Anyway...
2 weeks ago, I went to the Auditory Implant Service centre (AIS) in Southampton for a 6 month assessment since the operation. I had a listening test and my listening has improved from 66% (in August - see 'Stranger' post below) to 75% which of course I am delighted! A quick calculation works out that my listening has improved by over 50% (it was 49% with hearing-aids/before the operation) in 6 months which is fantastic. I'd like to think there is still room for improvement and will have another test in 6 months' time.
I don't think I have heard any new sounds but I am able to identify/recognise sounds more easily.
In my previous post, I mentioned that I would be trying out the new ComPilot device which connects the cochlear device to Bluetooth enabled devices including mobile phones, computers, tablets, music players and even televisions. Last week, I attended a workshop to experiment the ComPilot and WOW ! Although the cochlear implant has given me a new lease of life with hearing, the ComPilot gives even more clarity in the sounds. I guess it is like wearing a very good pair of headphones for listening to music, etc.
I mostly use the Compilot for watching television. Although I still need subtitles to follow conversations, I am able to pick up the faint sounds in background which the subtitles do not mention. For example a recent documentary on nature (Wild Brazil on BBC) - the giant otters splashing in the water, the footsteps of the jaguars and the tiny squeaks from monkeys and coatis. All of which gives a fuller picture of the scenery and makes me as if I am actually there!
There is just one drawback... the cochlear implant is so good that my hearing aid on the other ear is almost useless and I hardly wear it nowdays. I have been advised to replace it with a newer model which connects to the ComPilot so that I can listen from both ears. I will have to make another appointment... the auditory centre is becoming my second home!
