Cochlear Implant Restores More Than Just Hearing for Navy Veteran

James Bascetta, a U.S. Navy veteran, suffered from severe hearing loss but thanks to a cochlear implant and UConn Health’s audiology team, James is hearing sounds he hasn’t heard in years.

James Bascetta, a navy veteran, suffered from severe hearing loss until UConn Health's audiology team performed a cochlear implant. (Photo by Ethan Giorgetti)

Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the U.S., and it can affect the quality of your life and relationships. That’s what was happening to James Bascetta, a U.S. Navy veteran, who suffered from severe hearing loss. He was becoming socially isolated because he could no longer converse with his wife and family. Thanks to a cochlear implant and UConn Health’s audiology team, James is hearing sounds he hasn’t heard in years – including his wife’s Polish accent which he missed the most.