Army Veteran Kevin McGovern, 67, struggled with severe hearing loss, which impacted his communication with family and work at the Kankakee County 911 center. Despite using hearing aids, he could not hear from his left ear and sought help from audiologists at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital. Dr. Stacey Sturgulewski recommended cochlear implants, leading McGovern to undergo surgery for his left ear in July 2022. Following the activation of the implant, he experienced immediate improvements, including the ability to understand speech and recognize everyday sounds he had not heard in years.

McGovern’s positive outcome prompted him to receive a cochlear implant for his right ear in May 2023, further enhancing his confidence in communication. He has since participated in research studies at the University of Illinois and Purdue University, exploring sound processing in individuals with hearing devices. McGovern describes his cochlear implants as life-changing, allowing him to reconnect with family, friends, and his professional life. He encourages other Veterans with hearing loss to pursue testing and treatment options available through the VA, emphasizing that it’s never too late to seek the health care they have earned.