Long term; I have progressive sensorineural hearing loss that was noticed when I was about two and had reached "profound" levels by the time I was about ten. Implanted in my left ear at 16.

I actually made the decision to be a part of the normal public school system and never learned sign language, partially out of stubbornness, so I can't really help with SL-related questions, though I'd be more than glad to answer hearing/CI-related questions.