The first thing I heard on the way home was the directional signal on the car. Who knew it was that loud?
I went with Cochlear America brand of CI based on comments from others in my HLAA chapter and my research: they have a great record for quality and longevity. I have had Meniere's disease for many years, with serious vertigo; since the activation the vertigo is gone! I now can talk easily on the phone and enjoy conversations with friends, though hearing in a group is still a challenge. Still much better than pre-CI.
To anyone considering a Ci: Talk to as many people as you can about their CI experiences, and find an audiologist you trust and feel comfortable with; he/she will be a part of your life from now on.