Went to see my CI audi today and got my first "real" mapping. I now have 4 programs. Normal, a noise reduction version of P1 (normal), P3 has a "narrowed" field of hearing and then P4 has a T-mix for cell phones. I tried the regular t-coil option and it bugged me that I could not hear my own voice, so this will allow me to hear myself while using t-coil. Plus, I don't have to use the < > keys to get there. My audi also tested with the lovely beeps again and set my settings towards the max range of my processor. It's funny, because none of the beeps ever got too loud or too uncomfortable for me, yet, in "hearing" mode, I almost got blasted out of my chair. But, I asked her to leave it there, since it was on V9 and S12. This gives me plenty of room before I have to go back, since I can now turn both S and V down to a comfortable range. Voices sound less like chipmunks and more human, which is wonderful and my audi says it will get even better, I just have to be patient..there is that dreaded word again. She did warn me not to turn the volume up too high as it could cause adverse reactions like ticks and face twitches. Lovely! Like I don't feel odd enough at times. I really did notice a change on the ride home. I was understanding more songs on the radio and able to sing along (in my head). Feeling pretty good about things as they are now.

I finally got tired of my hubby's surround sound competing with my TV volume and did something about it. No, nothing drastic like shooting his TV! I went and bought the cables I needed from Radio Shack to hook up my tv cable to my DirecTV. It is awesome! I can even understand a lot of spoken words without CC now. Which is a good thing as my receiver has had an issue with CC on two networks. I have always had trouble with my local FOX station, but I was actually able watch Bones and to follow along without CC (it came and went the entire hour with long stretches of just FOX BONES FOX BONES, which was totally annoying.). I am even prouder of the fact that I was able to watch Hell's Kitchen and understand the majority of it. Not easy with a main star having a strong accent. I also like the fact that I can turn the volume up and not have to worry about bothering the hubby. He, in turn, is able to keep the volume of his TV down so it is a win-win situation.
Speaking of volume, I think it is time for a trip to my CI audi again. I have to crank the volume to the max on the cable for most of the shows (commercials are an exception, as always). I am at level four on this set of programs and have been for three weeks. I know my audi wants to wait till my other processor comes back from the repair shop, but not sure I can wait. Guess I won't have a choice, since she is trying to save my money with the distance involved.
I still haven't tried using the phone since the automated call I had the frustrated me so bad. I can, however, make out messages left, after playing them back a time or two. So, I am getting there. I am even buying a cable for my cell phone. I have been told it is easier to understand than a land line phone and I really miss talking to my girls on the phone. I miss the little things that go in their lives.
I do get frustrated sometimes. I know this all takes time, but I can't help but get impatient, being human. Sigh. I shouldn't complain, I know it. I am lucky I can hear...period. More important, I am lucky I can hear what I hear and recognize it is getting better. It's just baby steps can be so slow.