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Removing cochlear electrode while preserving residual hearing

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Sometimes taking a step back is not bad at all. Blindly pushing ahead can lead to a harder fall. We only learn to cherish something when we get it back after losing it.

It makes me sad to hear that stigma is still so high there that you have a psychological aversion to the thing that is helping you. I hope that changes.

Stigma is a real problem that we need to talk about more. It is very personal and its roots are different for each individual. For someone struggling with stigma a really safe and controlled environment is needed for a discussion to take place and forums are not a suitable place for this.

I think if others with hearing loss were willing to start a thread about how they recognized stigma and worked to overcome it, this could be very helpful for other forum visitors, but it is very personal and I appreciate why people might not be interested in doing this.

There has been, happily, a huge decline in hearing aid stigma in Canada, particularly in younger generations. But we still see it a lot with our immigrant families.

In reply to @Hearing_Potential

It has been four days since I posted this thread on September 26. Reading everyone’s comments, suggestions and opinions every day fills me with great comfort. It feels as if I’ve been rescued out of a pit of fire.

I am 28 years old. I was diagnosed with hearing impairment when I was 22. For these six years, every year has been extremely painful. I know this will be a long journey. I’ve also been reflecting deeply: why do I want to switch back to a hearing aid? My cochlear implant works really well for me. Why would I want to go back to a hearing aid? Is it just because I fear others will see my device and care too much about what they think? Are other people’s opinions more important than myself? I’ve been thinking this over deeply.

I still want to thank everyone who left comments, offered advice and gave me strength. Thank you.

In reply to @Neville

First of all, thank you so much for your understanding. I know many things cannot be helped. This place means a lot to me. Although many older people hold prejudices against hearing assistive devices, ultimately it is myself who cannot accept it. In fact, many young people around me don’t care much about it at all, and nobody points fingers at me. It is an innate resistance deep inside me, because this is where my roots lie.

Many of our early beliefs are shaped by our environments and are subconscious. But once we are aware of them we can replace mistaken beliefs with truth. It just takes a little effort and a growth mindset knowing that where you are now is a place you can choose to leave behind for a better place. Sometimes that means learning new skills with the help of a professional to get there. Sometimes you can get there with a good a friend. Don't feel that you need to make this journey alone.

Thank you. Your words mean a lot to me. I’m slowly learning and trying to accept myself

In reply to @Hearing_Potential

@Hearing_Potential said:

Many of our early beliefs are shaped by our environments and are subconscious. But once we are aware of them we can replace mistaken beliefs with truth.

This reminds me a lot of haircuts. When I was young, my haircut styles were chosen for me. I really hated being different from other boys at school. I was able to find styles i liked and gave me comfort with the anxiety when I was old enough to decide. But I was always still anxious. When I was in the military, there were standards and my anxiety was that I’d deviate from the standard in some way. When I got out of the military, I wanted a haircut the was consistent and even. Anxiety when it was odd for some reason. Once I went on a trip to a very hot place. The trip leader had gone partially bald, and shaved the rest off. When I was clearly pretty hot, he suggested I’d feel cooler if I shaved it all off. Very threatening thought! But he said I’d be able to start regrowing it toward the end of the trip and no one would know except those on the trip with me. I tried it , and it was ok. But I grew it back. Next trip I did the same, and the same leader was on that trip, too. He told me I had a great head for going bald, I should think about keeping it. As I went along on the trip, the anxiety resolved. I am still bald now. If I skip shaving for a few days, I start to grow hair, and I don’t care at all.

All that was about 20 years before I was diagnosed and prescribed hearing aids. They can really stick out on a bald head! But I decided it was worth it, and I was very glad to have them. Make them a bright color? No, not offered. I would have liked something bright. If it helps others to know I have trouble hearing, and some of them make an effort to help me hear better, then I’m all for that.

I notice hearing aids everywhere now, and I try to help, gently, if I see they struggle at all. When I see folks with , I’m glad they were able to get it. I’ve never seen any struggle to hear, so I know it is a great thing for most of them.

Anxiety over these things aren’t necessarily permanent!

WH

Time softens many ingrained mindsets. I’ve learned a lot from your story. Thank you so much for sharing. It really resonates with me.

Take some holidays and travel around China during the Autumn and winter. Sometime been alone is a nice enjoyment. Nothing to bother or free living.

In reply to @danka

Thank you for your sweet suggestion! I really love travelling and enjoying quiet moments by myself. Hope you also have nice days ahead.

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