Thread: Cochlear Implant

FAntastic news DJ> Hope it continues to go well!!

Hi DJ - just spotted this - all the best. BobL

I think my partner is deaf too! I was telling him you had a cochlear implant and he said "a what implant?" : Or maybe its just his one track mind.

So how is it going DJ? Would love to hear about your experiences. Science and the mind is so fascinating!

Just spotted this thread. All the best for a speedy recovery DJ. Are you gunna get a new nickname for the forum now ?
I have a friend who did some software engineering for the Cochlear mob in the mid eighties, it's come a long way since then.

Originally Posted by Grumpy John

I have a friend who did some software engineering for the Cochlear mob in the mid eighties, it's come a long way since then.

I have some friends who worked on it THIS CENTURY!

I have only just noticed this thread too D.J. and sincerely
hope that your recovery is quick and that the overall results
prove successful.

Look forward to positive progress reports.

Allan

Have had the processor fitted last week and second sound level adjustments done at the start of this week at the CIC (Cochlear Implant Clinic)

First couple days were confusing but it settled and with using my iPad of which I can hook straight into my sound processor, I'm able to use it with a talking book App. Using the talking book app has helped tremendously as I'm able to follow the words as they are spoken, I also have to do this whilst it is quiet and without my hearing aid in the other ear.

At this stage, most of the sounds are a series of beeps and static to me apart from when I'm using the talking book App of which I'm now able to start picking up words. At this stage the words that I can distinguish sound like Alvin the Chipmunk.

To begin with at the first fitting, Alex my Audiologist played a series of different tones from the lowest volume till I could hear it, to each of the 22 probes inserted in my cochlear and then once that was done, kept repeating each one till it was uncomfortable to listen to. She then set this as the basic to start with and set up four programs to gradually increase the levels as I got more comfortable with them. So by the time I went back for the second adjustment I was up to program 3.

So for each assessment I go in for, it is basically the same, keep playing the tones etc, keep increasing the programs in between as my hearing relearns what the brain is receiving. For example, yesterday, I fitted it when I got up and thought to my self, what is that I can hear? Then after a about 30 secs I twigged onto it, it was my breathing, normally I can only hear it when I'm breathing heavily after exertion or deep breathing, not when I'm relaxed, so I am picking up stuff that I didn't originally hear or am picking up sound from further away as I am hearing more across the range that I couldn't before hand, even if I'm not quite recognising exactly what it is.

So things are progressing well and Alex said she is really pleased that I'm already able to start recognising words using the talking book app, actually she was more like ecstatic, cause going from the trend with past history from other people with similar hearing lost it usually takes longer to pick it up but then again, some of the technology was not available as it is now. For example she saw that I had an iPad and suggested that I using a talking book app to help train or relearn my brain and it has helped tremendously.

At this stage overall I feel that my hearing has improved a bit, even if I'm not hearing exactly what is coming through the new implant, it is actually making me more aware of what I couldn't hear beforehand.

Have also attached an image of sound processor attached to my big head.

Thanks for the update DJ . Good news, Hope all continues to improve rapidly for you in the future.

Waahoo.

Great progress DJ

Only just caught this thread - was a great read so far - looking forward to "hearing" more.

All the best and a really speedy recovery.

That's excellent news Dj.

Onya DJ! Good to hear progress is being made - its also very interesting to hear about what you are hearing.

BTW I'm a big fan of audio books and listen to about 2 audio books a week.

Excellent news DJ, glad to hear all is progressing well .