@golfmama1 You are welcome. Many years ago when I finally accepted the reality I needed hearing aids, I was fit with a bicross aid. I should have been fit with 2 basic hearing aids, but wasn't. I had fairly equal hearing in both ears then. I used that bicross system for several years. The 'unaided' ear became far worse than the one that was receiving the sound. I learned I had 'auditory deprivation' because that ear wasn't working to hear.

I was advised by a very wise friend who was involved in HLAA to get an aid for that ear, and spend substantial time using the telecoils in the aid with a neckloop plugged into a small portable radio to listen to audio books. That helped get that ear back in 'the groove' a bit but it took nearly 2 years.

When I decided to get a cochlear implant 20 years ago I insisted it be done on that newly aided ear. So glad I did as the CI has helped me immensely.

I often tell people to do that prior to getting a CI. Make your ears listen via telecoil, neckloop and an audio device. (Remember the old Walkman radios?)

This is information that people rarely get from the healthcare system. I'm so glad I got it as my CI would never have been as successful as it has been if I hadn't.

Sorry, so long, but that story is one of my favorites. Auditory deprivation happens when someone who needs hearing help doesn't get it.

Julie