Yeah, that happened!
Who's ready for an embarrassing moment? A few weeks ago, I went swimming with my family, and my worst fear came true. For 20+ years I have always ensured my cochlear implants stayed FAR away from the pool or any water activities. In 2020, I got a waterproof kit for my right ear and had to retrain my brain to allow my right cochlear implant to be close/in the pool. Well, a few weeks ago, I got too confident and got my right cochlear implant into the waterproof case, my sunscreen applied, and I placed my hat on to keep my headpiece in place. Then I got in the pool like any other time.
After about 15 minutes or so, I figured I would go underwater. But I needed to take my hat off. That is when I realized... I still had my left cochlear implant on. Now, my left side does NOT have a waterproof kit. I jumped out of the pool as quickly as I could and inspected my sound processor. I never felt so embarrassed to make this mistake after 20+ years with a cochlear implant. It was my biggest fear for years! So, yeah, that happened. Thankfully, I never submerged it with water, I just got a few little splashes. It went directly into my drying kit for the night and everything was fine.
The more I reflected on this experience, the more I laugh but also become grateful for these little mistakes. These events remind me that we are all human and hopefully we are able to learn the lessons from these experiences. Now, I triple-check that I have
I am actually wearing my waterproof kit and processor.
The sound processor that does NOT have a waterproof kit is far away from the pool.
Always make sure my dry kit is always functioning and within reach at home in case of another event.
While it is another checklist for water activities, the ability to HEAR my wife and kids in the pool and water activities brings me pure joy. Why? Because for years I guessed what might be said and watched them laugh among the splashes. Not having to guess my way through a fun pool night, I can actually hear the laughs, splashes, and my kids saying, “Dad, look at this cannon ball!”
While this experience was embarrassing, it was a reminder of the sounds I love.
