Cochlear Implant

On December 21, 2009, I received a cochlear implant in my right ear and have since been in a world of complete silence. God willing, the silence will be broken tomorrow afternoon when my implant is activated. Several people have asked what this will look like, so I have copied a blurb from the ASHA (America Speech - Hearing Association) Web site that does a good job of explaining activation:

About 4-6 weeks after surgery, the person returns to the center to be fit with the microphone and speech processor and to activate and program (called mapping ) the implant. The initial fitting process is done over several days and may include additional visits over several months. The reason is that, as each electrode in the cochlea is activated, it must be adjusted and programmed into the speech processor. As the person develops skill in using the implant, further adjustments and reprogramming is required. Once the optimum program is obtained, fewer visits are required. Usually there are annual visits to the center for checkups.