Jeff’s Cochlear Implant Activation

Archive note, updated September 2026: This activation story was originally published in 2013. The wording, formatting, and video player have been refreshed, but the experience and early test results remain from that time.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8-Ltp09QYI

Video summary: Professor Jeff hears sound through his cochlear implant during his first activation appointment after two years without sound.

Yep! That is me hearing sounds for the first time in two years.

My cochlear implant surgery was on November 1, 2013. The surgery was successful, with no major issues. I waited three weeks for activation, when the audiologist turned on and programmed the implant system.

I had high hopes of hearing something when my cochlear implant was activated on November 22. Everyone told me, “Keep your expectations low, but hope for the best.” I knew that many people do not understand speech on Day 1. The brain needs time and practice to make sense of sounds that may be new or may not have been heard for a long time.

I had been without sound for two years, but I still never expected to understand words and sounds so quickly.

Day 4

Four days after activation, my hearing test results were in the typical hearing range for the sounds being measured. Voices still sounded robotic and monotone, but I expected that perception to improve with time and practice.

I am thankful to Edie Gibson, who referred me to a doctor in South Carolina who took my concerns seriously and had significant implant experience. I also want to thank Dr. Erin at the Auditory-Verbal Center in Atlanta for patiently answering my questions, and my mom for traveling from Arizona to Atlanta to care for me during recovery so my wife could continue working. My mom did not have too difficult a time because I slept a lot.

I was also grateful for the support I received from Advanced Bionics in the days after activation. That was my personal experience with the brand I chose.

I hope this story is useful to people who are considering a cochlear implant with their hearing-care team. I am still deaf. When I take off my processor, the world is silent—but after activation, I could choose to enter a world of sound.

Advanced Bionics did not sponsor this post. This historical account describes my personal experience and is not medical advice. Outcomes vary.

New Adventure

 

November 1st, 2013 - Cochlear Implant

I have been deaf for two years.  I lost my hearing suddenly as the result of a massive infection following years of sporadic ear infections.  I never got my hearing back and after using hearing aids for a short time they became useless.  

Nobody plans to go deaf but things happen.  I accepted my deafness and decided to be positive.  I did whatever I could to learn about my deafness and welcomed new ways to communicate.  When I lost my job and had to consider the prospects of new employment with a severe hearing loss while my hearing aids became less and less usable, I decided it was time for cochlear implant.  I wanted to hear my family’s voices, listen to music, and be more employable.  I am friends with many deaf people and they live happy lives without cochlear implants.  I have to say that its available but not for everyone. Getting a cochlear implant is a big step and a personal one.  Even though I have a cochlear implant now, I am still deaf.  I can switch off my device anytime I want and have the world go silent or turn it on and listen to everything.  

It is DAY 4 after surgery and as you can tell I am feeling better.  But here are my thoughts:

1.  “It feels weird having metal in my head.”

2.  “This tinnitus is driving me crazy.”

3.  “Nobody told me about drainage.” BTW, I don’t like fluids.

4.  “I thought it would hurt more”

5.  “I am so tired.  I feel like sleeping all day.”  I am glad I didn’t plan school or other activities during this recovery time.

6.  “I am so ugly.”  Yes, I am vain.  I didn’t expect my head to be shaved quite so extensively so that  my 8-10 stitches are highly visible.  I want my body back together like before.  My daughter thinks I look like the characters in the movie Coraline who’ve had new eyes stitched on with thread.

 



 

 I think she was being kind in calling me a stitched-up person.  I feel more like a:

 

 Dalek from "Dr. Who" TV series.

 

As you can see I am in good spirits.  I am glad to have my mom here from Arizona to help out while my wife goes to work and takes care of the kids.  I go back to see the doctor on November 15th to have these stitches removed.  The exciting day will be November 22nd at 3pm (EST).