March 29, 2010
We’re into our second week of activation for Tina’s (left ear) Cochlear Implant. Things are going great!
Tina was born with severe hearing loss. She has used hearing aids since she was 3 years old. Last year she had a cochlear implant in her right ear. It’s been a fantastic improvement. A few weeks ago they did the same on her left ear. About 2 weeks ago, after waiting for the surgery swelling to go down, they activated (turned on) the new implant.
A cochlear implant is very different from a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify sounds so they may be detected by damaged ears. Cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Signals generated by the implant are sent by way of the auditory nerve to the brain, which recognizes the signals as sound. Hearing through a cochlear implant is different from normal hearing and takes time to learn or relearn. However, it allows many people to recognize warning signals, understand other sounds in the environment, and enjoy a conversation in person or by telephone.
So Tina is going through a big transition from relying on a hearing aid that simply amplifies, to trying to understand the direct stimulation of the hearing nerve in her brain. Right now she’s reporting that everyone sounds like the Walt Disney animated chipmunks – Chip and Dale – all high pitched and very, very funny. It would be like everyone you hear has just inhaled helium before speaking. It’s funny but it’s great as she works to ‘retrain’ her brain to hear a totally new way. We have had some tremendous successes lately, like hearing the quiet ticking of a cherished heirloom mantle clock. We’ve also had some funny misinterpretations too.
Yesterday in church was a good example. It took all my strength to keep from bursting out laughing during Pastor Brian’s sermon. He was talking about the importance of Partnership when determining ‘What It Takes To Fulfill A Dream.’ He said God never intended for us to ‘go it alone.’ That for us to accomplish His plans we must work in partnership with other Christians. Ephesians 4:16 says, “The whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” He said that as the church , “We work together as partners who belong to God..” As a way of illustration Brian said, “Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto!”
Tina turned to me with a confused look on her face. In a whisper she asked me, “What does he mean, even the Long Ranger has nachos? Why would the Lone Ranger need nachos?” As I tried to stifle laughing out very loud, I sign language, finger spelled – T o n t o – to her.. Ahhhhhh Tonto – got it, she said..
My prayer today is that in the same way Tina is learning to hear anew, we all will, be still, listen intently and hear God’s still, small voice more accurately.