IRV STARR'S COCHLEAR IMPLANT JOURNEY

UPDATE

2010-09-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been a while since my last entry. That's because nothing much is new with my CI. I am currently not working, but would like to if I could find a job. I haven't been for a re-programming in over a year, but I still hear quite well. Music still is bad. Hearing on the phone is OK as long as the speaker talks very slowly and in normal volume. Usually, I have to remind the speaker many times to slow down and not yell. Most are very nice about it. I expect to get an iPhone in the next week or so, and if the speaker sounds like my daughter's does, I should be just fine. I have decided not to upgrade to the Nucleus 5 since it appears to not be that much better than the Freedom for me, and I don't think Kaiser would cover the cost.

MY NEW JOB!!

2009-01-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone again. I just want you all to know that Since May 25th, 2008 I have been working in sales at THE GAP store here in Santa Clara, Ca. My job, in part, is to greet and help customers in the baby and toddler sections. Our store usually has music playing on the PA, yet with my Cochlear implant I can probably hear 90 % of what by customers say. I use a sensitivity program, and try to cut out as much environmental noise as possible. My biggest problem is very fast talkers and folks with foreign accents. I am doing very well, and love the job. Not bad for a deaf 73 year old!!! I still do well on the phone and music is still pretty bad. Can't have everything.

SMART SOUNDS2 INSTALLED

2008-04-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

I had Smart Sounds2 installed in program slots 2(Beam), 3(Sensitivity) and 4(Music) a couple of weeks ago. Truthfully, I don't find a great deal of improvement. Program 1 was allegedly left untouched, but I find the volume louder so I turned it down 1 notch. Beam is about the same. Sensitivity appears somewhat better in noise, but not a great improvement. Music may be marginally better, but hard to determine and quantify. Any program would be better than the last one which I had hoped would improve music. I guess music the way I remember it is a lost cause. Possibly things will get better as my brain adjusts to the new programs with Smart Sounds2.

SmartSounds2

2008-02-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

I just found out that Cochlear Corp. is coming out with a new version of SmartSounds. It will have Beam, ADRO, and Autosensitivity in the same program. This will be great for hearing in noisy situations. It will also have a program for improving music listening....still my biggest CI problem. I contacted my Audie and told her I was very interested in this new version, but I was aware she did not have the software yet. She told me to remind her again in March, which I intend to do. Other than that, my hearing is about the same.

MY RECENT AUDIOLOGIST APPOINTMENT

2007-09-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

Today I had an appointment with my Audiologist to see if changing processing speeds would help with my music hearing. We tried higher speeds(up to 2400+) without any improvement. Finally, she said lets try a new strategy. This is all in Program 4 spot only which I had my old regular program that I never use. I went through another T&C determination with the usual beeps after which the new strategy was entered into my processor. When I tried it, the music DID sound better.....not as squeeky and distorted. I was told this is a Freedom super fast strategy. Whatever it is, to my surprise something finally worked.........not perfectly, but better. We agreed that I will try it for a while and see how it goes. I will only use Program 4 for music.

UPDATE_____FINALLY!!!

2007-03-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I know it's been close to a year since I last made an entry. Shame on me! Actually, nothing world shaking has been going on with my CI. I still very much enjoy conversation(face to face) and phone talk, but music is still as bad as ever. I have made 2 visits to my Audie since last update. On the first visit, I asked her to add a BEAM program to attempt to hear better in noisy environments. It really did not help much as the noise was nearly as loud as the the person I was speaking with. Thus, at my last visit, I asked for the addition of a SENSITIVITY program. With this, I can adjust the circle of sound. This has been described as dropping a pebble in the water....the larger the pebble, the bigger the ring of water it makes. One example where it has been useful is on my twice a week 1.6 mile walk with a group at the local Senior Center. We pass a street adjacent to an interstate highway. I have adjusted SENSITIVITY so that it eliminates the car noise, but not the person's voice that I am walking with. I am still experimenting with it, and I will try to re-adjust it the next time I eat in a noisy restaurant so I only hear the folks close to and at my table. Finally, I have decided to listen to a lot more classical and big band type music to see if my brain will ever wake up and hear it properly. I would still recommend going for a CI to anyone who qualifies and wishes to improve their quality of life.

MY 6 MONTH TESTING

2006-04-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I saw my Audie for my 6 month testing. She gave me 4 tests in the "Torture Chamber" as follows: 1. Sounds - buzzes, beeps, etc. 2. She called out words and I repeated them 3. A recorded male voice called out sentences which I repeated. 4. A recorded male voice called out words which I repeated. While I don't remember the exact score for each one, they ranged from 75% to 87%. Considering these scores were 0% before my CI, my Audie thought I did great! Personally, I would have wanted to do better, but my ability to hear in so many ways real world-wise is sufficient consolation. The Audie also tweaked my regular program to cut down on the echo effect, and gave me 2 additional programs to try for music(I told her it still sounded very bad).

MY MAPPING TODAY

2006-02-21T22:08:00.000-08:00

Today I had another mapping by my Audie. She gave me 3 additional programs, leaving my old program in my processor just in case. P2 is similar to the old program, except that she tweaked some low frequencies to hopefully get rid of the echo effect I had been experiencing. P3 and P4 are programs that we hope will improve the quality of my music listening. I will use both for a while to see which one works better, and will choose the one I like best at my next appointment. That will be sometime in late April when she will give my my 6 month hearing test. Now comes the experimenting.

RECEIVED REPLACEMENT CONTROLLER

2006-02-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

I received my replacement controller(bottom part of my Freedom Processor) for my cracked one yesterday. I twisted the cracked one off and the new one on.....very easy. Works fine! I also made an appointment with my Audie for my next mapping on February 21st. Today, I filled out the return paperwork, and will return the cracked controller to Cochlear Corp. with the prepaid FEDEX shipping label they sent me.

WENT DIRECTLY TO COCHLEAR CORP.

2006-02-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

Since I did not want to wait till February 6th to start the ball rolling on getting a replacement for my cracked Freedom processor. I E-Mailed Linn Tierney at Cochlear Corp. and asked for her help. I found out that they have been having cracking problems with the silver processors, and have improved the material they are made of. I also discovered that the processor has an upper and lower piece which can be separated by a gentle twist. Only the top piece houses the program electronics, and the lower piece which houses the batteries(and is cracked on my unit) can be sent directly to me since no work by an Audie is needed. Linn conveyed my message to Customer Service(Dave Gaskill), and he is setting in motion my replacement.

MY PROCESSOR IS CRACKED!

2006-01-30T21:24:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, I started to change batteries when I noticed the processor I wear every day was cracked! It still works fine, so I put a small piece of tape around it so the crack wouldn't get any worse. I E-Mailed my Audie and asked her to contact Cochlear Corp and see if we could get another processor to exchange for the cracked one. Unfortunately, I found out she is out until February 6th, so I'll have to wait to find out.
I find it very strange that the processor cracked since it was not dropped or abused in any way.

MY EPLEY MANEUVER

2006-01-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I visited Kaiser to have the Epley Maneuver done to cure my positional vertigo. The nurse first showed me a film clip on her computer of someone having the procedure done as I had asked just she was going to do. She told me I would get dizzy from it, but that was OK. Oddly. I had no dizziness at all as she went through the procedure. Basically, it entails laying your head back off the exam table in different positions. I had primed myself mentally for the unpleasant dizziness, but amazingly it didn't happen. That is not to say what the nurse did was unsuccessful!! I think the positional vertigo probably cured itself, and what was done today sealed it. Now, so as not to undo what was done, I have to sleep in a near sitting position for the next 2 nights.
I called my sister on my cell phone when I got home to tell her about it. Using the CI processor T-Coil mode, I heard her very, very clearly and did not ask her to repeat a thing.

Music

2005-12-30T14:28:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

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.

MY THIRD MAPPING

2005-11-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

I have just returned from my third mapping. It has been 1 month since my last one. The Audie first put me in the "torture chamber" to see how I was doing. In the range of the speech frequencies, I was 20 to 25 DB, which she said was above the normal speech loudness. My word discrimination was 88%, up from virtually zero prior to my CI. Her reaction was "fantastic"! I told her that the environment still sounded like whistles and chirps and speech had a noticeable echo. She did some tweaking, and we ended up with the one program I did so well at. She gave me control of the volume though without going from program to program. The net result so far is the echo is pretty well gone. I still have yet to test the environment, but she said that will come around in time. My next mapping/status check will be in 3 months.
I and my family are continually amazed at what I can do with my CI. This week I have already spoken on the speakerphone with my daughter and niece in New York for about 1/2 hour each. While it is not 100% perfect, it is probably 90% for which I am very thankful. Speech sounds very natural, especially with those whose voices I remember. Music is still a blur, but I am confident that will come also. Right now, I am looking for a job.

ANOTHER CI MOMENT

2005-10-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our local ALDA chapter monthly meeting. It is held in a room which is not looped, but we do have a captionist who types in real time and her work is projected on a screen for all to see. The members sit at tables set up in a U-shaped arrangement with the speaker between the two legs of the U. That said, I was determined to try to hear what was said without reading the captions. I sat myself at the head of one of the legs so I would be as close as possible to the speaker. Our President ran the meeting, and also gave a presentation on Emergency Preparedness. Low and behold, I heard and understood about 95% of what was said! Granted, looking at the speaker's mouth didn't hurt. I also heard most of the comments from people sitting at the tables. Next time, I'll sit farther away from the speaker since this experiment was a success.
As a side note, I do keep a smooth jazz radio station on in the car when I drive. The music still sounds like noise, but I want to train my brain to hear music this new way.

A CI MOMENT

2005-10-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

My sister is still here and staying with my daughter. I visit her daily. This afternoon, her daughter called from N.Y. State on my daughter's regular telephone. Towards the end of her conversation. I asked for the phone to see if I could hear my niece, My sister was ready to turn on the speakerphone, but I told her not to. Would you believe I could hear my niece very clearly! She was a little low, but I had a 3 or 4 minute conversation with her. I suppose the phone had a volume control, but I was so happy that I didn't think of it at the time. I just can't believe all the things I am doing so soon!

MY SECOND MAPPING

2005-10-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

I went yesterday for my second mapping. The Audie worked for 2 hours, made 2 calls to Cochlear Corp.(I think), and finally programmed Ace with 4 volumes and ADRO on each into my processor. As yet, I haven't tried it by conversing with anyone, but today I will get that chance. At home, it appeared that the environmental noise was not as bothersome as before and the TV sounded marginally clearer. I asked the Audie about the Volume and Sensitivity controls on the Freedom. She said at this stage, the 4 programs were volume ones and ADRO did the sensitivity thing automatically. She also felt the use of these controls were very confusing and not real user friendly. My personal opinion is that she is taking me slowly along. My next mapping date is November 8th, and she will see how I am doing before she goes further. I have no problem with that. I have been hearing speech fine, but the environmental sounds have been undistinguishable, one from the other.......a lot of chirps and whistles of different pitch. In the next few days, I hope to try some of the hearing practice websites. Yes, I'm still very happy with my CI!!!

MY ACTIVATION!!

2005-10-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

All I can say is WOW!!! When my sister and I arrived at 9:30, we were greeted by my Audie, Amy Popp from Cochlear Corp, And Karen, the new Cochlear rep in this area. After going through the usual preliminaries(electrode test, T & C, etc), they turned me on! I was AMAZED to hear my Audie VERY clearly indeed!!! Admittedly, she was very high pitched. but clear, That has always been my problem....clarity. Amy covered her mouth and called off states. I missed only 2 out of 10 or so....Texas(sorry Kelly) and Vermont. When my Audie explained the Freedom controls, I heard every word. Just before we got into the car to leave the Center, my sister stood behind me and said"Do you hear me?" Of course I said "Yes". When we got home, we made 2 calls on my speakerphone. I heard my niece in New York state pretty clearly(she talks slow), but it was harder to understand my daughter on her cell phone in Hawaii. Now, I am excited!! I know it will get better, but if it didn't I would still be extremely pleased. Now I have to read the instruction books and practice. Next appointment with the Audie is Tuesday.
.

ONE PROBLEM SOLVED

2005-09-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

I went to the Urology Dept. at Kaiser this AM, and they said all is OK. I am extremely happy about that. I asked the nurse again how it could happen, and she said it could have happened any time, but probably the anaestetic had a hand in it.
I am finding that I am tiring now a lot easier than before surgery. I really did rest up for about 2 weeks since my surgery,so I guess it took more out of me than I thought. The advice to rest is very sound, and should be followed for as long as is practical.
Now I can concentrate on my activation without any other health issues.

TWO WEEKS TO ACTIVATION

2005-09-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

I E-Mailed my Audiologist yesterday updating her on my condition, and letting her know I am looking forward to activation On October 7th. She replied, telling me she had confirmed that the the Cochlear Corp. clinical specialist will attend. My urology problem still persists, but I wont go in to that here as it wont influence my CI stuff. Yesterday I did my 1.6 mile walk at the Sr Ctr without incident. Sleeping in a bed again is so much better than the recliner, but I'm having trouble sleeping on one side. I tried sleeping on the CI side for a while, and it really wasn't bad. I am driving all over, and pretty much back to a normal life. It is great being back at my own apartment with my own computer.

MY SURGERY AND BEYOND

2005-09-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

On surgery day, September 13, 2005, my daughter drove my sister and I to the hospital. We arrived at 9:15 AM, and I checked in. By 10:00 AM, we were in the Pre_Op area and an IV was started. If the IV had something to relax me in it, it sure didn't work! Shortly thereafter, Dr Maw came in and asked if I had any questions. As I couldn,t think of any, I said "Did you bring your drill?" She smiled and said yes. At about 10:40, I was taken to the Operating Room, and given an oxygen mask. I was told to breath. After 2 breaths, the next thing I knew I was waking up in the recovery area. I wasn't really groggy, and had just a bit of pain. I'm not exactly sure of what time it was, but I was later told the surgery took about 2 hours. After a bit, Dr Maw came by. I asked her if she got full insertion with the implant, and she gave me the thumbs up sign. I felt no nausea, and when we started back to my daughter's house, I felt pretty good considering. Most of me waking and sleeping hours thereafter were spent in a recliner. The only after effect had nothing directly to do with the actual surgery. I discovered after a day, that I could not empty my bladder. We thus went to the ER in the 15th where I was catheretized, and still am. While it is a pain in the neck carrying that bag around, It sure is more comfortable than before. I understand that this condition is not unusual wit men my age after surgery. Tomorrow I have an appointment with urology, so we will see what happens. Yesterday, I had my follow up appointment with Dr. Maw. She said all looked OK, and cleared me to sleep flat out, shampoo my hair, lift more than 10 lbs, and drive when I feel up to it. As I am still taking some meds, I'll probably wit a bit on that. My next appointment with Dr Maw is December 20th for another check up. All in all, withh that 1 exception, the CI surgery has been a positive experience thus far.......much better than I had expected.

THIS WEEK'S EVENTS

2005-09-09T22:37:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, September 8th, I had my 6 month regular medical check up with my regular doctor. I got a clean bill of health as usual. My doctor knew, and was quite happy I was getting a CI. He wished me the best.
Today, I had my Pre-Op appointment. It lasted an hour and a half. The nurse asked me a zillion questions about my health, as she dutifully typed away on the computer keyboard. Some of the questions seemed superfluous, as did some of the things she examined(like having me remove my shoe and sock on one foot after which she felt around the foot for a few minutes). I was also given an EKG, which I suppose was due to my blood pressure being somewhat high. I was told that I had to be at the surgery admission's office at 9:15 on Tuesday next, a half hour earlier than originally scheduled. Also, I was finally given an actual surgery time as 10:45AM.
Last night, my sister arrived from back east, and joined me at the Pre-Op appointment. Earlier today, we went shopping, and I got some apple sauce, jello, soup, peanut butter, etc for the first few days after surgery.
I am still a bit nervous, and hope whatever they put in the IV to relax me works. I was told that whatever meds they recommend will be given to my sister, who will pick them up at the pharmacy while I am getting that hole in my head.
Now, the hardest part.............waiting!

PRE-OP LETTER & VISIT TO KAISER

2005-08-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I recieved a letter from the Kaiser Pre-Op Clinic that they were trying to reach me by phone without success. Obviously, they did not know to call on the TTY. They asked that I call them. When I did this morning on the TTY, all I got was an answering machine numerous times. Since their office is close by, I decided to present myself with the letter. After a short wait, a Medical Asst. came out and had be fill out a history questionaire-----my diseases, etc. She then made a Pre-Op appointment for me on September 9th, four days before my surgery. At that time, I will make sure they know that I want pain and anti-nausea meds in the IV. They will also do any lab work if Dr. Maw ordered same. These things are constant reminders that it is getting close!

19 DAYS TO GO!!!

2005-08-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

So far, I have made all kinds of checklists......what to remember to do and say at surgery time, what to take to the hospital, and what to take to my daughter,s house after surgery. I even made a sign to show the hospital staff that I am deaf and they should face me, and talk slow or write their message. I am trying not to think too much about the surgery....just let it come. Today I stop taking Vitamin E and Ginko Biloba.

ONE MONTH TO GO

2005-08-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

Well, today is exactly one month till my scheduled CI surgery(Sept. 13th). While there is still no question that I am anxious to have the CI, I most worry about how I will feel when I wake up and how I will cope with it. Thanks to the on line support groups I belong to, I know pretty whell what can happen, and that's what concerns me. I did tell the surgeon I wanted anti-nausea and anti-pain meds, and will remind them again when I get to the hospital. Last week, I made a surgery checklist for myself. I also made an appointment with my regular doctor on Sept. 7th for my regular 6 month check up. I want to go into surgery healthy! My sister will come from New York on Sept. 8th to visit and help me through recuperation. She, and maybe my daughter who lives out here, will be at my activation on October 7th. I guess now all I have to do is wait and worry......just kidding! I'm really not worrying about how successful my CI will be as it can't be any worse than it is now.

CONFIRMATION AT LAST!!

2005-07-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

It's finally all been confirmed by the Kaiser Surgery Scheduler and Audiologist. My CI surgery will be on September 13th, my initial stimulation will be on October 7th, and my follow up appointment with the Audie will be on October 11th. Everyone involved has been very helpful so far, and has kept me informed on a timely basis. Now I have 2 months to think about it!

MY SURGERY DATE DECISION

2005-07-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

After discussing it with my family, I selected September 13th for my surgery and E-Mailed the Scheduler. I never heard back from the Audie, and guess she is on vacation. I doubt if she will have any objections re. activation. Next, I should be finding out the specifics and what other appointments I need. It has been a long wait, and although I am happy, I am also getting a bit nervous(natural reaction). I haven't had surgery in 61 years! I hope the results will be good.

CHOICE OF SURGERY DATES

2005-07-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

I just received an E-Mail from the Kaiser ENR Surgery Scheduler. She gave me a choice of September 13th or 20th for my CI surgery. HOORAY!!! I am checking with a few people like my sister who will come from New York State and the Audie who will do the activation, but will probably select the 13th. I hope to make a final choice tomorrow.

CAT SCAN RESULTS

2005-06-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I received a letter from Dr. Maw , the CI surgeon. It said my CAT Scan was normal (whatever that means). I suppose her review indicates that she will have no particular difficulty inserting the electrode string into my cochlear unless there is something the scan did not show. Anyway, I consider this good news!!!

TRYING TO GET A SURGERY DATE

2005-06-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

This morning I phoned the Kaiser Surgery Scheduler to see if a surgery date had been established for me. The lady told me that she had the paperwork from my surgeon, but would not be able to give me an exact date at this time. Because of those ahead of me, she felt August was pretty much out, and it would most likely be mid September. It seems the surgeon does about 3 surgeries a month, and her schedule would not be available until mid July. So, it looks like another month of waiting. The Scheduler did send me an E-Mail confirming our conversation with her E-Mail address. Unless they have a cancellation, that is my current status. My sister, who plans to come to California in mid August to care for me after surgery might have to change her reservetions or extend har stay.

My CAT Scan Today

2005-06-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone! I just got back from the next step in my CI journey......my CAT Scan. They took me 20 minutes late(as usual), and the nice lady who was the operator put me on my back and told me it would take 5 minutes. Then, in I went. Five minutes turned out to be more like 10 or 15. Towards the end, I was getting a little antsy, but survived. She then turned me on my stomach, and back in I went. This time I could see the open rear,so it was not as intimidating. Even closing my eyes and thinking of myself on the beach in Mauii didn't really help much while on my back after the first few minutes. I'm glad that's over and done! Next, is getting a surgery date in August. If I don't hear by next Friday, I'll phone the ENR Scheduler.

YESTERDAY'S INNOCULATION & MY CAT SCAN

2005-05-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening, my left arm where I got the shot became swollen and quite painful. It was difficult sleeping. Today, it seems to be improving. but it is still swollen and hurts a bit. This morning I made an appointment to get my required CAT Scan on June 1st. I am not looking forward to it as I am claustrophobic. I guess I'll think about sunning myself on the beach in Mauii when the time comes.

MY FIRST VISIT WITH THE CI SURGEON

2005-05-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Today I visited with Dr. Jennifer Maw at Kaiser, Santa Clara. The visit went real well, and I like Dr Maw. In addition to her exam and question to me about my health, she answered all my queries. Among the things I found out are: -My surgery will be sometime in August. Dr Maw must put in paperwork first, and I should know in a week or so. - Dr Maw has done about 60 CI surgeries, including a Nucleus Freedom. ; -She uses dissolvable stitches. - I do not have to spend overnight after surgery ; -She suggests waiting at least 5 days before driving; -She put me in for a CAT Scan, and I should find out when very shortly. -The incision is about 6cm(2 1/4 - 2 1/2 inches) I also went for my vaccination while I was there. We finally kicked around the subject of "which ear", and she felt that the right ear(my original choice) was the way to go. That has always been by worse ear, so I assume she does not necessarily think I would do better quicker withe the left. Finally, she thought I would do very well with the surgery. Another step in the journey accomplished. Thanks to you all, I knew the questions to ask, and my visit with Dr Maw was relaxed and informative.

2005-05-22T15:34:00.000-07:00
Hello everyone! This is my first entry at this new address. The entries below I know are a bit disjointed, but they were imported from AOL which I now do not use. They are readable though. On tuesday, I meet with the CI surgeon. I can hardly wait!

IRV STARR'S COCHLEAR IMPLANT JOURNEY

DESCRIPTION OF MY QUEST FOR A CI, AND MY THOUGHTS ON THE WAY

Recent Entries
4/24/05
Personal Information
4/23/05
My Old Hearing Aids
4/19/05
My CI Audio Evaluation.
4/12/05
One week to go!!
3/28/05
untitled
3/28/05
Got Disconnected

Sunday, April 24, 2005
1:21:10 PM EDT Feeling Happy
Personal InformationIt just occurred to me that anyone reading this has no information about me personally. I am a male, 69 years old, and a widowerer. Yes, the JUDY, in my screen name is for my late dear wife who passed away in January, 2004. I am a native Brooklyn, New Yorker who has lived in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Boston, and Bloomingdale, New Jersey prior to moving out to California after a short time in Korea as a Consultant. Most of my work life has been as an Engineer and Project Manager in the Electrical Power Generation industry. After Korea when I moved to California, I changed careers and worked in the retail window covering business(blinds, shades, shutters, etc.) as a sales consultant and store Manager. Right now, I am looking forward to my CI so I can hear well enough to go back into retail sales.Written by
Saturday, April 23, 2005
1:15:00 AM EDT Feeling Hopeful
My Old Hearing AidsNow that I've given back the loaner digital hearing aid, I am using the in the ear ones I have used for 2 or 3 years(non-digital). It seems they are worse than a couple of months ago when I last used them. Maybe my brain got too used to the digitals which were much more powerful(higher volume). The clarity is still as bad, but the volume seems quite a bit lower. If all goes well with my CI journey, I can tolerate them for a little while. By the way, last Tuesday the Audie gave me lip reading tests---with the digitals and without any assistive devices, I consider myself a lousy lip reader, but I did quite well with the digitals(still unclear). I would say I understood about 85% of what she said. Without anything, MAYBE I got 20 to25%. I am still anxious to meet with the surgeon and ask her all the questions I have been saving up for a year now.Written by
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Tuesday, April 19, 2005
8:28:29 PM EDT Feeling Happy
My CI Audio Evaluation.Well, I met with the CI audie at Kaiser, Santa Clara today as advertised. She did all the usual "torture chamber" tests and some others, and said I did badly enough to audiologically qualify for a CI. HOORAY AGAIN!!!! Even prior to my visit, she made an appointment for me on May 24th with the new CI surgeon. The doctor will review my medical stuff, hopefully set me up for a CAT scan and a meningitis inoculation, and answer my questions(I have many thanks to the CI Internet groups I belong to). The audie asked me which brand I wanted(Kaiser now does both Cochlear and AB), and I said the Cochlear Freedom. In May she is going to learn how to map them. She agreed it is a good choice, but was really neutral on the subject. I also told her I wanted 2 BTE processors. We went over a lot of other things about CI's, most of which I knew. I think the audie was impressed by how much homework I have done. The only remaining question is which ear. It seems now both ears are about the same---bad. She did say that sometimes the ear that was more recently better does respond quicker with a CI. I will discuss it with the surgeon and make my decision after we speak. All and all, I would consider it one of the happiest days I have had as of late! My journey has begun!!!Written by
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Tuesday, April 12, 2005
7:53:47 PM EDT Feeling Anxious
One week to go!!Ine more week until I start my CI evaluation. I am looking forward to it with cautious optimism. I am still wearing my loaner digital BTE hearing aids, but on the 19th, I return them and it's back to the in the ear ones. I can hear envronmental sounds loudly now, but speech is still unclear. I wonder what it will be like with the regular hearing aids again? I'll find out, wont I.Written by )
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Monday, March 28, 2005
6:52:10 PM EST Feeling Hopeful I am currently at the top of the "To Be Evaluated" list at Kaiser Peermanente, Santa Clara after about an 8 month wait. My first evaluation appointment is on April 19th. I have already tried 2 Digital Hearing Aids(a Kaiser requirement) without any improvement. Written by )
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6:46:53 PM EST Feeling Angry
Got DisconnectedAs my hearing got worse, clarity, not loudness became my problem. So at this time, 2 hearing aids later, I am hoping for a CI. Written by )
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