.jpg) |
|
June 2008 Update
What can I say…life has changed so much for me since I got my CI in 2002. What AWESOME changes I've experienced since then! Being profoundly deaf since the age of 5, with a hearing loss of 120db, and now hearing at the 30 db level…again WHAT CAN I SAY? I don't feel like a deaf person anymore, except when I take it off. I listen to music 24/7. I have over 2,000 songs on my IPOD. I wasted no time downloading all the oldies and new songs that I have learned to enjoy as well. I've been able to recognize the songs beginning melody and ready to "sing along" (off tune of course LOL). Being able to hear the instruments and back-up singers is mind blowing. I thought it couldn't get any better, but getting my Harmony says it all. I am able to hear my mom in another room and able to carry on a conversation.
Wearing a hearing aid since the age of 5 to 50 did nothing for me except allow me to hear "environmental sounds." In July 08, I'll be going to my 40th class reunion. I've written in my BIO of my life experience. My classmates all remember me as the DEAF GIRL and they can't wait to see me and enjoy my success in hearing "BLAST FROM THE PAST” (oldies). It's going to be a night to remember for many of us. I have more confidence now then ever. Life is GOOD.
Original Story
I grew up in the deaf community. My parents wanted me to go through mainstream school, and sign language was not allowed. I wore a hearing aid up to the day of my CI surgery on February 12, 2002.
The day I realized I no longer received any benefits from my hearing aid was a sad day for me. I didn't realize this before my CI surgery. The difference of what I hear now with my CI and what I heard with my hearing aid is awesome!
Little did I know what was in store for me after receiving the CI. I have a friend who had a CI in the past and told me how wonderful it was. I did research for nine months and decided that I had nothing to lose. I have not regretted having the CI for one moment, because my CI has opened up a whole new life for me.
I hear more now that I thought was possible. In the beginning with a new hearing aid, I did hear some of the sounds but they soon faded away along with my memory of those sounds. The list of sounds I hear now with the CI is long- music being number one on my list. It is heaven to my ears. Also, I am not shy anymore. I can participate in conversations with people without feeling "stupid" or saying the wrong thing. I have much more confidence now, and I am very sure of myself. I have dreams and goals now. At my age, the sky is the limit. Excuse me, but I have some living to do... SMILE!