Four Days to Bilateral, and Counting

Twenty years ago I had normal hearing. I am now something like 95% deaf. On July 3, I will get my second cochlear implant. This technology is so amazing! With the first cochlear implant, my other ear went from 4% word comprehension, before the surgery two years ago, to 96% after rehab work. So I have great hopes for the effectiveness of the electronics that will enable me to hear again in the second ear. I am excited and see so much promise and God's gracious provision to help me cope with this disability. On the other side of things, I also need comfort for the final loss of my natural hearing. After the surgery I will have zero residual hearing. Of course, I have no guarantee I wouldn't lose the rest of it anyway, given the way my loss has progressed. But I am terrified of that prospect. It's also a loss in being able to listen to the full range of sound of music--orchestral, choir, popular music on the radio. My music perception continues to improve with my implant, yes. And I know that it will take time for the new implant. And, from what I've been told, hearing with two implants is more than the sum of the parts! I'll keep you posted.

When I had my first surgery in March, 2006, my pastor had me come up to the front of the church for prayer. And we did the same thing today (Sunday, Jun 29). More about that later. I need that more than ever this time. I very much appreciate your prayers on my behalf as well.

I am grateful for my family, my friends, my church and my online communities. You are each a blessing to me!