R2D2,
I was implanted on my left side (worse ear) four years ago. During the last four years I've lost all the hearing on my right side as well. More recently, I suffered a rejection of the implant on the left side. A week ago the left side CI was explanted (removed) and I was implanted on the right side. Activation of the new CI is scheduled for next week. If all goes as planned and the inflammation on my left side goes away and heals, I will receive a new implant on the left side later this year and will be bi-lateral.
During this two week period between the explant/implant and the activation I am completely deaf for the first time in my life (I am 56 years old). It has been a most interesting experience.