Yula Osher and work as a medical technician in the Weinstock Family Digestive Diseases Institute at Shaare Zedek.

She has been deaf since birth.

“Long before Corona, I was dependent on hearing devices and reading lips. But when masks arrived into our lives, it became that much more difficult for me to communicate with others.

I made the decision to consult with Professor Ronen Perez, Director of the Cochlear Implant Unit at Shaare Zedek.

Together we decided that a cochlear implant procedure was the proper direction for me. This is a procedure where an electronic device is surgically implanted and can provide deaf and hearing impaired individuals with the ability to hear.

Last October, I underwent the procedure and immediately when the device was attached to its processor I was finally able to communicate at a high level – even with a mask!

I was able to hear every word from patients and doctors. No one would have ever thought that I would gain a proficient level of speech within just a week of being attached to the implant.

It’s truly a rare case and incredible and I am so thrilled. In fact, it’s almost a joy now to work with a mask!

As a result of the procedure I built up the confidence to join my fellow staff members on the front of this battle and I have been able to work in the Corona Unit, something which I could have only dreamed possible before the surgery.

I am deeply grateful than I have been blessed to continue working in this job that I so love – even with all the current challenges.

Corona has brought me many changes and new experiences. But most of all it’s only because of Corona that I found myself on the surgical table!”