My name is Dani, and I’m originally from Poland. I was born with right‑sided microtia and canal atresia, which means my right ear is smaller and I don’t have an ear canal. I’ve always been partially deaf on that side, so growing up I simply adapted. I learned to position myself, so people sat on my left, relied on subtitles, and often needed others to repeat things or tap me to get my attention. Noisy places were especially tough, I felt like I was always trying to keep up.
When I was around 10, my family raised concerns about my hearing, and that’s when a GP confirmed my ear canal was closed. I continued managing as best I could, but I didn’t realise how much I was missing until I tried the ADHEAR non‑surgical bone conduction system. The first time I heard more sound from my right side, I thought, “Wow… so this is what it’s like to have two working ears.” It was emotional, surprising, and honestly quite magical.
On the 18th of April 2024, I received my BONEBRIDGE bone conduction implant at Central Middlesex Hospital, and life has been different ever since. Now I can hear from both sides, and everyday situations feel so much easier. I enjoy social events more, because for the first time I can join conversations happening on my right. Busy environments don’t overwhelm me like they used to, and I no longer have to plan where to sit or explain my hearing struggles. I feel more confident and far less isolated.
I also notice instantly when my audio processor is off, it really does feel like something is missing!
When I was younger, I used to feel self‑conscious about the appearance of my right ear. I would see photos and focus on how different it looked. But growing older, and experiencing the improvement in my hearing, has completely changed my perspective. Now, I’m far more grateful for what my ear can do than worried about how it looks.
If you’re considering ADHEAR or BONEBRIDGE, I really encourage you to connect with a Hearpeers Mentor. Speaking with someone who has lived through the process made such a difference for me. I could ask real questions and get honest, personal insights. You don’t have to navigate any of this alone. ADHEAR is a brilliant non‑surgical option to experience sound from ear that needs support. At first, hearing so much new information was overwhelming, but with patience my brain adjusted, and I loved discovering sounds I’d never noticed before.
With the BONEBRIDGE, take your time, ask every question, and make sure you fully understand the process. Build good relationships with your audiology team and your Hearpeers mentor as it all works together to help you get the best outcome. Finally, a small tip from me – always keep spare batteries handy!
