Cochlear Implants: How well do they work at an older age?

Sound like 'you're in it to win it'! Glad you are on track for the CI surgery. The time will fly by fast. Keep us posted.

Finally, after phone issues, nurse Susan and I connected up and did the phone visit. She was lovely and we zipped through all the questions. I realized how many 'blanks' in a conversation I actually fill in as I was listening to her. So not a surprise that people think I can hear much better than I can. Even in the hearing tests I realized I was filling in 'blanks'. Shouldn't do that on tests! Part probably stems from hating a fail a test!

Next up is the pre op visit and Covid-19 test. I guess they also determine if they want any other tests done at that time as well.

In the meantime daughter's school has okayed day off for her to be with me during surgery time period. She is one of those people who are very good at accomplishing things and asking questions while I'm shyer at doing so. She takes no prisoners where her Mom (me) is concerned lol. Thursday night I have a number to call to confirm my arrival time - which looks around 5 or 5:30am at this point. So on the road about 4am.

So in the meantime catching up on laundry, house cleaning, lawn work, a few maintenance jobs I've been ignoring etc.

Good luck to you, Sounds like you have all your 'ducks in a row'! That test thing is very real. I always refer to hearing tests as 'the test I know I'm going to fail no matter how hard I study for it'. That really bothers 'the teacher in me'. I have taken it so many times I pretty much can fill in the blanks too. Even the 'nonsense sentences'. I know several CI recipients who did not qualify for the surgery when first tested due to the 'fill the blanks' thing. The SPIN test (Speech in Noise) is the one that usually reins us in. As the noise gets louder and louder it becomes impossible.

Again, good luck to you. Keep us posted. PS: Ask for an anti nausea patch prior to the surgery. They usually don't just give it to you. Best advice I had pre CI surgery.

On the noise test I got an F minus! I could not hear one single word with or without a new hearing aid.

When do you ask for the anti nausea patch? Thank you for the suggestion. I didn't have a problem when I had my tear duct surgery about a year and half ago (out patient). Headed for lunch as soon as my daughter 'sprung' me. I was starving! I am a constant nibbler in order to keep weight on. That way all my life. Fortunate that way as I love to eat - especially dark chocolate! See's!

I had the pre op meeting this morning. Passed the ECK without a problem - lungs ok, etc.
Only problem is I get white coat BP readings. I've learned to take my BP at home for a few days ahead of an appointment. They are always good readings at home - not good at the doctor's office. After driving cross the city in rush hour, being nervous, etc., BP was about 170/70. The doctor made a note for the surgeon about my BP problem and noted the readings from home. He also told me to relax so surgery didn't get postponed (way to make me relax!)
I also got the Covid-19 test taken care of. They have gotten better at doing it so that the nasal one doesn't hurt as much (first ones were terrible!) Since then they have had a lot of practice.
Getting home, relaxing a little bit, then BP was lovely range (I made a note).
They tell you to have back supported and feet on the ground - only I'm too short. If back supported on chair my legs dangle. If I have my feet on the floor I'm perched on the edge of the chair. Plus they talk and ask questions. Understand quiet helps keep BP under control.

More instructions to read at home. Night before I have to call in to confirm arrival time - I'm supposed to be the first on the list. Which means poor daughter being up and moving before 4am! Me too. At least there shouldn't be a lot of traffic - just dark streets.

I know how you hate to fail tests (LOL), but by getting an F minus on the noise test you can the right help for your hearing. I'm glad you passed the ECK (EKG?) to offset the fail.

All the best with the next step!

Thank you. Now to pass the Blood Pressure test on Friday morning!

Robin and I were on the road before 4 am - not a whole lot of traffic but had to dodge fluffy coyote. Of course we managed to get there before the doors opened for out patient! Hospital side too us in to wait out of the dark and cold.

I passed my blood pressure test even though my 'white coat' was a little high. Everyone was super nice. Explained everything and were good with my 'what?' The surgery lasted almost 2 hours. Ready to check out really quickly on we couldn't find Robin. Turns out that Mayo building has really bad reception! She didn't get her text messages or voice mail until we had been home for an hour (and it takes about on hour in traffic to get home!

In the meantime I have a plastic cup covering the incision and a headband to hold it in place. The headband is stiff and wants to press against my left ear hearing aid. Reading glasses are a challenge As they don't fit over the cup - so I have them balanced on my nose with the frames going straight up to the top of my head! Look like the lady from Mars. In 24 hours I can remove my cup/headband.

No problem walking around. Napped for 4 hours with our kitty, Lady Gray, holding me in place. She likes playing nurse.

The doctor and team seemed really pleased with how I did. I think I got an A or A plus (hope so as I love doing well on tests and this is one that they wanted me to do well on - no cheating like on the hearing test).

On December 1 I see the doctor and then if all well I get activated. In the meantime I'm continuing to use the left loaner hearing aid so I have hearing in the one ear. Robin commented that my voice sounded more like my old pre hearing loss voice. Not sure why that is but glad.

Thank you all for the support, prayers and best wishes.

I don't know if hospitals have changed a lot or if Mayo is simply exceptional!

Almost no wait before they whisked me in to start the proceedings. Even the gown was better than I've ever seen at a hospital and warm socks for my feet. Normally I freeze in a hospital and they had me immediately tucked into a warmed blanket. They also put pads on my feet and lower back - I guess it keeps them from chaffing, especially during long surgeries. Mine lasted close to 2 hours in and out of the surgery room. They also added compression pads to my calves. And, of course, the stylish cap!

The whole team was in and out, checking to see everything was ok and set to go, to answer any questions. They were so thorough that I didn't have any. I just smiled as they wheeled me away.

I apparently woke up very quickly and was ready to go.

The exit papers were thorough as well, even giving descriptions of what I might be feeling and/or hearing in the right ear (popping, cracking, etc.) so that way I would know what was 'normal' and what wasn't. Talk about stress free!

Every single person Robin and I dealt with, starting from a guard who let us know when the out patient door was open early, to check-in desk and the whole rest of the way, were amazing. No wonder Mayo has such an excellent reputation. Not only is it the technical side but the human side.

Now for getting the 'egg' and headband off this afternoon. And activation on the 1st of December. Next Saturday we are having a gathering of our Phoenix clan (there are a lot of us) to celebrate youngest great grandson's birthday and for the rest of them to inspect their new bionic Mom, Grand and Great Grams.

You get an A++ on this report! So good to hear all the details, especially for others who may be going in for this surgery. I’m grateful that the surgery went well and that you were well cared for. Keep us posted on the recovery.