Springwood retiree Len Ulrich knew exactly what this felt like after suffering from a serious ear disease for more than 20 years.

But the trial and launch of a new cochlear implant system has changed Len's life. For the first time since his late 40s he can now hear the simple sounds most people take for granted.

Len is one of the first Australians to receive the Nucleus Freedom system, the latest in a long series of cochlear world firsts. Officially launched last week, it features 40 new innovations including a powerful new ready digital microchip and the world's first splash proof speech processor.

Len, 68, was diagnosed with Meniere's disease in his late 40s and was forced into an early retirement from his career as trade union secretary. He received his cochlear implant in July 2003.

"My cochlear implant system has changed my life," he said.

"The new Freedom system is an amazing breakthrough. I could hear the bellbirds for the first time when I received my cochlear implant - which was amazing in itself but now Freedom's clarity takes their call to another level."

The new implant has also changed life for Len's wife, Marge.

"Everywhere I went before, Marge had to come with me. She was basically my ears," said Len.

It is for this very reason that Marge likes the name given to the new implant.

"I like the name Freedom. Not only is it freedom for the recipient but it's freedom for the carer too," she said.

Other family members have felt the effects of the new implant.

"The clarity of conversation with my grandkids is so good my relationships have changed," said Len.

"I now speak to them on the phone for hours. It has enhanced my relationships with my family and friends and has enabled me to get much more involved in my local community."

According to cochlear's chief scientist, Jim Patrick, who has been involved in the development of cochlear implant technology since the 1970s, the Nucleus Freedom system represents a true technological breakthrough.

"Over the past 20 years, I have witnessed the evolution of cochlear implant technology. Nucleus Freedom, the result of many years of collaborative global technological development, represents a quantum leap forward in terms of sophistication and design," he said.

From Blue Mountain Gazette