It has been a little over 3 months since my ABI was turned on, and WOW! I LOVE THIS THING!!!
I can’t understand when people talk to me. I think other people expect me to, and kind of wonder what the point of the ABI is since I can’t have a conversation with them. I still have to have them sign or type on the DBC. But, believe me, the ABI is awesome. There is a point even though I don’t get speech.
In just three months, I can tell when people are around me. I can walk and hear the tap of my shoes, others shoes, or the crunch of the gravel. I can hear the dryer running. I can hear when my CPU turns off. I can hear when water is funning. I can hear the “beep, beep, beep” of the microwave when food is done. I can hear Isaiah playing with his toys. Granted, I don’t always know what the sound is until I ask, but I’m getting better at recognizing them.
I hear Edward and Isaiah talk all day every day. I’ve started picking up on a few words. When I ask Isaiah something, I sort of feel his body shake if he’s on my lap, but I actually hear, “Nope!” or “yep!” If he makes a gesture with his word he is speaking, I sometimes hear the word.
Edward and Mom always talk while they sign to me. They have to speak slower, of course, to keep pace with the signing. But, I’ve started picking up on a few of their words to. Sometimes they speak a little faster than they sign. I will put what they’ve already signed, with what I heard and can finish their sentence for them. Or sometimes I can even tell what is being said if they only sign the first letter of each word. I can’t do it all of the time, and I get it wrong sometimes, but the fact is, I also get it right.
It’s only been a short time and I seem to be doing really well with this thing. I wear it from the time I get up, until the time I go to bed. When the battery dies I have to immediately replace it. I hate being in complete silence. I love this thing, and I am improving all the time. I just want to say thanks to everyone who made it possible for me.
by Joanne Stark, on 07.10.10 @ 10:33 am
Maybe people don’t understand why you got the ABI because they thought it would be a quick fix? like, you’d come out of surgery able to hear. not how it works, folks. sorry … Glad to hear things are going well and you’re able to pick up what people are saying. It’s definitely a gradual process but you’ll get there. *smiles* Take care.
by Karen Harness, on 07.28.10 @ 2:55 pm
Hi Holly
So glad to hear things are going well. Seems I hear a bit of excitement in your typing! (smile!) Hope things continue to improve as well has they have been.
Karen, Finnley and Alonzo at GDB doing breeder evals
by Tracy And Mark Galloway, on 07.28.10 @ 8:30 pm
Holly- Am so glad that you are enjoying your ABI. You are just such a special person. A real gem and a rare and beautiful one at that. We hope that the ABI brings you much comfort and peace. “Sounds” to us that you are doing very well with it.