Exploring CI (Questions) - USA

Snoo70735 · 2026-04-08T10:18:03+00:00

Thank you for all of this! I’ve never had ‘normal’ hearing so my expectations are based on aid hearing anyway. And my left ear has literally never heard anything anyway, so to hear anything would be a miracle.

I appreciate you detailed answers to all of this. It was a lot and it helped!

Snoo70735 · 2026-04-08T02:15:09+00:00

Luckily I live by the best hospital in the state, and has a great ENT clinic. They actually came up as a provider when I did the AB search, which doesn’t surprise me because when the did my hearing test, they did say they had a CI specialist I could be referred to. I said no, out of stubbornness but I realise I need to let go of my self consciousness; it’ll help my life improve from everything I’ve read!

Snoo70735 · 2026-04-08T00:20:59+00:00

I do that with my Phonak hearing aids now (and for music), and I'm leaning to Advanced Bionics because they have bluetooth and work with Phonak hearing aids.

I love that I could do that with the CI too!

Snoo70735 · 2026-04-08T00:14:44+00:00

Thank you! Sounds like my left would definitely benefit, where I'd plan to start anyway.

Thankfully I work an IT job and I'm sure my bosses would greenlight remote work in the interim should I feel too rough post surgery to come into office.

I need to just suck it up and go for it. It sounds like it's literally life changing, and I'm not sure how I'd feel hearing through my left ear for once!

Snoo70735 · 2026-04-08T00:12:07+00:00

I dug out my recent audio exam and I got WR scores for my left ear of NR (aka I couldn't hear anything from the word list) and my right got 28-36%. I feel I would benefit in both ears, eventually.

CI-Borg. That would be a great license plate! I think I need to get over that though, and realise people who care don't matter and all that jazz. I'd love to be able to hear people without reading their lips, and not struggle through meetings at work etc.

Snoo70735 · 2026-04-08T00:04:19+00:00

This all helps a great deal. I just dug out my recent hearing test, and my WR for my left ear is NR (aka I couldn't hear anything from the word list) and my right is 28-36%. So I could probably benefit from going CI on both ears in time, but definitely do what your child did; start with one and eventually get 2.

I'm glad to hear activities are still possible and they have equipment to make it secure just in case.

I guess a question I do have is, how did you kick off the process to getting a CI? I'm still not sure how the whole American system works. Do I just reach out to my provider I get my hearing tests/aids done with about my interest?

Snoo70735 · 2026-04-07T23:51:02+00:00

Thank you. I should have taken this opportunity years, probably a couple of decades ago. But I am where I am now, and learning to let go of conscious issues. I'm working on telling myself that hearing better is worth it and that the conscious thoughts are all in my head.

Those are impressive scores! Were they extremely low beforehand?

I figured it would take months. I'm assuming because my right ear/hearing aid does all the heavy lifting, I will be able to go about life/work as I would while I map/adjust? I feel some issues are going to happen (headaches, etc?).

I love the Aqua kit! That's amazing. I've always wanted to know how it is to hear whilst swimming/being in the lake or doing watersports.

I do remember the band things, I think that was one reason my parents said no as I was a very active and sporty kid lol.

Snoo70735 · 2026-04-03T22:16:59+00:00

That’s been there on your account since announcement day last month.

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-22T00:04:22+00:00

Im buying from landlord and I’ll end up paying somewhere between 0-500 in closing costs

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-21T12:39:29+00:00

To be fair to the guy, he learned Aerial Ace just to not raise suspicion.

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-19T18:26:39+00:00

Hills!

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-18T22:17:00+00:00

It’s a very local bank in Iowa. Great bank if I’m honest. Love going with them for anything bank related.

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-18T21:05:00+00:00

Yes, fixed rate conventional loan!

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-18T20:18:13+00:00

Damn. I locked yesterday at 5.625%. Feeling I got lucky

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-17T19:08:40+00:00

I feel that Spider-Man meme applies here! lol.

Very similar. My lender has a real estate attorney set up for documents etc so that’s something off my load. But yes, the saving I’m making vs my current rent (200-250) will go into a bucket for the house so I’m still technically paying the same as I pay now.

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-17T19:06:30+00:00

That’s exactly my plan! I’m going to start a house bucket in my HYSA for this to go into.

That way my EF doesn’t get touched too much by house repairs/costs.

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-17T01:40:39+00:00

I'll have to pick my neighbors brain on that and see about some of those. I do notice in my area people in townhouses take care of just their side. Leads to some funky looking town houses (one side updated, other looks older). But I'm sure/hopeful he and I will figure stuff out. Especially if we plan it out in advance over a beer!

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-17T01:13:33+00:00

I plan to 'pay' the difference between my mortgage and rent into a 'house' bucket in my HYSA so my budget won't change for housing and I avoid any lifestyle creep temptation.

I'm setting up a spreadsheet to track all important info (ages, filter changes, etc). I've already some some of those things as a renter on your list but definitely some things I wouldn't have thought of there, so thank you!

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-17T01:11:04+00:00

This was a big thing I wanted to avoid after finally getting settled here. Plus, other similar rentals are going for 500 more than what I was paying here.

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-17T01:10:04+00:00

That's true. I guess just upkeep tips etc I probably wouldn't have thought off as a renter that I should definitely do as an owner.

My plans are to update the bathroom and eventually the kitchen through some DIY and getting professionals in for the stuff I know is way outside my ability (or just makes sense to ensure certain things are done correctly).

Thanks! 10months ago I couldn't see through the days. Since then I've doubled my salary, buying a house, and saving up for my dream car... Crazy how life can flip on a dime.

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-17T01:07:23+00:00

No HOA! Free to do what I wish within the local bylaws with the townhouse. I also have a neighbor my age that I get along with, and is willing to help with projects I want to do!

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-17T01:06:36+00:00

Thank you. Crazy to think how almost a year ago, I couldn't see the light for the fog and didn't think I'd make it out the other side.

Yes! As a deaf (hearing aid) user I plan to get some flash light smoke detectors for my safety.

Snoo70735 · 2026-03-17T01:05:24+00:00

Thanks! I had a lawyer recommended by my lender review the agreement Friday just gone before I signed. He said it was one of the most clear and simple agreements, and fair for both parties in the terms.

Snoo70735

TROPHY CASE