We did end up going to the cochlear implant talk today, and I’m really glad we did. I already knew some of it, but I also learned a lot. They talked about what a CI does, how it works, realistic expectations for users, and the rehabilitation work you have to do after activation. These were things I had heard about before, but not in any sort of detail.

I felt really young there — aside from the presenters (a surgeon and two audiologists), we were by far the youngest people in the room. I know hearing loss happens to younger people (I was 30 when mine started), but I guess there’s a reason why it’s stereotyped as an old-age thing.

During the Q&A session, a Deaf protester came in, stood in the back, and made (I guess) booing noises, protesting against implants. To his credit, the surgeon addressed the protest, saying that they support whatever solutions people want for themselves, whether that means getting an implant, or not getting one and remaining a part of Deaf culture.

Anyway, I also got to talk to several people with implants — one of each brand, in fact. All were very enthusiastic about their CIs, and all had decided opinions on what brand they preferred. (Interestingly, the one with Cochlear brand endorsed Advanced Bionics, because it’s the only one that allows you to get an MRI.) After talking to them, I also feel better about my surgeon and audiologist; I had some concerns about difficulties with communication and getting appointments, but apparently in some places it can take up to 6 months to see someone, and this place isn’t nearly that bad. Plus, my surgeon and audiologist seem pretty well-known and respected. So that’s good to know.

So, next thing is my appointment with the audiologist next Friday. I am keeping a list of questions that I’m adding to whenever I think of any.