Aged one, Robert Strang was diagnosed deaf and wore hearing aids throughout his childhood. At secondary school Robert struggled due to his deafness and continual ear infections and decided to have a bone anchored hearing aid fitted but unfortunately the operation wasn’t successful. Robert then went on to study at University and during his third year his hearing loss deteriorated further which meant he no longer benefitted from his hearing aid.
In 2013, Robert choose to have an Advanced Bionics (AB) cochlear implant at the Scottish Cochlear Implant Programme.
“To say my life has changed is an understatement. I can have conversations, hear people talking, listen to music, hear birds singing. it is truly a gift and I would definitely recommend anyone getting a cochlear implant” said Robert.
Since getting his cochlear implant, Robert has graduated with honours in Pharmacology and is currently in his second year studying paediatric nursing with the goal of doing a masters to become a Nurse Practitioner. Robert has found a compatible stethoscope that works with his Phonak ComPilot II streamer and automatically connects to both his hearing aid and AB cochlear implant so he can listen to both low and high frequencies.
In June 2018, Robert decided to take part in a team event called ‘Tough Mudder’, which involves lots of obstacles, mud and water! Robert used the AquaCase™ accessory to waterproof his Naída CI so he could take part in the team event, hear his team mates whilst in water and raise lots of money for charity!
In June 2018, Robert decided to take part in a team event called ‘Tough Mudder’, which involves lots of obstacles, mud and water! Robert used the AquaCase™ accessory to waterproof his Naída CI so he could take part in the team event, hear his team mates whilst in water and raise lots of money for charity!
“Having an AB cochlear implant has changed my life and my self-esteem and confidence has grown. Looking back over the difficult years of a lot of operations and setbacks throughout my life, I have realised how much I had overcome and learnt that no matter how difficult things get, I can withstand all of life’s challenges. To think I can help change others because of a cochlear implant, well that's a gift shared” said Robert.
AB would like to say thank you to Robert for sharing his hearing journey and congratulations for completing Tough Mudder!
