tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41502932876047898482024-03-12T22:26:03.528-06:00CD's Bionic EarsA blog about my deafness, journey with cochlear implants, meningitis, my ongoing life...CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-13860626389517618562021-05-13T18:08:00.005-06:002021-05-13T18:32:06.093-06:00Becoming Marvelous!<p> Meant to make this post sooner but alas, life kept me busy, and I also wanted to experience the Marvels for a while too.</p><p><br /></p><p>April 16th, I received an email from Advanced Bionics that my left Marvel kit had shipped, and that it should arrive by Monday! Woot woot! I shot off an email to my audiologist to let her know, since she was coming up the following week to hold a CI Clinic with her Wyoming clients. She said she would work me into the schedule somehow.</p><p>Monday arrived, and I was eager to get home from work to another AB package! I shoved the package inside my door and got my dog taken cared of first. Then I got to digging into the package.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0AiyCHmuZo/YJ2yRpKrbiI/AAAAAAAAA3w/wrwWwkZCWiI7dsDsigSyzRkneGMgG7LBACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0AiyCHmuZo/YJ2yRpKrbiI/AAAAAAAAA3w/wrwWwkZCWiI7dsDsigSyzRkneGMgG7LBACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0512.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backpack #2!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVkTkfDAkVs/YJ2zv34ezqI/AAAAAAAAA7M/y498z6iJLroSxvJZ0vGX6cgaaJf3iDGVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVkTkfDAkVs/YJ2zv34ezqI/AAAAAAAAA7M/y498z6iJLroSxvJZ0vGX6cgaaJf3iDGVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0514.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Monkey friends from another Pediatric Kit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRHrTNmsFpo/YJ20D43ndAI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/M6kyiq_gvDM9yVVguVEr0JgyOpmoIyrwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4F155FE8-1F2A-434B-8C89-21A99B051853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRHrTNmsFpo/YJ20D43ndAI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/M6kyiq_gvDM9yVVguVEr0JgyOpmoIyrwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4F155FE8-1F2A-434B-8C89-21A99B051853.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Blue Ocean</span>!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6zQRsjmutc/YJ20IqCK52I/AAAAAAAAA7c/gC5lyLp1Gd8wp0xeShAQ77zOJe2e7LE3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6zQRsjmutc/YJ20IqCK52I/AAAAAAAAA7c/gC5lyLp1Gd8wp0xeShAQ77zOJe2e7LE3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0517.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They sent me large blue batteries instead of medium. Turns out the mediums are on backorder, so I will use the larges until the mediums are back in stock, then AB will ship out the mediums.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlSyWAzOB40/YJ20NBWmWtI/AAAAAAAAA7g/_-p1cH3pIvY-QhtzNu8_gLufF2Y9l2mSACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3E5A4620-7BE8-42AB-9B00-E4CA1399A12C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlSyWAzOB40/YJ20NBWmWtI/AAAAAAAAA7g/_-p1cH3pIvY-QhtzNu8_gLufF2Y9l2mSACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3E5A4620-7BE8-42AB-9B00-E4CA1399A12C.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the colors!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-qYPnqwO9M/YJ20WXjSoLI/AAAAAAAAA7o/UJszoGWIr1ogHphs2w96muUZbaNCsM5eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-qYPnqwO9M/YJ20WXjSoLI/AAAAAAAAA7o/UJszoGWIr1ogHphs2w96muUZbaNCsM5eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0519.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to try them on.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqFimgh-oMk/YJ20Wm7c2bI/AAAAAAAAA7s/gRCkFLWqCCAlXLIehK9GyAOCdGhg3RehACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqFimgh-oMk/YJ20Wm7c2bI/AAAAAAAAA7s/gRCkFLWqCCAlXLIehK9GyAOCdGhg3RehACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0521.JPG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6k21zDN9SUU/YJ20XW3Q7AI/AAAAAAAAA7w/3gbf8esMXZsP8kx6R1O9OaV8cQigHOsLACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6k21zDN9SUU/YJ20XW3Q7AI/AAAAAAAAA7w/3gbf8esMXZsP8kx6R1O9OaV8cQigHOsLACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0524.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The AquaMics.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxYAMPKyVWo/YJ20bj6BO1I/AAAAAAAAA70/cLtDG1q57JAgOyMTvHJycC8Mlr8Blv5oQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxYAMPKyVWo/YJ20bj6BO1I/AAAAAAAAA70/cLtDG1q57JAgOyMTvHJycC8Mlr8Blv5oQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0525.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slim Headpiece on the left, AquaMic on the right. <br />The microphone placement has moved for AquaMic use.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULWChoqt8p0/YJ20b6KO1rI/AAAAAAAAA74/RxVV5ayRxk0GngINW_VBfRPMWdbg1B1rACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULWChoqt8p0/YJ20b6KO1rI/AAAAAAAAA74/RxVV5ayRxk0GngINW_VBfRPMWdbg1B1rACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0526.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TV Connector!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcPEnYt_JRQ/YJ20cQdSvoI/AAAAAAAAA78/rBZWsTVuHRcl_oOlAgHDaQZeVUupsG5cACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcPEnYt_JRQ/YJ20cQdSvoI/AAAAAAAAA78/rBZWsTVuHRcl_oOlAgHDaQZeVUupsG5cACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0534.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mix and match</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnXtxsVrmmc/YJ21e8oQeHI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Z1FuU9pSFmoOYHJV0QLeW36HLEIFYdF5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnXtxsVrmmc/YJ21e8oQeHI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Z1FuU9pSFmoOYHJV0QLeW36HLEIFYdF5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0532.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The different battery chargers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj4GTh6z3fY/YJ21rE68x_I/AAAAAAAAA9c/8UwI6TyTydIGXtfcHwyj6KVAAH-Syl2hQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj4GTh6z3fY/YJ21rE68x_I/AAAAAAAAA9c/8UwI6TyTydIGXtfcHwyj6KVAAH-Syl2hQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0546.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TV Connect set up and ready for use.<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>My audiologist wasn't able to squeeze me into her schedule for Friday, April 23, but she said that she could program my Marvels on Thursday afternoon instead. Perfect! I showed up at the Child Development Center at 5:30 and tried my best to wait patiently while she was seeing another client. Finally, I was able to see her. I was so excited!<div><br /></div><div>Audiologist got right to work. First she inserted the magnets into the headpieces (decided on 2's for the Headpieces, and 3s for the Aquamics), and she got the NoahLink going. It took a few tries before her laptop recognized both of the Marvels. They had to be assigned left and right. She essentially copied the programs I had on my Q70s, and transfer them over to the new software for the Marvels, set Autosense as Program 1, Calm Situation as Program 2, and Off-Ear as Program 3. She almost activated SoftVoice, but I had heard that this specific programming can cause a static-like sound in quiet environments, and requested to leave SoftVoice turned off for the time being. She also activated the Bluetooth process. My right red Marvel is the main Bluetooth device, and both Marvels will stream Bluetooth audio at the same time. We also got my Remote App paired with my Marvels as well! I turned on some music on my phone while I was still in the office, to make sure the Bluetooth streaming was working. I was amazed!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WNiAtpB_II4/YJ21nbAN1FI/AAAAAAAAA9U/ChIR624nt0sZVTz8CgoFIFzc1UUmDyHRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9B180946-3214-4E21-B89C-2B5F5ABDCB51.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WNiAtpB_II4/YJ21nbAN1FI/AAAAAAAAA9U/ChIR624nt0sZVTz8CgoFIFzc1UUmDyHRACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/9B180946-3214-4E21-B89C-2B5F5ABDCB51.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marvels ready for programming!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnB8qzaZPag/YJ21lHFrUWI/AAAAAAAAA9M/jqSP-QD_f2cZF3P3tukIRg0Nra_-pQWAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnB8qzaZPag/YJ21lHFrUWI/AAAAAAAAA9M/jqSP-QD_f2cZF3P3tukIRg0Nra_-pQWAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0542.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly programmed!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkRs_8IzTDg/YJ21k0Cu1yI/AAAAAAAAA9I/pQ-CPcvl3EkQ25VCUxKqP9aUvU5yA8sxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkRs_8IzTDg/YJ21k0Cu1yI/AAAAAAAAA9I/pQ-CPcvl3EkQ25VCUxKqP9aUvU5yA8sxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0543.JPG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LX3ZAkX2BI/YJ21pkNuV6I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/DfnGBOYz3p08_bzgGr9egwl47wg0xQelQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LX3ZAkX2BI/YJ21pkNuV6I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/DfnGBOYz3p08_bzgGr9egwl47wg0xQelQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0560.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My CI station</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ5xZCvMBbY/YJ21z4rUoBI/AAAAAAAAA9s/8vVKQUr8al4myfu8H3sa4QzGdqc0a3MxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1792/IMG_0547.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ5xZCvMBbY/YJ21z4rUoBI/AAAAAAAAA9s/8vVKQUr8al4myfu8H3sa4QzGdqc0a3MxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0547.PNG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying out the TV Connector</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOXXkB8Qq_A/YJ21zlcX3NI/AAAAAAAAA9k/dFTxk9ap1h04chG9TGivLxY8Nvl2x03SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1792/IMG_0548.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOXXkB8Qq_A/YJ21zlcX3NI/AAAAAAAAA9k/dFTxk9ap1h04chG9TGivLxY8Nvl2x03SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0548.PNG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The different programs I can choose via the Remote App.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWIqPP5R6Ts/YJ21z1FrfnI/AAAAAAAAA9o/QJ9XlwepNwUDF-nQ2s-JwgCS8f6JD-dMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1792/IMG_0549.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWIqPP5R6Ts/YJ21z1FrfnI/AAAAAAAAA9o/QJ9XlwepNwUDF-nQ2s-JwgCS8f6JD-dMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0549.PNG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tK6_4hHPqvs/YJ210JYP4eI/AAAAAAAAA9w/4V7uSxmjVuYdHKCVkLMLXXyehqLDl3LvACLcBGAsYHQ/s1792/IMG_0550.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tK6_4hHPqvs/YJ210JYP4eI/AAAAAAAAA9w/4V7uSxmjVuYdHKCVkLMLXXyehqLDl3LvACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0550.PNG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's the ability to check each device to make sure they're working, and to check battery levels.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQ8nCjjra7I/YJ210yOKHRI/AAAAAAAAA90/ySJBYNn8ejIHTPDrWU8wUxQDPtuU4kZfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1792/IMG_0551.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQ8nCjjra7I/YJ210yOKHRI/AAAAAAAAA90/ySJBYNn8ejIHTPDrWU8wUxQDPtuU4kZfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0551.PNG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiNPcLWefuU/YJ211J5kEBI/AAAAAAAAA94/DcJJT3lz5cE9_1qOGmc9qn_pypkeUpJHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1792/IMG_0552.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiNPcLWefuU/YJ211J5kEBI/AAAAAAAAA94/DcJJT3lz5cE9_1qOGmc9qn_pypkeUpJHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0552.PNG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The volume can be split up and changed for each device, or joined together so the volume is the same on both devices. I was just playing around with the app.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRAmNNqsBhw/YJ2111YtUOI/AAAAAAAAA98/gJj5LzIRrDgJxfapAKaGHShFDn2T8TDnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1792/IMG_0553.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRAmNNqsBhw/YJ2111YtUOI/AAAAAAAAA98/gJj5LzIRrDgJxfapAKaGHShFDn2T8TDnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0553.PNG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I absolutely like that I can control the balance! I can set the TV Connector (or Bluetooth streaming) to a 50/50 mix ratio so I can still hear background noise, or just forget the background noise and focus only on streaming! Neat!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcqDO-DcoHE/YJ212e9YkWI/AAAAAAAAA-A/YoN8e0YmxhEopgFVCQ4ykn2RiexWOsAmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1792/IMG_0558.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcqDO-DcoHE/YJ212e9YkWI/AAAAAAAAA-A/YoN8e0YmxhEopgFVCQ4ykn2RiexWOsAmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0558.PNG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Advanced Bionics also has a new app out. They redid their ABClix app from a few years ago, and released it as WordSuccess (<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wordsuccess/id1497217347" target="_blank">iOS link</a>; <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.advancedbionics.wordsuccess&hl=en&gl=US" target="_blank">Google Play link</a>).<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3iPY7j1cqg/YJ213gvbYWI/AAAAAAAAA-I/Jp9ZMm3Ob0AhZVU6NC8b2UkZ9Ol33FDOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0900.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3iPY7j1cqg/YJ213gvbYWI/AAAAAAAAA-I/Jp9ZMm3Ob0AhZVU6NC8b2UkZ9Ol33FDOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0900.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my first test exercise with the new Marvels! <br />Not bad, not bad, but still some room for improvements.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Since getting my brand new Marvels programmed, I've just been spending time getting used to them and using them in different situations. These babies boot up much more quickly now, whereas with the Q70s the left one would boot up quickly enough but the right would take 5-8 seconds to boot up. No more of that odd delay! Program changes are also very quick as well, which is much better. Now, there is this boot up chime that plays on the Marvels. I will probably ask to have this chime turned off the next time I see my audiologist. Some days it's just annoying, other days not so much. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am absolutely loving the Bluetooth feature! I love that I can listen to music, and no one else can hear it. I've loaded up my iPhone with all sorts of music (I previously used an iPod classic with the ComPilot directly connected to it, since there is no Bluetooth with this iPod), and I can just go out and about, jamming away to the music on my phone. It's great! Phone calls with the Bluetooth has been quite handy too. The Marvels will use the T-mics for the microphone, picking up your voice when bluetoothing phone calls. It's pretty neat.</div><div><br /></div><div>The TV Connector, on the other hand, has been a hassle. At first, I was really liking it! I like being able to hear the TV clearly, but after a while I would notice sound dropping out with the left Marvel only. Right one stays connected without any issues. I couldn't figure out why it's just the left one that would suddenly cut out then back in (just 1-2 seconds in between sounds). I would disconnect the Marvel batteries and reconnect, repair the Marvels to the TV Connector, etc. I even did some trouble shooting with my Cochlear Implant Consumer Specialist (CICS), and she would troubleshoot with an AB tech person, trying to figure out what is causing this issue. Sometimes it would be really bad, happening so constantly I was ready to rip my hair out and toss the TV Connector out of the window. CICS had me reset the TV Connector, and that seems to have helped... but after a while sound would just drop out real quick again here and there. I did get it working nicely with my Macbook (after being extremely frustrated the first time I tried it with my MacBook). It worked flawlessly with my old Windows 7 laptop, so I couldn't figure out why it was so horrible on the MacBook. After the resetting process, it was better with the MacBook, but then I was hearing a static sound when connected to the Windows 7 laptop. I have only just started using the Connector on my TV again, and it's been better (once in a while sound would drop). It's still a process, but I'm working at it. The TV Connector is a nice device, when it is working properly. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have also hit up the Aquatic Center the weekend after having the Marvels programmed. I wanted to try out the new Waterproof Batteries. I like that they are much smaller, and I like that I can stream music... provided the Waterproof set up doesn't go under water. If the processors go under water, then I lose the Bluetooth connection until they are out of the water again. But it was fun anyway. </div>CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-46605653442666865002021-04-03T19:05:00.000-06:002021-04-03T19:05:40.885-06:00About to become Marvelous!<p> It's been 9 years since my left CI was activated. It was fun, looking through my facebook memories of all the posts I made regarding the activation process, and thinking of how long it's been since this day. I still cannot believe that I can actually hear with my left cochlear implant, and even be able to understand some speech.</p><p>I thought, with my 9 year ear-versary, I would finally make a fresh post for this blog. I have finally acquired one brand new <a href="https://advancedbionics.com/us/en/home/solutions/marvel.html" target="_blank">Marvel Sky</a> cochlear implant processor! Yes, just one. I am still waiting to receive the left ear processor, since silly me, I decided to order 2 different colors. I thought it would be fun to do <span style="color: red;">red</span> for right, and <span style="color: #2b00fe;">blue</span> for left. Unfortunately, Advanced Bionics didn't have the Ocean Blue color in stock when they shipped out half of my order. My insurance authorization for my upgrades was expiring on March 31, so in order to come up with a resolution, my Cochlear Implant Consumer Specialist requested that AB send me my right upgrade kit, and a Naida Q90 processor to hold on to, until the Ocean Blue is available for shipping. Ever since the brand new Marvel line was officially released from Advanced Bionics, AB headquarters has been slammed with orders for upgrades and new orders. And with Covid still going on, the production process has been slower than normal. They are only making a small batch of a few different colors on different days, so the upgrade specialists do not always necessarily know what colors they will have available on certain days. It is indeed a very busy time for AB, trying to keep up with the demands.</p><p>While I am waiting for the Ocean Blue processor, I thought I would share the box opening process of my right ear kit, including the Lava Red processor. I will tell you this, I honestly felt like a little kid at Christmas time, diving into the AB box to unpack my new Marvel Sky processor. I took some pictures during the unpacking process, and did some comparisons between the Marvel Sky and one of my Naida Q70s.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKByTI1IKSs/YGkGYAjdyjI/AAAAAAAAA1g/PbSZ1DjNkew0Jjjc86gxZxz28-Mg6EQjACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/D8519038-713D-477F-A912-1405628FBF6E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKByTI1IKSs/YGkGYAjdyjI/AAAAAAAAA1g/PbSZ1DjNkew0Jjjc86gxZxz28-Mg6EQjACPcBGAYYCw/s320/D8519038-713D-477F-A912-1405628FBF6E.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was so excited to come home to this package!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJFJzS2DECU/YGkGVUYnnAI/AAAAAAAAA08/yEnRFpwp3PIWYTh13VCysOmPI2zRyVFKwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJFJzS2DECU/YGkGVUYnnAI/AAAAAAAAA08/yEnRFpwp3PIWYTh13VCysOmPI2zRyVFKwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0399.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, let's dive in!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7fVvBikN8c/YGkGdQJoS6I/AAAAAAAAA18/FGMkzN6_W_ANRKv6nhNN3MEHNR1LviqggCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7fVvBikN8c/YGkGdQJoS6I/AAAAAAAAA18/FGMkzN6_W_ANRKv6nhNN3MEHNR1LviqggCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0400.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Marvels are being sent out in this new backpack!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqzfu242bNA/YGkGbIZoiKI/AAAAAAAAA2I/XzCVhAow9D4zg0pEa9M1rK37JqTlYTVoACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqzfu242bNA/YGkGbIZoiKI/AAAAAAAAA2I/XzCVhAow9D4zg0pEa9M1rK37JqTlYTVoACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because I ordered the Sky, instead of the M90 (the Sky is the <a href="https://advancedbionics.com/us/en/home/solutions/marvel/kids.html" target="_blank">pediatric friendly</a> processor, as it has pediatric-friendly programs/features to use in schooling type of environments, and <a href="https://advancedbionics.com/us/en/home/solutions/marvel/kids/flexibility-for-your-child.html">fun color</a> choices!), I was also sent a Pediatric Kit, which contains a bimodal Leo plush, and a child's backpack with some stickers, Snuggies, and a retention cord.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZRbatKTG1k/YGkGdvsP9QI/AAAAAAAAA18/kFXafowSRyE3wmnGUZ58IK6UoH-r-1jqQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZRbatKTG1k/YGkGdvsP9QI/AAAAAAAAA18/kFXafowSRyE3wmnGUZ58IK6UoH-r-1jqQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0402.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the Cky CI box!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EY07AvswCJA/YGkGf62xn0I/AAAAAAAAA18/zeK-Ifs_8yYXG8RGysGJmTzyGbD5nKp1gCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EY07AvswCJA/YGkGf62xn0I/AAAAAAAAA18/zeK-Ifs_8yYXG8RGysGJmTzyGbD5nKp1gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0403.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Marvel was packed into this box.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GDR2kVKWT8/YGkGi2lEuLI/AAAAAAAAA1g/MNT1ZXmeUqcVinw53YltiS6B8R40rEbHwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GDR2kVKWT8/YGkGi2lEuLI/AAAAAAAAA1g/MNT1ZXmeUqcVinw53YltiS6B8R40rEbHwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0404.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a pretty nice case!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNYKcU7a92U/YGkGi3n38gI/AAAAAAAAA2M/CbjUT_UUgLAo_vX4KJjEuaKbo7UJAeb5QCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNYKcU7a92U/YGkGi3n38gI/AAAAAAAAA2M/CbjUT_UUgLAo_vX4KJjEuaKbo7UJAeb5QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0406.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Lava red</span>! How gorgeous is this processor? I'm in love!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KD8xj8nuQow/YGkGkXC2ThI/AAAAAAAAA18/9vzTLicZXzQLo5eP8aDTKgHoIE1n2TmJwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KD8xj8nuQow/YGkGkXC2ThI/AAAAAAAAA18/9vzTLicZXzQLo5eP8aDTKgHoIE1n2TmJwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0407.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naida Q70 and the new Marvel Sky. T-mics and cables/headpieces have been redesigned. In fact, the new headpiece and cable are integrated, rather than being two separate pieces.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSuBFZlacXk/YGkGnH0gD_I/AAAAAAAAA2c/a3Omy2VsgL4Pl1L_g9SvDvuSXcBMV0UngCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSuBFZlacXk/YGkGnH0gD_I/AAAAAAAAA2c/a3Omy2VsgL4Pl1L_g9SvDvuSXcBMV0UngCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0408.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sky stacked on top of my Q70.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iU9Xn2ycpeg/YGkGlp7vzsI/AAAAAAAAA2c/J0oxiLemhcU0qwTGmihRb08T7l3Ecq6JQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iU9Xn2ycpeg/YGkGlp7vzsI/AAAAAAAAA2c/J0oxiLemhcU0qwTGmihRb08T7l3Ecq6JQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0409.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side by side. The volume control button the Sky is also the program button; whereas on the Q70, the round white button is the program button. Interesting change.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EytxAIKny1M/YGkGnENs54I/AAAAAAAAA2I/3ifrM4Kzy_0fkx-6Fz7s6ZrbWdz5ZAsBgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EytxAIKny1M/YGkGnENs54I/AAAAAAAAA2I/3ifrM4Kzy_0fkx-6Fz7s6ZrbWdz5ZAsBgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0411.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brand new <a href="https://advancedbionics.com/us/en/home/solutions/marvel/adult/effortless-comfort-convenience.html">waterproof battery</a> kit for aquatic/active activities, as compared to the AquaCase for the Q line. I was amazed at how teeny tiny the new waterproof battery is! Wow!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkdp2vAfSFg/YGkGpRcOqzI/AAAAAAAAA2U/gUXl09D0OuwAE9E4gCDBpCh2I910iaDqgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkdp2vAfSFg/YGkGpRcOqzI/AAAAAAAAA2U/gUXl09D0OuwAE9E4gCDBpCh2I910iaDqgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0413.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One must remove the earhook/T-mic from the Marvel processor in order to use the waterproof battery kit. I'm ok with that, since I already tote around a waterproof box that I would stash my other Q70 and headpiece/cable into for safekeeping while using the AquaCase. I will just continue to use the box to keep the T-mics, Headpiece/cable, and batteries in while using the waterproof batteries. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkaUeSGBeoE/YGkGsACLzWI/AAAAAAAAA18/z_hBPtp2NTYd3lR-qVsXds-yZoQ9LpF6gCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkaUeSGBeoE/YGkGsACLzWI/AAAAAAAAA18/z_hBPtp2NTYd3lR-qVsXds-yZoQ9LpF6gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0415.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The PartnerMic. I thought this could come in handy if I'm out and about with a friend or my mom, and I would have them wear this to communicate with me, so that I could hear them better. But, from what I've heard of AB's new <a href="https://advancedbionics.com/us/en/home/solutions/marvel/adult/ultimate-ease-of-use.html">Autosense</a> programming, I may not need the PartnerMic. But who knows, it'll be fun to try it out in different situations.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjKCA50I6Eo/YGkGsydgVyI/AAAAAAAAA2U/QPtQ5-PmJnYEBlLW5RlqJOvnHHEff3sgQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjKCA50I6Eo/YGkGsydgVyI/AAAAAAAAA2U/QPtQ5-PmJnYEBlLW5RlqJOvnHHEff3sgQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0416.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, I was amazed at how tiny this thing is!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYW9DWTxL-U/YGkGxJbfnGI/AAAAAAAAA2M/Bxgw7UiNNZ8IMnKQRpi0nLEV1jwtt6LEwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYW9DWTxL-U/YGkGxJbfnGI/AAAAAAAAA2M/Bxgw7UiNNZ8IMnKQRpi0nLEV1jwtt6LEwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0418.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The batteries. I ordered Mediums for my Skys, and pictured here is the 230 (large), and 170 mini (mini medium) for my Q70s. I've been hearing that the new Marvel batteries have improved battery life.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBEM0SqVVBE/YGkGylj09LI/AAAAAAAAA2c/w9y5FV0zVlcF1irwEhH1VWaUMqxQcsIzwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBEM0SqVVBE/YGkGylj09LI/AAAAAAAAA2c/w9y5FV0zVlcF1irwEhH1VWaUMqxQcsIzwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0419.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Aquamic headpiece setup, with Caribbean Pirate color caps. I ordered Majestic Purple caps for my left ear Aqua kit. I just want all the fun colors!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmOq6o7uiBs/YGkGz4P_u5I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/RPF8kOPICnow5ktYTABm4kiUvpihgR2_QCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmOq6o7uiBs/YGkGz4P_u5I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/RPF8kOPICnow5ktYTABm4kiUvpihgR2_QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0420.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5dpVAEtbDw/YGkG2EfieEI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/PWe3Ns39KpQ9SiZySMLtOVuaCKysmumegCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5dpVAEtbDw/YGkG2EfieEI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/PWe3Ns39KpQ9SiZySMLtOVuaCKysmumegCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0421.JPG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imowfgxkqxc/YGkG3rJ2bvI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/J2RLJNaLc00iyl2gGQu77fRJfjQzCQh6wCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imowfgxkqxc/YGkG3rJ2bvI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/J2RLJNaLc00iyl2gGQu77fRJfjQzCQh6wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0422.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The different T-mics.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLtvK3DNlvw/YGkG5MkFQBI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/sS0g50Ueya0GcLBHaGjjW9nxzlRmoiKFACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLtvK3DNlvw/YGkG5MkFQBI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/sS0g50Ueya0GcLBHaGjjW9nxzlRmoiKFACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0423.JPG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AUQN1Dt4kc/YGkG61vlU0I/AAAAAAAAA2U/G_Qx5BlYg1k5IgsZHpjphBkHHOodAeWAwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AUQN1Dt4kc/YGkG61vlU0I/AAAAAAAAA2U/G_Qx5BlYg1k5IgsZHpjphBkHHOodAeWAwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0424.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison of the Aquamics. The new one certainly is slimmer.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ay_C-ZeN88k/YGkG8czAWiI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/65pfOK_rGn4p2-eVCCHj8ZrM5R8eI9kygCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ay_C-ZeN88k/YGkG8czAWiI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/65pfOK_rGn4p2-eVCCHj8ZrM5R8eI9kygCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0425.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much slimmer!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgTB-ieZFkM/YGkG92mAm7I/AAAAAAAAA2c/qnl8ilfbTX4TatQStwVmsb3meweGpqRVgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgTB-ieZFkM/YGkG92mAm7I/AAAAAAAAA2c/qnl8ilfbTX4TatQStwVmsb3meweGpqRVgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here is Leo with his pals, Buddy and Melody!<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Another nice bonus to this new upgrade is that there is now a <a href="https://advancedbionics.com/us/en/home/solutions/marvel/adult/ultimate-ease-of-use.html">remote control app</a> that can be downloaded to phones! An actual remote control is an accessory option on the order form, should someone want to order one for his/her use. I'm really excited at being able to control my new Skys with the remote app! The new Marvels have Bluetooth built in, so one will be able to stream with any Bluetooth-ready devices. How exciting is that! I cannot wait to take advantage of the Bluetooth options with my new ears!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULTdImRL7XA/YGkMa1ITGbI/AAAAAAAAA2g/DsLx98rd5e4fY583pPp_AHb6z614sFZzgCPcBGAYYCw/s1792/IMG_0430.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULTdImRL7XA/YGkMa1ITGbI/AAAAAAAAA2g/DsLx98rd5e4fY583pPp_AHb6z614sFZzgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0430.PNG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02j2lyeWbII/YGkMbBYBoBI/AAAAAAAAA2k/nCJft1hy-OAJFjTsPCAl5MobnI4Hx-7owCPcBGAYYCw/s1792/IMG_0431.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02j2lyeWbII/YGkMbBYBoBI/AAAAAAAAA2k/nCJft1hy-OAJFjTsPCAl5MobnI4Hx-7owCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0431.PNG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rPOZYkdCLg/YGkMbCHcRXI/AAAAAAAAA2o/BhvxjxEtCD8h-Bu-cdGEFeZQzxqb3Nx9wCPcBGAYYCw/s1792/IMG_0432.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rPOZYkdCLg/YGkMbCHcRXI/AAAAAAAAA2o/BhvxjxEtCD8h-Bu-cdGEFeZQzxqb3Nx9wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0432.PNG" /></a></div><br /><p>I absolutely cannot wait to get my left ear kit, with the Ocean Blue processor, another waterproof battery kit, and a TV Connect so I can listen to whatever's playing on my TV better! I also cannot wait to see my audiologist, hopefully before the month of April is over, to get the new Marvel Skys programmed so I can start using them! This is a very exciting time in the AB world!</p>CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-20207765827870937102017-10-26T10:00:00.000-06:002017-10-26T10:00:12.971-06:00Different concert experiencesAfter my recent concert experience, I wanted to reflect on previous concert experiences and my hearing.<br />
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The very first concert, I was still in high school (it was summer time, when I was about to be a senior in school), and it was in Denver. Of course, it was a <a href="http://www.hanson.net/" target="_blank">Hanson</a> concert. They were doing their Underneath Acoustic tour at the time, and I really wanted to attend a show. This was my first concert experience, and I remember being in complete awe to even be in the same venue as the band. At this concert, I was able to get close enough to front row, so I was able to see the guys and I had decent enough hearing, even though I only had just one lone hearing aid at the time. I did have to fiddle with hearing aid at times, but it wasn't bad.<br />
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The second concert experience was another Hanson concert the following year for their Underneath tour. My mom and stepdad took me to Kansas City, Missouri for this concert (we made a trip of it, stopping in Omaha for a bit and whatnot). I even had won a meet & greet pass for this particular concert, but because I didn't always have constant internet connection (I would quickly check my emails in the hotel's "business center"), I had no idea the time for the meet and greet had been moved up so I actually missed it. But the guy who worked for Hanson and handled the meet and greets was able to make up for my missing it by getting me back stage right after the concert so I could get their autographs, which was really nice of him to do. Anyway, during the concert, I had front row but had a heck of a time trying to hear at first. The guys came on stage and started playing, and all I heard was the audience echoing in the venue. Ugh! It was miserable. I fiddled with my hearing aid, trying to find the right setting... I ended up taking the hearing aid off, and whoa... I could hear the music. Wow. It was loud enough over the speakers that I didn't even need my hearing aid in! I was then a happy camper once I discovered this. As I said earlier, I was taken back stage so I could meet the guys and get their autographs.. well, of course, because I was amazed that I could hear the music with no hearing aid, I had to share this fact with the guys. Taylor thought it was great!<br />
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I've gone to three more Hanson concerts since this tour, once in Charlotte, N.C. in Oct. 2007 (I flew out to S.C. to stay with an online Hanson fan friend and we went to this concert together), once in Minneapolis in Set. 2008 (I stayed with my uncle who lived in Minneapolis at this time and I met up with some Hanson.net members at the venue), and another one in Denver in Nov. 2008 (in which I went to this concert with my stepdad's niece as I had a spare ticket). In Charlotte and Minneapolis, I was up in the balconies, and there was more fiddling with the hearing aid, taking it off, and trying to find the best way to listen to the music. The second Denver concert, I was on the floor close to front. Don't think I did too much fiddling with the hearing aid then.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in Charlotte, NC (Oct. 11, 2007)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minneapolis, MN (Sept. 28, 2008)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denver, CO (Nov. 8, 2008) </td></tr>
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I did attend a local concert once... if I remember right, it was a <a href="http://www.skillet.com/" target="_blank">Skillet</a> concert, but <a href="http://hawknelson.com/" target="_blank">Hawk Nelson</a> was opening, and that was who I wanted to see. I liked some of their music, even if I wasn't completely familiar with their stuff as I am with Hanson, but it was a different concert experience. I remember trying an assistive listening device that the venue had available for deaf/hoh people, and that just plain did not work out. I gave up on the device, and just relied on my hearing aid. I left shortly after Skillet hit the stage and headed home.<br />
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After I had gotten my left cochlear implant, I bought a ticket to a Michael Jackson tribute show that was taking place locally. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kenny-Wizz-Worlds-1-live-MJ-Tribute-Artist-146916462000236/" target="_blank">Kenny Wizz</a> was the performer, and he was doing his HIStory Tour. Since I am never going to have the chance of seeing an actual Michael Jackson concert, I thought this would be the closest I would get, since I grew up on Michael Jackson's music (as a child, I was absolutely fascinated with his music videos, appreciating all the visual aspects and creativity he included). Anyway, I really enjoyed this show. I was able to follow along with the music, though it sounded different because it was a different person singing the songs. It would take me a while to figure out/recognize the song Kenny was doing, but I would always figure it out. It was a different experience, but very enjoyable. There were visuals and dancers while Kenny put on a great Michael Jackson tribute show.<br />
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It would be three years after going bilateral before I would finally make it to another concert. Hanson, again! This year marks their 25th anniversary as a band (they were 6, 8/9, and 11 when they started), and 20 years since "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_of_Nowhere_(album)" target="_blank">Middle of Nowhere</a>" was released. Because of these anniversaries, the brothers wanted to do a world tour, playing their greatest hits at the concerts. I figured, this would be a great "first" concert with bilateral implants, and it was! Not once did I have to mess with my implant processors; they automatically took care of everything. Volume was not too loud, but just perfect. When the audience screamed, that did not hurt in the slightest bit as my processors automatically controlled it. It was a fantastic show and I absolutely loved it! I loved being able to hear with both ears, and to hear clearly too! I also was really aware of the vibrations from the music. I really enjoyed myself at this concert, hearing the music in stereo, and also feeling the vibrations of the music through the floor of the balcony. I would have to say, this concert was the best concert, sound-wise, for me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denver, CO ( Oct. 14, 2017)</td></tr>
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Having bilateral cochlear implants has truly made a world of difference for me, and I could not be more pleased. I can only imagine I'd be enjoying even more concerts with bilateral hearing in the future, whenever that may be.CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-65761072861884656742017-10-25T01:09:00.002-06:002017-10-25T01:09:43.963-06:00Concert weekend!Finally the time had come, it was inching closer and closer to the day I would travel down to Denver for a concert! This would be my first concert with bilateral cochlear implants, and while I was extremely excited about the concert, I wasn't sure of how things would sound. I recalled issues I experienced at past concerts with a single hearing aid, and hoped I wouldn't have to worry this time.<br />
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First things first... on Friday the 13th, I had an appointment with the CI audiologist who made her trip here to meet with clients. We weren't doing any actual adjustments, as I don't have any insurance coverage at this point and didn't quite have the finances to pay for a mapping session. She did update the software on my Naidas though, and we switched out the T-mic filters. I swear things were louder after the switch! I was then on my way. I greeted my dog Bryan as I got back into my car (I had my car all packed up and ready to go, and brought the dog along so I could take him straight to the vet for boarding after my appointment, which was quick).<br />
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I dropped Bryan off, and was on my way! I hit the interstate heading south, and jammed out to Hanson the entire way down. I mean, I'm going to a <a href="http://www.hanson.net/" target="_blank">Hanson</a> concert, so why not! I was going to enjoy myself and have a fun Hanson-y weekend. I made it to Denver and checked into my hotel close to the downtown area, and just hung out in my room for the rest of the evening. I was tired after a long drive, and just hitting the Denver traffic was enough to stress me out.<br />
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I tried to watch some TV in my room while I was relaxing, but I could not figure out how to turn on the captions. The remote didn't work properly and I couldn't navigate the menu options (the arrow buttons only changed the channel/volume, rather than go through selections like they should have). So I gave up and focused on my iPad, wishing I had brought my laptop along too. Ah well. I made the best of it.<br />
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The next day, I got up and got dressed. I texted with a friend of mine, who made the trip to Denver from Omaha for the concert, and we made plans to meet up and hang out, something we both were very much looking forward to doing! We have been internet friends for 20 years, meeting through a Hanson e-pals list online (like pencils, but via emails instead). Over the years, we would not only continue with emails, but chat on AIM/MSN/whatever messenger was popular at the time, become MySpace friends, Facebook friends, Twitter, etc. We tried to meet up once a few years ago during a trip to Omaha (my mom and I like to make occasional trips to Omaha), but it never happened. She ended up picking me up from the hotel and we made our way downtown, hunting for a parking spot so we could have lunch. We lunched at the Cheesecake Factory, and then drove around, trying to find something to do. We ended up at <a href="http://www.hammondscandies.com/" target="_blank">Hammond's Candies</a> and checked out their shop (we were too late for a tour, which would have been cool to do but perhaps another time).<br />
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Eventually we made our way back to my hotel room and hung out for a bit, charging up our phones and getting ready for the concert. Uber was called and we got a ride to the venue, and waited in line until the doors open. We did lose track of one another after I went to check out the merchandise that was being sold, so I made my way up the stairs and ended up with a pretty decent view. I did find my friend in the crowd and we texted back and forth throughout the night.<br />
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Lights dimmed, and the brothers Hanson came on stage to start the concert. I was stoked! My first concert with bilateral cochlear implants, hearing with BOTH ears (for once I am at a concert, hearing in stereo!). I was thrilled that I was able to hear the music well, not hearing too much from the audience. At one point, Taylor was encouraging the audience to scream, as he always does, and boy did they ever scream. But, it did not bother me or hurt my ears in the slightest bit. I was real pleased with my implants and how they handled high volumes. The concert was at a perfect volume for me without being too loud. It was great! And of course, being the camera geek I am, I took tons of photos and recorded several videos. I absolutely enjoyed myself at this concert. The concert ended, and I found my friend outside by the tour bus and we hung out some more while I waited in line for the after party.<br />
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Taylor Hanson has been doing after parties in some cities after the concerts, acting as the DJ. I had read from others online who said the afterparties could get awkward, with fans just standing there staring at this musician playing songs off his MacBook, but I figured it could be fun to at least experience it anyway. Back into the venue I went, with a brand new wrist band (we had to get wrist bands for the concert too), and was right up front off to the side. I watched Taylor do his thing as DJ, but didn't stay for the whole thing as it was getting cold out and my friend was still out there waiting. Didn't want her to freeze to death. I found her, she called for another Uber, and back to my hotel we went. She got her stuff out of my room and headed back to her hotel.<br />
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Sunday, I slowly got up and going. Checked out of the hotel, and made my way to a Krispy Kreme to buy a dozen pack of donuts, eat some lunch at another location, and then finally hitting the road. I swear, the drive home seemed to take much longer! Sure was real glad when I made it back home and back into my own place. My dog would have to wait until the next day to be picked up as I didn't arrive back into town until about 5ish (the vet is only open from 4-4:30 on weekends for pick ups and drop offs so I missed the pick up time). First thing I did the following day was get Bryan picked up and taken home, and he sure was happy to get back home too!<br />
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<br />CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-83920143633791510732017-08-22T10:00:00.000-06:002017-08-22T10:00:15.543-06:00Kudos to Home Depot!One day early in this month, I received an email from Home Depot requesting I call a certain number to set up for a job interview (I had applied online). I called the number via the <a href="https://sprintip.com/" target="_blank">Sprint Internet Relay</a>, and went through the process. We eventually set up the interview for August 16th, and I was really looking forward to this interview!<br />
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Fast forward to the morning of Aug. 16. I quickly checked my emails, and noticed I had an email from Home Depot. Oh no! Oh wait... They wanted to reschedule my interview so they could have an interpreter on hand. Really? I didn't even request an interpreter. I guess because I called using the relay, they decided they should go ahead and call for an interpreter. Ok, props to them. I appreciate their efforts! But I was disappointed that the interview had been postponed. I called the local Home Depot number and told them I appreciated their efforts, but I would be absolutely fine to do an interview without an interpreter on site. The person I spoke with said she would inform HR and that HR would take it from there.<br />
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Yesterday, I received another email, from HR. Apparently they were still trying to get a hold of an interpreter, and asked if I could wait until a later date, when this out of state interpreter would be available. I responded and said I would be happy with this date, but again, I do not need an interpreter. I explained that I have bilateral cochlear implants and get by without needing an interpreter. I mean, I do still struggle with the phone (it's more of a me issue, I.E. "did I hear this person right? huh?" and anxiety). When making phone calls, I still prefer to use the relay... it's handy to be able to read what is being said, and also be able to save the transcript after the call has ended, if needed. I know there are captioning apps (<a href="http://www.captel.com/" target="_blank">CapTel</a>, <a href="https://www.innocaption.com/" target="_blank">InnoCaption</a>), but it requires actually using my phone and then I would be paying extra on my cell bill (I only have the text and data plan, no voice plan added).<br />
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But seriously, <b>kudos to Home Depot</b> for going that extra step! All the other potential job interviews I've gone to in the past has never gone out of their way to accommodate me just for an interview. Normally, if I absolutely feel like I need interpreting or accommodations of some sort, I will request it, which is pretty rare for me to do outside of classes. I really absolutely do appreciate Home Depot's efforts though.CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-67938525188049829182017-08-22T01:28:00.001-06:002017-08-22T01:36:57.803-06:00Total Solar Eclipse 2017<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2CPNM1iSURw" width="480"></iframe><br />
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This is my video of the total solar eclipse that happened August 21, 2017 in Wyoming, right in the path of totality.<br />
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I live right in the path of totality, which was pretty neat. No traveling necessary. Just drove the few blocks over to my mom's, and we chilled out in her backyard with our cameras. This was the first time we've experienced a total solar eclipse, and of course we had to pull out our cameras and capture some shots. It was very interesting to feel the temperatures drop as the moon moved across the sun, watching as daylight darkened. As it got darker, the solar-powered lights that were scattered around the backyard lit up. I meant to take some photos or get a video shot of the lights having turned on, but missed the chance. As we reached totality, we could hear the entire neighborhood cheer! That was pretty awesome. Some fireworks went off too, from the sounds of it.<br />
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Here are some of my photos:<br />
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Afterwards, I did go back downtown to the festival, just to roam around and mingle for a bit. I didn't know what else to do with my day!<br />
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It was most definitely a very interesting, exciting day.CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-30155119940474045262017-07-02T12:00:00.000-06:002017-07-02T12:00:14.814-06:00What is that beeping?!<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2oq1l" data-offset-key="fb1qp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: 'San Francisco', -apple-system, system-ui, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: -0.24px; orphans: 2; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;">
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<span data-offset-key="fb1qp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">For weeks, late at night, I'd hear this beeping sound out of nowhere. 😲 I would go around my apartment into different rooms, checking the smoke detectors and all, and could never figure out where the beeping sound was coming from. I always gave up, and decided it must have just been my imagination.... My brain playing tricks on me (wouldn't be the first time!).</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="fb1qp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Well, just last night (okay, make that VERY EARLY this morning), the beeping started again. What the?! I looked at the time on my laptop, and it's 1 a.m. Then I got to looking at my watch, as the beeping seemed to get louder as I moved my left arm/hand closer to my head. Lo and behold! The alarm on the watch is set to go off at 1 a.m. I'm not sure how I managed that.... But mystery solved! I turned off the alarm signal. 🔕</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="fb1qp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">At least now I know it's my watch, and I can quit worrying about the smoke detectors or thinking I'm losing my mind! 😄</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="fb1qp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I don't think I would have ever heard this with just a hearing aid.... The beeping wasn't that loud. But it's enough that I can hear it with my cochlear implants, even if it takes me weeks to figure out what it is. </span></div>
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CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-74670912830516193562017-07-02T00:24:00.000-06:002017-07-02T00:24:10.552-06:00Is this wall deaf or something?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh the joys of having magnetic headpieces.... Anything metal will attract the headpiece and steal the entire processor right off my ear!<br />
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But the fun part of having magnets under the scalp.... I can stick paperclips, metal bottle caps, or other small metal items to my head for the fun of it!<br />
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<br />CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-29435840262610902232017-05-28T23:09:00.004-06:002017-05-28T23:49:25.571-06:00Connecting with Supernatural 12x11: Regarding Dean<span style="font-family: inherit;">Watching Season 12 of Supernatural on Netflix these days, and episode 11, “Regarding Dean” comes up. Just what Sam was doing for Dean to help his memory, made me think of my own childhood. There’s Sam, writing names to objects of their hotel room onto post-it notes and sticking them onto the actual objects. My mom did this when I was a kid, as a way to help me learn the name of the different objects. Being a deaf kid, I didn’t always hear the words, and it was while I was also learning how to read too. Being able to read these words on notecards taped to different objects helped me. It helped with my reading, and it helped me learn how to identify different things. I learned how to make the connection between different words to objects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s funny how something in a TV show or movie will bring back memories.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31YM7xMuNA0/WSuqxvCaN-I/AAAAAAAAAp0/jXu1OzEBQlod9Sw2IfgSeiMNv2EJklHLACLcB/s1600/lightstick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31YM7xMuNA0/WSuqxvCaN-I/AAAAAAAAAp0/jXu1OzEBQlod9Sw2IfgSeiMNv2EJklHLACLcB/s640/lightstick.jpg" title="http://scatteredquotes.com/30-best-supernatural-quotes-12x11/" width="284" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dean:</b> This is a gun. This is a coat. This is a…a…a… light stick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sam: </b>A light st– All right. We’re gonna get you some help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dean: </b>Look, we could figure this out, okay? Don’t go callin’ Mom or Cass with this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sam:</b> Fine, but until you get better…<span style="font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif;"><i>(Sam puts post-it note on the lamp with the word “LAMP”)</i><br />
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<b>Dean:</b> Lamp. Right. So close.<br />
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There was also a scene where Dean is watching a security surveillance video from when he followed someone out of the back of a bar, and he was trying to read his own lips. This </span><span style="background-color: white;">made me laugh<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>Dean:</b> I’m trying to read my lips. “Now salsa you mittens”</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>Sam:</b> You can’t read lips.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>Dean:</b> I can’t read lips.</span></blockquote>
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This is true for many D/deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. A lot of hearing people seem to think just because we're deaf/hoh, we can very easily lip-read everything. Not true. And I'm proof of that. I'm a horrible lip-reader, can't lip-read to save my life really. I can only read lips if I also have the auditory input. Take one or the other away, and I'm lost.<br />
My teachers at the deaf school worked hard with all of us, teaching us how to lip-read and listen, trying to give us as many tools as we could carry in our toolbox for life. They wrote sentences and words on pieces of paper, laid them out on the table/desk/floor/wherever we are sitting, and they will say the sentence/words and hope we pick out the right piece of paper. For listening, they would cover their mouths; for lipreading, they turned off their voices. We had a lot of practice as kids, but lipreading just didn't stick with me. Now as an adult, even with bilateral cochlear implants, I still need a combination of tools to make sense of what is going on around me.<br />
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SPN quotes and graphic came from <a href="http://scatteredquotes.com/30-best-supernatural-quotes-12x11/" target="_blank">ScatteredQuotes.com</a>.</span></span>CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-70352930809096125372017-05-26T19:18:00.000-06:002017-05-26T19:35:22.026-06:00Long time no post!It's been nearly two years since I last blogged. Sorry about that. I have been rather busy. Working two jobs, and going to college, I wasn't left with much time to even worry about this blog.<br />
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I am still doing well enough with my implants. I still see my audiologist every now and them to make some tweaks when needed. I contact Advanced Bionics when I need to replace a cable, doing my best to keep on top of maintaining my implants.<br />
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I no longer work for Walmart at this time. I have had a rough time with my mental health, and it just made things worse for me at Walmart. So I quit, because I needed to. I couldn't continue with the way my mind was functioning. I still had my other job so I am still working and paying my bills. It would be helpful if I could get hired at another job, but I still haven't had any luck with that. I don't even hear back from any of the places I've applied at, which is frustrating. But in the mean time, I am trekking away with my job at our library services for the deaf.<br />
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I was a co-coach again for Deaf Academic Bowl. We were only able to take one team this year, and we made it to the nationals. These students did fantastic, they worked hard all year long, and studied hard. This time, the team didn't have a chance to even get together and practice in person. They all kept in touch online and used Quizlet to quiz one another and keep everyone practicing. It worked out very well for them though, as they placed second at West regionals and we made it to the semi-final round at Nationals. Everyone enjoyed their time at the competitions, and we even worked in a bit of site seeing while we were in DC too, which was great!<br />
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And now, onto something that happened today. I'm in my office at the library, scanning things and fussing with my iPad, listening to songs. As soon as the song quit on the iPad, I heard this sound. Then I realized there was a light flashing right outside my office. What is going on, is that the fire alarm going off? Sure enough, it was the fire alarm. But... it's after 3:30, school's out, so this isn't a drill. The other two employees in the library came over to the doors to see what the fuss was about. The alarms are LOUD (remember, this building used to be a deaf school, and these alarms installed were specific for the deaf, LOUD and flashing). It kept going off, 5-7 times in the 15 or so minutes it was going off. Finally it was turned off, and the hearing employee could relax. Every time the alarm went off, she about jumped out of her seat and had to plug her ears. Myself, and the other deaf employee, we were fine. Our cochlear implants and hearing aids handled the loud sound just fine, so the alarm wasn't that loud for us. The hearing employee complained it was too loud, so of course, I wanted to be funny and said "well yeah, this used to be the deaf school! Of course it's loud." Deaf employee also gave me a hard time, teasing me when I mentioned that I noticed the flashing lights outside my office. She had to share the story with our hearing employee.<br />
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When I was a kid, I was a student at this school for the deaf. And it was standardized testing time if I remember that right. So, I'm sitting at a desk, completely focused on this test. To eliminate any noise distractions, I had my hearing aids or FM off so I could focus. Here I am, completely focused and working away on this test.... and the fire alarm is going off. I didn't hear it, I didn't see the flashing light, and I was sitting right underneath the alarm. Everyone else got up and headed out in orderly fashion, as is expected during a fire drill. But there I am, still working away on this test, completely oblivious to what's going. So the interpreter (who is the deaf employee sharing this story with our hearing employee) had to get my attention and get me up and going.<br />
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Later, the custodian came in to clean up and he told us it was a kid who had pulled the alarm down by the cafeteria/gym. Kids, fire alarms are not toys and are not to be pulled for fun!CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-60688027897634839752015-07-29T20:59:00.002-06:002015-07-29T21:54:58.961-06:00ChangesIt's been ages since I've posted! Things have been insane since the last update, which was... well I don't even remember. I still plan on posting about the Academic Bowl trips with photos attached and all that jazz. I just need some more time in my day it seems.<br />
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I've been let go from my newspaper job in late May. That was a shocking surprise, but once I got over the shock, I was okay with it. I have been unhappy for a while there, so now I had no choice but to get serious about job hunting. So job hunting I did! Of course, it was awkward. Being deaf and trying to get jobs can be tricky. The jobs always want to call when they want to set up interviews and such. I'm still not ready to handle phone calls, and just about went out of my mind trying to figure out a solution for this. I use the Sprint IP Relay app on my iPhone, but relay calls can be slow and awkward, especially when the caller isn't sure how to deal with it. I downloaded a couple of different captioned call apps, and decided to give Hamilton a shot. I absolutely wish InnoCaption was up and running again, they were truly the best app, with real live operators and the captions didn't lag much. Anyway, I did the best I could with my job hunt. Did a few interviews, only to either not be hired or never heard back.<br />
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I did set up an appointment for a mock interview through the local vocational rehab. That was a complete disaster. I wasn't feeling all too well that day though, with my back hurting and my mind being all out of place. Came home feeling depressed and hopeless, only to get a call from Walmart saying they wanted to do an interview for the very next day. Okay! Did the interview the next day, then waited for the call back about orientation. Never did get that phone call, so I called them and found out they had tried to call me to no avail. Dang! But I made it to orientation and have been working at Walmart since around mid-June. The department managers are nice and understanding, and willing to answer any questions I have and work with me. There have certainly been incidents where I just plain cannot make sense of what some customers want, even when they act it out. Those are always tricky, and I always feel bad that I can't make sense of what they want. But I'm working hard at Walmart, and doing the best I can to help customers when they need help. There have even been several mis-hearings as well (pinto beans or pickled beets? massager or mixed nuts? 16 or 60?). I stock shelves in the consumables department, which I am happy with. It's pretty much a full time schedule (scheduled for 40 hours a week), 5 days on, 2 days off each week. <br />
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Soon, Walmart will not be my only job. I was contacted by someone at the state department of education, and she told me she was creating a couple of part time positions at the local Library Services for the Deaf and HoH. Awesome! For a few years, the library resource specialist and I have talked of going through the old photos and files and doing some archiving, but it just never happened. But soon, the archiving project will finally get started! Not only will I be working on the archiving, I'll also be helping with the coaching of the Deaf Academic Bowl students, and doing community sign language classes with the other person who is taking the second part time contract position. There will probably be other tasks as well, but these are the three I'm aware of at this time. I'm really looking forward to getting started with this job! They will work around my Walmart schedule, so that'll be nice. And for the fall semester, I only have one class on campus and the rest are being done online, so that shouldn't be an issue with working around my college schedule.<br />
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Also, after the visit to Gallaudet University in April for the National Deaf Academic Bowl, I started reconsidering the idea of attending Gallaudet... and filled out an application and sent it in. Gallaudet University has a <a href="http://www.gallaudet.edu/american_sign_language_and_deaf_studies.html" target="_blank">Deaf Studies program</a>, which really grabbed my attention. I have always been fascinated with Deaf Culture, Deaf history, and American Sign Language. I figured this program would be right up my ally, and it can be done online! Score! Weeks went by, with emails back and forth with the admissions office at Gallaudet, and my having to gather transcripts and information and a video of why I want to join the program, etc., I finally got the acceptance notice. I got the acceptance notice in email one day, and the official acceptance packet from UPS at my door the next morning! I was definitely very giddy with glee at the acceptance! After reading the acceptance letter, I also found out I could get a scholarship, which is amazing! I followed up with Admissions, and it turns out the scholarship is if I attend Gallaudet on campus, there are no scholarships for doing the program online. Well shoot. I was counting on staying at home, continuing with my job at Walmart so I can pay my bills, and doing Deaf Studies online. I'll just have to figure out a way to pay, see if there are any scholarships out there, see if FAFSA would continue to help (I've been receiving the Pell Grant for 5 semesters, and possibly again for this fall semester at the local college), etc. I already know Vocational Rehab won't be able to help as I just saw my counselor yesterday. Ah well, I'll figure out something somehow. For now, I'll focus on finishing up my last semester at the local college and getting m Associates degree in General Studies, and going from there. I do would like to spend at least one semester on campus at Gallaudet, just so I can get the full experience. Doing so, I would be able to see more of Washington, D.C., something I have been wanting to do for a while.<br />
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I'm most definitely going to be one busy gal soon enough! Well, I'm already busy enough with my Walmart job, but I'll just be even busier when the library job starts and the fall semester starts. Yay! Here's to hoping I don't completely 100% lose my mind at some point :)CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-3224087834061274302015-04-14T13:17:00.001-06:002015-04-14T13:17:50.712-06:00Just had a tune up!CI audiologist came up from Denver this past weekend, yahoo! I was so worried she was going to come up towards the end of April, while I was in Washington D.C. with the Wyoming deaf academic bowl team for the nationals. Whew! Saw her at about 9:30 in the morning and made some adjustments to both processors. We were able to significantly increase the higher frequency levels on the right processor (they are still a little low but we're getting there!), and increased the volume all across the levels a bit. Ahh, much better. More higher frequencies turned up means I will be able to pick up on more speech sounds that uses the higher frequencies. We turned things up a bit with the left processor as well, and did Program 2 on both with UltraZoom and ClearVoice High. Audiologist also enabled the setting so that I can just push a button on one processor and both Naidas will chance settings at the same time. Much better! Couldn't do any testing, for some reason the speakers in the sound booth weren't working. Maybe next time I see her. Still using just 3 program slots on my Naidas, which I'm happy with. Program 1 is usual everyday program, 2 is for noisy situations, and 3 is 100% compilot. Could have added 2 more, but it takes a while to cycle through the programs on the Naidas (there's a delay when changing programs, which I do not like).<br />
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Yesterday, I went to get some lunch for mom and myself. We agreed on Dairy Queen, so off I went. I didn't really want to get out of the car to get the lunch, so I decided to give the drive-thru a try. First time I've ever used the drive-thru at a fast-food joint, and it was a success! I was able to understand the speaker with no issues. I was giddy when I got back to the house with our lunches and told mom all about it. Yay! Usually I just park and go inside to order to go. But not on Monday! I may start using the drive-thru more often at certain places. Probably not McDonald's, they have 2 lanes for the ordering process and that just seems confusing. Mom says she has a hard time at McDonald's because of the 2 lanes (speakers are loud so it's hard to tell which speaker is going off), so I'll avoid their drive-thru.<br />
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WYHI is this coming Friday. Except, I won't be at WYHI. The Wyoming deaf academic bowl team will be gathering at the library to practice for the nationals (we leave NEXT weekend for D.C.!), so I'll be at the library since I'm a co-coach (will do a write up about DAB in a separate post). I'm pretty excited about going back to D.C., as I've been wanting to go back and visit, and appreciate D.C. more now than I did the 2 times I went as a child. Wyoming Families for Hands & Voices is also doing a Family Fun Night this coming Thursday evening as well, and I'll probably go after ASL class, since I'm on the board. Why not? Might be fun! Don't plan on going to the open-caption movie Friday afternoon for WYHI. Not a movie I want to see, and I have 2 appointments that day so I'd be better off going to work for the afternoon and going to my 3 p.m. appointment. Friday shall be a busy day!CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-67991865967573834462015-01-23T15:47:00.001-07:002015-01-23T15:47:51.588-07:00Tinnitus update; collegeSince finishing the steroids, it seems the new tinnitus sounds have faded away. I don't notice that annoying musical tune that I kept hearing over and over, and I think I was still hearing a bit of the crackling/tapping sound but it was very quiet and almost unnoticeable. I am definitely happy about that. I still have the usual old tinnitus as always (ringing or buzzing or even sirens...!) but I know that is something I will probably be living with for the rest of my life, and getting the implant didn't help with that. But I am most definitely happy the new sounds are gone. I can deal with the old usual sounds that I've had for ... well.. forever. But the new sounds, not so much.<br />
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New semester has started at the college this week and so far so good! Photography instructor is hard to understand, and he admitted to mumbling too. He said he would try to enunciate more for me. I told him I would be bringing in my FM unit, in hopes I can hear him better in class. ASL 3 is going well so far. The ASL class set up is interesting, as both ASL 3 and 4 classes are combined. There are only 3 or 4 level 4 students, and maybe 5 level 3 students. Interesting.... The ASL instructor is still trying to figure out a system to balance both levels in one class. <br />
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In a way, I'm happy the new semester as started. I have classes to take, stuff I can focus on. I am really excited about the photography class; it is black and white film photography. I took a class in 9th grade and enjoyed it! Since I have decided to switch to General Studies for my major, I'm just taking classes that will fulfill the credit hours needed to graduate with the Associate degree. Photography will be a fun one, for sure. Have decided to do Intro to Music, which ought to be interesting. There will be times when we have to listen to certain music that's associated with our text book, and I thought this would be an interesting way to do auditory training. Am also taking a Developmental Psychology class online, and a PE class (fitness training). Better go find my AB Snuggies/Huggies so I can keep my Naidas on my ears while I'm working out! I found one Snuggie so far, but don't know where the pack with the other snuggies are, so will have to dig through my AB boxes at home. More than likely it will either be in my Harmony box, or my extra supplies box.CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-16536144568025863992015-01-19T14:18:00.000-07:002015-01-19T14:18:49.016-07:00Denver tripMade my way down to Denver with my mom and stepdad last Thursday for follow up and mapping. After Christmas, I started experiencing new tinnitus sounds in my right ear, which was obnoxiously annoying and driving me up the wall. These sounds would keep playing over and over. One is a musical tune that repeats all the time, 24/7, whether or not I have the processor on. The other, at first, sounded like a bubble wrap being popped, but that evolved into more like rapid tapping/clacking/etc. I only hear this sound if I don't have the processor on or if it's quiet. Augh! Sent a few emails to my audiologist about this, trying to figure out what is going on.<br />
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So on Thursday, audie hooked up my Naidas to the computer (which was running slow that day, which frustrated the audie). She ran the impedance test. Left ear looks like, right where the impedances need to be. Right ear was a different story. First few impedances were fine, but past that they were not where they need to be. Her theory is that perhaps because the high frequency levels are still pretty low, they're not "kicking off" proteins that are gathering/building up on the electrode array in my cochlea, and perhaps that's why I'm having these new tinnitus sounds. She upped the levels a bit, made the 3rd slot to be 100% ComPilot only so I can listen to music (or whatever I'm using the ComPilot with) without also having to hear anything else around me. Yay! Since the computer was so slow, we just did 3 programs on the Naidas, and we'll go from there with more upped levels when I see her again in April when she plans on coming up to Wyoming. She did a quick hearing test on me in the sound booth, where I scored around 83% with just the right ear alone in speech comprehension with sentences. Not too bad! Higher frequency parts during the sentences I struggled with, but we'll keep slowly upping the levels as time goes on.<br />
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Mom and I went to lunch at the hospital cafeteria, then came back to the clinic for my appointment with the doctor. We talked about the new tinnitus sounds, and he wonders if there's some inflammation going on. The inflammation could also explain the off impedance results audie observed as well. He looked in my ears, said everything looked good. Called in a prescription for steroids, in hopes that would help if there is inflammation contributing to the tinnitus. He mentioned 2 different options, steroids, or diuretics. Says usually get quicker results with the steroids, and only 5 days; whereas with diuretics takes longer to see results and one would have to take it for longer as well. So starting with steroids. Also requested to see me again in April. Wait what? Ok then.<br />
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Started the steroids on Friday after we got back home. Got back into town around 3, so I was able to go to Walgreens to pick up the prescription, and also run out to the vet to pick up my dog from boarding. Yay! Am almost done with the steroids treatment course, and so far no real changes with the tinnitus that I've noticed. I'll finish off the doses and give it a bit more time, and keep in touch with the clinic.CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-16461178641167103342014-11-02T20:43:00.001-07:002014-11-02T20:48:22.702-07:00Right ear is activated!Activated and rolling! We got to the clinic bright and early, mom was just far too efficient and on the ball. Finally the clinic opened their door and we sat in the waiting room for a bit. Audiologist came out and got us, and led us to her office. Started with unpacking some of the stuff from the Naida kit. Both Naidas came out, and we started programming one for the left ear first. Took the headpiece off the Harmony and attached it to the left Naida, no big deal. Got the left Naida programmed, and then started on the right one. Went through the whole process of checking each electrode and setting comfort levels and all that fun jazz, and then she turned it on. Oh man, the whole world sounds weird! I did hear right off the bat, but everything had a high-pitched quality to it, like as if everyone (and everything) has sucked in some helium from balloons. Audiologist kept making some tweaks here and there, and eventually got 5 programs installed onto the right Naida (P1 is what I'm currently using, P2 is same as P1 but with UltraZoom; P3 is louder P1; P4 is P3 with UZ; and P5 is louder P3). Left Naida is essentially programmed the same as the Harmony, so P1 is normal, P2 is with UZ (P3 & P5 are the same as P1, P4 is same as P2). Confusing isn't it? Left ear is stabilized and I wasn't too concerned about making any tweaks/adjustments. She also reprogrammed the Neptune to be used as a back-up for my right ear (same P1, P3, and P5 programs from the Naida). Also, each of my Naidas has 2 sets of programs so it can go on either ear. And my right Naida is already at IDR 70. Audiologist wanted the IDR to be the same with both processors, and since I'm at 70 on the left, she boosted me up from 60 to 70 on the right. I'm able to tolerate it so I was fine with that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">starting with the left ear first!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ready to get the right one going</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">whoa that sounds weird</td></tr>
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We discussed upcoming MAPping appointments. She would like to see me before Christmas if possible, but is aware of Wyoming's crazy weathers during the season so there is no guarantees we'll make it down. Will see though. She said she was even willing to get me in during a weekend, not a problem. And if we absolutely can not make it down, I can always Fed-Ex a Naida to her so she can boost the levels. Also said to definitely schedule an appointment with her when I schedule an appointment with the surgeon for 3 months out, not a problem. We also checked to make sure the ComPilot was working, which it was, then we were sent out to wait for my appointment with the surgeon. <br />
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Did a bit of waiting, I was called back, spoke with the surgeon's assistance (we talked about the vertigo and that it was indeed resolved, etc.). Then more waiting, until the surgeon came in. Talked about the recovery, the vertigo set back, he checked my ear, took stitches out... I brought up my concern of the top part of the incision looking off, and he said it looked fine to him. Okie dokie. Said to see him in 3 months, and then off to the scheduler's office I went. Scheduled for January to see both surgeon and audiologist (follow-up to make sure ear still healed up nicely, and another MAPping).<br />
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Done, and done! Mom and I hit the road to head back home! At one point, I tried fiddling with the ComPilot, but couldn't get it to work, oh well. We got back into town before 4:30, so I even had time to go to the ASL class at the college. I did finally get the ComPilot to work after class at home, with my laptop!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the AB goodies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all the parts and pieces in a box</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">marked, so I know this headpiece has 2 magnets (for the right side)</td></tr>
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Now that it's been a few days, things still have that helium quality sound. But then again, since I have been sick in the last few days, I haven't always been wearing my processors. I was sick and tired and miserable and just didn't care if I heard or not. Now that I'm feeling better, I'm ready to do some auditory rehabilitation and hoping the helium quality fades away soon enough and things start sounding more normal. The day after activation, when I was back at work, I got sick of listening to the air conditioning that I had to take the right Naida off for a bit (sounded like an ongoing whistling/feedbacking that wouldn't stop!). Wind sounds like whistling, even my own breathing sounds like whistling. Ahh, annoying! At times I temporarily forget I now have a right cochlear implant, and I get to thinking "why is my hearing aid feedbacking so much?" and go to adjust it, then I remember "oh that's just the implant sounding weird!" It's been a weird adjustment period. But it'll get better! Just wish the high pitched/helium quality will go away already, I'm quite annoyed with that by now. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3LZq77remTA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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my activation video!</div>
CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-8128881580221780132014-10-27T16:52:00.001-06:002014-10-27T16:52:02.119-06:00Vertigo is no fun!Thursday morning, I got up and was about when I had a small sneezing fit. Shortly after that, I started to feel light headed and wondered what was going on, and hoped it would pass soon enough. I kept drinking my juice, hoping it would help. Nope, soon enough I was dizzy. I got dizzy enough to the point that I was steady on my feet anymore, and at times it felt like the room was spinning. Aw man! I had to text my boss and let her know I probably wouldn't make it to work if the dizziness didn't let up. I went back to bed and slept some more. Still ultra dizzy when I got up again later. Basically, as long as I stayed still, I was ok. Texted myom so she knew what was happening. She called Kelsall's office and texted back with an email address for me. I emailed Kelsall's assistant and told her what was going on. Soon enough the office called in a couple of prescriptions to the local Walgreens that I use. Mom got the prescriptions for me. I started taking them, and just took it easy while camping out on my recliner once again. As each day pAssed, I felt better and better! Glad it was a short enough spell, it certainly wasn't any fun to deal with.<div><br></div><div>Am currently back in Denver today. Will be activated tomorrow first thing in the morning, then see Kelsall for the post op. Definitely looking forward to tomorrow!</div>CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-58863732197995246282014-10-27T16:44:00.001-06:002014-10-27T16:44:06.252-06:00Denver Deaf Expo!<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Went to the Deaf Expo in Denver on Saturday with a friend, and I had a great time! There were a variety of booths, demonstrating different technologies, selling a variety of items, and sharing information. Matt "The Hammer" Hammill had a booth of his own as well, selling and autographing his merchandise and doing photos with fans. Friend and I had fun wandering around and checking things out. There were various presentations going on. Purple and Sorensen gave away prizes to winners ( they did various games/contests for the prizes, and Purple really put on a great show with their games! Lots of laughs and entertainment from the Purple crew! One game consisted of contestants wrapping the Purple assistants in toilet paper and I was glad I didn't volunteer for that with my recent vertigo episode). I got my picture taken with The Hammer and bought a couple of things at the Expo. Now to incorporate this experience into my dead socials paper at the end of the semester for ASL class....</span></div><div><br></div><div>I really had a great time and am glad I went! Friend and I had a nice road trip, and a nice lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory with an ASL teacher and 2 ASL students that made the trek down for the Expo. Good times!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UPnDhyyAuzo/VE7KpCbMe5I/AAAAAAAAAh4/V5neg46zx8c/s640/blogger-image--1735128054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UPnDhyyAuzo/VE7KpCbMe5I/AAAAAAAAAh4/V5neg46zx8c/s640/blogger-image--1735128054.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O2TTcDUg580/VE7Klf9YmmI/AAAAAAAAAhY/ub6qvaptarw/s640/blogger-image-1898716397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O2TTcDUg580/VE7Klf9YmmI/AAAAAAAAAhY/ub6qvaptarw/s640/blogger-image-1898716397.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-o2exNT8F3AA/VE7KqLWlWBI/AAAAAAAAAiA/4yX3msWsvLg/s640/blogger-image--72999259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-o2exNT8F3AA/VE7KqLWlWBI/AAAAAAAAAiA/4yX3msWsvLg/s640/blogger-image--72999259.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PLJw59wHoUc/VE7KmdnC5KI/AAAAAAAAAhg/rqlK1Tii5O4/s640/blogger-image-450701276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PLJw59wHoUc/VE7KmdnC5KI/AAAAAAAAAhg/rqlK1Tii5O4/s640/blogger-image-450701276.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3wY-EHceVaY/VE7KnaC_ECI/AAAAAAAAAho/6FoA9O2NjlQ/s640/blogger-image--2090117542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3wY-EHceVaY/VE7KnaC_ECI/AAAAAAAAAho/6FoA9O2NjlQ/s640/blogger-image--2090117542.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aHKQ-EgKtE8/VE7KoXHKkyI/AAAAAAAAAhw/_qU5gbVpcHw/s640/blogger-image-1100963901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aHKQ-EgKtE8/VE7KoXHKkyI/AAAAAAAAAhw/_qU5gbVpcHw/s640/blogger-image-1100963901.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q_iW1bvrF88/VE7KrDge5YI/AAAAAAAAAiI/v2kq0NYfDZM/s640/blogger-image--1544727469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q_iW1bvrF88/VE7KrDge5YI/AAAAAAAAAiI/v2kq0NYfDZM/s640/blogger-image--1544727469.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IrjizEJiEsM/VE7KkbYtg3I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/dh2xDCbLZg0/s640/blogger-image--345752522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IrjizEJiEsM/VE7KkbYtg3I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/dh2xDCbLZg0/s640/blogger-image--345752522.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QeCM9kuLABs/VE7KsJnCxlI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/FzOix2XctY0/s640/blogger-image--759888347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QeCM9kuLABs/VE7KsJnCxlI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/FzOix2XctY0/s640/blogger-image--759888347.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TQjg7u7uJGY/VE7KtG59tsI/AAAAAAAAAiY/7A9yLjS0Haw/s640/blogger-image-715656752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TQjg7u7uJGY/VE7KtG59tsI/AAAAAAAAAiY/7A9yLjS0Haw/s640/blogger-image-715656752.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-35862725101513706832014-10-20T15:16:00.000-06:002014-10-20T15:16:34.805-06:00Tea kettle, BEGONE!Seriously, is there a tea kettle in my ear now? That's all I seem to hear lately out of the right ear, a tea kettle whistling. It's just tinnitus, but it's quite annoying! 24/7, it's random ringing or whistling.<br />
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Recovery still going ok. Mostly just taking ibuprofen for pain, and have use an ice pack a few times to try to help with the pain too. Still camping out on my recliner at home.<br />
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Did my first post-op sneezes a couple nights ago, and that was no fun. 3 sneezes at first, followed by 2 more. Auugghh! Allergies are horrible, seriously. Still haven't blown my nose yet though, so that's good. I remember when I first tried blowing my nose after the first CI surgery, and feeling a pop sensation. Yeah, don't want to experience that again.<br />
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Got the iPod with me at work, in hopes that the music will keep my mind occupied and I won't focus so much on the tinnitus whistling sounds. Right now it's a combination of music from the iPod and ringing/whistling. Weird. One more week, and the new CI will be activated and I will have the Naida CI processors! And the stitches will be gone!CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-49818580127181651372014-10-17T14:16:00.003-06:002014-10-17T14:16:37.834-06:00Bilateral!<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I now have two cochlear implants, bilateral bionic ears! Now I just have to wait until the 28th to get the new one activated and get my Naida CI processors programmed. Can't wait!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We left late Monday morning and made it to Denver around 4ish. Got checked into the hotel and hangout for a bit. Visited with an aunt and cousin, then we all had dinner at Piccolos. Mm tasty dinner! I sure was stuffed when we finished dinner. Made a quick stop at King Soopers for a few things, then headed back to the hotel for the night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Got woken up bright and early, ew. I got dressed, joined mom and stepdad downstairs and had a small bowl of yogurt. Went back up to room for a bit, then we headed out. Drove round for a bit until stepdad dropped me and mom off at Swedish Hospital area. Mom and I went up to the CI clinic, I checked in, and we waited... And waited.... And waited even more. An apprentice audiologist called me back and it was decided I didn't need a new hearing test, since my last one was in August and I hadn't noticed any changes in hearing. Back to the waiting room and waited some more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Surgeon's assistance called me back and led me to an exam room. I answered her questions, then she left. I waited even more until Dr. Kelsall came in. We talked, discussed the plan, that sort of thing. I didn't have any questions for him to answer since I had already done all this once. He did say he would try to put the new implant in a similar spot as my left, try to make them symmetrical, but no guarantees. Fine, that's understandable. Then I was taken to the surgery scheduler's office. Was given a copy of the paperwork I had filled out, post op instructions, and prescriptions. Then I was sent on my way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mom and I headed over to the hospital for the pre-admit/pre-op appointment. Checked in, we quickly checked out the gift shop, and then I was led to an office. Handed over drivers license and insurance cards, answered questions, yada yada yada. Then was led to pre-admit clinic. Waited a bit, nurse came and got me. She is a bit hard of hearing herself, and was completely understanding of my need to be able to lip read her. Went over medical history, confirming I am getting a right cochlear implant, that sort of thing. Then she prepped for. Blood draw. I warned her that I could be a tricky stick. She checked my right arm first and didn't see anything. Moved onto the left and she found a vein. She stuck me, which hurt! Two vials of blood taken, then I was done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mom and I walked over to the Walgreens inside the other end of a medical building on the campus to get the scripts filled. Mom called stepdad to see where he was, he was still getting his haircut. Alrighty then, mom and I walked over to The Copper Pot across the street for lunch, since we were starved! Had some southern grilled cheese sandwiches and split a Mac and cheese. Lunch was excellent! More phone calls, stepdad now on his way. Mom and I went back across the street to wait. Got picked up and we went back to the hotel for a bit. Hung out in downtown Denver for a while with the cousin, and ended up having dinner at Fado's Irish Pub. Shepherds pie was awesome, mmm! Then back to the hotel for the night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday morning, bright and early, mom got me up. I got ready and played with my iPad until it was time to head over to the hospital. Drove to the hospital and went up to the third floor. I got checked in and didn't have to wait for too long until a nurse got me. I followed her to the pre-op area, and got changed. Answered more questions, another nurse took vitals and got an IV started in my right hand. She made a bit of a mess of my hand ice, and both nurses tried to figure out how to best secure the line, since it was kind of a funky place to stick the IV. She mentioned it looked dangerous, where it was! Haha. They got it secured as best as they could, and I had to lay back for a bit as I was feel queasy. Started feeling better again and was sat up again. Mom and stepdad were brought back and we hung out. Kelsall stopped by for a few minutes, wrote his initials on my right ear, then he was on his way. Anesthesiologist came in, spoke with us, then went to check on the OR. An OR nurse came and got me, and I was taken to the OR. I scooched over to the table, and the nurses got me all strapped down while the anesthesiologist worked her magic. I was out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Woke up in recovery some time later, head and ear hurting, and still feeling drowsy. Nurse gave me an injection for the pain, andu dozed in and out for a bit. Then I was given some ice chips, oh that was nice. Also noticed a sock was off my right foot. Was helped to the bathroom, then into the wheeled recliner to be taken to the post recovery area. Mom and stepdad were brought back. Nurse went over instructions with mom, and I asked if I was getting a copy of the x-ray. She told my stepdad where to go to get the X-ray and he went and got it! Should be interesting to see this X-ray. Then he went to get the truck while I changed back into my clothes and was wheeled down. Pre-op nurse even came by to check on me real quick too, which was nice of her. Was wheeled down to stepdad's truck, loaded in, and off to the hotel we went. Off and on I would doze off some more, feel like I would be getting sick, meh. Mom was concerned and kept watching over me, making sure I was ok. Aunt sent over some munchies with my stepdad when he went to go get something for him and mom to eat. I tried a saltine cracker, ick. Mouth was much too dry, the cracker just crumbled everywhere in my mouth. I eventually did have a few small bites of ice cream, then I crashed out after taking more Dramamine to help with nausea. Rest of the night was fine, got up only once to use bathroom. Played with iPad for a bit while I waited for the vicodin to kick in, then went back to sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thursday morning, up and at them. I slowly got up and dressed, packed up my stuff, and hung out. Eventually we all loaded up the truck and checked out, and were on the road again. We drove straight home, no stops anywhere. Yay, home sweet home! well, it was mom and stepdad's home but home nonetheless. Mom helped me get the headwrap off, and oh did that feel good! Ear was free and able to breathe. Had some Wisconsin cheese soup, which was pretty tasty, and some crackers with peanut butter. Eventually mom did take me to my apartment, as I really wanted to be in my home, camping out in my recliner, full control of my TV, that sort of thing. I can always text mom if I need anything. Yep, nice to be at home where I can be comfortable and relax. Even popped in the disc from Radiology with the X-rays, and they're pretty cool to look at.</span><br />
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free of the headwrap! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I did finally get some homework done for the online computer class today, and will do bits of other homework here and there. Have a review paper I need to do for psychology, which I should get started on. I have the article I want to review saved, just need to read through it, make notes and that sort of thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not feeling too bad. Still some minor pains and aches from the right ear/head area, which is to be expected. Have had tinnitus 24/7, no surprise there. I kind of figured I'd have all this tinnitus going on. For a while last night it sounded like a tea kettle was whistling, that was fun. So far so good, just taking it easy, taking the antibiotics every 6 hours, and the vicodin as needed. Can't wait until October 28th to get the right implant activated!</span></div>
CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-1664961472421621132014-09-29T14:38:00.002-06:002014-09-29T14:47:52.102-06:00October is going to be BUSYLots going on in October! Getting a second cochlear implant, with surgery on Oct. 15, and activation and post op set for Oct. 28. There is also a <a href="http://deafnation.com/dnexpo/denver-co/" target="_blank">Deaf Expo</a> in Denver on Oct. 25th, which I so badly have been wanting to go to for a long time now.<br />
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I did pre-register for the Deaf Expo a few months ago and then forgot about it until some of my friends were discussing going and making plans. I asked if it was okay if I joined their group, and they were cool with it. It should be fun, a little road trip with some friends. I've never been to a Deaf Expo before, so I'm excited to go! And it would be a bonus to write of my experience at the Expo in my ASL paper on socializing at the end of the semester. Why not?! It should be a fun and interesting trip with the 4 of us traveling in one vehicle.<br />
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I have already given my audiologist and the office person who makes the official orders my choices for the AB Naida options. I'm asking for the Pirate Caribbean Blue Naida processor, Pirate Caribbean and Petrol colored UHP color caps, black short UHP cables, the 230 size batteries, and the ComPilot. I found out that since I'd be getting only one kit for both of my Naidas (since the order is considered for one ear), I'd only be receiving 2 batteries in the kit. Uhhh.... O_o I will most definitely be ordering extra batteries after I've been activated, so I have spares on hand. And I may even order some of the disposable batteries option later on down the road too.<br />
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Yep, that will be 3 trips down to Denver and back, whew. Add to that, it's also Halloween as well! My favorite holiday, for sure.CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-50756007910777233562014-08-28T21:00:00.001-06:002014-08-28T21:00:54.238-06:00Denver Trip #2!Sunday morning rolled by, and I was up and at them early once again. We were on the road at 9 a.m. heading back to Denver! Quick stop in Cheyenne, made it to Denver. After getting checked in at the hotel, mom and I stayed while stepdad went to the Rockies game with his son and grandson (hey hey, the Rockies won!). Mom and I had lunch at Chili's, got a few things at King Soopers, and just hung out in the hotel, relaxing and taking it easy. After the game, we all headed over to Casa Bonita for dinner. I remember my first time going with the middle school class 13 years ago for our Spring Trip, and the fun I had with my friends. It was fun watching a gorilla pick on a lady and a zoo keeper guy trying to catch the gorilla running amuck in the restaurant (there are several performances in that joint!). Lady ended up off a cliff into a pool... haha. I don't really know what the story was, I couldn't hear a word! It was so noisy inside, it was nuts. After we finished eating, we got up and roamed around, did some exploring. There's a cave to explore, which was fun! We watched another performance (Black Bart and a sheriff), which resulted in Bart ending up in the pool. More exploring, and we hit up the arcade so my nephew could play some games for tickets to redeem for prizes. It was pretty fun!<br />
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on the road!</div>
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Casa Bonita!</div>
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the water fountain in front of Casa Bonita</div>
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got a new light saber from Casa Bonita!</div>
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Next day, up and at'em early on, once again! Made our way down to Swedish Hospital and got to the clinic. I filled out some paperwork, updated information, blah blah blah... Then I was called back and led to a room. I chatted a bit with the surgeon's assistant while she got some information from me and verified stuff (and confirmed I did indeed get the Prevnar 13!). Then she left, and I sat and waited.. and waited... and waited. Good thing I had my iPad with me, I played on games on it while I waited. Finally the surgeon came in, and we discussed implanting the right ear. He's all for it (good candidate and all). Mentioned that since he did run into some ossification with the left ear, there is that possibility of it happening again with the right ear (MRI and CT scan both didn't catch the ossification of the left ear). Confirmed that it'll be Advanced Bionics again, he mentioned the newer implant (the Mid Scala), and I told him I was thinking maybe October would be a good time to do all this. He was cool with that. Then we were done discussing, and the surgeon's scheduler walked me to her office, and from there she scheduled everything! Pre-op for Oct. 14, surgery morning of Oct. 15, activation and post-op for morning of Oct. 28. Whoa! She wrote down all the times/dates onto a dark pink sheet of paper and handed it to me, and told me to call if I had any questions, and then I was free to go. Mom and stepdad certainly weren't expecting for everything to have been scheduled already, I wasn't either. <br />
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ready for the day!</div>
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everything's all scheduled and on this piece of paper</div>
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After we left the clinic, we headed back to the hotel so my stepbro could follow us as we made our way to the Denver Zoo. It's been 13 years since I last visited the Denver Zoo, but I enjoyed it. Lots of walking, seeing all the different animals. We even rode the mini train as well, which was fun! My request was to see the primates, which we did last. Yay! Didn't see very many monkeys/primates though... Oh well. Was still fun anyway. After spending a few hours at the zoo, we exited and sat on the benches and chatted for a bit with stepdad's sister and niece (his niece joined us at the zoo). I scoped out the gift shop, and even bought a stuffed Gorilla. I collect monkeys, and wanted to add a gorilla to my collection! From there, mom, stepdad, and I hit the road to head home, finally. It was a long day, and a long trip home. We did stop in Cheyenne to have dinner at Chili's, and to fuel up. Ran into some rain storms, but we made it back into town at about 9. Ooohh it was a long day. Was really nice to get back home... of course I had to go to college classes the very next day! I missed the first day of classes due to the appointment with the surgeon, but first day is usually orientation stuff, getting familiar with the class, that sort of thing. So I wasn't worried about missing anything important.<br />
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Denver Zoo!</div>
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about to be kissed by a bronze snake!</div>
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new gorilla friend!</div>
CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-48506999244580160532014-08-23T00:51:00.001-06:002014-08-23T00:51:12.436-06:00Hear in the Dark 5k video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kr3P8VAfpds?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Here's my video footage from the Hear in the Dark 5k! Enjoy!CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-7664176082983250842014-08-22T22:04:00.000-06:002014-08-22T22:04:34.208-06:00hearing test videoRecorded most of the hearing test that went on in the sound booth yesterday and uploaded to youtube. After watching it and listening to the words/sentences with both CI and hearing aid on, holy moly! There were still words and sentences that I couldn't make sense of while watching, but wow I really did horribly with only one device on at a time. Shew! While sitting in the sound booth, listening and trying to make sense of what was being said via the computer, it all sounded like a bunch of mumbo jumbo to me, or a bunch of gibberish. I could figure out when it's a male or female voice, but other than that it was hard to make sense of the words or sentences. It's insane. I would certainly hope for a big improvement when I go bilateral!<br />
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/ONWo_sLdKmg/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/ONWo_sLdKmg&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/ONWo_sLdKmg&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-79127867057136862372014-08-21T21:17:00.002-06:002014-08-21T21:17:52.411-06:00Hear in the Dark 5K: a success!The Hear in the Dark 5k was held on August 15 (last Friday), and it was a great success! I don't know how many participants there were this year, but a bunch! It's was another fun night for all, for sure. Schwan's was available to sell frozen treats, and a farming group were also available, selling drinks and food. There were bounce houses and face painting for the kids. I helped at the registration table, which was quite busy! Runners started running at around 8:30 if I remember that right, with walkers following suit. It was a long walk, but it was fun! I had fun passing people on the path and checking out their glowy decor (light up wigs or hair strands, glow sticks/bracelets/necklaces, etc.). It was great! I had a lot of fun getting myself glowy for the 5K, and even found a use for the finger lights that I still had from last year's 5K.... I put them on my ears! There are elastic bands attached to the finger lights, so I put one on my Harmony CI processor, and one on my Phonak hearing aid, and voila! Lit up ears! I thought that was great and wish I had thought of it last year!<br />
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my stash before I headed out to the park</div>
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school mascots dancing and having fun!</div>
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finger light on my Harmony</div>
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both ears lit up!</div>
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ready to walk!</div>
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the line of walkers</div>
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during the walk, runners passing us by</div>
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I followed these two girls for a while</div>
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green glowy wig, I thought it was neat</div>
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at the half-way point</div>
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two girls chained themselves together with their glow sticks</div>
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a small foot print on the path</div>
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more prints!</div>
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one of the signs</div>
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Run Forrest, RUN!</div>
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after the walk, cleaning up.</div>
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my glowy stash</div>
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the number of steps I made all day Aug. 15! shew!</div>
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I had some pictures that I took with my Canon powershot camera, but unfortunately, the SD card that was in it is busted (as in I can't use it anymore, computer won't even format it). Darn it! But I did get some good shots with my Sony Handycam, so it's all good! Even got some video footage, which I will upload to youtube at some point.CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150293287604789848.post-70366362601745132542014-08-21T21:00:00.000-06:002014-08-24T16:53:17.116-06:00Denver Trip #1Got up at about 8:30 in the morning yesterday, and rushed around to make sure I had everything I needed packed for the first trip to Denver of the week. Drove out to the vet to drop off my dog for boarding, then drove over to my mom's. We loaded up our stuff into my stepdad's truck, and we took off (after making three stops before we got on the highway). Did a stop at a gas station in Cheyenne, and continued on our way. I pulled out my laptop and watched Flubber (the Robin Williams version), using my FM system to listen to it. Was nice! We arrived to Denver before the movie was over, but with the traffic and such on the highway, I was able to finish watching it before we got to the Colorado Rockies stadium. Stepdad bought 3 tickets to the Rockies game for himself, his son and grandson (boys' afternoon out at a ball game). Got to the hotel and got all checked in. Drove around quite a bit, hit up a Macy's so stepdad could do some clearance shopping. Then we went to the hair salon stepdad's sister works at. While mom was getting her hair cut, stepdad, his niece, and I walked around a bit and ended up at <a href="http://wizardschest.com/wordpress/" target="_blank">Wizard's Chest</a>. I had never even heard of Wizard's Chest. It's a neat store full of a variety of toys/games/gadgets. Headed back to the salon, hung out until mom was done getting her hair done. We all went to dinner at <a href="http://www.patxispizza.com/" target="_blank">Patxi's Pizza</a>, which was pretty good. Back to the salon so stepdad could get his hair cut, then we headed back to the hotel for the night.<br />
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Melody and I are ready to go!</div>
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watching Flubber on my laptop</div>
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Melody's just chilling</div>
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Colorado Rockies vehicles on display</div>
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checked in at the hotel</div>
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The Wizard's Chest!</div>
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giant lady bugs in trees in the Cherry Creek area</div>
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Today, mom got me up bright and early, of course! Stepdad and I grabbed some breakfast from the continental breakfast set up in the hotel lobby, then headed out to Swedish Hospital for my appointment with the CI audiologist. Mom and I went in while stepdad went to get some stuff for the flower mart. I checked in, and receptionist mentioned that my appointment wasn't until Monday. I had to tell her I was seeing the audiologist. Short wait, then I was led to a sound booth. Audie did some quick testing. Hearing aid alone, CI alone, then both devices off but tested with the headphones on. I failed! I got a few words and one full sentence with the hearing aid; few words with the CI but none of the sentences, and listened for the beeps/tones. Then the audie went and got my mom so we could talk, and she could do some counseling. She said I qualify for the second implant, since I did poorly with the left implant. Should be no problem with Medicare covering the second implant. She talked of the <a href="http://advancedbionics.com/com/en/naida_ci_q70.html" target="_blank">Naida</a> and the <a href="http://advancedbionics.com/com/en/products/hifocus_electrodefamily.html" target="_blank">Mid-Scala array</a> which can help preserve residual hearing of the implanted ear (though it's not always the case). Mom had some concerns of my going bilateral and the implant destroy what little hearing I have left, which is understandable. Audie said I should do much better with the implant in the right ear, since I've worn a hearing aid on that ear since shortly after becoming deaf and having usable hearing (whereas with the left ear, it was a dead ear, no usable hearing, didn't wear a hearing aid since 4th grade, etc.) so doing the left ear was a big gamble. But with the right ear being implanted, we should see improved results more quickly. She also recommended that I get 2 Naidas, instead of one Naida and one Neptune.. I was already considering getting two Naidas myself, it just makes the most sense. I would put a Naida on my left ear, one the right, and be able to take advantage of the newer features and bilateral features of two Naidas. My thinking is that I would have the current Neptune that I have programmed to be a back up for the right ear, and leave the Harmony as is for the left. Just have to decide which color, battery types, and accessories (which I will get all figured out at a later date).<br />
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in the sound booth!</div>
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being tested</div>
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After that, we were on our way. Mom and I chatted some more about all this while we waited for stepdad to come pick us up. After being picked up, we hit up Hobby Lobby, then we hit the road (after navigating traffic jams due to road work and all that insanity!). Ended up in Loveland and had burgers at Red Robin (I had a crispy chicken sandwich instead), and roamed the promenade. Mom and I went into Barnes & Nobel while Rob went over to Macy's to check out their clearance racks. She and I also hit up Famous Footwear before meeting with Rob. Headed over to the Outlet Mall... Rob hit up the Tommy Hilfiger store, mom and I went to Dress Barn and Rocky Mountain Chocolate. Then back on the road again! We stopped in Wheatland to gas up and grab a quick bite from Taco John's, and kept going until we made it home.<br />
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bought a Stephen King book!</div>
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hanging out at the Dress Barn, waiting for mom.</div>
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corn fields!</div>
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uh, there's a buffalo on the hill...</div>
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Yay! Denver trip #1 is done! Home for a couple of days, then we take off again Sunday morning for Denver, for appointment #2, to meet with the surgeon and take it from there. I would like to get the second implant done this coming fall, before November if possible (mom and stepdad both have November birthdays, and with holidays coming up meaning busy schedule for stepdad at the flower mart, and winter = icky winter weather for driving so best to avoid that...) I don't know, we'll see. Let's at least meet with the surgeon and we'll take it from there.<br />
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Just nuts... to go all the way down to Denver for a short audiologist appointment... But surgeon is out this week, and audie isn't on office on Monday, so there was just no way to get both appointments done in one day (like was originally planned). ah well, things happen.CDMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044710560923229179noreply@blogger.com0