Wednesday 27 October 2010

Pass me a tissue.




Oh man..where do I start…

Switch on.. Well that day had come, the day of reckoning and such a momentous occasion. What a life changing moment that turned out to be so.

I was told to just expect beeps and whistles..nothing more. So I tried to prepare myself mentally for that, but there was no need in the end.

On firing up all electrodes, I heard them all. The best way I can describe it, was like being on an ocean floor and hearing the submarine going beep beep…sounds just like a submarine does I’m telling you. Then like, things got a little more interesting.

The audie said this is it, prepare for lift off. So I grabbed the sides of the chair, and braced myself for what was about to come. Beep beep beep came in rapid fire..then woohoo man. I heard the audie’s voice, through all these beeps. She spoke and I listened, and wow..I could hear her voice just like in the old days. I was in world of wonderment. Like a baby does when they hear sounds for the first time. When it came to me speaking it was like loud and deep..I sounded like that singer Barry White. Lol
But when I laughed, it was like what’s this? Donald Duck had morphed into me and that laugh belonged to Donald not I. I was hearing Donald laughing in me. So I spent a lot of time laughing with my new friend Donald.

The audie then did a little test with no lip-reading allowed to see how I was faring..like 1 hour from switch on. One hour and I’m doing a little exam already! Lol Well, I gave it my best shot..and my giddy aunt I got them all right, how bloody awesome is that??

I’m on Hi-Res S Prog 1 T-Mic, Prog 2 50/50 and Prog 3 30/70 t-coil I tried F120 and well I was doing so well with the former. My brain was thinking what’s this F120 all about? Too much information in so little time. So keep things simple for now. That’s my little tip for you guys..

Going out and hearing the world beyond four walls was a revelation. I could hear the chatter and background noise as people went about their business. Sitting in a canteen I could hear a ladies quiet conversation some 30 foot away. I listened in awe, this cyborg business is getting even more fun! Maybe I should get a job with M15. Lol

Opening a packet of crisps was weird along with hearing a child screaming. I’ll pass on those two for now me thinks.

I listened to music in the car and it was like coming home.

The sound was so sweet, the melody beautiful. I felt every fibre of my being fill with emotion as I listened.

That’s it, I could hold back no more..

Pass me a tissue.

17 comments:

  1. Oh Clive, that's awesome! :)

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  2. Hi Kieron, thanks mate.Yours is coming isn't it? Fingers and toes crossed for you!

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  3. SO you have leapt, well and truly, lol.
    Sounds like you had a freaking great switch on. How mad that, I heard a wee lady conversation over 30 feet away on day of avtivation too, must be something they plan! I sat and stared at her in awe of the thing in my head.
    All sounds like its coming together, just go with the flow. Very impressed with yer details of what programmes you have etc. I need to get a wee print out next time im down in December.
    Fanbloodytastic, can wait for next instalment.

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  4. Hi Soozie, you got the lady chat too!! wow yeah, I'm thinking they planned that one now. lol

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  5. Great switch on Clive! You'll be off for a re-tuning soon I guess and then it all gets louder :-)
    Have fun with the sounds!! Singing sounds like Cartmen (Chocholate salty balls) and everyone else sounds like the the Smash Robots!! Mad :-)

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  6. Yeah you've guessed right Graham :-) I already feel another post coming on soon. lol

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  7. Fabulous ..... I can't wait to catch up! LOL

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  8. Feb 18, 2009 I was switched on and listeniing to your account brought tears to my eyes.WE are so lucky to be able to hear again. Doing the simple things like ordering pizza etc Life will get better and your hearing will grow and grow and grow. Congrats It was a HUGE leap of faith and you did it...We did it...God Bless..

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  9. wow i cant wait for my activation im alittle scared though

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  10. Yeah Tina, I'm learning also! lol

    Hi Cathie, it is a massive thing to hear again and I'm so grateful for everyone's support thanks.

    Anonymous..that's understandable, fear though is what holds us back..remember have courage in your heart and go forth.

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  11. I am so happy for you. You regained something you had lost! Testimonials like yours only increase the likelihood that in some not too far off future no one will ever suffer the boredom, loneliness, and isolation of the silent world.

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  12. What a great activation. Between you and my cold, shares in Kleenex have shot up 200% (grin)

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  13. Hi CEM, yeah I share my journey with hope that it will help others out there who feel so alone and afraid.

    Deaflinguist, yeah I'm running low again and need more kleenex. :-)

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  14. I'm an Italian CI user since exactly 3 years ago... I became deaf as an adult and felt very sad and I hated it. My activation was something strange and beautiful just like in your words. It was a moment I will never forget, just like life starting again. My best wishes
    Roberta

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  15. Hi Roberta..welcome to the family! lol it is a magical moment. Best wishes Clive

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  16. Fantastic news Clive! Catch you soon I hope.

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  17. Hey Clive , fantastic story and switch on :) would you consider adding your blog in DeafVillage news aggegrator ? :)

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