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
Staying Put
Image by Toa Heftiba from Unsplash
Staying put has been the theme of many of our lives over the past few months. For some, being quarantined has sparked creative projects and solutions. I love seeing pictures of homemade gifts, a “new” furniture upcycle, a fresh coat of bold paint in a room, and yummy bakery creations.
The theme of “staying put” sparked me to blog about the simple, creative solution that made a big difference in my CI journey #hearingspanglish.
Working out is my way to relieve stress, stay healthy, and get moving in the morning. I am grateful for my 5:15 AM workouts at Intelligent Fitness and the girls (BBB’s) who keep me accountable. Truthfully, one of my biggest fears about moving forward with a cochlear implant was “what if” I experience significant vestibular and balance issues and I would not be able to continue this necessary part of my day. Thankfully, I did not have balance issues and I was able to get back into my work out quickly after recovery.
What I did not anticipate was the difficulties of my CI “staying put” on my head! Every time I would do a sit up, plank, bicycles, or other activity that required laying down; I would instantly lose connection to the hearing world. One second, I am listening to the trainer’s greatest hits and the next second I am off the air to a world of silence.
I was on a mission to find a creative solution for my CI to stay put during workouts. I needed something that was comfortable and did not obstruct the microphone of my CI. I started searching CI FB pages and Etsy for possible solutions. I bought several headbands varying in sizes that either slipped off my head or gave me a headache. I tried several different hats and found I did not like wearing a hat while working out at the gym. I even tried toupee tape just to see. I was not satisfied with any of these solutions.
After several failed attempts for a solution, I remembered that I had received a Boho Bandeau headband a few years back as a gift. Digging through my drawer I found the spunky pink polka dot Boho band still in its original package. The Boho band claimed to be lightweight, super versatile and could be worn in 12 different ways. Maybe one of the 12 ways would be to keep my CI staying put during workouts!
After giving it a try, I found Boho Bands were the STAY PUT creative solution for me!! I can now be found working out with many different colors and patterns of the Boho band on my head. These colorful fun Boho bands keep sweat off my face, hair out of my eyes, and my CI on the air while staying put. I love sporting a colorful, fun fashion statement while working out!
Sometimes it is the simple things in life that make a big difference. Staying put is free space to be creative with the simple things. Has “staying put” sparked creative solutions 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.
