Single Sided Deafness - Glass half-emtpy or half-full?

I was getting up on the Acoustic Neuroma patient forum today and came across a link for a very well-written essay on single sided deafness. I think this is a good read for anyone who is SSD, as well as those who have the pleasure of living with those of us who are SSD. Enjoy...

http://tribalvillages.org/deaf-essays/single-sided-deafness.html

BAHA - Ha Ha

First, let me say that I am very, very happy with my new digital ear! It is interesting that when I am wearing it, I don't even notice that I have it on. By that, I mean that I don't consciously "hear" anything differently. But, there are times when I am struck with the sudden realization that I am hearing something that I never would hear without the BAHA. Case in point - I recently had a group of my girlfriends over and we were all sitting around the dinner table talking. And, let me just say, they can talk a LOT. Well, everyone was talking at the same time, which is usually death for me since all I hear are random words. As I was sitting there, I suddenly realized that I could hear the friend on my deaf side PERFECTLY! That was one of my big (B)AHA moments.

And, of course, as with all things brain-tumor related, there are also funny moments... I was recently putting some things in the back of my little SUV and as I was leaning in to set something in the back, my head made contact with the door of the car and - WHAM - off my BAHA flew! It hit the pavement and rolled under my car which triggered some extremely colorful and inventive language from me. Down on my hands and knees, I retrieved the little guy and, with heart in throat, attached it to my head. Success!! It was none the worse for hitting the ground at maximum speed. Now, that said, I don't suggest that anyone start hurling their BAHA around with reckless abandon.

I am currently helping to rehab my in-law's 40-something year old house, which is providing all kinds of interesting balance challenges. The miracle is that I haven't fallen into a paint tray yet. But, there is still time...