TAD

[Guest guest]

Hi Tad,

Excellent news that you're being implanted on July 12. Remember to

bring a shirt that buttons down the front all the way. You won't be able

to slip a tee shirt over the bandage. Slip on shoes are also a good

thing since you might get dizzy bending over to tie them.

Now, on to the decision. I started with a body worn processor (BWP)

and used it for 6 months until the behind the ear (BTE) came out. I

HATED the cord runing down my body, especially in the summer. And if you

have it attached to the belt and move suddenly, you might pull the darned

microphone off your ear. The minute I got the BTE, I put the body worn

aside, and it has gathered dust since then.

Yes, it does have more flexibility with programming, and holds 4

slots. I wish your center would have a loaner for you to use because

once you get to a place where you have the maps you like, you may well

never use the BWP again. Cosmetically, the 3G is more appealing, at

least to me. The size, the weight, and the LACK OF CORDS all make it my

choice.

Is there any chance you can borrow one of your old roommate's BWP, get

it mapped for you and use that for a few months? Because as long as the

processor has not been opened, it can be returned or exchanged. You can

perhaps use a BWP until you find that you aren't changing the dials all

the time, get a map on the 3G, and see if you like it. Then return your

unopened BWP for a new 3G.

I know a whole lot of folks on these forums who will tell you once

they got the 3G they never used the BWP again.

Since you aren't pre lingually deafened, and have some auditory

memory, it might be easier for you to learn to hear with the 3G than

someone who is prelingual.

Good luck with the surgery,

Nucleus Volunteer

From: " TadXL " <tadxl@...>

Subject: surgery July 12th

Hi I'm getting the Nucleus 24 implanted on July 12th. I'm very

excited and nervous at the same time. I have been visiting this chat

room as well as the Coclear forum and was able to learn a great deal

from all of you who have posted here. I lost my hearing due to the

fact that I was born with enlarged vestibular aquaducts. Didn't know

about this untill I saw my cat scan a month ago. I gradually lost my

hearing as I grew up. Used to be able to understand everything said

on the phone untill about 10 years ago.

Now that I'm getting the implant, I know things will sound different

from what I know sound as now. But if this is going to help me hear

better like being able to hear everything on the phone again or just

to listen to the winds blowing in far off in the vally of the

mountians, I'm all for it.

I decided to get both the SPRint and the ESPrit 3G. I was given the

option of getting two of the same or one of each. Both of my former

roomates from NTID got the implants done. One of them got the Nucleus

24 and has both proccessors and said he uses them for different

reason like at work or at home.

I was wondering if any of you have opinions on getting both or just

one of them. I think the real difference between those two is the

battery life and comfort of wearing them, bte or bwp. But being able

to learn and listen as I get used to them, they both should both have

the same results as far as hearing things. I do know the SPRint has

more control over sounds as far as sensitivity levels. But I'm just

looking to see if they both will output the same sounds while just

having the option to chose which device will be easiest for me to use

for different scenarios. Look forward to hearing your inputs.

Tad Green

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[Guest guest]

Thanks to and the others for your feedback. This chat room is

a great place for these converstions. I have learned so much from

you all for your help. Look forward to seeing you all agian.

Tad

[Guest guest]

Hi Tad!

This is an exciting time for you and your family and friends. Best wishes

for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.

You asked for imput on processors. For whatever reason, my CI Center

didn't give me a choice on which processors once I picked the brand I wanted.

I was told I would start out with the BWP and then get the BTE 4 weeks later.

Even though I no longer wear the BWP, I have no regrets with owning both

rather than one of each. I probably would have wondered what the BWP sounded

like if I had gotten 2 3Gs instead. I liked wearing the BWP during the cooler

months. It seemed loud and crisp to me. But, once I was switched to the

3G, I loved the freedom it gave me from the ear to waist wire and I loved the

sound of it much better. The 3G seems to put sounds in better perspective

than the BWP. Maybe you don't have to choose right away. Maybe your CI Center

will give you a loaner to try before you decide which two processors you would

like to have? I would have loved that option then I wouldn't have a BWP

sitting in a ziplock container of drying beads in case I ever need a back up.

But, like I said, I really have no regrets in owning one of each because they

both allow me to hear well.

Good luck to you!

Patti

Surgery Day 11/25/02 (What A Day!)

Hook Up Day BWP 1/2/03 (A Happy Day!)

3G 1/31/03 (An Even Happier Day!)

[Guest guest]

Hi, Tad,

Sooo glad to hear you are doing much better with your facial nerve

problem!

I'm also happy to read your report of going bilateral. It is so

encouraging to those of us who are in the planning stages of doing it, too.

Keep

reporting in, Tad and good wishes for continued and full recovery!

) Jackie