Hello everyone. My name is Rachel and I am 29 years old. I am deaf and I have a cochlear implant on my left side of the ear. I am having surgery next Tuesday, July 8th to have my second cochlear implant. I decided to get the Nucelus 6 from Cochlear. I've waited 15 years to make a decision to do it.
Why did I wait? I've had people ask me this question more than once. I waited for so long because I was simply happy and content with my current cochlear implant.
I have the Harmony BTE from Advanced Bionics. I felt I could hear enough for the time being. I was happy. I could hear music just fine and anyone who knows me knows that I appreciate music and can't live without it, especially country music. I didn't really give it another thought to get the second. I just was fine with one. I didn't see anything improve until NOW.
Wow! Technology has come a long way for the cochlear implants. Bluetooth and wifi capabilities? Waterproof? Longer battery life - and even diposable batteries are available. I am sold after feeling tired of dealing with my rechargeable batteries that only last 4-5 hours each. I find myself changing up to 3-4 batteries a day, it depends. I realized I still had a opportunity to get the second if I wanted.
Don't get me wrong - I have been so happy with the Harmony BTE and what it currently offers me. So, I felt right now was the perfect timing to have it done. I am getting married in almost 5 months and I thought it was a good idea to do it now and yet still have enough time to recover and do therapy to recognize the sounds and words on my right side of the ear. I'm very excited to see what the future has in store for me. I've had nothing but good words from the audiologist & surgeon who both believe that I will do so much better and will benefit greatly with the new cochlear implant and also wearing both at once. I can't wait!
I have had so many positive words and encouragement from my family and my fiancé's family who I am so truly blessed to be marrying into. I also can't forget about my friends too. Everyone is so accepting and kind. I can say that I am surrounded by so many who wants the best for me when it comes to hearing. So now I wait until next Monday to find out my surgery time and get prepared for it!
So I wanted to go ahead and start up this blog and document my thoughts, struggles, and share my experiences with you all that choose to read my blog. I feel this will be a great tool to educate and show others what it will be like!
Thanks and have a great evening. =)
