All Went Well

We just now (6:00 PM) got back from my session to have the device "activated".  The MD checked the ear and that was fine.  Then after an hour delay (the first time an appointment did not start right on time) I met with the audiologist and the Esteem "engineer."   It works.  Big sigh. But there is still quite a ways to go, which I was not fully aware of.  They turned it on, and then I went through a battery of audio tests to get it initially programmed.  Now I start a protocol of stepping up the volume through 15 increments, with 3 days at each.  This gets my ear, and me, accustomed to the device as the ear continues to heal.  So this will take 45 days or so.  Then back to the audiologist where they will test again, fine tune the programming, and create 3 alternative programs I can use for different situations.

I entered into this whole adventure with rather modest expectations.  So far they have been met.  I have thought that if the new device works at least as well as the exiting hearing aids I have been wearing (which are a lot better than nothing but still not great) that would still be a big plus in that I will not constantly have to be taking them in and out because of rain, sweat, etc... or Carol having to try to determine if I have them in or not when she wants to say something to me.

So with the experience of just a couple of hours, I think the implant will be noticeably better, due to improved clarity of what I can hear.  It is too early to really tell much because the volume is set so low.. but my best guess now is that I will be very pleased that I have had this done.

More later as things progress....