by Amy, 17

I was born deaf, but my hearing has always been stable. But, recently I went profoundly deaf, and now I am heading for a cochlear implant.

I went to a mainstream primary school. Then I went to a school for the deaf.

Going to mainstream school was tough, and I never want that experience again. I often went for check ups.

I have balance issues because of my deafness; I find it hard to stay sitting down too long, because when I stand up after sitting for ages, I am sick.

In about three weeks I am getting a cochlear implant and I can’t wait I haven’t heard a sound for a long time.

This story may have been edited by Children First for Health for editorial and confidentiality reasons only.

For more information

If you would like to know more about cochlear implants, you should ask your doctor or contact one of the support organisations for deaf people. You can call the RNID on 0808 808 0123, textphone them on 0808 808 9000 or visit their website at www.rnid.org.uk.

Copyright © Great Ormond Street Hospital