Guest guest Posted May 7, 2004 Report Share Posted May 7, 2004 I don't have bilateral implant yet, but base on my experience with hearing aids... The advantage of bilateral over unilateral are: 1. being able to localize the sound 2. hear well in noise 3. lower threshold, being able to understand softer sounds since your brain will sum up what it got from the two ears 4. higher loudness threshold (I do not know how this work, but you would notice that with bilateral your tolerance for loudness will increase, some say because sounds are evenly distributed, but I don't know if that's a valid explanation) Regards/ Jerome Double implants Hi, My name is . I am deafblind and was hooked up with my first implant in 2000. For those of you who benefit from two implants, what are your experiences, pros and cons? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2004 Report Share Posted May 8, 2004 we will have to work together on this. I am wanting to know the same things. I am not blind but I am getting the second implant soon and will be keeping a day to day diary on this for myself. I want this to be for myself and look back and remember what I went through at what day and month. Double implants > Hi, > My name is . I am deafblind and was hooked up with my first implant in > 2000. For those of you who benefit from two implants, what are your > experiences, pros and cons? > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2004 Report Share Posted May 8, 2004 , Minneapolis, CIAI convention, 2002. You do remember me and Gimlet, right? I too want to get a 2nd implant and go bilateral. I just need to deal with the uncovered costs. As Dora pointed out, bilateral is the way to go and for us deafblind, its a necessity. Oh by the way I think Dora lives in Minnie state too. *---* *---* *---* *---* *---* Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film. -- & Gimlet (Guide Dawggie) Portland, Oregon N24C 3G 8/2000 Hookup rlclark77@... http://home.comcast.net/~rlclark77/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2004 Report Share Posted May 8, 2004 and , I'm also deafblind and would like to have bilateral implants. In fact, when my audi looked at my most recent audiogram from three weeks ago, that was the first question she asked me. At this point, I'm only concerned about getting one -- although I may consider another implant sometime in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2004 Report Share Posted May 8, 2004 I would suggest you go for double implant... Easier for your brain to adapt to CI sounds too, you will learn faster. Probably will make you have senses similar to that of Daredevil since you will be able to locate sounds. That will help you a lot. And also, you don't need to rotation your head 180 degrees to locate the sound. Getting two same brands same model is better than having one ear different brand different model and having the other different brand different model too. Might end up with different speech strategy for each ear! I just mentioned this considering how fast technology come! Regards/ Jerome Re: Double implants and , I'm also deafblind and would like to have bilateral implants. In fact, when my audi looked at my most recent audiogram from three weeks ago, that was the first question she asked me. At this point, I'm only concerned about getting one -- although I may consider another implant sometime in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2004 Report Share Posted May 8, 2004 Jerome, I plan to ask the implant team about this when I go for my evaluation. If they think a bilateral implant is an appropriate option for me, I will definitely consider it. You're correct that sound localization and speech recognition would be much easier. I'm wondering, though, wouldn't I be able to localize sound if I wore a CI in one ear and a HA in the other? Wouldn't the sound I hear from the CI be different from the HA -- thus allowing me to distinguish where a sound is coming from? Just wondering... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2004 Report Share Posted May 8, 2004 , If you qualify for bilaterals, you should seriously consider it. With no visual clues to aid you, this would greatly reduce the frustrations. I dont think I would be near as cranky if I was bilateral. LOL *---* *---* *---* *---* *---* Why do psychics have to ask you for your name? -- & Gimlet (Guide Dawggie) Portland, Oregon N24C 3G 8/2000 Hookup rlclark77@... http://home.comcast.net/~rlclark77/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2004 Report Share Posted May 8, 2004 , I think Gimlet would be much happier, too! LOL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2004 Report Share Posted May 8, 2004 Base from posts on the past... As what I have recalled... Here's the possibility that *might* happen to you with one HA on the other ear and CI on the other: 1. your HA hearing will mask out the hearing on CI, most likely because HA sound is amplified, our brain perceived it as louder sound, CI will make you hear sounds without making you feel strong intensity 2. your adaptation to CI sound will not be fast because of HA, some members said their audiologist suggested removing the HA for a month 3. some people experience fuller sounds by combining the sounds from CI and from HA in their brain 4. some people, after using CI for awhile without HA on the other ear, no longer like to use HA on their other ear because sound quality with CI is much better, so sound from HA becomes annoying These are just some possibilities, as to what you will really experience after using CI from one ear and HA from the other, it's hard to tell. Regards/ Jerome Re: Double implants Jerome, I plan to ask the implant team about this when I go for my evaluation. If they think a bilateral implant is an appropriate option for me, I will definitely consider it. You're correct that sound localization and speech recognition would be much easier. I'm wondering, though, wouldn't I be able to localize sound if I wore a CI in one ear and a HA in the other? Wouldn't the sound I hear from the CI be different from the HA -- thus allowing me to distinguish where a sound is coming from? Just wondering... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2004 Report Share Posted May 8, 2004 , Telly and I waving paw and hand to you and Gimlet from Minnesota. Dora, waving to you at Mayo. Nice to meet everyone else. Appreciate the input about bilateral implants. I have a few more questions: 1. My adjustment to the CI in 2000 was very slow and I was glad to have the other HOH ear to compensate at the time. I was born HOH and the end result of the CI is nowhere to the level of my hearing before I lost hearing; were most of you born hearing and hear as well as previous hearing? Those of you born HOH, do you hear as well or better with CI than previous hearing before loss? 2. Those of you with bilateral implants: were you glad to adjust to each implant at different times or would you have preferred adjusting to them both at the same time? 3. If you have different implants, do they sound different? Re: Double implants > , > Minneapolis, CIAI convention, 2002. You do remember me and > Gimlet, right? > > I too want to get a 2nd implant and go bilateral. I just need to > deal with the uncovered costs. As Dora pointed out, bilateral is the > way to go and for us deafblind, its a necessity. Oh by the way I > think Dora lives in Minnie state too. > > *---* *---* *---* *---* *---* > Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film. > -- > & Gimlet (Guide Dawggie) > Portland, Oregon > N24C 3G 8/2000 Hookup > rlclark77@... > http://home.comcast.net/~rlclark77/ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 , I had normal hearing until I was 12. My hearing loss didn't become severe probably until my late 20s, early 30s...maybe later. There is no way that a CI will ever be better than having normal hearing. There is also no way that having a CI will be better than even an aided moderate loss. Being able to use your normal hearing abilities and get along in life without much accommodation is better than having to get an implant. But having this implant is a zillion times better than not hearing at all! In a message dated 5/8/2004 10:17:17 PM Eastern Standard Time, wdywms@... writes: 1. My adjustment to the CI in 2000 was very slow and I was glad to have the other HOH ear to compensate at the time. I was born HOH and the end result of the CI is nowhere to the level of my hearing before I lost hearing; were most of you born hearing and hear as well as previous hearing? Those of you born HOH, do you hear as well or better with CI than previous hearing before loss? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 If the quality of one's life is suffering due to not being able to hear with an aid, and that person is qualified to receive an implant, then the CI is better than an aided severe to profound loss. I think the testimonials on all of these forums speak quite loud and clear to that end!! In a message dated 5/9/2004 9:33:25 AM Eastern Standard Time, jt1@... writes: how about comparing CI with aided severe loss? Comparing CI with aided profound loss? Regards/ Jerome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 Since you went thru all kinds of hearing loss, you would be the right person to ask to, and you mentioned that CI is better than aided moderate loss, how about comparing CI with aided severe loss? Comparing CI with aided profound loss? Regards/ Jerome Re: Double implants , I had normal hearing until I was 12. My hearing loss didn't become severe probably until my late 20s, early 30s...maybe later. There is no way that a CI will ever be better than having normal hearing. There is also no way that having a CI will be better than even an aided moderate loss. Being able to use your normal hearing abilities and get along in life without much accommodation is better than having to get an implant. But having this implant is a zillion times better than not hearing at all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 How do I know my quality of life is suffering due to not being able to hear? I am already very used to isolated social life style because of hearing loss. I'm eyeing for implant because I want something better. Regards/ Jerome Re: Double implants If the quality of one's life is suffering due to not being able to hear with an aid, and that person is qualified to receive an implant, then the CI is better than an aided severe to profound loss. I think the testimonials on all of these forums speak quite loud and clear to that end!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 Jerome: You posted earlier that you went from BTE to CIC. I would think that the CIC is less powerful than the BTE so it appears that you're more of HOH and therefore, you wouldn't qualified for CI. Why would you want to pursue for CI? Just appreciate of what you now have is your hearing....not totally deaf. Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 In a message dated 5/9/2004 8:44:16 PM Pacific Standard Time, jt1@... writes: Hearing is a pain to me, I have to tolerate loud sounds and doesn't even understand what people are saying. It is my understanding the Digital BTE do have " cut off " when it gets too loud, just like our CI. Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 Because I'm severe to profound and suffer recruitment problems. Base on my latest audiogram, I'm a candidate. Hearing is a pain to me, I have to tolerate loud sounds and doesn't even understand what people are saying. Regards/ Jerome Re: Double implants Jerome: You posted earlier that you went from BTE to CIC. I would think that the CIC is less powerful than the BTE so it appears that you're more of HOH and therefore, you wouldn't qualified for CI. Why would you want to pursue for CI? Just appreciate of what you now have is your hearing....not totally deaf. Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 Jerome, You may have answered this for someone else but here it is anyway. You say loud sound is a pain. This may not be the same thing as I know it but people with power aids can claim this too because the power aid is simply beating on the eardrum. So if a rock concert is what, 90 dB? and your hearing aid is providing your ear with that level of sound, is it a wonder? Maybe I am missing it by a mile. But the CI is not going to be painful in this regard. *---* *---* *---* *---* *---* The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face. --Jack Handley & Gimlet (Guide Dawggie) Portland, Oregon N24C 3G 8/2000 Hookup rlclark77@... http://home.comcast.net/~rlclark77/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 Lee is exactly right. This is what compression does. Unfortunately, my Oticon DigiFocus II super power BTEs don't have a compression feature. Perhaps Jerome's audi could utilize compression on whatever BTEs they have him try? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2004 Report Share Posted May 11, 2004 Yeah, digital BTE has " cut off, " but if you have 80db loss, the sound will still have to be at 85db or higher for you to hear it. Foot steps at 85db, is that annoying? Human voice at 90db? Door slam at 90db too, dog bark at 95db? Every thing will be above 80db or you can't hear it... When on social situations, noise will be heard at 85db, human voice at 90db, how could we hear at 5db S/N (signal to noise) ratio? Regards/ Jerome Re: Double implants In a message dated 5/9/2004 8:44:16 PM Pacific Standard Time, jt1@... writes: Hearing is a pain to me, I have to tolerate loud sounds and doesn't even understand what people are saying. It is my understanding the Digital BTE do have " cut off " when it gets too loud, just like our CI. Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2004 Report Share Posted May 11, 2004 Don't some BTE models have a maximum power output of 120 or 140 dB? Re: Double implants In a message dated 5/9/2004 8:44:16 PM Pacific Standard Time, jt1@... writes: Hearing is a pain to me, I have to tolerate loud sounds and doesn't even understand what people are saying. It is my understanding the Digital BTE do have " cut off " when it gets too loud, just like our CI. Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2004 Report Share Posted May 12, 2004 Yeah. And that is painful. Do you know that you cannot expose yourself to 120db for more than an hour or you will have progressive hearing loss caused by noise induction. Regards/ Jerome Re: Double implants Don't some BTE models have a maximum power output of 120 or 140 dB? Re: Double implants In a message dated 5/9/2004 8:44:16 PM Pacific Standard Time, jt1@... writes: Hearing is a pain to me, I have to tolerate loud sounds and doesn't even understand what people are saying. It is my understanding the Digital BTE do have " cut off " when it gets too loud, just like our CI. Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2004 Report Share Posted May 12, 2004 Isn't the same true at 90 dB? Most super power aids start at 80 dB and go up from there. However, I don't think output is so much of a problem (I think) as long as an audi properly programs your aids. I wear mine from 6:00 until I go to bed at night -- yet I don't experience any pain. I do experience some recruitment but not as severely as some people. Re: Double implants In a message dated 5/9/2004 8:44:16 PM Pacific Standard Time, jt1@... writes: Hearing is a pain to me, I have to tolerate loud sounds and doesn't even understand what people are saying. It is my understanding the Digital BTE do have " cut off " when it gets too loud, just like our CI. Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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