Problems with cochlear implant - Page 2

**shel90** · 11-14-2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drphil

Clearly a Cochlear Implant will NOT be beneficial to everyone. This was explained to me almost 4 years ago when I started to process at Sunnybrook/cochlear section. I knew that from the various articles I had already. This fact is true of all operations-fortunately in small numbers. Yeah if one is "unsuitable" for an Implant- the consequence will to remain deaf. A footnote to my experience- I met a person who had to wait almost a year for the operation due to ongoing heart troubles. When actually performed almost died on the operating table but survived because there was a heart doctor at the same time and saved him. Yeah no exactly a "minor operation"!
A Cochlear Implant is NOT an advanced hearing aid but an entirely different electronic device which operates in a very different manner.

Implanted Advanced Bionics-Harmony activated Aug/07

It aids hearing, doesnt it?

faire_jour · 11-14-2010, 11:09 AM

No, it doesn't aid hearing. It electrically stimulates the auditory nerve. It completely bypasses the ear.

deafgal001 · 11-14-2010, 11:11 AM

I knew someone would say that.

Hearing | Define Hearing at Dictionary.com

If those sounds we hear... oops, it doesn't aid hearing so I can't say "hear"

AlleyCat · 11-14-2010, 11:38 AM

I guess you are just electrically stimulated!

Anyways it was semantics. The purpose of either a CI or a HA is to help the deaf hear better.

faire_jour · 11-14-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafgal001

I knew someone would say that.

Hearing | Define Hearing at Dictionary.com

If those sounds we hear... oops, it doesn't aid hearing so I can't say "hear"

I don't object to the word "hearing", I don't think they "aid". I think aid implies that it is helping or boosting residual hearing, whereas the CI is totally different.

deafgal001 · 11-14-2010, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faire_jour

I don't object to the word "hearing", I don't think they "aid". I think aid implies that it is helping or boosting residual hearing, whereas the CI is totally different.

That's what amplification does. It tries to reach the nerves hair cells so it can simulate the nerves.

CIs still aid hearing the same way as HAs... both goals is to simulate the nerves so we can hear.

faire_jour · 11-14-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafgal001

That's what amplification does. It tries to reach the nerves hair cells so it can simulate the nerves.

CIs still aid hearing the same way as HAs... both goals is to simulate the nerves so we can hear.

Yes, that is the way amplification works, but it is not the way a CI works. Ci's do not stimulate the hair cells at all.

deafgal001 · 11-14-2010, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faire_jour

Yes, that is the way amplification works, but it is not the way a CI works. Ci's do not stimulate the hair cells at all.

I did not say CI stimulate hair cells. Hearing aids use hair cells to stimulate the nerves. While CI don't. But both have the same goals: stimulate those nerves, therefore both aid hearing.

green427 · 11-14-2010, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faire_jour

No, it doesn't aid hearing. It electrically stimulates the auditory nerve. It completely bypasses the ear.

**GrendelQ** · 11-14-2010, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

Exactly. And in all the literature I have been given to read (and two CD's to watch), nowhere are Cons mentioned. That to me is lying. Why do they lie? I was seriously thinking of getting an implant (for professional reasons), but now I just dunno. There is something wrong with the whole picture and I find it disgusting. The only people in here who are purely and unabashedly pro-CI are HEARING. Oh come on.

1. No one has ever mentioned to you and none of the literature you've read notes that surgery is involved? (this is pretty major in itself -- probably the most significant con)
2. Cochlear risks outlined on website
3. Advanced Bionics risks outlined on website
4. FDA: benefits and risks of cochlear implants
5. FAQs on all 3 of the major CI companies outlined surgery and follow-on auditory rehabilitation processes, as well as providing statistics for outcomes
6. If you talk with your surgeon about it, he or she will emphasize risks far beyond any benefits, you'll receive a great deal of info. this once you get past the casual interest level.

These are just the tip of the iceberg, the first things you would encounter on day one of your research. If you really are considering, though, I recommend contacting several people who are in roughly your situation (whether pre or post lingually deaf, implanted as adults, etc., and see what they've found after implantation).

**Beowulf** · 11-14-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrendelQ

1. No one has ever mentioned to you and none of the literature you've read notes that surgery is involved? (this is pretty major in itself -- probably the most significant con)
2. Cochlear risks outlined on website
3. Advanced Bionics risks outlined on website
4. FDA: benefits and risks of cochlear implants
5. FAQs on all 3 of the major CI companies outlined surgery and follow-on auditory rehabilitation processes, as well as providing statistics for outcomes
6. If you talk with your surgeon about it, he or she will emphasize risks far beyond any benefits, you'll receive a great deal of info. this once you get past the casual interest level.

These are just the tip of the iceberg, the first things you would encounter on day one of your research. If you really are considering, though, I recommend contacting several people who are in roughly your situation (whether pre or post lingually deaf, implanted as adults, etc., and see what they've found after implantation).

It is nice finding this post immdiately upon my return from my out-of-town trip.

To answer your questions require a rather lengthy response, so I will spare you the agony, hah. You had to be there with me when I was being interviewed by the doctor, two interns, and an audiologist to see that no mention of negative aspects of acquiring a CI was made. Their eyes shone like those of evangelists as they told me the benefits, and I felt like raising my arms and crying Hallelujah etcetera. But then, this was in the early stage, and I have more follow-ups to go through, and now I am loaded for bear, lol.
This morning I had a long conversation with a stockbroker from Chicago, and he was implanted four years ago. He was my age, very articulate, and knew Sign Language. I asked him if the CI's made any difference n his life, and he looked me squarely in my eyes and said "Yes and no." I will not get into the details for his statement, but I came away with a much better understanding of the CI's potential, limited though it may be. I will meet more people with the CI experience, but I am realizing that it is solely dependent on the individual's capability to meet problems head on and improvise ways of overcoming them. 'Nuff said.
I still am not decided on getting CI's and I don't care what the rest of the world thinks.

**GrendelQ** · 11-14-2010, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

It is nice finding this post immdiately upon my return from my out-of-town trip.

To answer your questions require a rather lengthy response, so I will spare you the agony, hah. You had to be there with me when I was being interviewed by the doctor, two interns, and an audiologist to see that no mention of negative aspects of acquiring a CI was mentioned. Their eyes shone like those of evangelists as they told me the benefits, and I felt like raising my arms and crying Hallelujah etcetera. But then, this was in the early stage, and I have more follow-ups to go through, and now I am loaded for bear, lol.
This morning I had a long conversation with a stockbroker from Chicago, and he was implanted four years ago. He was my age, very articulate, and knew Sign Language. I asked him if the CI's made any difference n his life, and he looked me squarely in my eyes and said "Yes and no." I will not get into the details for his statement, but I came away with a much better understanding of the CI's potential, limited though it may be. I will meet more people with the CI experience, but I am realizing that it is solely dependent on the individuals capability to meet problems head on and improvise ways of overcoming them. 'Nuff said.
I still am not decided on getting CI's and I don't care what the rest of the world thinks.

That's good. The potential for benefit is there, so is the potential for risk, and NO ONE should go into it unaware of both.

drphil · 11-21-2010, 08:05 AM

Isn't that why it is discussed with audiologist in one's first visit at the start of the Cochlear Implant discussion re: individual suitability?

Implanted Advanced Bionics-Harmony activated Aug/07

mizwytch · 12-02-2010, 07:13 AM

I haven't had even one of these implants, and I have wondered what they would be like if I could get them. (Right now out of my financial range.) Seems to be mixed reviews and some weird side effects...but for the most part they sound worth the effort.

Rampratt · 12-02-2010, 10:55 AM

Yes like everything else there are pluses and minuses and yes there are risks like most every thing else. You can step off a curb and get hit by a car so stuff happens. I had my first CI not quite a year ago and am due for my second one in a couple of months. I'm looking forward to it. I wore HA's for about 50 years and if I was not impressed with CI I surly would not get another one. I have been one of the lucky ones, not all folks are as lucky as I am. Every one is different and you pays your money and takes your chances. I have seen one failure and many with successes, all positive, some more so than others. Depends on what one expects and how much patiences one has I guess. It does not happen or improve over night but steadily improves or seems to improve over time and I'm told up to 5 years. I'm currently being studied in some research projects at the university. Guess one could say Guinea pig? Interesting and I'm learning things as well. As to risks, one of your biggest risks is getting in a car and going out in traffic. Maybe I should say getting out of bed in the morning?

Deaffy · 12-02-2010, 12:10 PM

Ramprat is correct. We take risk's every single day. It all depends on what risk you are willing to take. Nothing in life is ever guaranteed. The success of a implant greatly depends on the person being implanted. Like ramprat I am having superb success with my implant. My audi told me it can take a long time for some people to achieve what I have in 4 months with my implant. It surely is not a device suited for every individual. Hence having to be evaluated to determine if a person is a canidate or not.

Oceanbreeze · 12-02-2010, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

I cannot quite put my finger on the why, but I agree with the bolded, even though many people here insist it works best with toddlers. I feel I am at the point where I will no longer research negative effects of CI's; rather, I will personally talk with the CI users who fit my age and personality type and find out how they succeeded. I talked with a couple CI users who bemoaned their feelings of vertigo after receiving their implants, but I suspect it was pre-existing conditions: they were finicky types of guys so I will practically disregard their experiences. I look at the people who have the CI's. Tomorrow I will meet a successful deaf stockbroker from Chicago: I talked with him on VP and he was implanted four years ago. He is sharp as a tack and made it clear it was his determination to succeed that let him overcome the obstacles. I will find out exactly what obstacles they were. I am not poo-pooing CI's. I just think one needs the right stuff to make it work.

Beo,

Because a late deafened person has heard for most of their lives (usually, and depending on your idea of the term "late-deafened". To ME, that means someone who has lost their hearing in their 20s or later)... Anyway, the person has the ability to recall what certain things sound like and therefore, perhaps, the training is easier once the person is implanted. In a pre-lingually deaf child, they have to be TAUGHT what sounds mean; whereas a late deafened indvidual already has that ingrained.

Does that make sense?

Oceanbreeze · 12-02-2010, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

It is nice finding this post immdiately upon my return from my out-of-town trip.

To answer your questions require a rather lengthy response, so I will spare you the agony, hah. You had to be there with me when I was being interviewed by the doctor, two interns, and an audiologist to see that no mention of negative aspects of acquiring a CI was made. Their eyes shone like those of evangelists as they told me the benefits, and I felt like raising my arms and crying Hallelujah etcetera. But then, this was in the early stage, and I have more follow-ups to go through, and now I am loaded for bear, lol.
This morning I had a long conversation with a stockbroker from Chicago, and he was implanted four years ago. He was my age, very articulate, and knew Sign Language. I asked him if the CI's made any difference n his life, and he looked me squarely in my eyes and said "Yes and no." I will not get into the details for his statement, but I came away with a much better understanding of the CI's potential, limited though it may be. I will meet more people with the CI experience, but I am realizing that it is solely dependent on the individual's capability to meet problems head on and improvise ways of overcoming them. 'Nuff said.
I still am not decided on getting CI's and I don't care what the rest of the world thinks.

I wish more people had your attitude!

The point here, I think, is to have realistic expectations of the device. I wish you well no matter what you decide!

mizwytch · 12-03-2010, 12:25 AM

I am what is apparently a "late-deafness" person. I started noticing hearing problems in my early to mid 30s. I just turned 42 in Oct. and I am now called "legally" deaf...(as opposed to what? "illegally" deaf? LOL

) While my ear drums are intact no sound gets to them because all the little hearing hairs in my ears have died. I can not hear without some sort of aid and only then if I can crank the volume up on the device and the tip goes well into my ear(s). I am curious, what is the average cost of an implant and "installation" fees? And, how would someone go about getting help to get implants?

Deaffy · 12-03-2010, 01:38 AM

Mine was $45,000 usd.. but with insurance its $1,400 so really not much different than the cost of a HA. only difference is I have to be programed ever so often which is pretty costly.. something to the tune of $150 a hr.. for 1 hour every 3months- 1 yr. Let it be known its not just a one shot deal and ur fixed. It is a constant process.

mizwytch · 12-03-2010, 01:44 AM

Daaaaaaaamn...I don't have insurance...not in the position to be able to afford insurance right now. And as far as I know, it is still policy with such companies not to cover pre-existing conditions or insure someone with pre-existing conditions. *sigh* Looks like I'm back to square one at this point. Thanks for the info Deaffy!

Angel1989 · 11-21-2011, 06:35 PM

Now I'm really confused. I'm late deafend. It's only been 6months. It happened over night. But, I have a terrible loud noise in my brain and or ears that's driving me crazy and it's getting worse. I say brain because I'm deaf due to an illness that caused a couple seizures which caused brain swelling. At first wouldn't consider CI because I'm frightened my brain might be affected. But, I just started to consider CI because the noise makes me feel like my brains going to blow. See specialist 12/13/2011. I don't know what to do. HELP!!!!!!

***naisho*** · 11-21-2011, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angle1989

Now I'm really confused. I'm late deafend. It's only been 6months. It happened over night. But, I have a terrible loud noise in my brain and or ears that's driving me crazy and it's getting worse. I say brain because I'm deaf due to an illness that caused a couple seizures which caused brain swelling. At first wouldn't consider CI because I'm frightened my brain might be affected. But, I just started to consider CI because the noise makes me feel like my brains going to blow. See specialist 12/13/2011. I don't know what to do. HELP!!!!!!

It is up to you, Angle1989.
Do you want to restore your hearing? If you do, then get a CI or specialized Hearing Aid. Also with the CI you don't return to normal hearing levels. You only get like 20-30 channels (that I've read) out of the 100+ possible with normal hearing. You also have to go in for sound re-mapping on an every now and then basis. I don't have a CI so I can't tell you how it feels like, you would be better off asking someone who was later deafened and got one. Keep in mind that implants run several thousands, in the double digits.

If you want to live with it, (the cheaper, health-safe option) then pick up a sign language and drop your speaking friends, and meet deaf people who communicate with sign language and writing/typing.

drphil · 11-21-2011, 11:09 PM

Angle1989: I am bilateral late deafened since December 20, 2006. Unlike you- didn't have the various problems you described. Just silence.The operation was July 12, 2007-Sunnybrook/Toronto.

You should raise every point in your above comment with the specialist who should be able to answer your questions re suitability- Cochlear Implant.

Much success on December 13, 2011.

Implanted A B Harmony activated Aug/07

SJCSue · 11-23-2011, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by green427

DeafCaroline · 11-23-2011, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angle1989

I just started to consider CI because the noise makes me feel like my brains going to blow. See specialist 12/13/2011. I don't know what to do. HELP!!!!!!

Not sure if I am understanding you correctly but are you thinking the CI is going to help with the noise in your head?

Frisky Feline · 11-23-2011, 12:45 PM

Thats what i thought so. It did not work for my hub which was why he got a CI in the first place. noise in head is like tinnius. i believe so.

***naisho*** · 11-23-2011, 12:46 PM

Me too I think CI doesn't stop the sounds because it's not real sound, it's something related in the brain. That's how tinnitus is made.
Too complicated for me to know the answer how it works.

**sallylou** · 11-23-2011, 12:55 PM

Sometimes, doctors recommend CIs for people with Menieres. Whether it really helps vertigo and other symptoms of Menieres, I have no idea.

I'm blissfully unaware of the whole scene and I intend to stay that way.

green427 · 11-23-2011, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angle1989

Now I'm really confused. I'm late deafend. It's only been 6months. It happened over night. But, I have a terrible loud noise in my brain and or ears that's driving me crazy and it's getting worse. I say brain because I'm deaf due to an illness that caused a couple seizures which caused brain swelling. At first wouldn't consider CI because I'm frightened my brain might be affected. But, I just started to consider CI because the noise makes me feel like my brains going to blow. See specialist 12/13/2011. I don't know what to do. HELP!!!!!!

Wait until you see your specialist and see what he/she says. CI's do not work for everyone.

I ain't no neurologist, but, I am pretty sure that if your inner ear & cochlea are unaffected, a CI most likely will not help, since it stimulates the cochlea only. If the damage is between the cochlea and your brain, an implant or hearing aid is not going to help much.

Again, wait until you see your neurologist before worrying about CI's.

11-21-2010, 08:05 AM	#43 (permalink)
drphil Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 4,169	Isn't that why it is discussed with audiologist in one's first visit at the start of the Cochlear Implant discussion re: individual suitability? Implanted Advanced Bionics-Harmony activated Aug/07 __________________ Get Real:Implanted Sunnybrook/Toronto -Advanced Bionics-Harmony activated Aug/07

12-02-2010, 07:13 AM	#44 (permalink)
mizwytch Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Grayson Kentucky Posts: 308	Wow... I haven't had even one of these implants, and I have wondered what they would be like if I could get them. (Right now out of my financial range.) Seems to be mixed reviews and some weird side effects...but for the most part they sound worth the effort.

12-02-2010, 12:10 PM	#46 (permalink)
Deaffy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ohio Posts: 592	Ramprat is correct. We take risk's every single day. It all depends on what risk you are willing to take. Nothing in life is ever guaranteed. The success of a implant greatly depends on the person being implanted. Like ramprat I am having superb success with my implant. My audi told me it can take a long time for some people to achieve what I have in 4 months with my implant. It surely is not a device suited for every individual. Hence having to be evaluated to determine if a person is a canidate or not. __________________ Experience is the best education one can ever have. RIGHT EAR Implanted 7-16-10 Activated 8-10-10 Nucleus 5 LEFT EAR Unaided deaf.

12-03-2010, 12:25 AM	#49 (permalink)
mizwytch Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Grayson Kentucky Posts: 308	Sound worth the effort to me... I am what is apparently a "late-deafness" person. I started noticing hearing problems in my early to mid 30s. I just turned 42 in Oct. and I am now called "legally" deaf...(as opposed to what? "illegally" deaf? LOL ) While my ear drums are intact no sound gets to them because all the little hearing hairs in my ears have died. I can not hear without some sort of aid and only then if I can crank the volume up on the device and the tip goes well into my ear(s). I am curious, what is the average cost of an implant and "installation" fees? And, how would someone go about getting help to get implants?

12-03-2010, 01:38 AM	#50 (permalink)
Deaffy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ohio Posts: 592	Mine was $45,000 usd.. but with insurance its $1,400 so really not much different than the cost of a HA. only difference is I have to be programed ever so often which is pretty costly.. something to the tune of $150 a hr.. for 1 hour every 3months- 1 yr. Let it be known its not just a one shot deal and ur fixed. It is a constant process. __________________ Experience is the best education one can ever have. RIGHT EAR Implanted 7-16-10 Activated 8-10-10 Nucleus 5 LEFT EAR Unaided deaf.

Today
Deafness	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on AllDeaf.com

11-14-2010, 11:09 AM	#32 (permalink)
faire_jour Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 7,199	No, it doesn't aid hearing. It electrically stimulates the auditory nerve. It completely bypasses the ear.

11-14-2010, 11:11 AM	#33 (permalink)
deafgal001 Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 2,542	I knew someone would say that. Hearing \| Define Hearing at Dictionary.com If those sounds we hear... oops, it doesn't aid hearing so I can't say "hear"

11-14-2010, 11:38 AM	#34 (permalink)
AlleyCat Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In my time zone Posts: 11,082	I guess you are just electrically stimulated! Anyways it was semantics. The purpose of either a CI or a HA is to help the deaf hear better.

12-02-2010, 10:55 AM	#45 (permalink)
Rampratt Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Casa Grande Arizona Posts: 149	Yes like everything else there are pluses and minuses and yes there are risks like most every thing else. You can step off a curb and get hit by a car so stuff happens. I had my first CI not quite a year ago and am due for my second one in a couple of months. I'm looking forward to it. I wore HA's for about 50 years and if I was not impressed with CI I surly would not get another one. I have been one of the lucky ones, not all folks are as lucky as I am. Every one is different and you pays your money and takes your chances. I have seen one failure and many with successes, all positive, some more so than others. Depends on what one expects and how much patiences one has I guess. It does not happen or improve over night but steadily improves or seems to improve over time and I'm told up to 5 years. I'm currently being studied in some research projects at the university. Guess one could say Guinea pig? Interesting and I'm learning things as well. As to risks, one of your biggest risks is getting in a car and going out in traffic. Maybe I should say getting out of bed in the morning?

12-03-2010, 01:44 AM	#51 (permalink)
mizwytch Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Grayson Kentucky Posts: 308	Daaaaaaaamn...I don't have insurance...not in the position to be able to afford insurance right now. And as far as I know, it is still policy with such companies not to cover pre-existing conditions or insure someone with pre-existing conditions. sigh Looks like I'm back to square one at this point. Thanks for the info Deaffy!

11-21-2011, 06:35 PM	#52 (permalink)
Angel1989 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: California Posts: 2,001 Blog Entries: 1	Now I'm really confused. I'm late deafend. It's only been 6months. It happened over night. But, I have a terrible loud noise in my brain and or ears that's driving me crazy and it's getting worse. I say brain because I'm deaf due to an illness that caused a couple seizures which caused brain swelling. At first wouldn't consider CI because I'm frightened my brain might be affected. But, I just started to consider CI because the noise makes me feel like my brains going to blow. See specialist 12/13/2011. I don't know what to do. HELP!!!!!!

11-21-2011, 11:09 PM	#54 (permalink)
drphil Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 4,169	Angle1989: I am bilateral late deafened since December 20, 2006. Unlike you- didn't have the various problems you described. Just silence.The operation was July 12, 2007-Sunnybrook/Toronto. You should raise every point in your above comment with the specialist who should be able to answer your questions re suitability- Cochlear Implant. Much success on December 13, 2011. Implanted A B Harmony activated Aug/07 __________________ Get Real:Implanted Sunnybrook/Toronto -Advanced Bionics-Harmony activated Aug/07

11-23-2011, 12:45 PM	#57 (permalink)
Frisky Feline Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 20,539	Thats what i thought so. It did not work for my hub which was why he got a CI in the first place. noise in head is like tinnius. i believe so.

11-23-2011, 12:46 PM	#58 (permalink)
*naisho* Forum Disorders M.D.,Ph.D Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: 127.0.0.1 Posts: 6,267	Me too I think CI doesn't stop the sounds because it's not real sound, it's something related in the brain. That's how tinnitus is made. Too complicated for me to know the answer how it works.

11-23-2011, 12:55 PM	#59 (permalink)
sallylou Potterhead and Janeite Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: My own private Idaho Posts: 6,653	Sometimes, doctors recommend CIs for people with Menieres. Whether it really helps vertigo and other symptoms of Menieres, I have no idea. I'm blissfully unaware of the whole scene and I intend to stay that way. __________________

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