Guest guest Posted December 11, 2006 Report Share Posted December 11, 2006 Today I had an appointment with my surgeon and audi. My audi began by giving me a pure tone hearing test which indicated that I needed more emphasis in the high frequencies -- especially for my N24 which hadn't been mapped for quite a long time. We also set my C levels. As in the past, I set them a little higher to ensure that I'm able to hear environmental sounds well. Even though I've had my first CI for almost 2 years and my second CI for 9 months, I'm still not used to very high frequencies. When my audi played a very high pitched beep tone, I felt a vibration and immediate dizziness. This caught me off-guard a little because I wasn't expecting the vibration or dizziness. My audi suggested that we turn on my (right) Freedom processor so that I could listen to her voice and see if I still had problems with dizziness. I no longer felt any dizziness, but we decided to turn down that particular frequency two levels anyway to make it more comfortable. Instead of resetting my C levels again for the left Freedom processor, my audi took the map from my right Freedom processor and transferred it to the left (since I'm using the same speech strategy and speed on both sides). The only change that was made was allowing me to adjust volume and sensitivity. Volume is currently set on 9 while sensitivity is at 12. Volume (or sensitivity -- I can't remember which) is set to the default of 6 for ADRO and BEAM. Speaking of the latter, I requested that a little more volume be added to BEAM to see if I noticed any improvement in my ability to hear in noise. Prior to today, the volume level on BEAM was set very low. Since I use a high power map, we had some difficulty getting the computer to accept all of my C levels, so we decided to decrease the volume of each electrode by one notch. My audi noticed that I was using ZeniPower batteries and suggested that I use Cochlear's Power One Plus batteries instead due to the high power consumption of my maps. My audi turned on both processors and asked me how it sounded. In a word, it sounded wonderful! I couldn't believe the clarity of what I was hearing! As we were programming both Freedoms, my audi noticed the blank display on my right Freedom and said that she would order a new controller. It was also at that moment the processor decided it didn't feel like turning itself back on. Once I got the Freedom turned back on, I noticed a background hiss that I didn't hear before. In addition to the controller, I will also receive the colored caps and batteries I didn't receive at my second CI activation due to my hospitalization. We then went on to program my 3Gs. I was pleased to learn that I could use my 3Gs bilaterally as a backup -- one for my N24 and the other for the Freedom. Thus, I don't have to worry about having unilateral hearing should both of my Freedoms stop working. The volume and sensitivity maps on my 3Gs were replaced by two sensitivity maps. I also saw my surgeon regarding my bilateral tinnitus. It was good to see him again since I haven't seen him in over a year. He asked if my tinnitus was getting worse and I was happy to report that it wasn't. I told him my tinnitus varies from day to day, but has been quite tolerable over the past few weeks. I also said that I no longer had any difficulty sleeping since the last time I contacted him by e-mail. He requested that I let him know when the tinnitus becomes worse and I have trouble sleeping so I can be given medication to help me sleep. Before I left, my audi asked me how I would be able to tell the difference between my left and right Freedom processors. Good question and one I hadn't thought of since I had been using the 3G and Freedom for so long! LOL! I decided to place a rubber band around the left Freedom temporarily until I could purchase some sparkling craft decals. Today I felt some degree of sadness as my former CI audi has left. Farah and I worked together for almost two years and it felt strange not having her at the center. She was a truly wonderful audi! I'll never forget her compassion or professionalism. Having said that, it was a real pleasure working with my new audi! I feel 100% comfortable with her and am sure we're going to have a great professional relationship! I'm definitely in good hands at my CI center! Overall, I'm a *very* happy camper and can't wait to do more experimentation with the Freedom! It's only been a few hours, but so far, I LOVE what I'm hearing! Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05 Right ear - Nucleus Freedom Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06 Deafblind/Postlingual Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 11, 2006 Report Share Posted December 11, 2006 That sounds excellent, . Things will also get even better. Ted F. > > Having said that, it was a real pleasure working with my new audi! > I feel 100% comfortable with her and am sure we're going to have a > great professional relationship! I'm definitely in good hands at my > CI center! > > Overall, I'm a *very* happy camper and can't wait to do more > experimentation with the Freedom! It's only been a few hours, but > so far, I LOVE what I'm hearing! > > > > Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE > Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05 > > Right ear - Nucleus Freedom > Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06 > > Deafblind/Postlingual > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 11, 2006 Report Share Posted December 11, 2006 , Whoo, you sure have come a long ways from being a little girl with no ears to not 1, not 2, but 4 ears. LOL Pretty good deal I think. When you set the C levels a bit higher and you have had the volume set at 9 which is max, did you ever feel overwhelmed at times? Or do you only get that feeling during mid terms and finals? LOL Now that more and more are going bilateral, its time for Cochlear to program into the devices a tiny little voice that says " Left side " and " Right side " . LOL *---* *---* *---* *---* *---* I saw a man with a wooden leg, and a real foot. & Dreamer Doll (Guide Dawggie) Newport, Oregon N24C 3G 8/2000 Hookup rclark0276@... http://webpages.charter.net/dog_guide/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 11, 2006 Report Share Posted December 11, 2006 , My audie put moleskin on each inside of the Freedom BTEs, meaning the outer side that touches my head. That way I know which BTE goes on which ear. Am curious to know people's experience using the 3G as back up for the Freedom. The batteries for my 3G have lasted only 8 hours to a few minutes. Today's Appointment > Today I had an appointment with my surgeon and audi. > > My audi began by giving me a pure tone hearing test which indicated that I > needed more emphasis in the high frequencies -- especially for my N24 > which > hadn't been mapped for quite a long time. We also set my C levels. As in > the > past, I set them a little higher to ensure that I'm able to hear > environmental sounds well. > > Even though I've had my first CI for almost 2 years and my second CI for 9 > months, I'm still not used to very high frequencies. When my audi played a > very high pitched beep tone, I felt a vibration and immediate dizziness. > This caught me off-guard a little because I wasn't expecting the vibration > or dizziness. My audi suggested that we turn on my (right) Freedom > processor > so that I could listen to her voice and see if I still had problems with > dizziness. I no longer felt any dizziness, but we decided to turn down > that > particular frequency two levels anyway to make it more comfortable. > > Instead of resetting my C levels again for the left Freedom processor, my > audi took the map from my right Freedom processor and transferred it to > the > left (since I'm using the same speech strategy and speed on both sides). > > The only change that was made was allowing me to adjust volume and > sensitivity. Volume is currently set on 9 while sensitivity is at 12. > Volume > (or sensitivity -- I can't remember which) is set to the default of 6 for > ADRO and BEAM. Speaking of the latter, I requested that a little more > volume > be added to BEAM to see if I noticed any improvement in my ability to hear > in noise. Prior to today, the volume level on BEAM was set very low. > > Since I use a high power map, we had some difficulty getting the computer > to > accept all of my C levels, so we decided to decrease the volume of each > electrode by one notch. My audi noticed that I was using ZeniPower > batteries > and suggested that I use Cochlear's Power One Plus batteries instead due > to > the high power consumption of my maps. > > My audi turned on both processors and asked me how it sounded. In a word, > it > sounded wonderful! I couldn't believe the clarity of what I was hearing! > As > we were programming both Freedoms, my audi noticed the blank display on my > right Freedom and said that she would order a new controller. It was also > at > that moment the processor decided it didn't feel like turning itself back > on. Once I got the Freedom turned back on, I noticed a background hiss > that > I didn't hear before. In addition to the controller, I will also receive > the > colored caps and batteries I didn't receive at my second CI activation due > to my hospitalization. > > We then went on to program my 3Gs. I was pleased to learn that I could use > my 3Gs bilaterally as a backup -- one for my N24 and the other for the > Freedom. Thus, I don't have to worry about having unilateral hearing > should > both of my Freedoms stop working. The volume and sensitivity maps on my > 3Gs > were replaced by two sensitivity maps. > > I also saw my surgeon regarding my bilateral tinnitus. It was good to see > him again since I haven't seen him in over a year. He asked if my tinnitus > was getting worse and I was happy to report that it wasn't. I told him my > tinnitus varies from day to day, but has been quite tolerable over the > past > few weeks. I also said that I no longer had any difficulty sleeping since > the last time I contacted him by e-mail. He requested that I let him know > when the tinnitus becomes worse and I have trouble sleeping so I can be > given medication to help me sleep. > > Before I left, my audi asked me how I would be able to tell the difference > between my left and right Freedom processors. Good question and one I > hadn't > thought of since I had been using the 3G and Freedom for so long! LOL! I > decided to place a rubber band around the left Freedom temporarily until I > could purchase some sparkling craft decals. > > Today I felt some degree of sadness as my former CI audi has left. Farah > and > I worked together for almost two years and it felt strange not having her > at > the center. She was a truly wonderful audi! I'll never forget her > compassion > or professionalism. > > Having said that, it was a real pleasure working with my new audi! I feel > 100% comfortable with her and am sure we're going to have a great > professional relationship! I'm definitely in good hands at my CI center! > > Overall, I'm a *very* happy camper and can't wait to do more > experimentation > with the Freedom! It's only been a few hours, but so far, I LOVE what I'm > hearing! > > > > Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE > Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05 > > Right ear - Nucleus Freedom > Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06 > > Deafblind/Postlingual > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 11, 2006 Report Share Posted December 11, 2006 , Four ears *are* better than one -- and definitely better than none! LOL! I'll admit it. Some environmental sounds were quite loud today (like traffic), but fortunately I'm the type of person who tolerates high volume levels well and without any pain. As my current and former CI audis told me, this isn't unusual for people who have worn hearing aids for a long time. I can still remember my first CI evaluation when Farah shouted into my ear and asked if it was painful. When I said no (it was barely audible) I think she was surprised. As I like to tell my CI audis, I'm a power junkie. <grin> The one thing I do need to be careful of when setting my C levels one or two levels above my comfort level is distortion. Fortunately, both of my audis were able to prevent this by tweaking my map. I'm one of those who tends to hear and comprehend speech better when I have more volume. I also get paranoid about underestimating my C levels for fear of being unable to hear environmental sounds. I made that mistake once and do *not* want to make it again. LOL! I left my CI center unable to hear anything -- including traffic -- and had a heck of a time riding the bus home. My CI audi walked me to the bus stop, but I didn't realize how soft my map was until after she had left. I could have marched right back into the center, but the street in front of me was a busy one and there was *no* way I was going to cross it being unable to hear. LOL! All I could do was to make it home as safely as I could and wait until the next day for another mapping. I've been setting my C levels one or two notches above my comfort level (i.e. not too loud or soft) since then and it has worked out quite well by giving me plenty of breathing room when it comes to adjusting volume or sensitivity. Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05 Right ear - Nucleus Freedom Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06 Deafblind/Postlingual Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 11, 2006 Report Share Posted December 11, 2006 , When sounds are uncomfortably loud (such as on days where I'm hypersensitive due to exhaustion, a headache, migraine or illness), I switch to autosensitivity (when I had this on my 3G) or ADRO. Problem solved! Now that I can adjust volume and sensitivity, all I need to do is decrease one or the other and I'm good to go! Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05 Right ear - Nucleus Freedom Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06 Deafblind/Postlingual Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2006 Report Share Posted December 12, 2006 Your audie is very clever. That is a wonderful idea. Connie <wdywms@...> wrote: , My audie put moleskin on each inside of the Freedom BTEs, meaning the outer side that touches my head. That way I know which BTE goes on which ear. Am curious to know people's experience using the 3G as back up for the Freedom. The batteries for my 3G have lasted only 8 hours to a few minutes. Today's Appointment > Today I had an appointment with my surgeon and audi. > > My audi began by giving me a pure tone hearing test which indicated that I > needed more emphasis in the high frequencies -- especially for my N24 > which > hadn't been mapped for quite a long time. We also set my C levels. As in > the > past, I set them a little higher to ensure that I'm able to hear > environmental sounds well. > > Even though I've had my first CI for almost 2 years and my second CI for 9 > months, I'm still not used to very high frequencies. When my audi played a > very high pitched beep tone, I felt a vibration and immediate dizziness. > This caught me off-guard a little because I wasn't expecting the vibration > or dizziness. My audi suggested that we turn on my (right) Freedom > processor > so that I could listen to her voice and see if I still had problems with > dizziness. I no longer felt any dizziness, but we decided to turn down > that > particular frequency two levels anyway to make it more comfortable. > > Instead of resetting my C levels again for the left Freedom processor, my > audi took the map from my right Freedom processor and transferred it to > the > left (since I'm using the same speech strategy and speed on both sides). > > The only change that was made was allowing me to adjust volume and > sensitivity. Volume is currently set on 9 while sensitivity is at 12. > Volume > (or sensitivity -- I can't remember which) is set to the default of 6 for > ADRO and BEAM. Speaking of the latter, I requested that a little more > volume > be added to BEAM to see if I noticed any improvement in my ability to hear > in noise. Prior to today, the volume level on BEAM was set very low. > > Since I use a high power map, we had some difficulty getting the computer > to > accept all of my C levels, so we decided to decrease the volume of each > electrode by one notch. My audi noticed that I was using ZeniPower > batteries > and suggested that I use Cochlear's Power One Plus batteries instead due > to > the high power consumption of my maps. > > My audi turned on both processors and asked me how it sounded. In a word, > it > sounded wonderful! I couldn't believe the clarity of what I was hearing! > As > we were programming both Freedoms, my audi noticed the blank display on my > right Freedom and said that she would order a new controller. It was also > at > that moment the processor decided it didn't feel like turning itself back > on. Once I got the Freedom turned back on, I noticed a background hiss > that > I didn't hear before. In addition to the controller, I will also receive > the > colored caps and batteries I didn't receive at my second CI activation due > to my hospitalization. > > We then went on to program my 3Gs. I was pleased to learn that I could use > my 3Gs bilaterally as a backup -- one for my N24 and the other for the > Freedom. Thus, I don't have to worry about having unilateral hearing > should > both of my Freedoms stop working. The volume and sensitivity maps on my > 3Gs > were replaced by two sensitivity maps. > > I also saw my surgeon regarding my bilateral tinnitus. It was good to see > him again since I haven't seen him in over a year. He asked if my tinnitus > was getting worse and I was happy to report that it wasn't. I told him my > tinnitus varies from day to day, but has been quite tolerable over the > past > few weeks. I also said that I no longer had any difficulty sleeping since > the last time I contacted him by e-mail. He requested that I let him know > when the tinnitus becomes worse and I have trouble sleeping so I can be > given medication to help me sleep. > > Before I left, my audi asked me how I would be able to tell the difference > between my left and right Freedom processors. Good question and one I > hadn't > thought of since I had been using the 3G and Freedom for so long! LOL! I > decided to place a rubber band around the left Freedom temporarily until I > could purchase some sparkling craft decals. > > Today I felt some degree of sadness as my former CI audi has left. Farah > and > I worked together for almost two years and it felt strange not having her > at > the center. She was a truly wonderful audi! I'll never forget her > compassion > or professionalism. > > Having said that, it was a real pleasure working with my new audi! I feel > 100% comfortable with her and am sure we're going to have a great > professional relationship! I'm definitely in good hands at my CI center! > > Overall, I'm a *very* happy camper and can't wait to do more > experimentation > with the Freedom! It's only been a few hours, but so far, I LOVE what I'm > hearing! > > > > Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE > Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05 > > Right ear - Nucleus Freedom > Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06 > > Deafblind/Postlingual > > > > > " The Miracle at Ohio State " aka Nucleus Freedom Implanted 10/04/2005 Activated 11/1/2005 Surgery: Ohio State University Surgeon: Dr. Bradley Welling http://internalmedicine.osu.edu/article.cfm?ID=2021 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2006 Report Share Posted December 21, 2006 I'm glad you had such a successful appointment , nothing like fixing a number of problems at once! What is Maxima? I've heard about it before but never understood what it was. > > Today I went to see my audi so she could check my magnet strength. Since I > had lost weight since February/March, the magnets I was using (#2) were too > tight. When she replaced them with #1 magnets, I was surprised at how much > more comfortable they felt and didn't realize how tight the #2 magnets > actually were. When I was using #2 magnets, I couldn't really tell when I > had them on, but after comparing them to the #1 magnets, I could feel the > difference. With the #1 magnets, I can't even tell that I have them on. What > a difference! > > Ever since my Freedom was programmed for my N24CA, I've been hearing a > little static in the background. At first I couldn't determine if it was my > tinnitus or not, but after some experimentation, I discovered that it was > the processor. My audi changed the sensitivity level from 12 to 11. With > such a small change, I don't have to worry about this setting interfering > with my distance hearing or ability to hear environmental sounds. However, I > was told that if find myself struggling to hear environmental sounds, I > can always increase sensitivity. Now everything sounds so much better! > > I also asked about my maxima setting. My maxima on both processors is set to > 8. When I asked about the effect of changing to a higher maxima, I was told > that (in some cases) can cause distortion. Since I'm hearing quite well with > my current maps, I decided not to change anything. Perhaps I will experiment > with increasing maxima at a later time. > > Good news! My box of accessories was in my former audi's office. I now have > everything I need and am once again a happy camper! > > > > Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE > Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05 > > Right ear - Nucleus Freedom > Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06 > > Deafblind/Postlingual > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 22, 2006 Report Share Posted December 22, 2006 Thats good news that you have got the rest of your stuff and that is wasnt flogged off on eBay afterall ;-) Ted F. > > > Good news! My box of accessories was in my former audi's office. I > now have everything I need and am once again a happy camper! > > > > Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE > Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05 > > Right ear - Nucleus Freedom > Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06 > > Deafblind/Postlingual > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 23, 2006 Report Share Posted December 23, 2006 > > Ted, > > LOL! > > Speaking of eBay, it's amazing what kind of deals (and interesting > things) you can find. What did you find? Ted F. > > > > Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE > Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05 > > Right ear - Nucleus Freedom > Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06 > > Deafblind/Postlingual > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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