Hearing Update. Activation Day.
I have a new backpack!
My appointment lasted right at two hours. The first half was with the audiologist and an assistant, who ran a number of tests and did some sort of 'measurement' tests with various beeps and other sounds - sounds that I described as "crickets on steroids."
After the initial tests, the cochlear implant was activated and, honestly, I thought that the noises from the tests were continuing. It took me several seconds before I realized the noises I was hearing were words being spoken to me by the audiologist and her assistant. As we talked, I realized that the sounds I was hearing were what the CI was interpreting as speech - and it sounded like amplified tinnitus sounds to me. As I think about light shows that are set to blink on and off to music, I think the sounds I hear from the CI are what it would be like if my tinnitus were set to the same rhythmic patterns as speech sounds.
The second half was with an audiology assistant who presented me with my new backpack (see photo). It's loaded with all of the hardware, the cases, connecting cords, spare parts, and the like. She walked me through about half of the items in the bag. The main emphasis in this meeting was to be sure I learned how to use the basic equipment - turning the processor on and off, taking the battery off (and putting it back on), charging the battery, using the drying case, and a number of other things. I have three additional devices for the CI, which we will work with at my appointment next week.
As I've worn the device now for about 4 1/2 hours (since about ten o'clock this morning) and have listened to many other sounds, I can report that everything - and I mean everything! - sounds the same. The coffee pot perking, my own coughing, the click of the computer keys as I type these words, words that are spoken to me, shutting the car door, playing the piano - it all sounds the same, with no sense of pitch differences for the various piano keys. Thankfully, I have some hearing in my right ear - my 'good' ear - sufficient to help me understand what it going on around me. If I had to rely solely on the cochlear implant, I would be in serious trouble.
Speaking of my 'good' ear. Since the CI surgery (four weeks ago), its effectiveness seems to be reduced by about half of what it was prior to surgery. In an earlier post, I said that I felt like it was in mourning because it has lost its mate - and that is a fairly accurate description. Our ears and our brains work as a team - and the team suffers when one of the team is injured or has quit working. I'm definitely not hearing well. That said, I am thankful for what hearing I have left in that ear.
The hearing aid in my right ear is not compatible with the CI, which is going to be problematic. My phone is paired with my hearing aid, which is how I am able to receive phone calls. The phone cannot be paired with two devices at the same time, so I'm unable to connect to the CI app, thereby losing access to many features I need in order to get full use of the CI. Consequently, I expect to be fitted with a new compatible hearing aid in the near future.
I was hopeful for a better starting point on this journey of aural rehabilitation. I know I have a long road ahead of me and that I will experience a lot of frustration along the way. But I'm determined to make the best of it and find whatever interesting scenery there might be along the way.
Thankfully, I'm not on this road by myself. My traveling companion on this journey is my wife, Carolyn. I'm thankful, too, for the support and encouragement of family and friends.
The road has gotten pretty rough today, but I'm sure it gets smoother just beyond the bend!
