The results of this annual review meant that I had a good chance of managing well on the phone. It certainly helped me to give it a try. Since then I have had to call work whilst stuck in traffic, as I knew I would late. I did this on my mobile – something I would never do before now, yet it was very clear and loud. I then had a 15 minute conversation with my mum, again on my mobile, and this went well. I am trying very hard to keep practising regularly on a weekly basis.

I’ve also just bought a CD player, and by using the cable to input directly to the processor, I have enjoyed music. I can hear a lot, although sometimes I don’t have a clue what I am listening to! I do find orchestra music horrible though – too much high, screechy noise!

I have made more trips to the cinema since I had the implant, especially in the past twelve months. Although I don’t pick up the full context, I can follow it a lot better than before with HAs. The only thing that gets in my nerves is the noisy rustling of crisp packets and popcorn, and people munching on food and slurping on drinks. This does put me off!

I know it's not perfect but I’m more than happy and it's far more than I'd hoped. I'd like it to continue to improve, especially with the telephone use, but if I’d chosen not to have the implant, I'd be missing out on all of this. A lot of people have also said that my speech has improved a great deal and those who I haven’t met before implantation sometimes don’t realise I have hearing loss. Many people, especially my colleagues whom I have been working with for two and half years, have said they forget I'm deaf!

Although when I first went back to work after switch on – everyone expected me to have perfect hearing – which is far from the case. Since I've been implanted I've only met one implant user ‘out in the wild’ – although I do try to attend the users group that's held at the hospital, which I find helpful. It gives me an opportunity to meet other people who have been through what I have, and therefore understand what I'm talking about for a change!

Since I've been implanted I have had regular appointments with various members of the CI team; once/twice a month since switch on for regular (intensive at times) hearing therapy, speech therapy, re-mappings etc. Without them, their persistence, advice, tips, support etc – I’d never get here and I can’t thank them enough! I have found this a long and difficult road. It took me three years to get to the point where I felt happy with all this. The CI team have all been great to me and were always there if needed them.

Earlier this year my worst fears came true. My processor broke down a day after New Year which meant I was left with no hearing for four days; whilst waiting for a replacement to come in the post. It was difficult and I had to completely rely on lip-reading and visual clues. When the replacement came it was like everything was back to when I was first switched on – I could not recognise any of the sounds, everything was metallic and jumbled. I couldn’t even recognise my own voice and I hated it! It took good 24 hours before it all settled again! Therefore, I empathise with those whose implants have failed internally. Those four days were the worse of my life.

Having kept a diary throughout this process, I can look back and see how far I’ve come. I’d advise others who are considering a cochlear implant, to get lots of information and ask questions, no matter how stupid they sound. Talk to the CI team and other users and attend the users groups which are held once/twice a year – this is a very good support network. Have a lot of patience and however difficult it is, keep your expectations low. You have nothing to lose. Go for it!

The end

Readers can find Alison's Cochlear Implant Users Group here

If you would like your story featured on The DeafBlog, please email us here.