Cochlear Celebration 2007 - San Antonio - Texas - Celebrating The Miracles Of The Cochlear Implant
Cochlear Celebration 2007 was held this past February in San Antonio. It was an event to celebrate 25 years of miracles, and we were glad to be part of the event. We will try to briefly recapture some of the memories of this spectacular event.
Cochlear Corporation, the manufacturer of the Nucleus® cochlear implant, organized the 3 day convention, held in the luxurious Westin La Cantera resort on the outskirts of San Antonio. There were over 1,000 attendees at the event, all were either Nucleus® cochlear implant users and their family members.
As with most conferences, this provided a wonderful opportunity for cochlear implant users and their families to meet with others like them and share their stories. Children were able to spend time with other children, and parents met with others who shared guidance and inspiration with each other.
Dr. Graeme Clark, an Australian physician, believed that a "bionic ear", as he called it, could be developed that would be able to produce hearing sensations for the brain that would be able to recognize distinct sounds. His hope was to produce an implant for the deaf that would enable them to be able to understand speech and other finely tuned sounds. Presentations were given by Dr. Clark himself, and Rod Saunders, the first person to undergo the cochlear implant surgery back in 1978. This required tremendous sacrifice and bravery of them.
Jim Patrick, chief scientist at Cochlear Corporation, was one of the first to join Dr. Clark in his efforts. His presentation traced the development of the original cochlear implant into what we have today. There were photos of the implant’s first appearances, such as the over-the-head coil, the pocketbook processor, and the other oddities that today we take for granted.
Many sessions were held that covered a variety of topics. Dr. Don Goldberg, Director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Speech & Hearing Center, presented the topic "Charting the Course for CI Success," which described the different ways parents can ensure their child is doing their best they can. "A parent is worth more than 10,000 schoolmasters."
Another hot session was titled: "Bilateral Cochlear Implants: How Two Ears are Better than One." Dr. Bob Peters, Medical Director of the Dallas Otolaryngology Cochlear Implant Program introduced the medical and clinical research demonstrating the advantages of bilateral implants. His remarks were followed by an emotional recount by Mark Doshier, an employee of Cochlear, who received a second implant from Dr. Peters. His first person account gave a real glimpse into the advantages of bilateral implants.
Sea World® San Antonio
Clearly, for many of the attendees, the big highlight of the event was the outing to Sea World, which was then closed to the public. The kids (and many of the adults, including many of the Cochlear staff) ran off to ride the 2 roller coasters that were operating. There was a large dinner party and a live show with dolphins, and of course, the Shamu® Show. Mixed into the show was a wonderful performance by a young pretty girl with bilateral implants, who bravely stood on stage and told the audience of her dreams.
Dr. Graeme Clark Scholarship Awards
At the closing session on Sunday morning, the scholarship awards named in honor of Dr. Graeme Clark were presented to 5 college bound young adults, all profoundly deaf and cochlear implant users. Dr. Clark and Heather Whitestone, Miss America 1995 and a cochlear implant user, presented the awards to the winners. Dr. Clark noted how these children are an inspiration to him, and he is certain that they will accomplish great things with their lives.
From tiny infants to elderly grandparents, the cochlear implant has dramatically improved the quality of life for its users and those around them. Cochlear Celebration provided a much needed opportunity for those who benefit from the implant to meet each other, share in their experiences, and learn how to do even better.
Aaron & Nechama Parnes attended Cochlear Celebration in San Antonio back in February. Their website contains valuable
tips for parents of children with cochlear implants. A
detailed review of
Cochlear Celebration is posted there. Join the E-mail List and receive tips
and special discounts by signing up at
http://www.hearingpocket.com
Tags: Chris Smith, Cochlear Celebration 2007, cochlear implants, Graeme Clarke
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