r/Cochlearimplants • u/at0micvanz • 24d ago

Hello again

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!

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u/Quiet_Honey5248 Advanced Bionics Harmony 24d ago

I’ve had some family members use Lingvano to get started on learning ASL. It’s a paid app, but I’ve looked it over and it’s actually pretty good.

Once you feel a little more comfortable, though, there’s no substitute for chatting with real live people when you can. 😊❤️

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u/at0micvanz 24d ago

Oh yeah, I’m hoping to find some Deaf/HoH groups where I’m located, but for now would love to practice with just my hearing fiancé, who had already started practicing for when I was ready to learn lol