By Master Sgt. John T. Hawk
McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, TN.
“Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to make the world’s first bionic man…”
The character Oscar Goldman spoke these words in the 1970’s television show, “The Six Million Dollar Man.” But what does that have to do with today’s military, not to mention the National Guard?
I’m MSgt John T. Hawk and while I’m not a bionic man, I have what is commercially known as a “bionic ear.” I’m the first person on active duty in the U.S. Air Force (I’m currently serving in an Air National Guard active duty Title 10 statutory tour), and currently the only active duty Air Force member to receive a cochlear implant. The company that makes the implant and processor that allows me to “hear” actually calls the device a “Bionic Ear”.
Strange as it may sound, even with a profound hearing impairment, I’m still able to serve our country. My hearing challenges actually started when I was a child and I was not aware of my hearing loss until I decided to join the Air Force in 1983. It was during my entrance physical I was told I had a bilateral high frequency hearing loss. Even with my hearing loss I was allowed to join the Air Force, and in 1988 I joined the Michigan Air National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base through the Palace Chase Program. In 1996, I accepted an active duty tour at the Air National Guard Training and Education Center.
My journey to near deafness took a major turn on Dec. 12, 1998, when I experienced vertigo and a sudden hearing loss in my right ear. Making a long story short, after various medications, I now have approximately 79 percent hearing loss in my right ear. Even with a severe loss, I continued to perform my duties as a professional military education instructor at the ANG NCO Academy for another two-and-a-half years.
Almost three years later, on Nov 20, 2001, while I was staying with my parents in my hometown of Defiance, Ohio, I awoke with a ringing in my left ear and diminished hearing. Over the next three days, which included Thanksgiving, I lost all my hearing in my left ear.
Since I was on leave, and almost three hours from a military base, I first went to the local hospital emergency room, which referred me to a local ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Because I am on active duty, and after prescribing medication, the ENT advised me to report to the nearest military medical facility. On Nov. 23, my wife and I went to the Wright-Patterson AFB Medical Center. After three trips from my parents to Wright-Patterson AFB over the next five days, we agreed that I should return to Tennessee and proceed from there.
When I returned to Tennessee, Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Marshall, 134th Medical Squadron, started the ball rolling for my medical treatment. Chief Marshall contacted Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and they agreed to see me to evaluate my hearing loss and determine any potential rehabilitation.
Additionally, I was also attempting to complete two classes, waiting to see if my research project was approved, and waiting to hear if I passed a CLEP test, in order to graduate with my class and receive my Bachelor of Science Degree. Before traveling to Wilford Hall, I found out my research project was approved, I passed the CLEP test, and I took and passed two final exams. I would receive my degree! Unfortunately, our stay at Wilford Hall was extended and I missed my graduation, but I did get my degree, with honors.
From December 2001 to December 2002, there would be eight trips to Wilford Hall. In February 2002, I received the cochlear implant for my left ear, and the trip in March was when the implant was activated; the trips since then have been dedicated to making adjustments to help me “hear” and understand better.
For me, the implant was a success, considering the alternative of almost no hearing (it has been estimated that I have approximately an 83 percent cumulative hearing loss). I have to admit, my new hearing is not perfect, there are still challenges, but I have not completed my journey on the road to recovery yet. Every day I’m reminded of what I’ve lost, because I wake up in a silent world. When I turn on my sound processor, I’m reminded of what I’ve gained. Throughout my ordeal, I have really experienced the sense of family and belonging that is often talked about in the military, especially the Guard. Everyone from my commanders to branch chief, supervisor, co-workers, and friends, have gone out of their way to help me adjust. My journey is far from over; the duration of my career is still undetermined. I feel as though I am currently able to contribute to the organization that I’m assigned and that I’m capable of performing my job above a satisfactorylevel. My journey is just beginning.
Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Meneguin. Master Sgt. John Hawk (seated) works with Master Sgt. Chris Morin at the I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, TN.