You mean CI will allow you to hear more? and control the noise around you?
Not necessarily. It varies from person to person. Some people have had improvement in noise, while in others, it is worse. For me, I struggle a little even if it is 4 people in the room and 2 is conversing louder then me and the person I am talking to. It more of 'cut out' the words that is processed because we dont' have the ability of natural ears which has the cooped up shape to distinguish between noise and sounds. If I am at a party, forget about it. It would be best if I learn to talk to one person, but who can do that when that person wants to join the rest of the convo? It's adaptation, I am used to it, but sometiems it can hurt a little. We only have one CI which we usually get, but some are opting for two for better localization and improved hearing in noise, though this is not guaranteed. You have to read a lot to find out what is best for YOU.
Ravensteve, I understand completely what you are saying. I do not think you are trying to be better than anyone or saying anything harsh, it's just how you feel from your point of view. If I was offered complete hearing, I'd take it because I know how much more I can gain from that. I know there are annoying noises in the world, but compared to the gains that I might get...what's more worth it? People tune out those sounds like I do with my CI also, so it doesn't scare me. Although, I wouldn't pick to be anything else other than deafness because it's a hidden disability, and it allows me to do more--like drive a car and less equipment to manage life. I can't imagine being blind or not being able to walk. I think those take me farther than other disabilities. I am not trying to be mean to others with disabilities, but this is how I see it. Helen Keller felt that deafness kept her away from people which she'd pick to hear over sight. I guess because she had 2 disabilities, she felt she could pick one of the two. It's weird. Anyway, but it seems like you lost your hearing not too long ago and need time to adjust. I feel that I pick up attitudes from reading and listening and reading CC on tv rather well, but we need adapt to that using our other senses. I suggest you contact other people outside of alldeaf doing a search on google because there's more info you can get from there about CI. Go ahead and get it if that is how you truly feel, but keep your expectations in check. It's not going to give 100 percent hearing at all, but it sometimes seems like so on some people. After all, the earlier you get it since hearing loss the easier it'll be to adapt, but take your time to read a lot about cochlear implants before you decide. Make sure that you monitor your feelings about losing your hearing. It's important to take care of your emotions too.
Meg, Rush Limbaugh had autoimmune disease which lead to his hearing loss. It wasn't from his painkillers. That's another thing.
Meg...
