Having been "switched on" now for some six months I can hear speech again, but of course, it is not a natural sound. I can either wire directly into the PC or use headphones, there is very little difference as my sound processor does a good job either way. I actually pick up the check six calls now and hear (understand) some of what is being said on VOX. The residual natural hearing I had before the implant was destroyed, but this was to be expected.
What was interesting was the lag! - When you first hear your own voice via the implant it kind of throws you because there is a tiny lag that takes a day or two to get used to. The weird lag sensation soon disappears after the old grey cells learn to accommodate it. Rather like, but not as bad as the visual lag on AH. I have never really got used to that. I still get shot down when I am convinced that guy on my six has no aiming lead
While electronic sound is no substitute for natural hearing it is definately better than none.
All I need now is time to fly on line more frequently
