Exceptional care and life changing results at the Northbrook ENT and Audiology team…read more
My godmother, "Flo", turned 95 this year. At her birthday party she smiled from ear to ear because she could hear us sing Happy Birthday to her, something she had not been able to enjoy. That moment was made possible by the ENT and audiology team at Endeavor Health NorthShore's Northbrook location at 501 Skokie Boulevard.
A little over a year ago, Flo lost all hearing in her only good ear. She could hear sound but could not make out words. She became withdrawn and depressed and lost more than 30 pounds. She stopped going to her church women's club and barely engaged with friends and family. Her world went silent.
We began with Dr. Janet Han at the Swedish Hospital location in Chicago. She tried a hearing aid plan with several fittings and a loaner. When that did not help, we met in Northbrook with Dr. David D. Walker and his team, Dr. Samantha Schneider and Dr. Margaret Molloy, to talk about a cochlear implant. With guidance from Flo's geriatrician, Dr. Erica Hutz, I chose to move forward knowing there was only a fifty fifty chance it would help, because any improvement could change her quality of life.
From the first appointment, this team was kind, patient, and clear. They explained every step in plain language, returned calls quickly, and coordinated scheduling so travel and visits were manageable. They spoke to Flo in a way she could follow and made her feel included in her own care. They treated me as a partner in every decision.
Over the next year I attended every follow up and adjustment. There were hard days when we wondered if we made the right choice, but the team's encouragement and skill kept us going. The changes have been remarkable. Flo gained back 30 pounds, returned to her women's club, attends the senior monthly meetings at the police station, watches television again, and starts conversations with friends and caregivers. She laughs, connects, and participates in life again.
If you are considering a cochlear implant or need ENT care, I highly recommend this team. Thank you to Dr. Janet Han, Au.D., Dr. Samantha Schneider, Au.D., Dr. Margaret Molloy, Au.D., Dr. David D. Walker, MD, and Dr. Erica Hutz, MD. You gave Flo back her independence, her joy, and her will to live. We are grateful beyond words.