Huge news. I have a cochlear implant. I went into hospital Thursday morning, operation in the afternoon, stayed in overnight, X-rays Friday morning to check that all looks OK in there, discharged early afternoon. “Switch on” is planned for three weeks’ time. I have a slightly sore right side of the face (nothing serious) and I’m a bit unsteady on my legs still, but otherwise OK. The best bit was when the consultant checked the X-rays, declared them fine, and called me over to see a tiny, tiny implant (like a plastic thread, with electrode dots on it) curled up nicely in my cochlea.
The plan is to blog throughout the process of the coming months, whilst I learn to hear again. Interspersed with that will be some retrospectives about what’s been happening over the summer. It’s hard to know where to begin on that. Suffice it to say, for the moment, that things never did fully recover after my blocked ears saga. It felt like they were heading that way, but I never got back the level of hearing I’d had before that virus in January.
I’ll tell you the full story another time.
Right now I’m off to curl up with a book.
More than a bit deaf 
Hi Vera,
How exciting, look forward to following how you experience hearing with the help of your implant. All the best, Di x
Hi there Di. Yes, VERY exciting, if a little scary……
This is great news Vera. I too had my implant at the wonderful BRI, just a year to the day before you, and I really haven’t looked back. I hope you keep well in the next few weeks and wish you all the best for switch on. I know that many people will have told you not to have too high expectations to begin with, but I have to say that for me it was miraculous from day one. So you never know, you might be one of the lucky ones. Of course it will still be wonderful even if it takes a little longer!
Best wishes
Helen
Hello Helen. That’s wonderful to hear. I’ve decided to expect nothing, as everyone’s experience seems to be different! Won’t stop me feeling as nervous as a kitten on the day, though, I’m sure. A week after the op now and I’m feeling fine, apart from a couple of tender areas on my head. Yes, massive thanks to the BRI.
Oooh congrats on taking the leap! I adore mine! Wishing you lots of luck for your CI journey!
Many thanks Laura. I love your blog and it’s even more relevant now I’m following after you.
Like everyone else, I am so pleased with your good news. I admire your courage in taking on this new challenge, and I look forward to hearing how things go. Every success!
Thank you Ivan
Hi Vera
Wow! This is big news!
Hope the recovery goes well and good luck with the switch on.
By the way, where did you have it done? BRI?
Best wishes
Ian
Hello Ian. Yes, Ward 18 of the BRI, courtesy of the wonderful BRI Cochlear Implant Centre for Yorkshire. Very lucky to be in their catchment area. I have the tiniest scar, no hair shaved that I can tell, a bit of bruising but generally fine and the implant safely in place. Hurrah!
So pleased for you. Hope all continues to go well. Jen Tomkinson
Thankyou Jen
Thanks for letting us know, Vera! Very good news.
All the best from us three on Mt. Tabor.
Hi Todd. Yes, it’s very good news and I’m delighted. Just a few weeks with only one ear (and I’m managing better than I thought I would with that so far) and then the re-training work begins. Love to you Karen, Justine and Emma
Fabulous news, It’s lovely to hear from you again. I look forward to reading more about your journey!
Hello Heather. Many thanks for your good wishes.
Great to know you are back to blogging Vera.
Wishing you rest, relaxation and healing following your operation.
Sally
Thankyou Sally. I’ve got a big pile of books and an even bigger pile of things I can do with only one ear!
Truly huge news! Wishing you all the very best for a good recovery over the next couple of weeks and for the switch on. Looking forward to reading about your progress.
Thanks indeed.
Fantastic news Vera! Wishing you a speedy recovery. Looking forward to reading about your experiences and especially about the switch on! Best of wishes!
Carly
Hello Carly. Great to hear from you. Best of wishes to you too. How are you doing?
Hello Vera. i am doing well thank you 🙂
Huge congratulations. Very excited for you. Take it easy.
Thanks Anne
So pleased for you and am looking forward to reading your blog on the CI. Have a good rest in the mean time. Are you now without hearing aids until you get switched on?
I still have the hearing aid in my left ear. I was somewhat dreading these weeks with only one hearing aid but so far I’m managing better than I thought I would. Thanks for your good wishes.
Hi Vera. I had my CI switched on in August, and it’s been amazing, a whole new world of sound. I do hope yours is successful, and you enjoy the new hearing experience.
Hi Barbara. Thanks for getting in touch. It’s reassuring to hear from others a few months ahead of me.
Great that you’ve had it done and feel ok – I’ll be very keen to follow your blog about the experience Vera – thanks for sharing ! Get well soon! Xx
Thanks Teresa
So pleased to hear this Vera and wishing you a very relaxing recovery. 🙂
Thank you Deb. Give Elmo a pat from me. Fingers crossed for your own op coming up soon.