On May 1st, I saw the audiologist and ear doctor and as my ear doctor said…..”Your hearing sucks!”
On my hearing tests the word recognition in my left ear was again 0%, and the right ear was 28%. So it’s pretty obvious I don’t understand a lot of what’s being said.
On Friday, May 4th, I had the official hearing test to determine if I am a candidate for a Cochlear Implant. Yes! I am!!
Next step. Insurance authorization. It can take 4-6 weeks. During this time I need to decide which device I want (there are 3 available, and each have some pros and cons…so a lot of reading and research). Also, during this time I need to think of any questions I may have, and be prepared to ask them all. However, I understand the surgery, how the cochlear implant works, how I’ll be hearing differently, and most everything I can think of right now. I’m sure questions will arise though.
After the insurance approves everything, we just have to schedule the surgery…and it’s go.
About 2 weeks after surgery they will turn the device on. I’ve been warned I may not hear much at first. As time goes on my doctor thinks I will hear better and better. If after a few months I feel I’m hearing better out of my left ear than my right, it is a VERY big possibility that by the end of this year I may be getting a second CI. They say if you need 2 it’s better to get them close together if possible.
I was told that I am in a good place about all of this, I’ve only recently lost my hearing and people who get CI’s who recently lost their hearing normally do much better.
Right now, I’m excited at the possibility of hearing again…but cautious. I know hearing through a CI is not the same as hearing normally. I understand all surgery carries some risk. So naturally I’m cautious.
But how would you feel if you were told that in just a couple of months you could go from 0% word recognition, to hearing again. Yes, I know I may not understand everything in the beginning…heck, I may not understand anything….but it will come. I will be able to hear again.
**In other news about me…… The migraines are so much better!!! I had another round of steroids, and hopefully they have stopped the cycle. (There is some doubt right now that I have Intracranical Hypertension. If I do, it has not escalated, and the medication that should help didn’t help much. The migraine treatments have helped much more. My last lumbar puncture did show high CSF, but not very high. Actually, it was pretty low in comparison to most people who have IH…..so we don’t have to worry about a shunt any time soon, hopefully, never!)
Picnic with Ants 
Good luck! I know it’s a big step with risks, but being a good candidate makes a big difference I’m sure. I have “heard” (oh that’s an awful pun, sorry) that 2 implants are better as you suggested.
This is exciting news — same with the migraines getting better, lumbar puncture results, etc. I really hope this marks the beginning of a healing journey!
Please keep us posted as the process moves along. Sending great big (((((hugs))))) of congratulations! And, I have many appendages crossed that all goes well and smoothly.
Take good care
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I think, that after you schedule the surgery, we all schedule one big, huge PARTY. I’m so excited for you. This is the best news I have heard in ages. I feel happy FOR YOU. You deserve all good things and I will follow every step of the way. Know that I am thinking good thoughts for you. Love, Laurie
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This is all exciting and wonderful news! I hope things keep getting better and better for you. You deserve it!
Hugs and love
Maureen
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Incredibly great news! You have a lot to look forward to. First, hearing again! Second, praying your migraines are being controlled. Finally, a newfound sense of self with all your positive changes in your life. I’m excited for you and know you will be on another journey to healing. What types of sounds will you be able to identify when they turn on the Cochlear Implant?
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Edith,
I’m not exactly sure what my hearing will sound like. From others who have Meniere’s and have gotten a CI, I’ve been told they can hear all kinds of things. It is a different way of hearing, so I have to get used to that, but most people I’ve “heard” from say they hear things so clear.
But no one can really tell you what it’s like, I’ll have to experience it for myself. Right now I have silence in the left ear, some hearing in the right but I miss so much. So hearing, even if it’s different, will be amazing!
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This is really exciting news and I’m so happy for you! It will be fantastic to hear from someone who personally experiences this. I look forward to seeing how your life improves once again.
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Wendy,
I’ve been “out of commission” and just getting caught up with blog reading.
This is fantastic news. I’m just delighted for you. May the GOODIES keep coming your way – you have so much to offer others and I just know that all you’ve gone through will benefit others in ways no one can begin to know right now.
We have all been HEARING your wonderful spirit loud and clear.
with love,
j
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First of all, congrats on the migraines going away!!! And then, secondly–Whoohoo!!–congrats on being a candidate for the CI!!! Wow! Lots of good news!! So very happy for you, lady! 🙂 🙂 🙂
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I’m so happy for you! You’ve been on my mind and I couldn’t figure out how to leave you a msg on this format until today. 😛 I don’t know if you’ve come across this subject, but I hope it resonates with your experiences. I’m going through it myself and my own health issues. http://bit.ly/KSIB1K, and http://bit.ly/goldbaummenieres. There’s more info out there, but I know you’ve got a lot going on. I hope this helps you in some way. I think about you all the time and wish you wellness.
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