Part 3 - Dinah’s Cochlear Implant Journey

We’re following Dinah, one of my patients, in real time as she goes through the process of having a Cochlear Implant (CI). This should appeal patient and audiologists alike, as I tell both sides of the story.

Part 3 - Pre Op

Dinah is feeling “uncharacteristically nervy” about tomorrow’s operation.  She is doing displacement housework, including cleaning the top of the extractor hood (!) - the first time in ten years.

She’s been buying food in for the next two weeks, having to return twice to get the things she forgot the first time.  The reason we’re sharing this is that even the most confident, well-informed and well-cared-for patient can feel out of character.

Once home with her shopping, she’s also packed her bag for hospital.  Dinah’s going in for 7:30am tomorrow, 19 August.  

I asked whether she was still excited about having the implant, or having second thoughts, and she said,

“Yes, since we met Pat, I’ve now heard about two more people who’ve had this done, and the friends say it’s definitely been an improvement for them.  If it works the way everyone says it will work, I’m hoping I might even be able to hear without lipreading”.

I have her Resound Nexia aid ready to go, with custom earmould/receiver arriving any day.

So, it’s just a case of distracting oneself until the day comes. Nothing to do but wait, and wish Dinah the best of luck for tomorrow!

Coming up in Part 4 - Post Op

#dinahsjourney