Each time someone in the public eye comes forward about their hearing loss, the stigma withers away. The latest celebrity to do so is Lou Ferrigno, best known for his depiction of The Incredible Hulk in the 1970s and 80s. He recently received a cochlear implant, and he wants everyone to know about it. I had the opportunity to speak with him about this life-changing event. A gentle giant, Ferrigno wants to use his celebrity to show there is no shame in hearing loss and to inspire those who are candidates to consider a cochlear implant.

“The biggest change for me since my cochlear implant,” he says, “is that I have more confidence.” Because the cochlear implant helps him to better hear himself, his diction has improved. He also doesn’t need to work as hard to hear others. It has been such a positive change in his life, he is already considering implanting the other side next year.

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