Music

A few days ago, I sent an E-Mail to my audiologist. I told her that music still sounded harsh and unnatural. Since I am only using 1 program and have room for three more, I asked if she could add a program at my next mapping in February that might smooth out the music(especially the high pitched instruments) and make it sound more like I remember. Her response was positive, and she will do what she can. All we can do is try.

MY 3 MONTH CHECK UP

Yesterday, I visited Dr Maw for my 3 month check-up. Boy, how time flies. She gave me a clean bill as far as the CI was concerned. She did think the magnet may be too strong, and will tell the audiologist to reduce the strength a bit. I mentioned to her that about two weeks ago, I had a severe dizzy spell when I lay down to sleep on the CI side. It had never happened before. I was told it was called benign positional vertigo, and very common in patients who have had head surgery like a CI. To be sure, she tested me by laying me down suddenly on the CI side, and sure enough, it happened again. It is a VERY uncomfortable feeling. Dr Maw said there was something called the Epley Maneuver that gets rid of it 95% of the time, but she didn't do it for me. It can leave you dizzy for a bit, and I was driving home alone. I made an appointment to have it done in early January. Just to be clear about this, I am fine during normal waking hours(No Dizzy Spells). As long as I don't make any sudden head movements toward the CI side like laying down too fast, I should be OK.

UPDATE

So far my ability to hear in face to face and phone conversations is still very good. The only problem is still music. Yesterday I played a Mantovani tape on my stereo, and the music sounded more like Spike Jones and his City Slickers(the older readers will remember his band). I refuse to give up though. I keep playing music so hopefully my brain will say "Oh, so that's what music should sound like" some time in the future. Last week, sitting in the front seat of a quite car(no radio), I could hear the person in the back seat clearly while I was looking ahead. I suppose if I use the direct connect mike, I could probably hear better with the radio on, but I haven't tried it. Hearing the TV sound is quite good, but not perfect. It is hard to know whether some voices which are hard to make out would be the same for normal hearing persons or not. An example is during a sporting event when fans are cheering. It's been just over 3 months since activation, and I have no regrets. I feel more like a normal person, not having to impose on other people to extend their actions so I can hear them.