Cochlear implant update

Posted by samarksusa @samarksusa, May 19 9:29am

I had my cochlear implant surgery several months ago and received my listening device two weeks ago. Totally amazing and has changed my life. I have attended several events, dinners, church services that are so much different for me now. I can actually have a conversation with someone in a loud room where before it was a non event. I highly recommend it if you qualify!! Can’t thank my Dr enough for recommending it!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hearing Loss Support Group.

samarksusa | @samarksusa | May 31 7:33am

In reply to @2hearagain "I'm looking to speak with someone having a Osia. Is that what you have? If so..." + (show)

I’ve had mine for about a month. Just met with audiologist this week to tune the device to adjust as needed. Only negative I have is the fear of losing it. I have been wearing the lanyard that clips on to my collar when I’m outside. This is my issue and really is unfounded as it really stays on just fine. It is life changing for me. I can now actually hear people all the time-even in crowded, loud rooms. I wish you well in your hearing journey!

samarksusa | @samarksusa | May 31 7:35am

In reply to @cw332940 "how do you get qualified for that" + (show)

Need to meet with an audiologist for testing to determine if it would work for you. Best of luck!

mikepa | @mikepa | May 31 7:37am

In reply to @arieswoman "I had about a month of healing before my CI was turned on. I could hear..." + (show)

@arieswoman - what brand CI did you end up going with and why? I am ,in the process of researching and picking a brand for my August surgery. Thank you.

Mike

arieswoman | @arieswoman | May 31 7:48am

In reply to @mikepa "@arieswoman - what brand CI did you end up going with and why? I am ,in..." + (show)

My CI is AB Bionics. This is because it's so compatible with my Phonak hearing aid in my left ear. I had Phonak hearing aids long before my CI surgery. I have found this company to be great with customer service. Best of luck and good wishes!

pennyr | @pennyr | Jun 1 9:43am

In reply to @somanod10 "My hearing loss is server and I have been approached by Doctor about coculars. I have..." + (show)

I would suggest you start by getting a cochlear implant for your worst ear. Then you will still have some hearing with hearing aid in your other ear. It is a safe and very common surgery and things rarely go wrong. And nearly every cochlear recipient is happy they have had it done. For me, after one month I was hearing more than I have heard in years. I now put on the sound processor on one ear, hearing aid in the left, and 90% of the time I forget I'm deaf. With the hearing aids it was horrible as I missed so much. Some situations are still challenging - busy restaurants in particular, but generally things are great.

lmayo | @lmayo | Jun 2 12:37am

In reply to @2hearagain "I'm looking to speak with someone having a Osia. Is that what you have? If so..." + (show)

I have total hearing loss in my right ear due to sudden hearing loss in 2018. I love my Osia with respect to being able to determine where sound is coming from (direction). It also aids me with understanding the speech coming in on my deaf side. It has been almost three years since I received the bone conduction implant. I would only warn you about the clips that hold the tether on the processor. They are prone to break which caused me to lose a processor. Luckily it was still under warranty, and I was able to get it replaced. Before you commit, be sure to get the ENT office to let you try a processor held on by a headband. It is not quite the same as the implant sitting directly on the bone, but it will give you an idea of how it will sound.

somanod10 | @somanod10 | Jun 2 10:49pm

In reply to @pennyr "I would suggest you start by getting a cochlear implant for your worst ear. Then you..." + (show)

Thank you for taking the time to pass on this information. I have much to learn about this process and I am sure this site will be of tremendous help. My hearing care will come through the VA and they are very good about honoring the equipment you ask for but of course you have to know something to request to make the request. This is a great first step for me.

somanod10 | @somanod10 | Jun 2 11:04pm

In reply to @lmayo "I have total hearing loss in my right ear due to sudden hearing loss in 2018...." + (show)

Mayo: Thank you for the response. My hearing care comes through the VA which is very responsive when you request equipment. Of course I find it necessary to start accumulating as much information as possible, so I have informed decisions. Again thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. somanod10

somanod10 | @somanod10 | Jun 2 11:13pm

In reply to @arieswoman "My CI is AB Bionics. This is because it's so compatible with my Phonak hearing aid..." + (show)

arieswoman: Thank you for the information, I appreciate the equipment names as my Hearing assistance comes through the VA. They are very responsive to the request for a certain equipment but I have to assimilate the knowledge about equipment before I make a request.
Thanks again. somanode10

pennyr | @pennyr | Jun 3 10:35am

In reply to @somanod10 "Thank you for taking the time to pass on this information. I have much to learn..." + (show)

I kept a blog for several months on FB. If you are seeking information it is a description of the whole process I went through. I gave up updating after three months post op as things were so good there was nothing to report! I have my six month check on Wednesday and may update then, but if you are interested the link is: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554372147542. I could also send you a PDF of the whole blog if you provide your email address. The PDF is in chronological order, the blog is in reverse order, most recent posting first.