Apparently there are Myths and Lies about Cochlear Implants spreading. The article attempts to stop misinformation using strong tones. My thoughts: Lie #1: It doesn’t give the whole story. The doctor did drill a hole to insert the implant. The implant is right beneath the skin behind my ear. No hole, just a small bump. …
August 2003 archive
Computer Noises
Just discovered another sound I had never heard before, the computer’s fan. I heard a constant stream of a high-pitched noise and asked Paul about it. First, he said it was the ice maker. I didn’t think it was that because it didn’t sound like ice crashing. As soon as the sound stopped, I told …
CI Moment
In the discussion lists for cochlear implants, people write about what’s called a “CI moment.” This is a description of a new experience in hearing with the CI. I just had a major CI moment. I kept hearing soft rhythmic beeps. I asked Paul what it was, but he said he didn’t hear anything. I …
Batteries Not Included
One thing I’ve always hated about hearing aids was the frequent battery changes. That doesn’t stop with the CI. Right now, I am using two rechargeable double-AA batteries in the processor. I have to change them every day as they last about 12 hours. The disposable ones last about three days, but I hate to …
Deaf Culture
Many people who are Deaf are against cochlear implants because they feel it’s taking away a culture. Such people are prejudiced against people like me who use speech and no sign language when communicating. It’s my choice and I choose to do it. I am free to learn sign languages and I choose not to …
MAPping
Yesterday was the second mapping day. MAPping (Yes, MAP is all uppercase, but no one can explain it. Strange.) is the process for creating the listening program for the speech processor. The processor stores the information unique to my needs to allow me to hear. The audiologist does the MAPping by connecting the speech processor …
Physical Therapy
Today I went back to Southwestern for physical therapy and a mapping session. The physical therapy was for the vestibular problems I’ve been having since the surgery (wooziness, lightheadedness, eye pain). The vertigo (room spinning) ended within a few days after surgery. It’s the other stuff I’ve been having causing my inability to walk in …
New Tools and Technology
Phonak and Cochlear To Develop Hearing Systems to address an unmet medical need, where current external hearing aids, cochlear implants, and middle ear implants (MEIs) cannot provide effective benefits to patients. A new Internet tool is available to parents to help them monitor their babies’ progress in early speech development. Vocal Development has been designed …
My Quiet Relationship with Dad
The Cochlear Implant Online Web site told the story of a high schooler who had to get reimplanted and in the process received an upgrade. Rachel’s younger sister, Jessica, is also deaf and has an implant. The Web site discussed cochlear implants, its history, and a girl’s story in receiving an implant. On one of …
Other Stories
An athlete from Austin, a Romanian girl, and a father’s son. As a member of several cochlear implant forums, I’m impressed with the different histories of the courageous people who shared their stories and paved way for newbies like me. After all, someone had to go first. Actually, we looked into cochlear implants waayyyy back …