New Guy

[Guest guest]

Hi Wayne

Whenever i see that dreaded word Otosclerosis my eyes open wide!!I was diagnosed

with it when i was 19 yrs. old and underwent 5 stapes mobilizations and

stapedectomiies before becoming deaf in 1996 at the age of 58.I then was deaf

for 10 yrs. before hearing about the cochlear implant.By then it had invaded my

cochlea ..so it is now called cochlear otosclerosis.A CT scan could not

penetrate so had to have an MRI to determine if an electrode array could be

inserted.My R ear seemed to be the best one to try.I had chosen the Clarion but

my surgeon wasn't sure that he could insert that array so had a nucleus in the

OR. There was a spaecial surgeons tool for inserting the Clarion array and when

he met a block he couldn't tell what was happening.The Nucleus was hand fed so

he was able to feel his way.So I got the Nucleus .Wasn't disappointed at all..I

knew I had what I needed to hear.At activation 12 electrodes caused facial

stimulation and were deactivated but I still heard very well for 3 yrs.Then my

hearing went down and my Dr. reccomended i have the N24Contour in my other

ear.That array is selfcurling and fits snug against the inner wall of the

cochlea where the nerve cells are and as far away from the facial nerve as

possible.Only 4 electrodes were deactivated and I hear beautifully.

I would make sure that you have a CT scan or MRI to find out if you have

cochlear otosclerosis.I am sure that the reason I have so many electrodes with

my n24C is because of the electrode array.

Our son has just moved to Portland and loves it there.He also runs marathons.We

have 4 sons..all with perfect hearing.Hope your children escape it too!!

Dora Weber

Nucleus Volunteer Advocate

dora_weber@...

Bilateral

N22-96

N24C-01

Cochlear Otosclerosis