By Gill Pickford

After the first few weeks of hearing everything in a robotic way my brain soon adapted and things sound very normal now.

Everybody I know can see a difference in my hearing - they all think it is much improved. At times I can even have a conversation with another person in the next room.

I can hear my husband's car radio as he drives and, amazingly, I can also have a conversation whilst driving myself - no more having to take my eyes off the road every few seconds!!

I have been given a personal audio cable and use this with my daughter's MP3 player. The music is very clear and I am actually enjoying music again.

My children sound SO loud. I keep having to ask them to "Quieten down!"

The biggest thrill of all is being able to use the phone again. I haven't got the confidence to answer the phone when it rings but I have frequently rung my family. I turn my processor to the telecoil position and my landline phone has a built in telecoil. It is very clear. A miracle. I rarely have to ask anyone to repeat themselves.

I still prefer subtitles on the TV for most programmes but can easily listen to the news/weather without them.

My cochlear implant really is a gift from heaven. It has made me so happy.