Interview with Cynthia Farley Author and Cochlear Implant Recipient
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AO/Beck: Good morning Cynthia. Thanks for meeting with me today. I recently finished reading your book titled Bridge to Sound with a Bionic' Ear, published by Periscope Press. The book is very interesting and it's fun to read. I guess you could say it's a compilation of stories. Is that correct?
Farley: Yes, it is. I believe it's unique in that regard because it offers many perspectives rather than just one individuals experience with a cochlear implant.
AO/Beck: The book starts with introductory chapters that address basic issues of cochlear implants and how they work. But then you get into children's stories, teenagers' stories, adult, and senior stories and some of those are really neat. So there's quite a bit of fact, perception, and experiences available to the reader. I should also mention that at the end of the book you have a list, state-by-state of many of the cochlear implant centers as well as a list of helpful websites and organizations. What was the primary message you were trying to deliver through the book?
Farley: I believe its primary message is that cochlear implants work and have changed the lives of many people. It's really a one-stop-shop of information about hearing loss and cochlear implants. I've compiled a variety of information from experts, leading research institutions, news articles, and so forth that substantiate the cochlear implant as a viable treatment for profound deafness. In the book, I back up that premise with personal essays from people who have walked the walk.
AO/Beck: I have to agree with you. Even though it's almost 500 pages, some of the stories are just two or three pages, and others are quite lengthy. You can read little bits at a time and the book really offers insight as to what cochlear implants do for people. Let's talk about children's stories. Do you have particular chapters about children that are your favorites?
Farley: I would have to say that I really like all of them! Each one is unique in its own way and I like each story for different reasons. However, right now, the first two children's stories are coming to mind. The first one really cuts to the chase. It lays it on the line and encourages parents to be proactive concerning their child's health and then it has an addendum by an audiologist that also tells her perspective. I think that the two compliment each other very well and offer valuable insight for readers.
The second story that I really like is about a child who almost lost his life due to bacterial meningitis, during the battle to save him he lost his hearing because the drugs that were used to save his life had side effects. His mother tells the story, it has many twists and turns, and you can really feel her anguish loud and clear. But the grand finale' of his triumph after the tragedy is very heartwarming as the cochlear implant changed his life drastically by restoring his ability to hear the sounds of life again.
AO/Beck: Can you tell me a little bit about how did you gather all of these stories and what resources did you use to put this book together?
Farley: Well, that was pretty complex endeavor. Early on during the concept process I shared my ideas for the book with several cochlear implant manufacturers. They were very enthusiastic as they thought it was a very original idea to have firsthand testimonials from people of all ages/regions/backgrounds and they offered their assistance in letting patients that used their device to hear know where to submit their story for possible publication. They also offered to share some of their materials and graphics for the CI book project. I very much appreciate their support and encouragement throughout this process.
I also contacted many people myself directly through the internet and asked them if they would like to submit their story as well. All total we received over 200 stories and then we had to decide which ones we thought were the best fit for the book. We were looking for a good mix of messages to balance the book and offer different perspectives for readers.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to share their stories. In doing so, they will make a difference in the lives of many people who will read this book. I also want to mention that had I not had the assistance of my editor, Mardie Younglof, as well as suggestions from a parent of two children with a cochlear implant, the book would not have progressed as well or quickly as it did. Their efforts were extremely beneficial and I want everyone to know that I very much appreciate their help.
I self-published this book, and I didn't know anything about book publishing! One of the first things I did was buy a book called The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing by Marilyn and Tom Ross, which was my reference guide throughout the whole process.
I had to incorporate as a business entity and deal with all that entails, handle all the aspects of product development and research, as well as obtain over 95 permissions which was an exhaustive process. I organized the material, collected stories, dealt with graphic design, editing, handled book production issues, developed materials, and set up distribution channels to get the book to the public.
On top of all this, I took a course at my local community college on desktop publishing so that I could compile the book myself electronically using Adobe PageMaker 6.5. It's been quite a bit of work, and it's very rewarding to finally see the end result and know that this book will have an impact on people's lives.
AO/Beck: How much is the book and how can readers get a copy of it?
Farley: The book retails for $19.95. Most book stores can order it by the ISBN number, which is 0-9718546-0-2.
AO/Beck: If you don't mind, I'd like to spend a few minutes on your personal story about becoming deaf and getting your cochlear implant.
Farley: My hearing loss was caused by ototoxic medication that I received as an infant. In fact there are over 200 medications on the market today known to cause hearing loss and several other people whose stories are in my book lost their hearing in a similar manner.
As a child, I was profoundly deaf in both ears. I did benefit from a hearing aid and I pretty much operated on cruise control most of my life, in that my hearing aid and I functioned very well together. I was able to speak on the phone quite easily and most of my jobs required a lot of public contact as I worked in sales and management, outside sales, real estate, you name it.
But then one afternoon in 1995, I suddenly lost my remaining hearing in my only hearing ear for unknown reasons. I did have a virus that week and I think that might have been a contributing factor. It was a traumatic experience. I actually thought my hearing aid was on the blink and at first I wasn't too worried. But then I went to get another hearing aid and neither worked which was very disconcerting, and frankly, it was very scary. It happened on a Friday afternoon and the doctor's office was closed, therefore I had to get through the weekend.
Monday finally arrived and I went in to the neurotologist's office. The audiologist did an audiogram and discovered I had a significant drop in hearing. They treated me with various medications to try to recapture my hearing, but it didn't work. I was later informed that I was at a near total deafness point and the only hope I had was to get a cochlear implant.
My doctor was very confident. He stated to me, Cynthia, I can restore your hearing with a cochlear implant. That really took me aback because I didn't know much about the technology and it really sounded like science fiction to me. I should mention here that I'm skeptical by nature; therefore, I needed more information than the marketing materials offered by the manufacturers.
I met other people who had cochlear implants and I also got a second medical opinion. It was reinforced to me that if I wanted to have any hearing ability, the cochlear implant was my only option. I concluded over the next several months that I would do it, and I would accept whatever benefit I would receive and maximize that to the best of my ability.
Not knowing what was going to happen, and having some hearing and then being totally deaf.....my life was just upside-down and inside-out as you might imagine. Today I feel blessed to have the cochlear implant and having regained my ability to hear. For me the whole experience was like being freed from a prison of silence and that's why I want to spread the word about cochlear implants to let others know they can have hope for better hearing as well.
AO/Beck: When did you get your implant?
Farley: I had my surgery in December of 1995 and the speech processor was activated January of 1996.
AO/Beck: Please tell me about how you learned to listen. What did you do to help get re-introduced to sound?
Farley: Well it was pretty easy for me. As soon as my processor was activated, I understood speech and I even tried to use the telephone the first day. It required quite a bit of work, but I progressed rapidly and I am overjoyed to understand speech so clearly with my Clarion cochlear implant which is manufactured by Advanced Bionics Corporation.
AO/Beck: Cynthia, before I let you go, do you have a website address?
Farley: Yes. The book can also be purchased online at my website, www.HearThisOrg.com or on Barnes & Noble at: www.bn.com as well as www.amazon.com
AO/Beck: Very good. Thank you so much for your time and for the work you did assembling this book. It really is a wonderful resource.
Farley: Thank you too Dr. Beck for your time and for helping spread the word about this book that can help many people learn about what cochlear implants can do for them.
Farley: Yes, it is. I believe it's unique in that regard because it offers many perspectives rather than just one individuals experience with a cochlear implant.
AO/Beck: The book starts with introductory chapters that address basic issues of cochlear implants and how they work. But then you get into children's stories, teenagers' stories, adult, and senior stories and some of those are really neat. So there's quite a bit of fact, perception, and experiences available to the reader. I should also mention that at the end of the book you have a list, state-by-state of many of the cochlear implant centers as well as a list of helpful websites and organizations. What was the primary message you were trying to deliver through the book?
Farley: I believe its primary message is that cochlear implants work and have changed the lives of many people. It's really a one-stop-shop of information about hearing loss and cochlear implants. I've compiled a variety of information from experts, leading research institutions, news articles, and so forth that substantiate the cochlear implant as a viable treatment for profound deafness. In the book, I back up that premise with personal essays from people who have walked the walk.
AO/Beck: I have to agree with you. Even though it's almost 500 pages, some of the stories are just two or three pages, and others are quite lengthy. You can read little bits at a time and the book really offers insight as to what cochlear implants do for people. Let's talk about children's stories. Do you have particular chapters about children that are your favorites?
Farley: I would have to say that I really like all of them! Each one is unique in its own way and I like each story for different reasons. However, right now, the first two children's stories are coming to mind. The first one really cuts to the chase. It lays it on the line and encourages parents to be proactive concerning their child's health and then it has an addendum by an audiologist that also tells her perspective. I think that the two compliment each other very well and offer valuable insight for readers.
The second story that I really like is about a child who almost lost his life due to bacterial meningitis, during the battle to save him he lost his hearing because the drugs that were used to save his life had side effects. His mother tells the story, it has many twists and turns, and you can really feel her anguish loud and clear. But the grand finale' of his triumph after the tragedy is very heartwarming as the cochlear implant changed his life drastically by restoring his ability to hear the sounds of life again.
AO/Beck: Can you tell me a little bit about how did you gather all of these stories and what resources did you use to put this book together?
Farley: Well, that was pretty complex endeavor. Early on during the concept process I shared my ideas for the book with several cochlear implant manufacturers. They were very enthusiastic as they thought it was a very original idea to have firsthand testimonials from people of all ages/regions/backgrounds and they offered their assistance in letting patients that used their device to hear know where to submit their story for possible publication. They also offered to share some of their materials and graphics for the CI book project. I very much appreciate their support and encouragement throughout this process.
I also contacted many people myself directly through the internet and asked them if they would like to submit their story as well. All total we received over 200 stories and then we had to decide which ones we thought were the best fit for the book. We were looking for a good mix of messages to balance the book and offer different perspectives for readers.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to share their stories. In doing so, they will make a difference in the lives of many people who will read this book. I also want to mention that had I not had the assistance of my editor, Mardie Younglof, as well as suggestions from a parent of two children with a cochlear implant, the book would not have progressed as well or quickly as it did. Their efforts were extremely beneficial and I want everyone to know that I very much appreciate their help.
I self-published this book, and I didn't know anything about book publishing! One of the first things I did was buy a book called The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing by Marilyn and Tom Ross, which was my reference guide throughout the whole process.
I had to incorporate as a business entity and deal with all that entails, handle all the aspects of product development and research, as well as obtain over 95 permissions which was an exhaustive process. I organized the material, collected stories, dealt with graphic design, editing, handled book production issues, developed materials, and set up distribution channels to get the book to the public.
On top of all this, I took a course at my local community college on desktop publishing so that I could compile the book myself electronically using Adobe PageMaker 6.5. It's been quite a bit of work, and it's very rewarding to finally see the end result and know that this book will have an impact on people's lives.
AO/Beck: How much is the book and how can readers get a copy of it?
Farley: The book retails for $19.95. Most book stores can order it by the ISBN number, which is 0-9718546-0-2.
AO/Beck: If you don't mind, I'd like to spend a few minutes on your personal story about becoming deaf and getting your cochlear implant.
Farley: My hearing loss was caused by ototoxic medication that I received as an infant. In fact there are over 200 medications on the market today known to cause hearing loss and several other people whose stories are in my book lost their hearing in a similar manner.
As a child, I was profoundly deaf in both ears. I did benefit from a hearing aid and I pretty much operated on cruise control most of my life, in that my hearing aid and I functioned very well together. I was able to speak on the phone quite easily and most of my jobs required a lot of public contact as I worked in sales and management, outside sales, real estate, you name it.
But then one afternoon in 1995, I suddenly lost my remaining hearing in my only hearing ear for unknown reasons. I did have a virus that week and I think that might have been a contributing factor. It was a traumatic experience. I actually thought my hearing aid was on the blink and at first I wasn't too worried. But then I went to get another hearing aid and neither worked which was very disconcerting, and frankly, it was very scary. It happened on a Friday afternoon and the doctor's office was closed, therefore I had to get through the weekend.
Monday finally arrived and I went in to the neurotologist's office. The audiologist did an audiogram and discovered I had a significant drop in hearing. They treated me with various medications to try to recapture my hearing, but it didn't work. I was later informed that I was at a near total deafness point and the only hope I had was to get a cochlear implant.
My doctor was very confident. He stated to me, Cynthia, I can restore your hearing with a cochlear implant. That really took me aback because I didn't know much about the technology and it really sounded like science fiction to me. I should mention here that I'm skeptical by nature; therefore, I needed more information than the marketing materials offered by the manufacturers.
I met other people who had cochlear implants and I also got a second medical opinion. It was reinforced to me that if I wanted to have any hearing ability, the cochlear implant was my only option. I concluded over the next several months that I would do it, and I would accept whatever benefit I would receive and maximize that to the best of my ability.
Not knowing what was going to happen, and having some hearing and then being totally deaf.....my life was just upside-down and inside-out as you might imagine. Today I feel blessed to have the cochlear implant and having regained my ability to hear. For me the whole experience was like being freed from a prison of silence and that's why I want to spread the word about cochlear implants to let others know they can have hope for better hearing as well.
AO/Beck: When did you get your implant?
Farley: I had my surgery in December of 1995 and the speech processor was activated January of 1996.
AO/Beck: Please tell me about how you learned to listen. What did you do to help get re-introduced to sound?
Farley: Well it was pretty easy for me. As soon as my processor was activated, I understood speech and I even tried to use the telephone the first day. It required quite a bit of work, but I progressed rapidly and I am overjoyed to understand speech so clearly with my Clarion cochlear implant which is manufactured by Advanced Bionics Corporation.
AO/Beck: Cynthia, before I let you go, do you have a website address?
Farley: Yes. The book can also be purchased online at my website, www.HearThisOrg.com or on Barnes & Noble at: www.bn.com as well as www.amazon.com
AO/Beck: Very good. Thank you so much for your time and for the work you did assembling this book. It really is a wonderful resource.
Farley: Thank you too Dr. Beck for your time and for helping spread the word about this book that can help many people learn about what cochlear implants can do for them.
