
Mr Joseph Manjaly
ENT Surgeon
I honestly don’t know where to start with how grateful I am to Dr Joe Manjaly and the entire ENT and cochlear team.
I had been offered a cochlear implant around ten years ago, but I was too scared to go ahead. I was frightened of the surgery, worried about how everything would sound afterwards, and even concerned about the cosmetic side of having an implant. I think I was also struggling to fully acknowledge just how severe my hearing loss had become and how much it was affecting my life physically, emotionally and practically.
I eventually lost my hearing properly in my late twenties, and having my son made me realise I couldn’t keep putting it off. As a child with additional needs, his safety and development were hugely important to me. I wanted to be able to hear him respond to me, understand his speech and be able to communicate with him properly. I also wanted to feel safe again in everyday life.
From meeting Dr Manjaly and the ENT team during my assessments, through my surgery and all of my aftercare, I have felt completely supported.
Everything was explained to me in a way I could understand. I was made aware that recovery and rehabilitation might not be linear, and I was always given complete transparency about my options. I knew I could continue, delay things or even refuse the surgery. I never felt pressured.
Dr Manjaly has been nothing short of informative, kind and incredibly considerate. He took every aspect of my circumstances into account when discussing my options with me, and he has remained involved throughout my journey through the ENT team. I genuinely cannot thank him and everyone involved in my care enough.
And then came activation.
I walked out listening to music — and honestly, I don’t think I’ve stopped since! The house is full of life again!
After being so frightened for so many years about what sounds would be like after a cochlear implant, that moment was absolutely incredible.
The changes since surgery have been life-changing. My son’s speech has come on so much, and we are able to communicate and understand each other far more effectively. I’ve been able to speak to friends so much more easily than I have in the last ten years. I can hear the doorbell again. Things that seem so small to other people have given me back such a huge part of everyday life.
My only regret is that I didn’t do this sooner.
Because of Dr Manjaly and the team, I have been given a completely new lease of life. I’ve regained confidence that I haven’t had for years, and I’m now able to think about working and going to university again — things I genuinely wasn’t sure I’d ever feel confident enough to consider.
The possibilities feel endless again.
I went into this absolutely terrified, and I came out wondering why I had been so scared for so long.
Dr Manjaly and the entire team have genuinely changed my life. I will forever be grateful for the care, kindness, patience and opportunity they have given me.
Thank you doesn’t feel like enough.
Seen for:
Hearing Loss / Impairment