's progress living in the world of sound has been nothing short of amazing. She began individual speech therapy immediately after the surgery and reaped the benefits of reverse-mainstream educational activities at Pearson Elementary when she reached four years old. Jillian then entered the mainstream educational system side-by-side with her friends, neighbors, and the rest of the “normal" kids in Kindergarten.
Now at the age of six, Jillian is already looking forward to first grade beginning next year. Her bilateral implants have allowed her such luxuries as sound localization, a decreased dependence on lip-reading as compared to her unilateral peers, and an ever-growing vocabulary with which to express herself. She has even expressed an interest in learning to play the piano and singing. This continues to be a gift too precious to explain in words. We continue to cherish every word, sentence, cry, and laugh she makes. This truly has been an everlasting blessing from God! The Dallas Hearing Foundation provides these same blessings to many other children just like Jillian.
Amanda Martinez
Growing up in the world as a profoundly deaf adult, I became used to the daily struggles of going through life unable to hear. The idea of having the ability to hear within my grasp was a foreign concept to me. I could not comprehend the idea of having the chance to pick up the phone and participate in something as simple as a phone call without having to go through the relay operator or depending on someone in the same room with me translating the phone call. I heard the stories, “I have a cochlear implant and can now hear the door bell!” or “I love to listen to the radio when I use my implant!” Try as I might, I still could not believe that a world of sound could exist for me.
A few major life changes put me in the path of audiologist Linda Daniel. One day, a nine year-old girl with cochlear implants was finishing her auditory therapy in Linda’s office. Linda, sensing the hesitation in my believing what a transformation the cochlear implant could have on my life, presented an impromptu demonstration. Linda stood two feet behind this precious child and said various sentences. The phrases were repeated verbatim! This little girl started with a profound hearing loss, the same as I had, and here she was in front of me rattling off phrases and words without the need to lip read or ask for repeats! It was then that I was able to tell myself, “If this child can do what I thought was impossible I can too!” I keep in mind the Bible verse, “A little child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6
I sought out Dr. B. Robert Peters and the Dallas Hearing Foundation, and the rest is history. My implants have brought so many new sounds to my life - sounds that I did not even know were missing! The rustling in the trees, the cicadas that chirp in the summer, a soothing violin, and the turn signal in the car are all sounds that I can now hear as clear as bells that ring. You have to hear to believe!
Matthew Grover
After being diagnosed with profound bilateral hearing loss, Matthew received his cochlear implant at 20 months old. What amazing technology and an incredible blessing for our family!
Now eight years old, Matthew has made amazing progress over the years learning to listen and speak. Prior to his implant, Matthew spoke only using single words. He then progressed to multiple word phrases. Today his language skills are at, or beyond, grade level. He attends our neighborhood elementary school and has been mainstreamed since before kindergarten. Matthew excels at math and reading and thoroughly enjoys school. He’s active in Cub Scouts and sports, enjoys music, and loves video games like any other kid.
Our family is proud to be involved with the Dallas Hearing Foundation and to help provide this miracle for other children as well.
Melissa Benton
I was diagnosed with a moderate hearing loss as a child, which progressed to a profound loss during my teenage years. I used a hearing aid and lip-reading, and although I was able to communicate fairly well, I struggled with challenges such as telephone use, lack of independence, low confidence, and feelings of isolation. For years, I prayed for a miracle that would allow me to hear more clearly the voices of family and friends and restore all of the wonderful sounds I had not heard since I was a child.
In 1998, I consulted with Dr. B. Robert Peters, who confirmed that I was a candidate for the cochlear implant. I immediately knew without a doubt that this was going to be the miracle I had been praying for. My faith was rewarded with amazing success! I am now able to hear the voices of loved ones, use the telephone, enjoy music, listen to the birds sing, and communicate with ease and confidence. I am amazed and overjoyed with the hearing ability I have with my cochlear implant!
The blessings continued as I became involved with the Dallas Hearing Foundation, at first as a volunteer, and later as the Administrator and Secretary on the Board of Directors. Being a part of this wonderful organization and its mission – giving the gift of hearing – is priceless!
Michael Noble
Your son, Michael, will never be able to hear, speak, or do the things a normally hearing person would do,” my parents were told when I was diagnosed as profoundly deaf.
Eighteen years ago everyone thought that I would have a maximum reading level of a third grader and exclusively attend schools for the deaf. However, in 2007, I graduated as one of the Top Ten students from an all hearing high school, Newman Smith High School, where I attended the exclusive International Business Academy. Currently, I am in my junior year of college pursuing a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and am in the University Honors Program at Southern Methodist University.
Since I have the cochlear implant, I never allow my deafness to become an excuse for not being able to do many things. I simply endeavor to be the best I can be! I am so grateful for the cochlear implant. I would not want to imagine one day without it. It has changed my life completely for the better. Many of the things that I have accomplished so far I credit to having the cochlear implant. It has been both a miracle and a blessing. Thanks to the Dallas Hearing Foundation, other young people have the same opportunities for a quality education and achievements in life.
Pam Butler
Pam is a bright, blue eyed 10 year-old who was diagnosed with profound deafness after contracting meningitis as an infant. She was adopted at age 3 and was very inquisitive but socially withdrawn. With no language skills, she immediately received her first cochlear implant and was immersed in a mainstream environment with the goal of helping her to function in a hearing world.
One day as she was running down the driveway toward the street, I looked out my kitchen window and called her name. She quickly stopped in her tracks and turned around. It was at that time that I truly realized the impact the cochlear implant was having on her life. Pam slowly made progress in her language development and received her second implant at age 6. There were many along the way who saw Pam's potential and encouraged us in our journey, but it was audiologist Linda Daniel who really moved her language forward.
We are lucky to have Pam in our lives, and we will be forever grateful to the professionals at Dr. Peters' office and the Dallas Hearing Foundation who were able to see daylight when others saw darkness. She continues to be mainstreamed, recently achieving the 3rd grade A/B honor roll. Pam is a blessing and inspiration for us all.
Pauline T. Newton, Ph.D.
As I explored Sabino Canyon with my friend Lisa, new sounds and sights
overwhelmed my senses. Gazing at tall cacti until the sky reddened with the setting sun, we then hastened back to the car, and I walked in front, deciphering the trail map. I heard a strange and beautiful noise. I looked up in wonder—what kind of Arizona bird could make that sound? And then I heard Lisa shriek my name, once and then twice, and I turned around to see her pointing at the ground at a diamondback rattlesnake with eight shaking coils on its tail. Lisa grew quiet, and I sighed in relief.
To this day, as I talk with my students in my classroom at Southern Methodist University, trying to guess the direction of each voice that pipes up in the back, I remember that handsome snake I so clearly heard on the Sabino Canyon Trail, and I think of all the sounds I must still decipher and localize each day. Growing up I mastered speech with my childhood speech therapist, Helen Beebe. “One word at a time,” was the mantra that I heard through my therapist’s encouragement. The powerful words drove me through speech therapy, college, and graduate school, inspiring me along the way to write and
teach. And thanks to Dr. Peters and the Dallas Hearing Foundation, through the use of my cochlear implants, I am reminded each day of new sounds and I am enjoying my new journey of learning one sound at a time.
Ryan Dake
Ryan was a micro-preemie, born at 26 weeks, weighing only 1 lb., 6.2 oz. Even though he had a difficult NICU journey, he passed the hearing test right before he was discharged at four months old. In the months that followed, his parents, Edward and Cindy, began to realize he was not responding to sound like other babies do. At age one, he was diagnosed with profound deafness, likely as a result of the side effects of high doses of life-saving medications in NICU. He was fitted with analog hearing aids and began speech therapy at 18 months old. Additional listening devices and better hearing aids helped some, and he developed a large sign language vocabulary and a moderate-sized spoken vocabulary. "But despite years of therapy and the best hearing aids we could buy," his mother said, "it was painfully obvious that it just wasn't enough. He would always need an interpreter. We yearned to give him independence so he could embrace life without an interpreter at the doctor, a conference meeting, or at the bank."
At age 5, Ryan got his first Advanced Bionics cochlear implant and began auditory-verbal therapy with audiologist Linda Daniel and staff. "Within six months, he made so much progress in speech and listening that it was like having a different child," his father remembers. "He was discovering new sounds all the time--and loving it! His spoken language soared." Less than a year later, his parents decided he could get the other ear implanted.
"This time, the adjustment was almost instantaneous," his mother said. "He was understanding words less than 24 hours after activation of the second implant. Within three months of being bilateral, he made the choice to stop using the interpreter in his kindergarten class. He could hear and understand the teacher now! And I'm probably the only mom in our school who rejoiced when her child came home with 'Ryan talks too much in class' written on his daily report! I was actually thrilled to have that problem." Ryan also began asking to listen to music after he went bilateral and enjoys what he calls "jazzy music." Now 11, Ryan is a happy, very talkative boy who reads on grade-level and loves to draw.
"Cochlear implants have given Ryan what we hoped - the potential for independence as an adult," his mother said. "But until then, my favorite benefit of cochlear implants is how we can now whisper to Ryan in the dark at bedtime - no signing, no lights or lip-reading needed. He can hear every word."
The Dallas Hearing Foundation brings sound to life and gives the potential for independence to other children like Ryan.
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