Side 2

 What the First Six Weeks Have Taught Me

It has been a whirlwind six weeks, and I wanted to pause and share an update on Side Two of this journey.

Leading into activation—and even in the days immediately after—I carried so many “what if” questions about this phase.  In my last post, Activation Day: Bouncing Forward, I described the newly activated sound as robotic and mechanical, almost like a high-pitched Morse code. For the first week, that description felt accurate.

What surprised me most was how quickly my brain began to bring this new sound into focus. Within about a week, I realized I was integrating both ears almost unconsciously. Listening started to feel easier, as if everything was coming into focus with far less effort. 

Because that clarity happened quick, I decided to utilize online auditory training. I wanted to continue fine-tuning what was coming into clarity, so I committed to about 30 minutes a day using the HEAROES app. By streaming directly to my new right cochlear implant, I was able to move through different levels, focusing on sound discrimination—and even working through some activities with background noise.

Side note: As I learned more about the app, I discovered that HEAROES was created by Elliot Miller, who also received a cochlear implant later in life. (Elliot—don’t be surprised if I reach out to see if you’d like to share your story on the empowEAR Audiology Podcast!)

Another noticeable difference this time around has been how quickly my brain adapted to progressive mappings. I moved through all four progressive maps within about two weeks—something that took much longer during my first cochlear implant journey (6 months to 1 year). That shift alone signaled how quickly my brain was getting used to the progress and how pre exposure helps.

As I prepare for my next mapping appointment, I’ve noticed another unexpected change: I now feel as though I have a unilateral hearing loss again—my right ear (newly implanted ear) is the one that needs to be turned up to better match my left.  What initially felt as overwhelming and loud; is now quieter and ready to be leveled up! 

I was actually scheduled to go in for this next mapping on Jan 26, 2026, but  winter storm Fern had other plans and I needed to postpone the appointment.  This snow day gave me a moment to reflect on what these first six weeks have already taught me and to share this update before taking the next step forward.

There are also small but powerful celebrations that come with being bilateral. I no longer feel the need to have someone sit on my “good side.” I don’t have a strong preference for which side someone walks on. Even in the car, I’ve noticed improved access to conversation, particularly when I’m seated in the back and talking with someone in the front seat.

These moments may seem small, but they are moments to celebrate! As I continue finding my frequency, I’m grateful to Bounce Forward on the marathon of  Side Two. 

Stay Tuned: reflections from my upcoming mapping appointment!