Cochlear Implant Gives Woman Her Hearing Back

For the past few years, 87-year-old Lila Williams, of Woodstock, has gradually lost hearing in both ears. During this time, she went through three sets of hearing aids and would often ask people to repeat themselves.

In 2024, it was determined she had severe hearing loss in her left ear and profound hearing loss in her right ear. Robert Reed, MD, an otolaryngologist at Valley Health Ear, Nose & Throat, recommended a cochlear implant for her right ear. The implant would replace the function of damaged hair cells in the ear and allow Williams to hear again.

In May of 2024, Williams underwent surgery for the implant at Valley Health. A magnetic sound processor was placed behind her ear, and the implant was surgically inserted underneath her skin with electrodes that extend into the cochlea.

“When the implant was activated, I could hear so much better,” she says. “It’s a different sound, but it’s not really hard to get used to.” Now, Williams can hear normal conversation and her pastor speaking during church services, which “means a lot.” “Being able to hear better improves everything I do,” she says.

Valley Health audiologist Rebekah Funkhouser considers Willams a model patient. “She has been great about auditory training,” Dr. Funkhouser says. “She reads a book along with audio books to help her brain adjust to the implant. She has done great. She has been able to attend church in person and understand for the first time in a long while.”

Williams recommends cochlear implants to anyone who needs them. “If people qualify for them and their doctor feels they’re a good candidate, then I definitely recommend it to them. They need to understand it’s a gradual process, but well worth the effort.”

For more information about cochlear implants, please call Valley Health Ear, Nose & Throat at 540-536-7290.