Nelson was 47 years old when he began experiencing vertigo and hearing loss that resulted in a diagnosis of Meniere's disease, which affects balance and hearing. Meniere's disease can get better on its own, but it can also be chronic and disabling.
Eight years after Nelson's diagnosis, he was completely deaf in his right ear and had severe hearing loss in the left. The loss of hearing adversely affected all facets of Nelson's life, from his job to his family. However, Nelson's life was turned around – 20 years later – when he was fitted with a Nucleus Cochlear Implant, an electronic medical device that replaces the function of the damaged inner ear and provide sound signals to the brain.
In honor of Better Hearing and Speech Month this May, Nelson led the crowd in singing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" in the seventh inning of the May 18 "Sounds of Summer" Durham Bulls game. He was joined by about 20 cochlear implant recipients from Cochlear Americas who were celebrating the sounds of the ballpark.
In further celebration, there will be a Hearing Health Fair from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 at the Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel. Find out about the newest hearing aid technology and solutions, and get information from audiologists and implant surgeons. The event is free. For more information, check out the fair's website here or call 877-HEAR-THIS.
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