Short version I’m in a position that my ENT wants to put in a cochlear implant in my right ear when they go in to do some other work. I have had no hearing in my right ear in 20 years and have tinnitus in both for the last 25 years. Looking for someone else that has had hearing loss and received the implant. How long have you had it? Is it worth all the hassle and expenses? Does the garbling sounds ever disappear? How comfortable are they? How differently do people look at you for wearing it?
A good friend has one, also only for one ear. People don’t really notice, I’d say. I don’t think it really restored a lot of hearing but he still wears it usually as it is still better than nothing. He got it pretty quickly after his hearing loss, so no idea how that would be after 20 years. He got them for free through standard health care as far as I know. I don’t think he’d be willing to pay a lot for it if he had to. But I never asked that directly. Not aure if that helps. If you want I can try to ask him some specific questions if I remember to do so.
Thank you for the response. Living is US so healthcare is always expensive. That is a big concern is being on a limited budget now having been told for at least the first year there are therapy and learning sessions involved. That means for my decision it needs to be worth the money, time, and energy. So far I’m leaning to no and just living with what hearing I do have left.
Not the same, but maybe similar. I got used to how bad my eyesight got. But recently got glasses. I’m so used to it that i regularly forget them for a few hours and am fine. But dang I didn’t remember how good it felt to see the word in 4k. It’s incredible.
Glad to hear life is more clear for you. As you lose sense at a slow rate you easily forget what you have. Double good for people to remember these experiences as it helps dealing with other people that have similar issues.