In February 1988, I was nine years old, I was diagnosed to have Brain Cancer. During that year, I underwent three operations and two courses of radiotherapy to the head right down to the spine. Thereafter, I was well.
In 1993, when I was fourteen years old, I started loosing my hearing in both ears. I was told that it is due to the "dying" hair cells in my ears, caused by the radiotherapy. I have gone for hearing tests and since then, I have been wearing hearing aids.
In March 1999, I was given the opportunity to pursue a Diploma in Ngee Ann Polytechnic through the help from Singapore Association of the Deaf. I obtained a Diploma in Horticulture & Landscape Management last year (July 2002). While I was working in a Nursery in Nov 2002, I had difficulty in communicating with my colleagues, which led to misunderstandings and eventual loss of job.
After several tests to both ears, Prof. Low Wong Kein (Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Otolaryngology, Singapore General Hospital), found that my left ear was totally deaf and my right ear requires a more powerful hearing aid. He suggested a "Cochlear Implant" to enhance my hearing abilities, It was of great difficulties for my parents to source for the cash prior confirmation to proceed with the implant. I had the cochlear implant on 23rd December 2002.
Having worn the Speech Processor for about a month, it has given me more confidence in handling my daily needs. Though I am still learning to interpret information from the device, it keeps me aware of the happenings around me. Now, I know where the sound is coming from, and turn to that direction. After a few sessions of Auditory-Verbal Therapy and adjustment of the Cochlear Implant Programme in my Speech Processor, my hearing has improved. I used to have phobia answering phone calls, but with practice, I am gaining confidence.
I am actively seeking employment. During interviews, I was able to communicate with the interviewers. They do not know that I am hearing impaired and wearing "Speech Processor" until I mentioned it to them. Probably, employers will naturally have second thoughts of hiring somebody with disabilities. But I believed that with lots of prayers and God's Blessings, I will find a suitable job with my improved hearing condition.
I am very glad to have the cochlear implanted and grateful to my parents for giving me a chance to hear again. I also like to thank Prof. Low (Surgeon) for the successful implant, Mr Steve Lee (Audiologist) and Ms Mandy Phua (Auditory-Verbal Therapist) currently guiding and providing me assistance on mappings speech therapies.
Magdalene Tan Pei Ching