Last time, I wrote that I would be focusing more on listening with my cochlear implant alone by doing different exercises that Melissa gave for me to do as homework and try the aural rehabilitation software program "Sound and WAY Beyond" that Cochlear Corp. distributes. Well, I did try to install the software program, but I have a Mac that does not have Windows, and thus could not install it. I've thought about installing it on my work computer, but I worried about infecting that computer and getting in trouble and also wasting one copy of the software on a computer that I won't be using much longer...You can only install it onto 2 computers...So I have not installed it on any computer :(
I have been doing my homework exercises though. Melissa assigns me different exercises to do with another person each week. They are difficult at first, but after doing them once or twice, it's easier and I'm ready for something new. The hard part is finding someone to do it with because as of now, I live by myself and I always find a million other things to do with my time. Sigh...
I have also gotten to like listening to music with both my implant and hearing aid. I feel like music is fuller and richer, especially in the car when there is music playing. Perhaps I am better able to pick out the music from the car noise because I have two ears now? Or maybe it's because I'm picking up musical instruments and vocals that have more high frequency emphasis. Anyhow, I do know that I enjoyed listening to music in my dad's Jetta this past weekend with the top window down as I drove back and forth from Belleville to St. Louis. That was not the case before I got my CI.
While on the topic of music, I have been also listening to music with just my CI. With an accessory cord, I am able to directly connect to my laptop or my iPod and listen with just my CI side. It's pretty nifty! (If I could directly connect to people and train my ear that way, I'd be set!) When I do this, I find that most songs sound quite terrible. Only songs that I know REALLY well sound halfway decent because I can pick out the melody and rhythm. I also can't pick out the vocals from the music very well unless I know the song well. When I watched a TV show with just my CI, I noticed that men's and women's voices sound the same to me. This, I think, will get better over time.
This week, I will continue to use my CI during all my waking hours (except when I'm showering and working out, of course) as I continue my job search, get ready for graduation, and moving back home. I wish you a wonderful week!
