SkullChick,
I'm not sure where to start. I can't tell you what to do nor to continue trying. I'm not an audiologist by any means but I am bilateral CI implanted in 2006 Left and 2008 Right. I could hear prior to loosing my hearing so I know what things should sound like. I was without sufficient hearing for only a few months and during that short time, I could still hear but understanding speech was beyond difficult.
A little more background on me was my first implant was close to perfect per say. I was very lucky in that I could understand speech when it was activated. I account this to being implanted so soon after my hearing was gone.
My second activation was not as great as compared to my first. Although I could understand speech in a short time, it was not good enough to rely on as my only CI. Over time, it has gotten a lot better and with quite a bit of training my brain to hear with it, I can hold a phone conversation using it. I can only think that if it was my only CI, my brain would have adapted to it faster.
With your posting saying you can hear at 15db, that is pretty good but it all depends on your MAP. And just because you can hear those soft sounds, DOESN'T mean you should be able to understand speech. It in fact could make your understanding more difficult since your brain is trying to weed out the important stuff through all the garbage (softer sounds). An additional point is the sampling speed that your audiologist has selected for you. (I hope with your input) This can also play a major roll in if your able to make sense of the sounds your hearing. I say this because I run speeds of 1800, 2400 and 3500. I've used 1200 and over time can adjust to it but anything slower, I have a very difficult time understanding. But this is me and everyone is different and every ear is different. My Right learned on 1200, 1800 was hard initially. My Left, 1200 is NOT good but 1800 is comfortable. I now run 1800 on both ears and like it very well but it has taken a lot of time to adapt.
Maybe the right option in your situation is to "start over" and possibly with a different audiologist. They are not all the same. I've seen several and like a two. I'm better in what I tell them since I understand the terminology better and get better maps out of the sessions this too takes time.
Please remember, how you weighed the options when you chose to get a CI. I truly hope the audiologist and surgeon told you to have high hopes but low expectations. Some only benefit enough to be aware of surrounding noises and some can eventually understand speech. Even with a lot of work, it may never allow someone to have phone conversations but in a one on one conversation, it might work pretty well.
You have the hardware and from what you say, you can hear sounds pretty well. Now it is time to play and adjust the MAPs, speeds, sensitivity and volume levels to see what works.
Again, an audiologist can make or break an experience.
I wish you the best in your journey. If you want to give it another go, see if anyone on this forum can offer a name for you close to where you live. Maybe there is a good recommendation out there.
One other item I thought about is many states have support groups for hearing loss.
If you haven't thought about it, I have attended several "Hearing Loss Association of America - Cochlear Implant" chapter meetings in Michigan.
You might consider looking up the local chapter in Delaware if that is where you live to see if they have meetings.
When I attended the meetings, it allowed me to talk with other CI users to get ideas plus some may have been through similar situations and could offer other strategies.
Anyway, again, I wish you the best.
Steve
Nevermind that it is difficult to use, as long as it stays stuck to your head!
