At 42 years old, Linda Rose Blank is rediscovering sound. Born with a rare genetic disorder called Usher syndrome type IIIB, caused by changes in the gene HARS1, Linda was able to hear and see in early childhood. Around the age of five, however, she began to experience gradual vision and hearing loss. By the time she was 19, Linda had lost both her vision and hearing completely.

“We first brought Linda to the Clinic for Special Children before it was even officially founded! Our first visits were at the original Clinic location in Willow Street,” explained Linda’s parents, Eli and Lizzie. “She was experiencing high fevers, hallucinations, and other concerning symptoms whenever she got sick. It wasn’t until 10 or more years later that we received her official diagnosis.”

For decades, Linda’s family and close friends communicated with her primarily through American Sign Language, signing into her hands. Over the years, Linda and her family heard about cochlear implants as a potential therapy, but at the time, they were considered experimental and offered no guarantees for someone in Linda’s situation.

Cochlear implants are small electronic devices that send sound signals directly to the auditory nerve, unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound. This bypasses damaged parts of the ear and helps the brain understand sound. “All of a sudden, one day, Linda told us that she wanted to get cochlear implants. We were stunned by her change of mind, but cautiously optimistic that they could help her,” says Lizzie.

When Linda and her family met with audiologists to learn more, the doctors weren’t certain the implants would be effective, primarily due to her age and the length of time she had been without hearing. True to her nature, Linda didn’t give up. She sought a second opinion and received her first cochlear implant three years ago. Two years later, she received a second implant. Since then, she has continued to have the devices adjusted as her brain adapts to this new way of hearing.

“It’s been amazing to watch the progress Linda has made. She recognizes more sounds every day, even when I call her name or say, ‘It’s time to eat.’ Linda Rose is truly enjoying her cochlear implants and the renewed sense of hearing and freedom they’ve given her,” share Eli and Lizzie.

Linda’s parents and Dr. Grace Meier, her doctor at the Clinic, believe Linda’s success is partly due to her having developed language normally during early childhood before experiencing hearing loss. “Language development is critical before the age of three. This is why it’s so important to detect hearing loss early in children, because earlier interventions can significantly improve outcomes,” explains Dr. Meier.

Today, Linda discovers new sounds every day and enjoys the freedoms her cochlear implants have provided. She works at a local bakery, enjoys reading Braille books, needlepointing, and helping with chores around the house. “I have to remind her to use her voice,” Lizzie reflects. “It’s a joy to see her keep improving a bit every day.”