Sound Off

I want to write about some of the noises I still can't get over. Blow drying my hair, by far worst loud noise, and yes, I turn my Esteem off when I dry my hair. Another noise that is beyond loud but kind of fun is crunching on my favorite candy, Gobstoppers (jaw breakers for those who don't know). Cereal is almost as loud and I find I have to take a break from eating food that is crunchy just because it is so loud.
Again, swallowing! Ugh, so crazy that such a mundane, everyday action could become something I think about now because I am so aware of it.
Clapping my hands startled me last night because it was so sharp and clear sounding. We were watching our college football team win a very exciting game and I clap when I get excited.
I'm much more careful about how hard I shut doors now, because they sound like they're slamming in my ear otherwise (I know this isn't the case but this is really funny to me).
I still jump everytime one of the kitchen timers go off. I don't know how my husband stands it!
I could listen to water flowing out of the faucet for hours. I heard it before, but not with such clarity.
I hear my cat purr now, instead of just feel it. What a beautiful sound.
I can hear the keys of the computer keyboard clicking now when I type...fun!

These are just a few of the new sounds I'm becoming aquainted with. I know I'm probably leaving out tons but it's sensory overload sometimes.

I also want to make mention of the critics who are saying the video of Sarah Churman is fake because she is not deaf if she talks that well after hearing herself for the first time. Her hearing loss is the same type as mine, sensorineural, however hers is more severe than mine. She is around the 70 decible range and mine is 50 at it's worst. I honestly don't know my hearing history as well as I probably should, nor am I an expert on numbers in hertz and db's and have probably quoted some numbers wrong. However, I can attest to the honesty of her video when she was activated. Even though my reaction was not quite as dramatic, it is still an unbelievable moment to hear yourself speak clearly for the first time, to hear another speak to you and have it sound so clear! I am not deaf, as I've said before, and I've gotten along ok with the hearing aids, but the Esteem just brings hearing to a whole new level that those who don't have hearing loss could understand. It makes me sad to see those comments because I felt the joy of "hearing for the first time" on October 17th. My speech is very articulate because I had extensive speech therapy when I was little, and at 5 when I was fitted with hearing aids, sounds then became more distinguishable. This has certainly helped my speech and recognition of sound but it doesn't mean I have good or normal hearing. I can't speak for Sarah Churman and how she was able to articulate her words so well but I'm over the moon for her. I just went through one of the most exciting and nervewracking moments of my life a week ago tomorrow and I share that feeling with a select few hundred who also have the Esteem. Sarah just happens to be the one who everyone knows about now because her husband posted her beautiful moment on YouTube. I know that feeling, it's not fake or a publicity stunt. Go, Sarah, go! And I hope your journey will start a campaign to help others who can't hear (whether profound loss to moderately HoH), we can use all the help we can get. I'm not too proud to say insurance needs to step up and help cover these costs. Every little bit helps!