If you were Deaf for 10+ years then implanted

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RonJaxon

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As opposed to HOH before implanted.

I've been deaf for about 20 years. Before that I was HOH but with hearing aids I got along like any other "hearing" kid. I went to public schools and "normal" classes. It was during my late teens and early 20's that my hearing decreased to deafness.

Anyway, I just got my CI surgery a couple of weeks ago and my activation is in a couple of weeks on December 22.

They basically told me that with my degree of hearing loss (I got zero on my speech test and only "felt" a few beeps) that how well I'll be able to hear and comprehend speech is hard to predict. They basically said that the chances aren't all that good. I might be able to pick up a word or two here and there. But they also said that from time to time even they are surprised. For example they told me about one guy who was basically like me and tested at about 80% accuracy a few months after activation. But I'm glad they are being honest with me so I can have realistic expectations. Right now I'm just excited with the idea that I'll be able to hear some sounds. It would be great to be able to understand speech and I'm committed to go as far as I can with that. But I also understand that I'll have limitations.

So what I'd like to ask is if any of you where deaf like me for a number of years (Such as more then 10 years) then got implanted. What was your outcome as far as speech? I'm basically just curious at this point. I know that no matter what your story is mine may be different. But it would be great to find out what others have experienced.

Thanks for your time.

Ron Jaxon
 
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Maybe PM Hear Again, she does not post much anymore, but she was hearing, then deaf for a long time, got implanted and can hear and understand speech.
 
I was born HOH and worn hearing aids all my life. At first with the CI the high frequencies sounds were very sharp and piercing. It takes time for the nerves and the brain to be able to handle the signals loads that it has not been expose to for a long time. At the six months timeline I was able to hear speech and music more clearly. At the one year time line I was able to use the phone quite well globally in my job and I was able to understand the British accent speech for the first time in my life.
 
Ron......did you have any speech or sound perception when you were deaf?
I think it's great that they're being honest about your chances.......... your audi isn't one of those who are " selling " it (and that can and does happen)
Were you a good HA user? It's possible that might be able to contribuate to your sucess....and yeah it's been twenty years.....but on the other hand your brain DOES remember how to perceive sound/speech. That's an advantage that a born deaf person wouldn't have.
 
Thanks guys.

Yea, I'm glad they've been honest too. They didn't exactly try to talk me out of it of anything but when I asked how well I'll be able to hear. I could tell by the look on the face that she would have loved to be able to tell me that I'd hear good with the CI but she said, "I really don't know". She said she knows I'll be able to hear sounds but speech and music she really couldn't say for sure. Then she said to look forward to sound and if I can pick up some speech then that's all great. So I'm glad she was honest so I can prepare myself realistically.

I used HA's most of my child hood till my teens. In my late teens I wore them less and less because they really didn't help me that much. Just made loud sounds louder. I remember the last time I used the phone which was when I was about 17 or so. With the HA and an amplifier on the phone I only got a couple of words that where basically screamed at me to let me know they where on their way to pick me up. LOL

But since my early 20's I have not heard a single voice. All I've been able to hear have been loud low pitched sounds like a drum very faintly. I might not even be hearing them. But rather feeling them but to me it seems like I heard it.

So, I do hope that the fact that I could hear when I was younger and remember what things sound like will be helpful in my relearning to distinguish sounds. We'll see what happens. Activation is only two weeks away from today.

Ron Jaxon
 
Two weeks? Wow Ron...what a great Christmas present!

Can't wait to see details of your activation. :)
 
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