Single sided deafness: Dealing with hearing loss and getting a cochlear implant

This is my story about how I lost my hearing in my right ear, how it has affected my life, and how I am soon getting cochlear implant surgery. If you're dealing with hearing loss, you are not alone.

[@brookelinford1910]

It has been three weeks since I lost my hearing in one ear. I know exactly what you have been through. Good luck with your implant!

[@nikkiplantsthings]

I’m so sorry. It’s such a difficult thing to go through. You’ve got this!! I’m cheering you on 😊

[@lowellgalambos3346]

Wow! I was drawn to your page from the simple beauty you created and your bubbly happiness. There was no indication that you were sad. But you lifted my spirits through the planted beauty and your smile. God bless you for being so transparent and please do continue in all you do. And may The Great Healer bring you a continued affirmation that you have brought joy to others by the gifts He has given you. 🙏🏼

[@nikkiplantsthings]

This is such a kind comment. Thank you so much!! ❤

[@patriciaschneider7966]

Hi Nikki, I just had CI surgery to my left ear on April 17th. I will go Hearts For Hearing on May 15th for activation of my Cochlear Americas Nucleus8 Processor. I will then be returning quite a few more times for mapping. I lost my hearing over a 35 year span due to Meniere’s Disease to both ears. I have worn HA’s in both ears for the past 9 years. I have a CI to my left ear and wear a HA in my right ear. I can’t understand speech, it is mostly just sounds. I will be praying for a successful surgery and your complete healing. GOD Bless you and your family.

[@nikkiplantsthings]

Congratulations on your surgery! I hope everything went well!!

[@barbarac8422]

Nikki, you are loved ❤ and you no longer need feel alone. Though we have never met face to face, I still consider you my beloved sister in this huge human family. Consider yourself cyber-hugged! 🤗 Much love to you from Texas! ❤❤ Thank you for all you do and all I've learned from you!

[@nikkiplantsthings]

You are so kind. Thank you for your love and support!! I really appreciate it 😊❤

[@ashleyray7506]

Sending prayers for surgery! I have hereditary hearing loss, more significantly in my right ear but some in my left as well. The impacts on your life hit home so much for things I have experienced in life, especially the social impacts you mentioned when I was in school. I turn 30 this year and have been living with gradually worsening hearing since I was 5. Thank you for sharing your story, as an introvert myself I know it’s not easy but it means a lot to those of us who can relate in ways ❤

[@nikkiplantsthings]

Thank you so much for sharing some of your story. I’m so sorry that this is something you experience as well. I agree though, it’s nice to connect with people who can relate. Wishing you all the best!

[@virginiahasson4189]

My daughter lost hearing in her left ear in june 2023 due to a complication of a routine surgery. She had her cochlear implant surgery yesterday. Everything you've described, she's experienced. She is finishing her senior year and we're hopeful college will be better. God bless you and your health!

[@nikkiplantsthings]

Thank you for sharing! Best wishes to your daughter. It’s such a difficult thing to go through ❤

[@salesvpcap]

We are praying for you, and we are all with you. Keep going with your beautiful video.

[@nikkiplantsthings]

Thank you so much!! ❤

[@linakhoury6623]

Hi Nikki🌺 . I pray to God that hearing will return to your ear during Easter week and I will light a candel for you in the church . Happy Palm sunday and Happy Easter .🌻 ✝️🌻

[@cindystimson3632]

Thank you for sharing. I hope and pray surgery goes well. You are a very brave person.

[@ClarkJ2265]

Wishing you all the best. Thank you for sharing your journey. You will be a great ambassador and guide for others

[@jannaroberts5483]

Wishing you the best! I love to watch your videos, you are always so happy, beautiful and positive. Don't stop smiling!❤❤❤

[@nikkiplantsthings]

You are so kind. Thank you!! ❤

[@user-yz8im2uw7z]

I think you are amazingly strong and will be praying for you 🙏

[@nikkiplantsthings]

Thank you so much!!

[@huberstocks3735]

If hearing loss is combined with imbalanced walking pattern or dizziness, one should be alert for the possibility of Vestibular schwannoma, which can be identified by CT and MRI. many people ignored it until severe symptoms surface.

[@nikkiplantsthings]

You are right! I got an MRI shortly after it happened and that was ruled out, along with some others ❤

[@myriamgarces7279]

Sending Prayers!

[@nikkiplantsthings]

Thank you!!

[@faithkent8313]

Good luck on your journey! Mine is much like yours and I was implanted in January and activated in February. I hope everything goes smoothly for you! Feel free to message if you need to chat with someone traveling a similar road 🙂

[@nikkiplantsthings]

Thank you so much for your comment. It’s been a rollercoaster for sure, but I’m just taking things a day at a time. I hope all is well for you!

[@alk1654]

Your video came at the most opportune time. am off to have an MRI right now to see what the reason is for my right-sided hearing loss and it was so nice to see this video and hear about your experiences. All the very best

[@nikkiplantsthings]

Sending good vibes your way! I’m so sorry you are going through this. I hope the MRI goes well, that you get answers and that it’s best case scenario! Please email me if you want to talk more! 😊

[@IAMDEV1]

I am deaf since childhood(right ear) , i was born with deaf(now i am 22). When i got prescription from the doctor 5 years ago ( in 2018) , he told me that you won't be able to hear again because of your auditory nerve is very weak, i don't know what would had happened at my birth time because my mom was labour like she used to work of picking big stones like rock. I don't know. What i have been through:- it really sucks like lonliness and a lot of things , but people and my parents don't understand like what i have been going through, i felt depression,, anxiety and even some of the bad points in life thinking about suicide, but you said that "you are not alone". And i felt like why god gave me this fucking shitty life Still now sometimes think that. What the fuck is going on in my life i don't know. Disadvantages of single sided deafness:- 1.Not understanding speech clearly 2.Where the sounds coming from 3.Sometimes don't understand the things where i kept 4.In groups like in restaurant where everyone is speaking louder you won't be able to catch their voice who's sitting besides of you. This shitty thing builds you more and more about being introvert. And so much more Real life experience:- But i don't feel sometimes that i am deaf, because 1 good ear can understand everything if the sounds clear like barely people said to me that called you but you didn't listen, almost 3-4 people in 22 years journey , if they know i was like no i can hear with both ear, a few people know about my deafness ,my parents and few relatives. I don't know , is it safe to keep in privacy or not? Like my friends never told me that we called you but you didn't react.... Imagination: I am extremely curious about how my mind will react if i would be able to listen from right ear like just want to feel that feeling , i think it will be amazing i will hear better sounds , and identify where the sounds coming from and understanding speeach. I am really excited about that.

[@nikkiplantsthings]

Thank you so much for sharing your story and more insights. It is so difficult, and you’re right. A lot of people don’t understand or may not even know. I have found it’s helpful for me to say something simple like “I’m sorry, I’m hard of hearing. Can you say that again?” If I really miss something. I don’t love bringing it up though. I’m hoping for all the best for you. I understand what you are going through.

[@IAMDEV1]

I have never let come that situation because 90% sounds I can hear but the 10% sound which I can't hear because of crowd and noise background still if I can't understand or didn't hear so I prefer to say " sorry, can you repeat again or can you say again".

[@user-zq5qj5ct1m]

Jesus will heal u!Dont worry sis, everything will be ok.

[@hweta6607]

💝💝

[@Miroslava1985]

❤🍀🌷🌺

[@Bigboss23000]

Did you get tinnitus in that ear also ?

[@nikkiplantsthings]

Yes! I do have tinnitus in that ear now too. It’s 24/7 but luckily is like white noise so it usually doesn’t bother me too much. Sometimes it’s all my mind can focus on though and then I feel like it’s driving me insane.

[@Bigboss23000]

@@nikkiplantsthings I’m sorry to hear. Sending prayers your way. I have, had tinnitus. One ear also. The anxiety from it still affects me. I am always thinking of it. Thinking I hear it.

[@kelmoran]

Wow, I wear a CI, what ENT don’t tell you is that after you get CI you may lose hearing in your other ear too.

[@lp8688]

Other ear? How is it possible??