My first day back at work is uneventful. I am happy to be there. Happy to get back to my routine. Today is also the first day I don’t feel like taking a Tylenol. I have taken an anti-nausea pill for the equilibrium problem, but I think it has become a crutch. I can’t remember the last time I felt nauseated. Tomorrow I won’t take one.
I feel I am straining to hear. I am hearing an annoying vibration. when I speak. Everyone else sounds like they are speaking through a tube. On day one the tube was tinkley, like glass, but now it sounds dull, as if they’re speaking through a paper towel roll.
What bothers me more than anything is the ear pressure pain that comes and goes. I also don’t like the funkiness between my cochlear implant and hearing aid. The implant is quiet. What little sound I hear is clear and crisp. There is no electrical ickiness to it.
The hearing aid sound is loud and shrill and unnatural. It is hard to sift the important speech sounds from the electrical garbage that I hear with it. For now I still need it because I cannot hear well enough with just the CI alone.
I only use my hearing aid at work along with the CI. Everywhere else I rely on the CI and lip reading alone. I plan to listen to some books on CD later, but work and a shopping errand wipe me out.
I am not sleeping well at night because I must sit up and can’t roll onto my right side with the three inch scar and swollen magnet on the side of my head. I have been struggling with rotator cuff issues in my left shoulder for the past two months. I’m finding it hard to get comfortable at night.
A nap sounds good. . .
#1 by Candy on December 20, 2011 - 6:51 am
I’ve always wondered about hearing aids and CI, together. I have heard from some that it works great and from others that the CI overpowers the hearing aid side. It seems it varies from individuals to individuals.
Now, when I went to get evaluated for CI. I have not decided yet and am considering a different brand so, it means I have to go to a different hospital where they offer more than one brand as versus the one where I went – they only offered one brand. I spoke with the surgeon who said that when I do get implanted, he will recommend that I do not use my hearing aid for at least six months to give my implanted ear optimal function. He thinks the hearing aid ear will interfere with it. Did your surgeon say anything about it? The idea of not wearing my HA with my good ear is just not something I think I can do. Like you said, you need it cuz you cannot hear well enough with the CI alone, yet.
Thanks for sharing, I’m enjoying reading your posts.
#2 by kim on December 20, 2011 - 1:03 pm
Candy, it depends on the clinic and your hearing. My audiologist doesn’t want me to wear my hearing, but admitted there will be times when that will be impractical. The more you wear your hearing aid the longer it can take to get used to the CI. I have heard other people say they wore their hearing aid all the time, so it really depends on the person and what’s working best for you.
My clinic carried all three brands. They said they implanted all three because they thought they were all equally good.
I’m glad you enjoy reading about this. It has helped me to read what others have said about their experiences too.
#3 by not quite like beethoven on December 20, 2011 - 7:51 am
When I had my surgery I was really eager for them to turn me on. In Germany, though, they wait about a month. And frankly, I wasn’t really comfortable with the scar and everything until at least 2 weeks after. And I had these pressure/s.th. is shifting/moving in my ear phenomena even 3 months after….
So, hang in there! Best wishes from Europe!
#4 by kim on December 20, 2011 - 1:06 pm
It’s very unusual to be “turned on” hehe so early even here in the US. The Seattle clinics are weird that way. I had my choice to wait, but couldn’t see the point since the clinic was ready. I still have some swelling on my head and I am experiencing headaches, plus I have ear pressure due to blood trapped behind the ear drum– so I do understand why many other clinics wait. Still– it is exciting to be hearing so soon after surgery.
#5 by not quite like beethoven on December 20, 2011 - 7:52 am
I meant “to activate” the CI, not to turn me on. Then again, who doesnt like a little being turned on…
#6 by Deanna on December 20, 2011 - 6:28 pm
I’m not wearing my hearing aid anymore. Just my CI and what low tones remain on the other side. I got activated on day 6. It was a surprise. I’d been scheduled for day 20 but my audiologist was as excited as I was so we jumped in early. It’s amazing how much it helps. You might do better than you think.
#7 by kim on December 21, 2011 - 12:27 am
I remember when you were activated early. I am going to be mapped this Thursday and I bet I will hear a lot better after. I was afraid to go very loud on the tones last week. In the beginning it did seem loud and strange sounding. I think I am ready for more volume now.