What?!

I went this morning for a hearing test to see if Jason and I are just insane or if I can really hear. The results were somewhat inconsistent and the audiologist didn't really know how to explain it. I might have MD Anderson's audiology department run another hearing test just to see what they think.

First off, according to the audiologist, I did better on the word hearing & repeating test using both ears. I got 100% of the words correct verses 88% in September of 2014. Secondly, I did MUCH better on recognizing the phrases with background noise. My speech reception threshold improved by 5-10 dB, most comfortable loudness did not change, and most uncomfortable loudness improved by 10-15 dB. Unfortunately, the audiologist's assessment was that something has changed but he doesn't know what or how because he is not a neurologist. His overall assessment was that the ears and hearing have not changed, but speech perception and ability to distinguish sounds may have changed. So now I think going to someone who can't read my file before I come in may result in a more independent interpretation of the results. When I went in the audiologist stated, "I saw that you suspect that your hearing has improved. I doubt this, but we'll see." As a researcher, I know this can lead to confirmation bias. Jason also still insists that I can hear way more than I used to, we will investigate a little further and then take whatever results we are given at MDA as solid.

On the other hand, I began my 5 day round of chemo last night before bed. No stomach issues or side effects so far.