Hello faithful followers,
It's a very stormy night, which freaks my nightly-deaf self out as it's supposed to get severe with potential tornadoes and such! Oh well, my THREE (yes, 3 dogs now) are sleeping soundly to the sound of wind, thunder and HEAVY rain- I thought I'd update. So here goes!
I have been BLESSED with the cochlear implant, I have had many compliments on how well I've been hearing (and listening!) I find myself relying so much on the CI rather than my hearing aid, I feel like I'm missing so much when I'm not wearing my CI! I can't even speak specifics of what new sounds that I am hearing- one VERY annoying noise- keys, I have come to HATE wearing my keys on my belt loop while at work, which leads me to misplace them from time to time! Goodness. I ALSO hate the sound of drawers opening and closing, especially the ones in my kitchen- just too loud. I go in next week for another programming and audio appointment- I like doing those- I feel smart when I can repeat words back to the audie (Audiologist). If my dizziness stuff that I was tested for before the actual implant looks all good in August (my 1 year follow up) I would consider getting a 2nd one. But that's a ways out yet, so I'm not even thinking about it yet!
On a not-so-happy note, I've been suffering from migraines, I highly doubt from the CI but one thing I notice with the migraines is the sensitivity to sound... whoda' thunk that I, the girl-once-known- as Andrea Johnson, would be sensitive to sound? Kind of ironic. :) But in a weird way, I like it.
Back to the CI for a moment, the hair has basically all grown back and it's thicker- more coarse than it was before, which causes some unruly cowlicks and flips all crazy-like... but it's ok- it's a new (bionic) me! :)
Thanks for following me! :D
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
One month later!
Hello all! I just want to give a shout out to Kristin S. as she keeps hasslin' me to update this blog- so thank her for this update!
I was just in for some hearing tests and speech testing on the 19th and let me tell you, it was pretty amazing. With the CI alone, I could hear like 86% phonemes (Parts of the words) and 60 some% of whole words (in quiet)- my audiologist was quite impressed "tremendous progress" she noted! With BOTH the hearing aid and the CI I heard 98% of sentences correctly in quiet... "in quiet" means just that- no background noise which isn't entirely realistic but still a HUGE difference from pre-CI! So quite exciting. I also have a new setting on my CI to use the phone... I haven't tried it yet- she recommends using it with a landline and call people who I know well (their voice anyway) I don't have a landline- apparently if you have a data plan on your cell phone (which I do) it could mess with the frequencies and all that fun stuff.
Today I'm setting up my IPOD on my computer to start downloading books from a local library- this should help me with my word recognition- kind of like studying for the collegiate type.
On a semi-side note: There has been a voluntary recall on my implant because 2 people have had shocks, pain and loud noises about 10 days post operation... I'm not concerned about it- I still trust Advanced Bionics and I'm impressed that they are having a voluntary recall after 2 people have had issues, this tells me that they care about ME as a recipient.
Anyway, thank you ALL for your thoughts, prayers and cards throughout this whole process it's been quite a ride!
Have a great Thanksgiving and stay safe!
I was just in for some hearing tests and speech testing on the 19th and let me tell you, it was pretty amazing. With the CI alone, I could hear like 86% phonemes (Parts of the words) and 60 some% of whole words (in quiet)- my audiologist was quite impressed "tremendous progress" she noted! With BOTH the hearing aid and the CI I heard 98% of sentences correctly in quiet... "in quiet" means just that- no background noise which isn't entirely realistic but still a HUGE difference from pre-CI! So quite exciting. I also have a new setting on my CI to use the phone... I haven't tried it yet- she recommends using it with a landline and call people who I know well (their voice anyway) I don't have a landline- apparently if you have a data plan on your cell phone (which I do) it could mess with the frequencies and all that fun stuff.
Today I'm setting up my IPOD on my computer to start downloading books from a local library- this should help me with my word recognition- kind of like studying for the collegiate type.
On a semi-side note: There has been a voluntary recall on my implant because 2 people have had shocks, pain and loud noises about 10 days post operation... I'm not concerned about it- I still trust Advanced Bionics and I'm impressed that they are having a voluntary recall after 2 people have had issues, this tells me that they care about ME as a recipient.
Anyway, thank you ALL for your thoughts, prayers and cards throughout this whole process it's been quite a ride!
Have a great Thanksgiving and stay safe!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
hair flair
Hey friends!
Welcome back... it's been awhile- hope life is treating you well! No real "big" news today however, I took a big step myself and wore my hair up TWICE this week. Granted I went to work with my hair down and shortly after lunch I would put it up since I was hot and it was annoying me. It took some courage to do that, but I just thought to myself "if someone cares enough to comment, I'll care enough to kick their butts" Just kidding, but really if I got a rude comment, I could send someone to ISS (In School Suspension) yes, I have "some power." In all actuality, I wouldn't hear if they DID make a comment so really... who cares!?
I've sample different colors on my processor (purple, green, blue and orange) Purple is BY FAR my favorite! :) Someday, I'll "skin it" meaning use the website (skinit.com maybe??) and design my very OWN stickers for it- who knows what I'll do... it'll be spur of the moment.
Hearing has been going GREAT! I'm very excited to put it on in the morning and sad to take it off at night. Wearing only my hearing aid I cannot hear the clicking of the keyboard as I type, if I had my processor on I could- it would probably be an annoyance!
I go in for another "speech test" appointment (2 hours) in the middle of Nov. sometime, I'm excited!
Have a great short while- 'til we meet again
:)
Welcome back... it's been awhile- hope life is treating you well! No real "big" news today however, I took a big step myself and wore my hair up TWICE this week. Granted I went to work with my hair down and shortly after lunch I would put it up since I was hot and it was annoying me. It took some courage to do that, but I just thought to myself "if someone cares enough to comment, I'll care enough to kick their butts" Just kidding, but really if I got a rude comment, I could send someone to ISS (In School Suspension) yes, I have "some power." In all actuality, I wouldn't hear if they DID make a comment so really... who cares!?
I've sample different colors on my processor (purple, green, blue and orange) Purple is BY FAR my favorite! :) Someday, I'll "skin it" meaning use the website (skinit.com maybe??) and design my very OWN stickers for it- who knows what I'll do... it'll be spur of the moment.
Hearing has been going GREAT! I'm very excited to put it on in the morning and sad to take it off at night. Wearing only my hearing aid I cannot hear the clicking of the keyboard as I type, if I had my processor on I could- it would probably be an annoyance!
I go in for another "speech test" appointment (2 hours) in the middle of Nov. sometime, I'm excited!
Have a great short while- 'til we meet again
:)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Jiminy Crickets!
Crickets are quite an annoyance- I've heard them before, don't get me wrong, but seriously- they are pretty constant. Now, in the last few (COLD) days I haven't heard much of them and for that I am thankful!
I went to the Audiologist just over a week ago and had a few tweaks- and it has been AMAZING since then! Before the appt. I was hearing a continuous high squeal which gave me headaches and after... IF I hear a squeal it's a lot more "dull" and more of a background noise! I was SO excited and happy after this appt. and had no one to share this news with and hug (Josh was sleeping, others were at work) that I went to Target and used up a gift card I've kept in my wallet- I felt like a little school girl with a new toy!
I am continually getting used to all the "news" of having a CI- wearing the processor, connecting the magnet, new hairstyles, dead batteries- it's all still very, very new. The next on my "CI to do list" is to listen to an IPOD through a "direct connection" where I plug my IPOD right into my processor (basically my head). My Audiologist warned me that I do NOT have a surge protector and that it should only be used on battery powered things (laptops, portable DVD players, basically anything with a headphone jack). How ridiculous would it be to be using a plugged in laptop and get a sudden jolt in a place I don't want to be jolted! BLECH!
Wearing the processor is slowly but surely becoming more noticeable for me as it's more heavy than my hearing aid was and MUCH more cumbersome. I have also noticed a lot more itching at the scar site and where the device is located under the skin and that get's annoying as when I itch it I typically knock the whole device off the side of my head! I've been looking at a "body worn aid" which would be completely worn OFF the ear, how nice would that be? But I'm not sure where the microphones would sit then if I had that, so I'm just exploring all options!
:) Til next time!
I went to the Audiologist just over a week ago and had a few tweaks- and it has been AMAZING since then! Before the appt. I was hearing a continuous high squeal which gave me headaches and after... IF I hear a squeal it's a lot more "dull" and more of a background noise! I was SO excited and happy after this appt. and had no one to share this news with and hug (Josh was sleeping, others were at work) that I went to Target and used up a gift card I've kept in my wallet- I felt like a little school girl with a new toy!
I am continually getting used to all the "news" of having a CI- wearing the processor, connecting the magnet, new hairstyles, dead batteries- it's all still very, very new. The next on my "CI to do list" is to listen to an IPOD through a "direct connection" where I plug my IPOD right into my processor (basically my head). My Audiologist warned me that I do NOT have a surge protector and that it should only be used on battery powered things (laptops, portable DVD players, basically anything with a headphone jack). How ridiculous would it be to be using a plugged in laptop and get a sudden jolt in a place I don't want to be jolted! BLECH!
Wearing the processor is slowly but surely becoming more noticeable for me as it's more heavy than my hearing aid was and MUCH more cumbersome. I have also noticed a lot more itching at the scar site and where the device is located under the skin and that get's annoying as when I itch it I typically knock the whole device off the side of my head! I've been looking at a "body worn aid" which would be completely worn OFF the ear, how nice would that be? But I'm not sure where the microphones would sit then if I had that, so I'm just exploring all options!
:) Til next time!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
New sounds!
Hello all,
it's been awhile! Hope September has been treating you well with the start to the school year and cooler weather! I have had many ups and downs and twists and turns over the last couple of weeks, my job has started (I teach) and that has helped me learn more sounds! here is a list of some "new" sounds I now have
-crickets (I thought they only made noise at night while sitting around a campfire NOT during the daylight!)
-Ticking of a clock (A "soft tick" as a friend described"
-me typing a text message on my cell phone
-a timer alarm clock
-Jingle of my dogs tags
I haven't heard much of speech sounds yet, but I'm sure that's to come!
My next "mapping" is on the 17th! So I'll get even more "power" to my CI!
it's been awhile! Hope September has been treating you well with the start to the school year and cooler weather! I have had many ups and downs and twists and turns over the last couple of weeks, my job has started (I teach) and that has helped me learn more sounds! here is a list of some "new" sounds I now have
-crickets (I thought they only made noise at night while sitting around a campfire NOT during the daylight!)
-Ticking of a clock (A "soft tick" as a friend described"
-me typing a text message on my cell phone
-a timer alarm clock
-Jingle of my dogs tags
I haven't heard much of speech sounds yet, but I'm sure that's to come!
My next "mapping" is on the 17th! So I'll get even more "power" to my CI!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
No title for this one
Since the surgery/ activation I've noticed I'm a lot more sensitive when it comes to deaf jokes- when I had hearing aids it took me until sophomore/jr year of College to become ok with the jokes- which are funny I do have to admit. so NOW that my hearing in my left ear is completely gone- it's difficult to accept it. I miss out on A LOT more than I did in the past, which is unfortunate as I am such a social person. People have been good to me and very understanding but I can understand their frustrations in having to repeat themselves more than one time.
So there you have it, I'm a lot more sensitive nowadays- a lot more frustrated and moody....
but ALL in ALL I remain optimistic :) This was a good move and I do not regret surgery for a minute!
So there you have it, I'm a lot more sensitive nowadays- a lot more frustrated and moody....
but ALL in ALL I remain optimistic :) This was a good move and I do not regret surgery for a minute!
Activate!
Thursday, August 26 I finally got my device "processor" (or CI from here on out). So I met with the Audiologist and she gave me my whole kit (LOTS of stuff) I got 2 of everything so I have a backup when needed- it's quite the setup and it's taking a bit to get used to.
As for sound, I knew going into this NOT to expect any miracles- and a miracle I did not get. As of now (3 days post activation) I continue to hear a high pitched sound- it's consistent and quite a bit annoying. I still remain optimistic, they say it takes about 6 months to a year to really know if it worked or not.
That's my brief update, next will be more of an emotional one. :D
As for sound, I knew going into this NOT to expect any miracles- and a miracle I did not get. As of now (3 days post activation) I continue to hear a high pitched sound- it's consistent and quite a bit annoying. I still remain optimistic, they say it takes about 6 months to a year to really know if it worked or not.
That's my brief update, next will be more of an emotional one. :D
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