Metamorphosis with the CI

The above animation is, in my opinion, a wonderful demonstration of how metamorphosis comes about with the CI. Prior to having my CI, I felt closed in, as if I were wrapped in a cocoon. I felt as if my hearing was wrapped in a non penetrating barrier with no means for sound to penetrate to my brain. The little bits of sound that I got from my hearing aids didn't allow me to fully communicate. Thus, I felt shut in like a larvae.

Upon getting the CI, a beautiful transformation began to take place. I was gaining wings and beginning to grow. It was certainly a process that took time. The result was a spreading of my wings to explore the beautiful colors of sound.

With my CI, I have been able to get a job outside the home. I had worked in the home for many years. Working outside the home as a medical records secretary has been inspiring in many ways. However, the largest gain has been from the ability to hear office banter and share in the daily greetings and comments made by co-workers. I no longer feel shut out like a larvae. I feel like I can fully participate in the world.

Getting an Education

I have also been able to go to college. I have attended Endicott College as a continuing education student. I am majored in Information Technology.

Hearing in the Classroom

Most of the classrooms at Endicott are soundproof and I have been able to hear the professors by sitting at the front of the class. I don't use any assistive listening device, as I want to be able to hear as many students as I can. In the computer labs it is difficult, as students are behind the computers and spread apart. However, for the most part, I have done well. I do still need to lip read in the classroom. The CI helps to bring in the sounds so that I can lip read much easier. When I sit at the front of the class, I have been able to take notes without having to lip read the professor. This has certainly eased my communication and I am less stressed. I am doing well in all of my classes and have a super GPA.

Group Study

I have taken some accelerated courses in Organizational Communications and Behavior. The classes mandate that I belong to a study group that meets once a week for four hours. I found that my group experience was very positive. The people in the group are terrific to begin with but, they have always communicated so that I can hear. That is a trubute to them. I don't recall making any demands on them and can usually follow in the conversation. It's been a great bonding experience.

Friendships

I am beginning to make new found friends. I had been isolated for a long time but now am able to bond with other women at work and school. This has brought about some friendships which I had been lacking in the past. An improvement in my self-esteem has come about through these friendships.

Freedom

Most of all, I feel free, like a butterfly spreading my wings. I don't have to rely on anyone for anything. I can hear the phone ring and I am free to pick up the phone and speak with almost anyone. I can converse with my family at the dinner table. I can hear conversation even with the TV going. I am free to go to the store and speak with any clerk. I don't have to worry about whether or not I'll hear people. Such a heavy burden has been lifted. Freedom and security are the leading benefits I've experienced with my CI. I hope the butterfly in me will live on.