Question for sequential bilateral folks

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone:

As more and more of us on this list become bilateral cochlear implant

users, I thought I might share something a clinical audiologist

suggested I try, as well as ask your feedback and experiences.

When I have my processors re-mapped, typically we start with my first

CI, then switch over and re-map the newer CI.

I have noticed that ever since I have become bilateral, I have needed

more frequent mappings (about every 6 months vs annually). I wonder

if anyone else in this situation has experienced this?

This situation (my thinking here) may be the result of the 7 years I

was a unilateral CI recipient - and there is some issue going on

related to balancing. I know my original CI ear is still dominant,

but that is changing the longer I am bilateral.

Well, anyway, it was suggested that I leave the original CI alone and

have the newer CI re-mapped first. Then listen with them both on and

balance the older CI, as opposed to completely re-set the levels.

To the experts who I hope will weigh in on this, I thank you in

advance!

Warmly, Carol in WI