First mapping session.
After ten days I returned to Bristol for the first mapping
session. It would have been a week but
the Christmas festivities intervened. I
shared all of my observations with the audiologist and she told me that they
were common experiences and that there was no reason for concern. The loudness of the implant had reduced which
was normal but adjustable. So, wired up
to the computer, I was presented with the sounds produced by the sixteen electrodes
in the cochlear array and each one was turned up to the point that it was loud
but comfortable. It was good to see that
all of the electrodes were working and amazing to hear those very high
frequencies, which I feel I have never been able to hear at any time
before. The volume on all of the
frequencies was similar which interested me because my hearing aid was set to
boost high frequencies most. The
audiologist then saved the new settings as the default programme in the
processor. A second programme was also
created with a further boost to volume should I need it. I had no difficulty in hearing the audiologist;
she came over loud and clear yet my wife told me on departure that she had
spoken softly throughout. Constant
deterioration of natural hearing is unavoidable and inevitable but, I am
reassured, the implant should remain stable without deterioration. This is one of he reasons why I wanted the
operation. So I returned home with a renewed hearing experience. I tried the TV news without subtitles and got
most of it but will still use the subtitles for a while yet.
Today is New Year’s Day and it is pouring with rain. I’ve
not mentioned this before but I am a Cotswolds Voluntary Warden and in that
capacity I join my fellow wardens in keeping our beautiful part of the world in
good order. I’ve helped clear paths,
installed bridges, stiles and gates and I look after a section of the Cotswold
Way which runs through Crickley Hill overlooking Cheltenham. But on this rainy day I’ve been one of four
leaders guiding a walk for the general public.
I appreciated the interest shown by my colleagues this morning, which is
the first time we’ve met since the switch on.
It will be interesting to re-join the work parties after the holiday to see
if I can pick up more of the banter. As
I waited in the car for the intrepid walkers to arrive I tuned into Radio 4 and
was able to enjoy a discussion about pantomimes.
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