CI Moments - Page 9

vallee · 11-12-2007, 11:19 AM

Well just got back from my 3 month activation checkup.

My comprehension with my unaided ear was left 17% and my right 1%. This was a year ago for my evaluation for CI.

Now my left ear is 92% comprehension and my right ear is 84% comprehension. When they were tested together it is a WOW 96%.

What a wow day!

contradica · 11-12-2007, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vallee

Well just got back from my 3 month activation checkup.

My comprehension with my unaided ear was left 17% and my right 1%. This was a year ago for my evaluation for CI.

Now my left ear is 92% comprehension and my right ear is 84% comprehension. When they were tested together it is a WOW 96%.

What a wow day!

That is WONDERFUL!! I am so overjoyed for you!! How did you feel when the audi told you that glorious number?!

vallee · 11-12-2007, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by contradica

That is WONDERFUL!! I am so overjoyed for you!! How did you feel when the audi told you that glorious number?!

I cried. My audie cried! I'm overwhelmed. Never in my life would I have thought I would ever hear like this. I spent most of my life deaf and accepted it. It has given me the life I want - conversations, music, and of course my jenna.

I could tell a big, huge different in using 2 implants over one. I still need to work on words in isolation. Like my audie said - it has only been 3 months.

3 months and loving each and everyday!!!!!!

contradica · 11-12-2007, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vallee

I cried. My audie cried! I'm overwhelmed. Never in my life would I have thought I would ever hear like this. I spent most of my life deaf and accepted it. It has given me the life I want - conversations, music, and of course my jenna.

I could tell a big, huge different in using 2 implants over one. I still need to work on words in isolation. Like my audie said - it has only been 3 months.

3 months and loving each and everyday!!!!!!

My eyes filled up, I can't even begin to think of an adjective that would fit this! I'm amazed, it is absolutely amazing Val!!

**deafskeptic** · 11-13-2007, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vallee

I cried. My audie cried! I'm overwhelmed. Never in my life would I have thought I would ever hear like this. I spent most of my life deaf and accepted it. It has given me the life I want - conversations, music, and of course my jenna.

I could tell a big, huge different in using 2 implants over one. I still need to work on words in isolation. Like my audie said - it has only been 3 months.

3 months and loving each and everyday!!!!!!

Wow. Awesome!

neecy · 11-13-2007, 11:20 AM

That made ME teary-eyed too Vallee!! I'm SO happy for you!

**highlands** · 11-13-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vallee

Well just got back from my 3 month activation checkup.

My comprehension with my unaided ear was left 17% and my right 1%. This was a year ago for my evaluation for CI.

Now my left ear is 92% comprehension and my right ear is 84% comprehension. When they were tested together it is a WOW 96%.

What a wow day!

congrats and this encourages me ! I even don't have 30% of comprehension within noise

R2D2 · 11-14-2007, 01:21 AM

Great results Vallee!

**deafskeptic** · 11-14-2007, 06:51 AM

I was at the computer when I heard some sounds and I listened closely and then I realized that what I'm hearing is my dryer. I was like that's can't be the dryer. That's impossible!

You see the dryer is not in my apt. All dryers are in separte room connected to apts at my apt; thus they are just outside the apts. You either have to walk across your patio to or your baloncy to your dryer. I walked across my patio and yes it IS my dryer that I'm hearing.

I've never been able to hear my dryer with my ha if I wasn't in the room.

contradica · 11-14-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafskeptic

I was at the computer when I heard some sounds and I listened closely and then I realized that what I'm hearing is my dryer. I was like that's can't be the dryer. That's impossible!

You see the dryer is not in my apt. All dryers are in separte room connected to apts at my apt; thus they are just outside the apts. You either have to walk across your patio to or your baloncy to your dryer. I walked across my patio and yes it IS my dryer that I'm hearing.

I've never been able to hear my dryer with my ha if I wasn't in the room.

Holy crabapple! That is great! You should throw a quarter in there and see if you can hear the dinkling

R2D2 · 11-14-2007, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafskeptic

I was at the computer when I heard some sounds and I listened closely and then I realized that what I'm hearing is my dryer. I was like that's can't be the dryer. That's impossible!

You see the dryer is not in my apt. All dryers are in separte room connected to apts at my apt; thus they are just outside the apts. You either have to walk across your patio to or your baloncy to your dryer. I walked across my patio and yes it IS my dryer that I'm hearing.

I've never been able to hear my dryer with my ha if I wasn't in the room.

What a cool moment!

jackiesolorzano · 11-15-2007, 05:41 PM

I was wondering for those of you that have 2 implants. What do you think about them. My son is 15 was implanted 13 years ago. He does really well with his implant but it is harder for him to localize sounds. I am not sure if we should implant. That other ear he hasn't ever used. I am wondering what your thoughts are. Do you think it would be worth to seek a second implant.

R2D2 · 11-15-2007, 10:11 PM

Hi Jackie,

Even though it's improved with the second implant, sound localisation isn't all that important to me in terms of making a practical difference to my life style.

What I do notice though is the ability to hear better in noisy situations. Having the two CIs seems to make the speaker's voice stand out more. I also like that I have two ears as a contingency if something goes wrong with one. My hearing aid in the second ear wasn't giving me enough input for me to actually notice it was switched on. And I remember how exhausted I used to get from lipreading after my sudden loss and waiting for the first implant to be done.

I also notice improvement in the way music sounds too.

I was going to say that the downside is that your son would lose the residual hearing in the second ear but if he has never used it then I assume the loss is very big? Perhaps you could trial him with a hearing aid to see how much he likes two ears?

What is your son saying about all of this? If it's something he wants to do then go for it. I haven't had any regrets. As soon as I was activated I knew I had made the right decision.

vallee · 11-16-2007, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackiesolorzano

I was wondering for those of you that have 2 implants. What do you think about them. My son is 15 was implanted 13 years ago. He does really well with his implant but it is harder for him to localize sounds. I am not sure if we should implant. That other ear he hasn't ever used. I am wondering what your thoughts are. Do you think it would be worth to seek a second implant.

I have two implants. Localizing sound is much easier than with HA. When I have both on, I can identify which direction the noise is coming from. My left ear is my "better ear." So it makes up for the right ear. (hope that makes sense).

I would try a HA first. Also evaluate the scores from the audiogram. I'm a number person, I need to see the numbers in relationship to compare the data. Also since he is 15, what does he want? Let him help make the choice as well.

jackiesolorzano · 11-16-2007, 05:55 PM

I would never make the choice for him at his age. I just wanted to gather some thoughts before I began my research and then approach him with it. Let him think it over.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vallee

I have two implants. Localizing sound is much easier than with HA. When I have both on, I can identify which direction the noise is coming from. My left ear is my "better ear." So it makes up for the right ear. (hope that makes sense).

I would try a HA first. Also evaluate the scores from the audiogram. I'm a number person, I need to see the numbers in relationship to compare the data. Also since he is 15, what does he want? Let him help make the choice as well.

**deafskeptic** · 11-17-2007, 04:00 PM

When I went to the grocery store and I had the radio on while I was driving and then much to my surprise I find that I can make out many of the words in the song. I can't remember everything I heard but I do remember hearing the words "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and some words like sleigh and either brand new day or brand new apple. That's what it sounded like to me

vallee · 11-17-2007, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackiesolorzano

I would never make the choice for him at his age. I just wanted to gather some thoughts before I began my research and then approach him with it. Let him think it over.

How does your son feel about his implant? I really love mine. To me, it is no different than getting up and putting in my HA. Its a part of my life. It just gives me so much more.

Good luck researching.

R2D2 · 11-17-2007, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafskeptic

When I went to the grocery store and I had the radio on while I was driving and then much to my surprise I find that I can make out many of the words in the song. I can't remember everything I heard but I do remember hearing the words "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and some words like sleigh and either brand new day or brand new apple. That's what it sounded like to me

LOL! You might be sick of that by 25th December!

contradica · 11-18-2007, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafskeptic

When I went to the grocery store and I had the radio on while I was driving and then much to my surprise I find that I can make out many of the words in the song. I can't remember everything I heard but I do remember hearing the words "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and some words like sleigh and either brand new day or brand new apple. That's what it sounded like to me

You just reminded at Thanksgiving is when all the Christmas songs play non-stop 24 hours a day

That is an awesome moment Deafskeptic

Jingle Bells, batmen smells, Robin laid an egg!

I had a moment at Home Depot self check out yesterday, I scanned an item in and I heard it tell me the price!

vallee · 11-18-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by contradica

You just reminded at Thanksgiving is when all the Christmas songs play non-stop 24 hours a day

That is an awesome moment Deafskeptic

Jingle Bells, batmen smells, Robin laid an egg!

I had a moment at Home Depot self check out yesterday, I scanned an item in and I heard it tell me the price!

That is awesome. Just remember do not try and talk back to it! You can't bargin down the prices.

Bring on those christmas songs - Can't wait!!!!!

**deafskeptic** · 11-19-2007, 02:54 PM

I had a ci moment. I heard some strange sounds and saw someone walking through the leaves just outside my apt. When I went to my patio door, I realized I had forgotten to close it when unloading my laundry. >.< People walking thru leaves sound different with my CI than they do with my HA.

jackiesolorzano · 11-20-2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vallee

How does your son feel about his implant? I really love mine. To me, it is no different than getting up and putting in my HA. Its a part of my life. It just gives me so much more.

Good luck researching.

My son never really worn hearing aids. He did for those 6 months but he doesn't remember. He loves his implant.

Tousi · 11-21-2007, 08:10 AM

I apologize for the intrusion upon these happy occasions but I need to ask a question: I see, with Vallee, pre and post numbers on "comprehension". Can you tell me what is meant by comprehension?

vallee · 11-21-2007, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

I apologize for the intrusion upon these happy occasions but I need to ask a question: I see, with Vallee, pre and post numbers on "comprehension". Can you tell me what is meant by comprehension?

Here are the test results: A speech reception was a at 25dbhl in the left ear and 35 dbhl in the right ear. No visual cues

Hint sentences right ci 84% left ci 93% bilateral ci 96%

hint sentences with noise right ci 54% left ci 55% bilateral ci 86%

phonemes right ci 56% left ci 72% bilateral ci 73%

pre-implant on 6/6/2006

hint sentences right ear 1% left ear 17% binaural 26% using unitron hearing aids
But communication ability improved with the addtion of visual cues to 80% in right ear and 100% in left ear.

That is what I understand with my ci 3 months after implants. I hope that answers the question. To me the differences is so much, I can put a number on it. I do have to work on words in isolation.

R2D2 · 11-21-2007, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vallee

Here are the test results: A speech reception was a at 25dbhl in the left ear and 35 dbhl in the right ear. No visual cues

Hint sentences right ci 84% left ci 93% bilateral ci 96%

hint sentences with noise right ci 54% left ci 55% bilateral ci 86%

I just wanted to comment on your bilateral score in noise vs the single ear scores in the same conditions. Quite a striking difference! You don't get that much of a difference with the hint sentences in quiet conditions.

I haven't been tested bilaterally in noise yet. But am looking forward to seeing what difference it makes.

vallee · 11-21-2007, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2

I just wanted to comment on your bilateral score in noise vs the single ear scores in the same conditions. Quite a striking difference! You don't get that much of a difference with the hint sentences in quiet conditions.

I haven't been tested bilaterally in noise yet. But am looking forward to seeing what difference it makes.

How are you enjoying your sound in stereo?

It really is a big difference, but I can really hear it in my daily life. When is your audio testing?

Paradox · 12-01-2007, 08:21 PM

I'm not deaf and don't personally know anyone who is deaf. However, I've been writing a 15 page paper on Deaf culture, cochlear implants, etc etc etc. and I just wanted to say that reading this forum has been one of the most enlightening and interesting experiences that I've had. (As well as extremely helpful in finding support for CI's!)
I found your stories to be so inspiring that I just wanted to say to all of you that I have the utmost respect for you, not only for braving the potential backlash from the Deaf community, but also for the sheer amount of courage and dedication that it takes to have the surgery itself and then spend so much time learning and relearning how to explore your environment and work on your hearing and/or speech. I think its really amazing, and I wish you all the best of luck

vallee · 12-01-2007, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paradox

I'm not deaf and don't personally know anyone who is deaf. However, I've been writing a 15 page paper on Deaf culture, cochlear implants, etc etc etc. and I just wanted to say that reading this forum has been one of the most enlightening and interesting experiences that I've had. (As well as extremely helpful in finding support for CI's!)
I found your stories to be so inspiring that I just wanted to say to all of you that I have the utmost respect for you, not only for braving the potential backlash from the Deaf community, but also for the sheer amount of courage and dedication that it takes to have the surgery itself and then spend so much time learning and relearning how to explore your environment and work on your hearing and/or speech. I think its really amazing, and I wish you all the best of luck

First of all best of luck on your paper. I do hope your paper is not a negative on the Deaf Culture or Community againist CIs. I hope you can see that at least from all the people I met that our choice for a CI is very personal. All of us have our reasons. I made my choice inorder to communicate better with my daughter. But it took around 5 years to make this choice. I remember discussing CIs with a friend 5 years ago.

It is alot of hard work, but so important to me. I am hearing sounds I have never heard before. I encourage you to visit blogs of members who have been discussing their progress.

We will answer most any question you have for us, just post it, but please be respectful to all members. We are working on trying to get to a common ground with all members.

Paradox · 12-01-2007, 09:19 PM

Being a research paper, its very neutral and presents the arguments that many people use for as well as against CI's. I can see why it is a very important and personal decision, and what may lead someone to opt for or against the procedure. Like I said, I just think that the amount of courage that one must have in order to actually proceed with the procedure is amazing, and I really am impressed that people are able to make such a decision in the first place. I also think its really very impressive that you have a community in which you can discuss and share your thoughts and experiences about the procedure in such an open and helpful way

vallee · 12-01-2007, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paradox

Being a research paper, its very neutral and presents the arguments that many people use for as well as against CI's. I can see why it is a very important and personal decision, and what may lead someone to opt for or against the procedure. Like I said, I just think that the amount of courage that one must have in order to actually proceed with the procedure is amazing, and I really am impressed that people are able to make such a decision in the first place. I also think its really very impressive that you have a community in which you can discuss and share your thoughts and experiences about the procedure in such an open and helpful way

Well thank you for that comment. Honestly it was not as much of a big deal for surgery as it was for the decision for CIs. It was the last step for me. I was not getting anything from HA and there was no hearing left for me. I did have to fight my insurance company for a year to get them to approve bilateral implants. The journey back to hearing has been a great time. I hear music, my daughter and my dog whin. Sounds that I never heard have come to life.

If you are interested in research check out the web site for let them hear at Let Them Hear Foundation They handled my insurance denials without cost. They are so amazing.

11-12-2007, 11:19 AM	#241 (permalink)
vallee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,216	3 month checkup Well just got back from my 3 month activation checkup. My comprehension with my unaided ear was left 17% and my right 1%. This was a year ago for my evaluation for CI. Now my left ear is 92% comprehension and my right ear is 84% comprehension. When they were tested together it is a WOW 96%. What a wow day! __________________ Right and Left Implanted July 19, 2007 Activated August 9, 2007 Both Advanced Bionics Harmony

11-13-2007, 11:20 AM	#246 (permalink)
neecy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Beautiful British Columbia Posts: 1,409	That made ME teary-eyed too Vallee!! I'm SO happy for you! __________________ Friends are angels that lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

11-14-2007, 01:21 AM	#248 (permalink)
R2D2 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 2,605	Great results Vallee! __________________ Left ear implanted 9th June 2006 Activated 29th June 2006 Right ear implanted 31st August 2007 Activated 18th September Both Nucleus Freedom Cochlear implant myths

11-14-2007, 06:51 AM	#249 (permalink)
deafskeptic Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 14,518	I was at the computer when I heard some sounds and I listened closely and then I realized that what I'm hearing is my dryer. I was like that's can't be the dryer. That's impossible! You see the dryer is not in my apt. All dryers are in separte room connected to apts at my apt; thus they are just outside the apts. You either have to walk across your patio to or your baloncy to your dryer. I walked across my patio and yes it IS my dryer that I'm hearing. I've never been able to hear my dryer with my ha if I wasn't in the room. __________________ Left ear implanted with Med-El on April 24 2007. Activated on May 9th. Upgraded to Opus 2 9/10/2010 Think Pink. FREE JILLIO!

11-15-2007, 10:11 PM	#253 (permalink)
R2D2 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 2,605	Hi Jackie, Even though it's improved with the second implant, sound localisation isn't all that important to me in terms of making a practical difference to my life style. What I do notice though is the ability to hear better in noisy situations. Having the two CIs seems to make the speaker's voice stand out more. I also like that I have two ears as a contingency if something goes wrong with one. My hearing aid in the second ear wasn't giving me enough input for me to actually notice it was switched on. And I remember how exhausted I used to get from lipreading after my sudden loss and waiting for the first implant to be done. I also notice improvement in the way music sounds too. I was going to say that the downside is that your son would lose the residual hearing in the second ear but if he has never used it then I assume the loss is very big? Perhaps you could trial him with a hearing aid to see how much he likes two ears? What is your son saying about all of this? If it's something he wants to do then go for it. I haven't had any regrets. As soon as I was activated I knew I had made the right decision. __________________ Left ear implanted 9th June 2006 Activated 29th June 2006 Right ear implanted 31st August 2007 Activated 18th September Both Nucleus Freedom Cochlear implant myths

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11-15-2007, 05:41 PM	#252 (permalink)
jackiesolorzano Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,012	I was wondering for those of you that have 2 implants. What do you think about them. My son is 15 was implanted 13 years ago. He does really well with his implant but it is harder for him to localize sounds. I am not sure if we should implant. That other ear he hasn't ever used. I am wondering what your thoughts are. Do you think it would be worth to seek a second implant.

11-17-2007, 04:00 PM	#256 (permalink)
deafskeptic Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 14,518	When I went to the grocery store and I had the radio on while I was driving and then much to my surprise I find that I can make out many of the words in the song. I can't remember everything I heard but I do remember hearing the words "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and some words like sleigh and either brand new day or brand new apple. That's what it sounded like to me __________________ Left ear implanted with Med-El on April 24 2007. Activated on May 9th. Upgraded to Opus 2 9/10/2010 Think Pink. FREE JILLIO!

11-19-2007, 02:54 PM	#261 (permalink)
deafskeptic Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 14,518	I had a ci moment. I heard some strange sounds and saw someone walking through the leaves just outside my apt. When I went to my patio door, I realized I had forgotten to close it when unloading my laundry. >.< People walking thru leaves sound different with my CI than they do with my HA. __________________ Left ear implanted with Med-El on April 24 2007. Activated on May 9th. Upgraded to Opus 2 9/10/2010 Think Pink. FREE JILLIO!

11-21-2007, 08:10 AM	#263 (permalink)
Tousi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 15,798	I apologize for the intrusion upon these happy occasions but I need to ask a question: I see, with Vallee, pre and post numbers on "comprehension". Can you tell me what is meant by comprehension?

12-01-2007, 08:21 PM	#267 (permalink)
Paradox Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2	I'm not deaf and don't personally know anyone who is deaf. However, I've been writing a 15 page paper on Deaf culture, cochlear implants, etc etc etc. and I just wanted to say that reading this forum has been one of the most enlightening and interesting experiences that I've had. (As well as extremely helpful in finding support for CI's!) I found your stories to be so inspiring that I just wanted to say to all of you that I have the utmost respect for you, not only for braving the potential backlash from the Deaf community, but also for the sheer amount of courage and dedication that it takes to have the surgery itself and then spend so much time learning and relearning how to explore your environment and work on your hearing and/or speech. I think its really amazing, and I wish you all the best of luck

12-01-2007, 09:19 PM	#269 (permalink)
Paradox Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2	Being a research paper, its very neutral and presents the arguments that many people use for as well as against CI's. I can see why it is a very important and personal decision, and what may lead someone to opt for or against the procedure. Like I said, I just think that the amount of courage that one must have in order to actually proceed with the procedure is amazing, and I really am impressed that people are able to make such a decision in the first place. I also think its really very impressive that you have a community in which you can discuss and share your thoughts and experiences about the procedure in such an open and helpful way

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