The snowstorm postponed my mapping appointment, but it also gave me something unexpected: time. Time to look back at the last six weeks and notice how much has changed—and in ways I didn’t fully recognize without reflection.
HEARING SPANGLISH
My Cochlear Implant Journey with Carrie Spangler
Self Check
It’s been a while since I last posted, but recently I had a self-check moment that brought me back to reflecting on my cochlear implant journey.
Many grocery stores have transitioned to self-checkout lines, and my go-to, Aldi, has converted most of theirs to self-check. For a long time, I hesitated to use them because I couldn’t hear the beep that signals when an item is scanned. However, I’ve always loved the organization self-checkout allows—I can arrange my groceries in a way that makes unpacking at home a breeze.
The other day, I decided to skip the long cashier line and try the self-checkout. To my surprise, as I scanned my first item, I heard the beep! This was a moment of wonder for me—something I could never do with just my hearing aid. Now, with my cochlear implant, I can scan, listen for the beep, and bag my items without even glancing at the screen.
I’ve turned this into a little self-checkout game for myself: I scan four items and then check the screen to ensure my auditory perception matches what I’m hearing. It may sound simple to someone with typical hearing, but for me, it’s a small victory—a reminder of how far I’ve come on this journey.
What self-check do you need to spark gratitude in your life?
More from the blog
Activation day marked the beginning of my second cochlear implant journey—bilateral! Spoiler alert- it didn't sound good----yet! With preserved low-frequency hearing and amazement for the brain’s ability to adapt, I reflect on the unfamiliar sounds, the emotions that surfaced, and the confidence that comes from knowing this process is a marathon I’ve successfully run before.
Nine days post-surgery, I’m living in the unilateral listening world—grateful for what I know and amazed by how much has changed in six years. From electrocochleography signals to Frosty's and French fries, this part of the marathon reflects healing, gratitude, and the road to bilateral sound.
“The first CI is life-changing. The second CI is pure joy.” Friday I begin that joy-filled marathon as I step into the bilateral CI world—ready for new sounds, new possibilities, and a brand-new chapter of hearing.
