u/at0micvanz

Hi! I recently posted that I was getting a left cochlear implant after a SSNHL that impacted my speech rec and thresholds, but that my speech rec never recovered after steroids. Well, a good update: I am going with cochlear which will be implanted in two days. A bad update: my right ear is now following the same pattern. The leading theory is maybe something autoimmune or genetic, waiting on a genetic test still.

Anyway, I’ve worn hearing aids since I was 2 months old (so 22 years now). I felt a lot of shame for a long time about it, and had finally accepted it ~4-5 years ago. Now, I am feeling that same shame and disappointment feeling with the idea of possibly needing two cochlear implants and being Deaf instead of just HoH.

I plan on talking to my therapist about it obviously, but was not sure if anyone had any advice about navigating this change. I never imagined my hearing changing to this degree, the thresholds had gradually gone down over the years but the speech rec is totally new.

Sorry for this long ramble, but I appreciate any advice in advance. Also - if anyone knows any good ways to start learning ASL, please recommend! Thank you!

Hi! I just found out I am a CI candidate today after a SSNHL in my left ear. I am tied between Cochlear and AB. For context, I already have moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears, however minimal speech understanding in my left ear even with a hearing aid (I believe unaided was 19% and aided was 30s? Once the note shows up on MyChart I can add it lol). I have worn Phonak hearing aids for 21 years (so my whole life), however am not the biggest fan of AB’s recall rates and whatnot. I am also not a fan of how Resound hearing aids sound though, as I’ve trialed them before and couldn’t even last the weekend. How easy is it to adjust to a Resound hearing aid after wearing Phonak for so long? Is the T-mic worth it? Right now I’m leaning towards Cochlear and just forcing myself to get used to Resound, however I wanted some more input. Thank you!