I was rather surprised at my poor speech discrimination
scores during my
evaluation. Even my wife was, too. My speech-reading skills
really fooled a lot people.. including myself.
Of course, I was not ready to schedule a surgery
date. I felt that I had a lot to lose if my residual hearing
was wiped out. What about my other ear? Shouldn't I wait until
the technology is better? Am I going to have this lump in my
head? What if it doesn't work?
It is when you ask these questions, will you know
if you have found the right implant clinic. These people understand
your concerns, will answer them, and give you a perfect road
map to better hearing -- all the while catering to your emotional
well-being, and your family's.
I cannot stress enough the importance of a support
group -- your spouse, your family, your peers. Always
include them every step of the way -- beginning with the first
evaluation for your candidacy. I absolutely could not have done
this without my wife, my parents, and my brother at my side.
This is truly a life-changing miracle --- not just for me, but
everyone else around me.
