Carolyn Minga lost hearing in her left ear in 2017. It was the result of an antibiotics treatment she took to overcome a medical emergency.

The loss of hearing was something she learned to deal with for nearly two years, but that changed in November 2019 when Minga underwent cochlear implant surgery at UT Methodist Physicians Head and Neck Surgery.

“It was just awesome,” Minga said of the surgery that restored her hearing. “You take for granted some of your senses. I didn’t realize how much I couldn’t hear.”

The cochlear implant surgery was performed by Dr. Robert Yawn. He began performing the surgeries at the Memphis office in September 2019 and has done about 10 — including Carolyn Minga’s — in the months that followed.

“It’s more than a traditional hearing aid,” Dr. Yawn explained. “It’s really a miracle and it will be a benefit to many around the city.

The implant bypasses the mechanisms of the inner ear and directly stimulates the hearing nerve with electrical signals. It can restore hearing for individuals with both partial and complete hearing loss, allowing help for those who were not fully assisted by hearing aids.

“Generations ago, we didn’t have options (like this),” Dr. Yawn said. “It gives a new option and people can get back to normal life. It can be very isolating to have hearing loss, and when you see that get restored back to people… it’s a small part that I get to play that’s really rewarding.”

The cochlear implant procedure is a same-day surgery with minimal pain.  In fact, you’ll be able to wash your hair and do most things within 24 hours.

After the surgery is complete, you will use a processor — which uses a magnet to stick to the back of your ear — to turn the implant on and off. You can also get one that is waterproof.

If you’re worried about how it’ll look, you shouldn’t. Often times, the processor will be covered up by your hair.

In Carolyn Minga’s case, she simply talks about it with her stylist before getting a haircut.

But for her, the way it looks isn’t a concern. She’s simply amazed by the technology and how it changed her life.

“To be able to get back my hearing, that is just wonderful,” Minga said. “I can hear my granddaughter when she talks to me.”

While hearing aids are often not covered by insurance, cochlear implants are different. They are typically covered by most commercial insurance, along with Medicare.

With Dr. Yawn’s cochlear implant surgery, there is no age limit for prospective patients. You do have to undergo testing to determine candidacy.

“The key is establishing candidacy, so there’s some medical and audiologic criteria you have to meet with respect to your hearing loss,” Dr. Yawn explained. “But if you are – through the course of your evaluation – deemed to be a candidate, then they are covered by most insurance providers.”

“I wish more people would consider their health issues,” Minga added. “The technology the doctors and the hospitals have… it’s amazing some of the things they can do.”