Switch On Day

Very nervous. I am part of a Cochlear Implant group. Whenever a member switches on, they post results. It is such a range, from just bleeps to recognising words. But the theme is stick with it and it gets better.
The group site is the best source of info and support I have found yet.
ciug2004@yahoogroups.com

I can imagine it's very different mentally, depending where you are coming from. E.g. partially deaf give up any residual hearing and use of hearing aids, to risk that CI will be better. There is no going back.
I was hearing just 2 months ago but now have zero. Anything is better for me, but also may be too hopeful.

I have been sent this You Tube link a few times and is a heartwarming switch on. The girl had been deaf since birth. It's not a CI but similar, using ear drum vibrations. Just shows medical technology working nicely.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjU9U81O1n8&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Switch on results.
Each electrode was individually set to "loud but bearable". Then they turn on.
Unfortunately the left ear, with 12 electrodes, is barely working. Any higher settings makes my face nerves twitch. The right ear, with four electrodes, is working much better but with clearly limited capacity. So right now I can hear metallic vibrations but 99% from the right ear.
Therapist said "it is not a brilliant start" but she would take advice on how to work more with the left ear's settings. Next software mapping session is Monday.

Until then practice.
Focus on hearing familiar sounds eg light switch, tap, car etc.
Also buy two new papers and follow friends reading paragraphs aloud.
Human sound better to train with than TV etc as more 3D.