I am 41 years old.  I was born deaf to a hearing family.  I speak well and know ASL well, too.  I was mainstreamed in schools all the way up to graduate school.

A year ago, I tried a DNA test to see whether my deafness is genetic.  My mom was never sick when she was pregnant with me. I did not get sick as a baby and no one in my family is deaf.  So, it was a mystery until the DNA result proved it was indeed genetic.  It is called Connexin 26.  My audiologist said that research shows people with Connexin 26 tend to do a little better than average with CI.  Also, information about Connexin 26 tells me exactly where the cause of deafness is located, and it is - you guessed it - in the cochlea. 

Lately, my hearing aids died of old age, and the new ones don't work as well for me.  That's when the audiologist brought up CI as an option for me.

I went for my first round of appointments out of state on Dec 15, 2009.  I love my new audiologist and doctor!

I had my final consulting on Feb 18, 2010.  Everything has a "green light," ready for surgery!  BUT I will call my insurance company to be extra sure they approved for this very expensive surgery.  Will keep you posted - read my blogs!  Looking forward to your blogs!