Re: frequent mappings

[Guest guest]

That's how it was for me. I had 2 days of intitial stimulation, then 1

month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. But if I needed another mapping, I just

called and asked for one and i was able to get in. I had a very good audie and

she gave me a huge amount of time.

In a message dated 12/19/2004 2:13:11 AM Eastern Standard Time,

Jonikt4@... writes:

my ci center says we have a mapping schedule: the first day of

activation, two days later then one month later then three month mapping and

6 monh and 12 month mapping.

[Guest guest]

snoopy

that is terrific you have such a good therapist and all. around here i cant

find a avt person who works with adults, much less someone whos really good!

im on the west coast by the way

joni

[Guest guest]

Joni,

Let me answer you about mappings.

There is a " standard " that is used in CI centers which is much like the one that

you mentioned. Most centers map the activation and have you come back the next

day for a second mapping. Then you come back a week later and then a month

followed by three months and then six months. There is a one year checkup and

normally a mapping. Then it is normally every six months for two years. At this

point, some CI users can just return every year at their anniversary point but

the CI Center normally understands maps change and you could need to go in

sooner.

I can understand your concerns for cost even though you are reimbursed. I am

fortunate and have no cost for mappings and it has been this way for me since

1999. If I had to pay several hundred dollars and wait for my money to come

back from the insurance, it would different and I would probably have to think

out my mapping schedule more closely. Insurance varies from state to state and

company to company so it's hard to tell you what types of insurance cover

mappings. The center also can make a difference if they make sure they add

mappings into the request for your initial CI approval.

Getting back to the mappings themselves. There is no real pattern that a CI

user must follow. When you feel that you need a new mapping, that is when you

need it. I'm going to add something at the end of this message that will make

the message long but it is in our files and on the website. It is an

audiologist's view of when you should ask for a mapping. We are going to be

adding Ask the Audiologist to the website very soon and some of these questions

that so many members have will be forwarded to a select number of audiologists

who have agreed to participate in this for us. Alice

******************************************************************

When Should I see my Audiologist to Reprogram My Speech Processor?

1. To adjust the Speech Processor when it is on its original

programming schedule.

Eg: Several times in the first 6 months, every 6 months for the

first 2 years, for the 3rd year anniversary, and as needed after 3 years for

adults

2. To adjust the Loudness and Quality of sound if anything seems

Uncomfortable, Unpleasant, or Unclear Eg: If it sounds too loud or too soft,

rough, squeaky, or like gravel, or if familiar voices no longer sound as natural

as they used to. You may feel it is just harder or more tiring to listen.

Children may try to take their Speech

Processors off more frequently, be more distractible, act like the

sound is uncomfortable, or seem more confused.

3. To adjust a Child's Speech Processor if his or her Speech,

Language, or Reading skills are not developing as expected

Stay in frequent communication with your child's teachers and speech-

language pathologists to keep track of progress. They should

progress at a rate of 1 year of growth in these skills per year in most cases.

4. To reprogram the Speech Processor if it has sustained an

electrical shock

Eg: A shock from static electricity can erase the program. Avoid

touching the Speech Processor until you have grounded out on another object with

your hand.

5. To troubleshoot the Speech Processor if it is dead or intermittent

There could be an internal problem with the Speech Processor that

affects the function of the program, or a problem with the cords, moisture

problems, dirty or corroded battery contacts, or a dirty microphone.

6. To check and adjust the program after an MRI when the magnet was

removed from the implant temporarily For people with removable implant magnets,

after an MRI the electrodes and entire program should be checked after the MRI

is done.

Gail Weddington, Au.D, CCC-A/SLP

Central Michigan University

[Guest guest]

I wanted to chime in with 2 cents worth. I have had my first implant 2 and a

half years (in Jan) and have been bilateral a little over a year and a half and

still require frequent mappings. My original audiologist didn't mind mapping me

when I needed them and the longest I went with out a map was 3.5 months and that

was a bit tad too long. I switched centers in July and they believe in good

mappings or " fine tuning " as they call them. I have my AVT once a week and all

the prelingual adults I believe or know of that go to the center still have

frequent mappings. It is based on how you do in therapy. They will test us

weekly on lists of words (nonsense) and from there they can determine whether a

map is in order. Based on that the audiologist will fine tune the map. The

insurance pays for all of it so far. I think I do pay a small copay. Like Alice

says it varies from center to center, but we have to advocate for a great map

even it means going in more often than the center normally schedules. Not

everyone fits the mold. Nor does a map fits one all.

I hope that this helps.

Snoopy

Bilateral CIs

prelingual due to Rubella