RE: Ruth - 19 Years Of CI Experience

[Guest guest]

Hi Liana, I have the Nucleus implant in 1987. It was one of 4 choices

available to me (other three being the 3M Single channel, Vienna 3M, and

the Ineraid - which were all actively being implanted at the same time). I

received the WSP (wearable speech processor) with F0F1F2 speech coding in

l987, which was one heavy/bulky processor. There were about 3,000 of us

world wide at that time. In l989 I got MSP (mini speech processor) which

included Mpeak a new coding strategy. It was so exciting to get a processor

that could easily be worn inside of my slacks in a small pocket that I sewed

there, without being visible. The new coding strategy brought new

understanding and clarity. In 1994 I upgraded to the Spectra 22 and the

SPEAK coding strategy. That was a tough upgrade for me as initially I went

backwards with skills before I went forward. Everyone adjusts to upgrades

differently. Some had difficulty with Mpeak and easily upgraded to SPEAK,

for me SPEAK was the tough adjustment. But by hanging in there I ended up

with something better than I had before. In 1999 the ESPrit came out, but I

was working with the University of Michigan, regarding tests to diagnose a

muscle problem that I was having increasing difficulty with. Avoiding the

MRI because of the N22 electrode which was non MRI compatible was no longer

possible and the N22 had to come out. They replaced it with N24 after the

MRI. The new N22 contour electrode is MRI compatible, with temporary

removal of the magnet, in case I need future MRI. So I didn't upgrade to the

ESPrit. Instead I got the Sprint, which was the body worn for the N24 and

with it switched from SPEAK to ACE coding strategy. I tried CIS but

couldn't understand speech with it. Everything sounded like music, whether

it was noise, speech or music. Though I love music, I needed to understand

speech. ACE gave me both Music appreciation (though I did achieve music

appreciation as early as the WSP) and Speech comprehension. My speech

improved dramatically with the switch to ACE. In 2002 came the exciting

upgrade to the 3G. I thought I had gone to heaven. Never in the early

years of having the CI did I ever think that a processor of the future would

be ear level. When I went for activation, I wanted to literally cut the

cord of my BWP. I had worn a body hearing aid, blasting 140dB into my ears

with a Y cord and those two awful looking buttons at my ears for 15 years

before getting the CI, and then had the cord of the CI for 15 years post

implant. After those 30 years of hiding a cord under my clothing, I just

couldn't believe the freedom. No longer did I have to clinch my hearing aid

or CI processor in my teeth to adjust clothing in the changing rooms of

stores or the bathroom. This year I upgraded to the Freedom. I was

reluctant to give up my beloved 3G, but being someone that always upgrades

technology, whether it is my CI or my computer, I took the leap to the

Freedom. It is an awesome leap, with speech clearer and more accessible

from greater distances, in noisier places and music is heavenly.

I wish all these blessings I have had over the years for all CI users,

regardless of their companies. I am so blessed that Cochlear is as

concerned about upgrading their very first CI user as they are their last.

This is something that should be mandatory for all companies as no on should

become obsolete with something as precious as the gift of hearing.

Cheers, Ruth

19 years of wonderful hearing with my CI

6 wonderful processor upgrades

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Ilana2@...

Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 5:17 AM

Subject: Ruth - 19 Years Of CI Experience

Dear Ruth, can you tell me what CI you have and what all the upgrades was

that you have experienced, what was all new on each upgrade that the

previous didn't have and what was the same as what the previous processors

have? Please email me at my email address so I have also a separate email

with your answer. I'm on digest because such a lot of wonderful email to

open seperately a bit too much, but I enjoy learning! Thanks Ilana

Deaf-Blind N24M 8/5/00 Nucleus Freedom 8/5/06 Ilana2yebo (DOT)

<mailto:Ilana2%40yebo.co.za> co.za