Different Manufacturers of CI

[Guest guest]

I have been reading all the comments about the now infamous recall and lots of

people are upset because of the talk on this forum and feel that one company is

being bashed.

I would like to put another prespective on the matter. When I was in the the

evaluaton process for a CI the center I chose only implanted one brand and if I

wanted to use them I would not have a choice as to which brand I could have

implanted (happens to be the Freedom but that is not the point). I liked the

surgeon and audie so I went for it and it just so happens that someone who is

associated with another manufacturer's implant the night before surgery was

really getting on my case about my choice which was very upsetting the night

before surgery.

Looking back I would not have done anything differently but it sure was scary

that night. So the point being that talking about brands goes both ways and so

I hope that everyone encourages everyone no matter what brand they have.

Connie

" Freedom " implanted 10-4-2005

Activated 11-1-2005

[Guest guest]

I liked the surgeon and audie so I went for it and it just so

happens that someone who is associated with another manufacturer's

implant the night before surgery was really getting on my case about

my choice which was very upsetting the night before surgery.

Looking back I would not have done anything differently but it sure

was scary that night. So the point being that talking about brands

goes both ways and so I hope that everyone encourages everyone no

matter what brand they have.

>

> Connie

Connie,

I'm very sorry to read that this happened to you. It should not be

done and the individuals who do this, no matter what brand, put

themselves in jeopardy of more than they realize. Each company has

advocates who are taught about the benefits of the implant the

adverage person does not know. For the most part, these are

dedicated and caring individuals who want to share their excitement.

Those individuals then go out and share their training and

experience.

Those that make the choice to go about it the way you described are

taking their advocacy efforts to a level that they were not trained

to do. The consequences of a problem implant falls on them if

something does not go right should the person change their decision

although I don't believe this change can happen the night before

surgery. This is why I wrote in the " Making the Choice " message to

stick with your decision once made and don't look back, no matter

what others tell you. Surgery itself is scary enough. I'm glad you

were able to overlook the insensitive actions of the person who was

trying to change your mind at the last minute. I'm also very glad to

read that you are enjoying your implant.

Alice

http://www..com

[Guest guest]

Say what?

You stated that:

" someone who is associated with another manufacturer's

> implant the night before surgery was really getting on my case

about my choice which was very upsetting the night before surgery.

I don't get it what you me by " getting on your case " . If they were

posting info on the Internet about a particular brand and it was

upsetting to you, then you could have just shut down your 'puter and

have had a hot chocolate and bedtime.

Did you ever think that this person was providing info, important

info, for others exactly like me who are in a hot position to make

the choice.

To put it bluntly: I have to make choice and sooner the better. What

is wrong with some heated, hot, and passionate advocacy with respect

to the brands?

I don't want hugs or steriled happy talk.

I want info and what is wrong with that?

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

>

> I liked the surgeon and audie so I went for it and it just so

> happens that someone who is associated with another manufacturer's

> implant the night before surgery was really getting on my case

about

> my choice which was very upsetting the night before surgery.

> Looking back I would not have done anything differently but it sure

> was scary that night. So the point being that talking about brands

> goes both ways and so I hope that everyone encourages everyone no

> matter what brand they have.

> >

> > Connie

>

>

> Connie,

>

> I'm very sorry to read that this happened to you. It should not be

> done and the individuals who do this, no matter what brand, put

> themselves in jeopardy of more than they realize. Each company has

> advocates who are taught about the benefits of the implant the

> adverage person does not know. For the most part, these are

> dedicated and caring individuals who want to share their excitement.

> Those individuals then go out and share their training and

> experience.

>

> Those that make the choice to go about it the way you described are

> taking their advocacy efforts to a level that they were not trained

> to do. The consequences of a problem implant falls on them if

> something does not go right should the person change their decision

> although I don't believe this change can happen the night before

> surgery. This is why I wrote in the " Making the Choice " message to

> stick with your decision once made and don't look back, no matter

> what others tell you. Surgery itself is scary enough. I'm glad you

> were able to overlook the insensitive actions of the person who was

> trying to change your mind at the last minute. I'm also very glad

to

> read that you are enjoying your implant.

>

> Alice

> http://www..com

>

[Guest guest]

For as long as I have been on the forums and for many, many years to come,

this will ALWAYS be the question that launches a thousand words!!! I hear with

a Nucleus so naturally I think that my implant is best. Someone who chooses

an AB thinks that their implant is best. What can you do? Since there is no

trying before you buy you just have to trust a few certain people:

your audie

your surgeon

yourself and your gut instinct.

You can look at the features that each processor has and decide which best

suits your lifestyle. You can look at each company's longevity and reputation

and decide which is better to you. You can try to meet and talk to people with

different brands and decide how you feel.

MY PERSONAL OPNIONS - not to make a decision based on promises. If it is

here now and you like it then get it. I have always liked the fact that

Cochlear

will wait a little bit longer to put out any new device in the interest of

trying to make sure they get it right. Do they do everything perfectly - no.

No one can. But in my opinion, after reading/participating in the forums since

around June of 2000, Cochlear stands far out as the best.

In a message dated 3/12/2006 5:15:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,

pmm_boston@... writes:

Now, as simple as I can put it: AB or Nucleus, which is the KIA and

which is the BMW....

[Guest guest]

I think it's important to bring out a message here with relation to

this thread. The night before surgery or even a week before surgery

is a totally inappropriate time for anyone to try to persuade

someone that they have made a choice that is poor in relation to

their choice of implant. First - none of the choices are bad

although I do think that the candidate needs to feel confidence in

their choice. Each candidate should weigh their needs and

situations carefully and make their own choice based on what suits

them best personally. Again - I would hate to be the person who

made someone change their mind regarding their implant choice at the

last moment and to find out later that they have had problems. They

would always feel in the back of their minds that this was my

fault. That's a pretty heavy burdeon and one which I don't wish to

carry. Second, when somoene is on the verge of their surgery date,

it is human nature to be especially nervous. In my case, two weeks

before my surgery, I was in an AOL chatroom for the hard of hearing

and a number in the group tried to convince me not to have a CI at

all. This was very unnerving and I made the personal decision to

stay away from the chatroom for the duration.

Additionally - by the time you are a few days away from your implant

surgery - the device has normally been purchased by the hospital and

is " earmarked " for your big day. It's not that easy to make a last

minute change and a person who does this would most likely risk a

postponed surgery date.

Alice

http://www..com

>

> Say what?

>

> You stated that:

>

> " someone who is associated with another manufacturer's

> > implant the night before surgery was really getting on my case

> about my choice which was very upsetting the night before surgery.

>

[Guest guest]

Connie,

I see the difference here as being an AB volunteer, carrying things too far.

No one is saying that was a right thing to do. It was a terrible thing to

do to you. on the night before your surgery, or any other time. That was

one, off the wall person. I apologize for that person, they were out of

line. The point that is being made here is the vicious, ferocious and

rather constant battering of AB, by people on this list, since the recall

happened. I am a fairly new CI user, only 1 year. I had never been through

anything like this before It's been an eye opener, an education I wish I

didn't need. People who don't have AB CI's, and have so much to say about

it, seem to forget that there are people behind these emails. No one should

be so gleeful at a time like this, people just shouldn't be like that. I do

understand (now, I do, I didn't before) that the people who do this, on

lthis list, do it on a regular basis, all over the internet, and have for

years. Well pardon me for not knowing that, and being shocked by it. The

unkindness and cruelty of these posts have been way over the top by some

folks. Prior to my CI, I had many situations that I felt hearing people

were insensitive, didn't get it, and were just plain mean and uncaring. I

never expected to see it from deaf to deaf. That's an area I'd always

gotten support and encouragement from, my fellow hoh folks.

The list owner made a post asking for this kind of thing to stop and it's

continuing as though she had said nothing. Me, I'm sick of it, but as I

said, it's been a good education, for someone like me who tends to see the

good in people.

Binns

BEA Volunteer

----Original Message Follows----

From: C J <cjcj05@...>

Reply-

CI Hear < >

Subject: Different Manufacturers of CI

Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 17:09:59 -0800 (PST)

I have been reading all the comments about the now infamous recall and lots

of people are upset because of the talk on this forum and feel that one

company is being bashed.

I would like to put another prespective on the matter. When I was in the

the evaluaton process for a CI the center I chose only implanted one brand

and if I wanted to use them I would not have a choice as to which brand I

could have implanted (happens to be the Freedom but that is not the point).

I liked the surgeon and audie so I went for it and it just so happens that

someone who is associated with another manufacturer's implant the night

before surgery was really getting on my case about my choice which was very

upsetting the night before surgery.

Looking back I would not have done anything differently but it sure was

scary that night. So the point being that talking about brands goes both

ways and so I hope that everyone encourages everyone no matter what brand

they have.

Connie

" Freedom " implanted 10-4-2005

Activated 11-1-2005

[Guest guest]

Yes. Each candidate should weigh everything and then make a choice.

No going back. But there are many people here, like myself, who are

not a night before or week before surgery and they want to know the

facts.

KIA made in Korea are not " bad " cars. They will get you to the

library and to Petsmart. My it is my unshakable opinion that a BMW is

a better vehicle.

Now, why are you so determine and fixed to at least imply that all CI

are created equal. I don't buy it.

If this women was in distress a night before surgery, why wasn't she

getting the low down months or even years before she made the choice?

Now, as simple as I can put it: AB or Nucleus, which is the KIA and

which is the BMW....

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

> >

> > Say what?

> >

> > You stated that:

> >

> > " someone who is associated with another manufacturer's

> > > implant the night before surgery was really getting on my case

> > about my choice which was very upsetting the night before surgery.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I am going to quote the listserv owner what she said to you about the

implants. " All three implants are BMWs. " Meaning that all are excellent and you

cant go wrong with your choice. Enuf said on this subject.... You can go to our

website www..com<http://www..com/> and look at the pros and cons of

all three implants from each company

Snoopy

Re: Different Manufacturers of CI

Now, as simple as I can put it: AB or Nucleus, which is the KIA and

which is the BMW....

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

> >

> > Say what?

> >

> > You stated that:

> >

> > " someone who is associated with another manufacturer's

> > > implant the night before surgery was really getting on my case

> > about my choice which was very upsetting the night before surgery.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

> > >

> > > Say what?

> > >

> > > You stated that:

> > >

> > > " someone who is associated with another manufacturer's

> > > > implant the night before surgery was really getting on my

case

> > > about my choice which was very upsetting the night before

surgery.

> > >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

As someone who doesn't have a choice except for the Cochlear implant freedom

due to living in Australia I resent your comparison to the KIA.

There is no need to justify your choices by use of subjective analogies.

When people resort to this it suggests to me that they feel defensive and

unsure rather than confident in their choices.

I don't care what implant you go for and you don't have to explain it to me

by rubbishing the other implant you were considering. All you have to do is

simply say what positive features of the implant you chose appealed to you.

Would someone please explain the forum rules to again as he doesn't

seem to think it applies to him.

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

paulmmorris

Sent: Monday, 13 March 2006 9:47 AM

Subject: Re: Different Manufacturers of CI

> > >

> > > Say what?

> > >

> > > You stated that:

> > >

> > > " someone who is associated with another manufacturer's

> > > > implant the night before surgery was really getting on my

case

> > > about my choice which was very upsetting the night before

surgery.

> > >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey, try this question: why in the world are you rubbishing the KIA?

It is a sporty little car and I'm certain it will take you from one

part of Kangaroo Land to the other.

And, I never even equated the Nucleus to the KIA. Never. It was

actually my first choice and I never to this minute ruled it out

completely.

But, your helping to rule it out.

Now, tell me this from " Down Under. " Why is it we have the choice of

all three while you expressly state you're stuck and confined to your

home brand.

Read this with care mate. Boston english and I'm waiting for your

response.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

> > > >

> > > > Say what?

> > > >

> > > > You stated that:

> > > >

> > > > " someone who is associated with another manufacturer's

> > > > > implant the night before surgery was really getting on my

> case

> > > > about my choice which was very upsetting the night before

> surgery.

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I'm actually British by birth but there you go.

I'm not sure how I'm helping you rule out the Cochlear. I'm surprised I

would have the power to do that and quite frankly I have other more

important things in my life to think about such as looking forward to

getting hearing back than to worry about some American I don't know who is

very defensive about his implant choice and his country. I'm very happy

with mine!

I am simply asking you to abide with the forum guidelines. That's all.

Best wishes with your surgery and implant.

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

paulmmorris

Sent: Monday, 13 March 2006 10:11 AM

Subject: Re: Different Manufacturers of CI

Hey, try this question: why in the world are you rubbishing the KIA?

It is a sporty little car and I'm certain it will take you from one

part of Kangaroo Land to the other.

And, I never even equated the Nucleus to the KIA. Never. It was

actually my first choice and I never to this minute ruled it out

completely.

But, your helping to rule it out.

Now, tell me this from " Down Under. " Why is it we have the choice of

all three while you expressly state you're stuck and confined to your

home brand.

Read this with care mate. Boston english and I'm waiting for your

response.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

> > > >

> > > > Say what?

> > > >

> > > > You stated that:

> > > >

> > > > " someone who is associated with another manufacturer's

> > > > > implant the night before surgery was really getting on my

> case

> > > > about my choice which was very upsetting the night before

> surgery.

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Honestly , your question is far from humble. After all, you

don't just hint, you come right out and spell it out for us that you

have advanced degrees and etc's.

I happen to know the list owner, and you have no idea all she has

done to advocate for the late deafened and HoH. I've never asked

about her education background. It simply doesn't matter. After

all, you seem to have " advanced degrees and education " , yet act like

an immature child who is simply looking for a fight. Degrees don't

win my respect. Education does not mean someone ACTS educated.

As a LIST MEMBER, you agreed to certain rules to be a part of this

group. Abide by them or get out. Dishing out poorly disguised

insults to the list owner is petty.

I agree with what said in an earlier post. Do your own

homework. The rest of us did. If you need specifics, people can

reply off-list and give you as much information as you wish about

their own choice. We've all given you tons of information and

places to go. See something in a post that you'd like more info on

about a specific product? Then email that person.

P

Frederick, MD

[Guest guest]

AMEN! That covers it!

Bob

...........

> Re: Different Manufacturers of CI

>

>

> Honestly , your question is far from humble. After all, you

> don't just hint, you come right out and spell it out for us that you

> have advanced degrees and etc's.

>

> I happen to know the list owner, and you have no idea all she has

> done to advocate for the late deafened and HoH. I've never asked

> about her education background. It simply doesn't matter. After

> all, you seem to have " advanced degrees and education " , yet act like

> an immature child who is simply looking for a fight. Degrees don't

> win my respect. Education does not mean someone ACTS educated.

>

> As a LIST MEMBER, you agreed to certain rules to be a part of this

> group. Abide by them or get out. Dishing out poorly disguised

> insults to the list owner is petty.

>

> I agree with what said in an earlier post. Do your own

> homework. The rest of us did. If you need specifics, people can

> reply off-list and give you as much information as you wish about

> their own choice. We've all given you tons of information and

> places to go. See something in a post that you'd like more info on

> about a specific product? Then email that person.

>

> P

> Frederick, MD

>

[Guest guest]

Thank You for your support. It seems that these storms happen over and

over again. It must be the nature of the subject. It will pass.

Alice

>

> AMEN! That covers it!

>

> Bob

> ..........

>

> > Re: Different Manufacturers of CI

> >

> >

> > Honestly , your question is far from humble. After all, you

> > don't just hint, you come right out and spell it out for us that you

> > have advanced degrees and etc's.

> >

> > I happen to know the list owner, and you have no idea all she has

> > done to advocate for the late deafened and HoH. I've never asked

> > about her education background. It simply doesn't matter. After

> > all, you seem to have " advanced degrees and education " , yet act like

> > an immature child who is simply looking for a fight. Degrees don't

> > win my respect. Education does not mean someone ACTS educated.

> >

> > As a LIST MEMBER, you agreed to certain rules to be a part of this

> > group. Abide by them or get out. Dishing out poorly disguised

> > insults to the list owner is petty.

> >

> > I agree with what said in an earlier post. Do your own

> > homework. The rest of us did. If you need specifics, people can

> > reply off-list and give you as much information as you wish about

> > their own choice. We've all given you tons of information and

> > places to go. See something in a post that you'd like more info on

> > about a specific product? Then email that person.

> >

> > P

> > Frederick, MD

> >

>