Cochlear ear implants at Hendrick Health help woman communicate again

Patricia Anderson’s advancing hearing loss made even mundane activities monumental. She depended on family members to converse with others on her behalf, and talking on the phone was impossible.

“I really couldn't communicate with anybody,” said Anderson, 79.

She has since regained much of her hearing after Jaxon Jordan, MD, an otorhinolaryngologist with Hendrick Clinic Ear, Nose and Throat, performed cochlear implant outpatient surgery on each of her ears.

Designed for adults and children with severe to profound hearing loss, cochlear implants include an external microphone and sound processor and an internal electrode system that stimulates nerves in the inner ear.

“It’s been life changing,” said Anderson.

She can now participate in family conversations and engage at social settings.

“When I go to the store, I go by myself, and I can just talk to people,” said Anderson. “That would not have happened before the cochlears.”

Her family members are benefitting too.

“My husband is so pleased,” said Anderson. "He said, ‘I don’t have to yell anymore.'"

Anderson said she believes her hearing loss might be genetic, as she dealt with allergies and earaches her entire life.

Approximately 20 years ago, she was fitted for her first of several hearing aids. While living in Houston, she was advised to receive cochlear implants. She hesitated in pursuing them, until her hearing loss hampered her ability to communicate with others.

“I had really gotten to the point where I was told, ‘Hearing aids are not going to help you anymore,’” said Anderson.

After moving to Abilene in 2022 to be closer to her daughters, Anderson saw Dr. Jordan for an ear infection. He encouraged her to reconsider cochlear implants, and she decided the time was right.

“Dr. Jordan is just very personable,” said Anderson. “He’s just a great doctor.”

Anderson’s first cochlear surgery occurred in 2022, followed by the second procedure in 2024. Each implant was activated after a two-week healing period. The follow-up care included regular visits to Hendrick Clinic audiologist Wendy Artho for cochlear implant programming and adjustments to maximize Anderson’s hearing. Anderson was also taught how to use a cellphone application to control the volume and stream phone calls directly to the cochlear devices.

“I’ve gone from 8% to 80% hearing with the cochlears,” said Anderson.

She is thankful for the life-changing treatment and for the Hendrick Clinic team that helped her recapture her hearing to communicate freely, even on the telephone.

“They were all just very friendly and very pleasant to go in and talk to,” said Anderson. “They’re just a great team.”