Whoops the Loop!

I went to a meeting this afternoon that was held in a room that is looped. I switched to my program with the T-coil. The host was holding the microphone down in front of her as she walked to the center of the room and she whispered, "Showtime." I had to laugh because I was probably the only one in the room that heard her! As the panel passed the microphone around, I heard every rustle. It really was awesome! However, if I find myself in a similar situation again, I think I will remind the presenters exactly what looping does for those of us that are wearing hearing devices. We can hear! And maybe more than they want us to. 

Naida Accessories

I have always been so thrilled with the hearing I get from my cochlear implants that I never really concerned myself with little extras or accessories that I did not have. My Harmony behind the ear processors served me well for many years without a remote control or any other add-ons. But now that I have them ...

The Naida replacement systems that I received in March came with some options. Since I am bilateral, I ordered the MyPilot remote control with one and the ComPilot with the other. I didn’t think I would use them much but since one or the other came with the kit, then why not? 

Although there are buttons on the Naida processors for changing maps and volume, I have found that I do really like using the MyPilot for adjustments and program changes. Along with the visual screen that allows me to see where I am, there are more options for adjustments with the MyPilot. One of my favorites is the sensitivity setting. When I was first implanted and used the Clarion Platinum body processor for the CII implant, I had sensitivity control. I gave that up to wear behind the ear processors that did not have a switch for that. It is really nice to have that back. I found it really helped me to adjust to a new map on my right ear that seemed a little loud at first, but by adjusting the sensitivity for a day or two, I was able to adjust to the map by giving my ear/brain time to get used to having more sound.

As a Harmony user I loved the T-mic and the ability to just pick up a phone and hold it to my ear like everyone else. I also found ways to listen to music that did not require me to change settings or use the direct connect to enjoy listening to my favorite songs. So I was a real skeptic when it came to the ComPilot thinking I probably wouldn’t use that much at all. 

About a week after getting my Naidas, I decided it was time to check out the ComPilot. Following the instructions provided, I first hooked it up to the Bluetooth on my laptop computer. Wow - the direct sound coming from my computer was great and I was curious to hear more. I then hooked it up to the Bluetooth on my iPhone 4 and tried a phone call to my mother. The only background noise I heard was coming from my mother’s end of the conversation. This was wonderful for cutting back on the “what’s, pardon me’s, and please say again,” parts of the conversation. Finally, I hooked it up to my Nano Shuffle to check out listening to the music I would play when carving my Trikke. I love this. I have to say it is wonderful to be out on the trail, carving and listening to my music just like other people out there wearing their earbuds and headphones as they walk, jog, bike or run. I have never been big on needing to fit in, but by golly this just felt really great! I was so wrong about the ComPilot. I use it all the time and really love it.

There is one more accessory that I am really excited about. The Naida waterproofing kit for swimming! It has not yet been approved in the USA, but is coming soon and I am excited for the release. Living in Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes, I believe this is another accessory I may use a lot. Being able to hear while swimming with my grandsons would truly be a joy. 

Naida Accessories - Now that I have them - don’t want to live without them!

From CII to Naida

When the decision was made 13 years ago to get a cochlear implant and I was faced with choosing a brand, my audiologist sent me home with information packets from two companies. The appointment to meet with the surgeon was scheduled and my audiologist informed me that I would need to let the surgeon know what my choice was when we scheduled the surgery.

I inspected the packets thoroughly. Advanced Bionics impressed me with what appeared to be a progressive attitude. They seemed to posses motive to provide the best cochlear implant technology while continuing to research ways to make the delivery of sound better. That seemed like a good fit for me. Even when things are good, I’m content, grateful and satisfied with my life, I don’t stop and say, “good enough.” Advanced Bionics doesn’t either. My hearing experiences with AB cochlear implants has been a series of continued advancements and joyful improvements in the quality of sound for me.

My first implant was the CII in a ceramic casing and used with the platinum II body processor and the CII BTE (behind the ear). The internal part of the implant, the CII, is still in place. It has worked with the Auria behind the ear processor, followed by the Harmony processor and now with the Naida.

When I went bilateral the AB implant was the 90K, and the processor was the Harmony. Since going bilateral in 2007, I had Harmony processors on both sides until March 12, 2014 when I received my Naida processors.

The above list of changes includes only the hardware. In between those changes there were also sound processing changes that were tested, approved and then applied to the processors bringing such things as more clarity in delivery of sound and better background noise management. Advanced Bionics did not disappoint me as they are always improving  - always looking for a better way.

My Harmony behind the ear processors provided me with many years of great service. They gave me great sound and wonderful features like autosound tuning and the T-mic. But with seven years of daily use, they were showing wear and the fit on my ears had become uncomfortable often causing soreness. It was time to replace them with new Naidas.

I have been using my Naida processors for almost three months. There are so many new features I am greatly enjoying with the Naidas that I want to talk about and share with my readers. If I write about them all in this post, it will become quite long. So I have decided to share in several posts. This will also serve to get me back in the habit of writing regularly - I hope. 

The phrase, “You’ve come a long way baby,” comes to mind as I think about the years I have been an Advanced Bionics CI user and all the changes that have taken place. The creation of the waterproof Neptune, the design of the Naida and all its features are great leaps from 13 years ago when I got my first implant. 

To begin my list of things I like about my Naida processors I will start with the fit. They are smaller and the new design of the T-mic places the microphone in the perfect spot on my ear without bending and twisting of the stem. 

Thank you AB for listening to your customers. Your actions and designs show us that you are paying attention and I for one appreciate that we are heard.

I'm Not So Tough

I thought I was tough. Turns out - when it comes to my hearing - I’m not so tough. The thought of being without sound for even one day brings tears. Wouldn’t you think after losing my hearing little by little over 30 years I would be able to bear a day or two? Not so. 

Sunday night I noticed that my left processor kept cutting out. I discovered that the wire on my headpiece had a crack in it. It had been my practice to always have a backup on hand, but I discovered that I had forgotten to order a backup. Because I had a meeting on Tuesday that was important to me, I felt a little panic. 

Getting creative, I decided to charge up the batteries to my body processor which I had not worn in a very, very long time. The flashing light told me the processor was getting power yet I had no sound. Switching through the programs I finally got something on the last one. It then dawned on me that all but one of my programs was set on 100% T-mic and the body processor does not have a T-mic, therefore no sound. Settling on the one program that did work, I wore my body processor on the left side and a BTE with a poorly working headpiece on the right. This would get me through Monday and I would immediately order new headpieces. I knew I probably wouldn’t get them before my meeting on Tuesday, but with prayer and tape, I managed to wear both my Harmony processors and get through the meeting and that day.

Wednesday I started watching for a Federal Express delivery. When nothing came by 4:30 pm my husband, Paul, encouraged me to call customer service again and ask about my order. To my shock and dismay, the order had been put on hold due to new regulations and probably some confusion about my immediate need. As the customer service person was explaining equipment changes, the new procedures and how long it could take, I was overcome with emotion. I gave the phone to Paul, my rock. I am so blessed to have a husband who has been willing to come to my rescue and give me rest, or let me cry.

The customer service representative and insurance assistant stayed with us on the phone figuring out how to make sure I have sound as soon as possible. Replacement headpieces should be here by Friday and the order process for Naida has been initiated. With the new parts on their way, I have rallied and have much to look forward to as the Naida has some great new features I am excited to try. Still - I am not as tough as I thought - and I will never be without backup parts again!