Getting the Harmony...

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Franz K

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I've officially got a date for my cochlear implant surgery: May 7. I will be getting the Advanced Bionics Harmony at Hopkins in Baltimore. I've been struggling with the decision for the last 8 months or so, ever since my hearing dropped another notch. I had all the usual reservations-- surgery, giving up my remaining natural hearing, being dependent on the device, "selling out" on Deaf culture, and feeling like a robot. For the most part I've dealt with all of that in the hopes that the benefits of the implant will outweigh my fears. And I've never been one to let fear make my choices.

Those of you with Advanced Bionics implants, have any of you gotten the Harmony yet? How are you liking it? I really want to get some opinions that aren't on the AB website.

Did any of you have a problem with the fact that there's only a rechargeable battery option with the AB device? I'm an environmentalist and I like that, but how could I go on a one-week backpacking trip if I only have a four-day supply? I also love traveling abroad, and I am sometimes in places where I don't have access to electricity for quite some time.

And those of you who had some natural hearing before getting the implant, did you regret giving it up? My doctor and audiologist keep telling me that music won't sound good, that it won't sound as natural as it does now. As bad as my hearing is, with an Oticon Sumo I can still tune my guitar and enjoy music.
 
As you know, I don't have mine yet, but I'm getting a Harmony about a month after you are. As far as the batteries, AB is working on (not released yet, but supposedly soon) a "PowerPak" as an alternative for exactly the kind of situation you're talking about. It'll take AA batteries and clip on your belt.

W.r.t. music sounding 'natural' ... the Harmony users I've spoken to who lost their hearing suddenly all say they're happy with music and the like. You might also want to check out AAMHL (www.aahml.org), the Association of Adult Musicians with Hearing Loss. Several members are CIers.
 
Well I was hearing for the first 9 years of my life, and music was a VERY large part of it- my parents always had music playing, and my father, and many other relatives played musical instruments.

I have the Cochlear Freedom and to be honest, the music sounds *just as good* with it as it did when I could still hear.
 
Hi Franz,

Just wanted to wish you the best with the process. I personally haven't had any regrets, as by then I had little natural hearing to lose. If you've already experienced a drop in your hearing, then the chances are quite high that you will experience another one at some point in the future and get some lovely tinnitus along with that. This fact may be of some help to you in processing your mixed feelings.

I'll be honest with you, music doesn't sound as good as with my hearing aids. But by the time I had my sudden loss I couldn't appreciate music at all. So it's a small price for me. Perhaps by going for the AB Harmony you will get a better appreciation than what I currently experience with the Freedom? I'm confident that they will upgrade their software at some point and music appreciation will improve.

Do you want me to put you on the CI calender?

Best wishes! :)
 
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