Med El EAS Journey - Part 1

OK, so I'm going to try to keep this up for a bit and see if it's worthwhile.

A bit behind the curve now, so going to do a fast round of catch up and then hopefully proceed as events unfold.

I've been hearing impaired since I'm 21 so that's 22 years of hearing aids.
Hearing loss came out of my service in the Navy, never able to pin down the exact cause but came in with perfect hearing left with bilateral loss!
It's gotten steadily worse over the years, so much so that I "qualify" for a CI (love that term, like it's a prize).
I had giant issues with the CI, from a "I'll look like a freak" to the "I'll be DEAF when not wearing them" so I've stayed away and done my best with the HA's.
Finally my frustration level exceeded my vanity level and I started seriously researching CI's, came across studies of "Hybrid" which are part CI & part HA.

Found Med EL study and called them up to find out more and started the process.
The NY Eye & Ear Infirmary was part of the study in NY so that worked out since I work in NYC.
After reviewing past audio test, more current tests, CT's, etc.. I qualified and was accepted into the study (and there was great rejoicing throughout the land).
Surgery was scheduled for 8/12/08