Sunday night, my last deaf weekend almost over. On Wednesday, I go back to Johns Hopkins to see my audiologist Jennifer Yeagle for the first time since my last audiology exam when I decided to have the cochlear implant. The five weeks since surgery and being deaf have gone by pretty fast. I am looking forward to hearing again, although I am trying not to get to excited because I know it will be different and I don't want to walk away from the first appointment disappointed. It will be a process and I will have to work at it I'm sure.
I will post my thoughts when I return on Wednesday, and hopefully some pictures too of my "new' bionic ear.
Until then, here is a top ten list of the things I am most looking forward too hearing again:
10. My own voice
9. Nature/environment - birds, rain, outside noise (cars, etc.)
8. Good music - singing at church, organ, my daughters music and her singing it
7. Going to church
6. Hearing at work again - my colleagues and students (especially the senior boys who have been rooting for me).
5. Talking on the phone again
4. Babies crying - my newest nephew Caleb, and friend Ron's baby Isabelle
3. Sports noice - games on tv, and at work - basketballs bouncing, shoes squeaking, coaches talking.
2. My family talking at family get-togethers, especially nephews Megan, Ryan, and Ben
1. My wife and daughter talking - especially when they are talking and laughing together.

(And the #1 thing I will not miss: all this racquet in my head - the wooshing, ringing, bells, etc.!)