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).
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.
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!
Showing posts with label cochlear implant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cochlear implant. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Denver 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!
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.
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.
on the road!
Casa Bonita!
the water fountain in front of Casa Bonita
got a new light saber from Casa Bonita!
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.
ready for the day!
everything's all scheduled and on this piece of paper
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.
Denver Zoo!
about to be kissed by a bronze snake!
new gorilla friend!
Friday, August 22, 2014
hearing test video
Recorded 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!
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Denver Trip #1
Got 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 Wizard's Chest. 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 Patxi's Pizza, 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.
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 Naida and the Mid-Scala array 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).
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.
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.
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.
Melody and I are ready to go!
watching Flubber on my laptop
Melody's just chilling
Colorado Rockies vehicles on display
checked in at the hotel
The Wizard's Chest!
giant lady bugs in trees in the Cherry Creek area
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 Naida and the Mid-Scala array 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).
in the sound booth!
being tested
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.
bought a Stephen King book!
hanging out at the Dress Barn, waiting for mom.
corn fields!
uh, there's a buffalo on the hill...
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.
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.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Busy weekend!
Whew, I had a busy weekend, for sure! Saturday, I waited for my stepdad and stepbro (and mom and nephew) to go out to my sister's to get the stove that has been sitting in her garage for most of the summer... Sis and her husband got new appliance for their kitchen in their new house, and since I've been wanting a flat-top stove, they kept the old one for me. I did check with the landlord to make sure it was ok to do a switch (hey, they're getting the stove that was in my apartment back to have on hand for another unit that is in need of a functioning stove, and a bonus free stove in my unit!). All good and dandy. Finally was able to do the swap on Saturday.
After everyone left, I started packing up some stuff while still debating on whether or not I should bring my dog out to Alcova Lake. In the end, I left Bryan at home in his crate. I grabbed the package of unopened Keebler's cookies, an unopened box of crackers, my video camera, a towel, sunscreen, the AquaMic for my Neptune, etc... and set out. I actually just got onto Wyoming Blvd. when I realized I left my phone, so of course I went back and got my phone, then for sure set out to the lake. About an hour's drive, but not bad. Made my way to Okie Beach, and drove around slowly until I found the group of deaf folks that were already there. A family were camping and wanted to do a pot-luck with anyone who wanted to come out. We ate, chatted, hung out. Some left early. A few of us went out on the boat. Before walking over to where the boat was docked, I switched from the T-comm/standard headpiece to the AquaMic, and stuck my iPhone in a plastic waterproof casing/bag that I bought, and off I went. The boat ride was fun. Got splashed on a bit, no big deal. Got some pictures and a few short videos with the iPhone. Enjoyed listening to the sounds of the boat, and the waves hitting the boat. Those were some new sounds for me. After boating for a while, we returned to dock, and everyone pretty much started packing up, ready to leave. Wish I could have made it out to the lake a bit earlier but oh well. It was still a good time!
Made the drive back into town, and decided to swing by downtown and check out the balloon fest that was going on. Part of a street downtown were blocked off, and there were several hot air balloon baskets lining the street. People were able to go to the baskets (or even get in) for photo ops, chatting with the balloon person, and pulling the trigger for the fire. Every time a fire blast went off, I jumped. It was loud! Oh man! But it was interesting to roam around for a bit and hanging out. Even ran into my mom, stepdad, and others in the family, so that was fun!
Yesterday, I finally hit up one of the pools at the apartment I live at. The one closest to my apartment still isn't open/ready, not sure why. But the other pool was open, so I walked over to it. I enjoyed the swim with the Neptune on, just floating, listening to the water, the breeze/wind, etc. One girl, who was swimming with her family, asked if I was listening to music. I told her my device was to help me hear. She was cool with it and went back to swimming with her family. Was a really nice day for a swim!
Of course, at random times, I would hear this clicking sound, coming from the Aquamic. I remember other AB users mentioning this online, and that shaking the water out of the AquaMic helped for a bit. So I shook water out of the Aquamic and it would be fine again, until the next time I went under water, then it'd do it again. When I went back inside my apartent, I dismantled the Neptune, removed the battery, and put the naked Neptune and the Aquamic into the Dry n Store for drying.
Also, one of my appointments set for August ended up being rescheduled. Turns out the surgeon is out of office the whole week of August 21. Nice. Made it work out so we'll stay in Denver an extra night, and I'll see the surgeon in the morning of August 25th. Just really awkward timing, as first day of college classes is Aug. 25. Not a big deal, I can work around it. Two classes are strictly online, math is mostly online but with on campus class sessions (I will email the math instructor to give him a head's up), and the ASL class doesn't start until Tuesday, Aug. 26. So I should be ok. I'll have my laptop with me while we're in Denver so I can check in online and such.
After everyone left, I started packing up some stuff while still debating on whether or not I should bring my dog out to Alcova Lake. In the end, I left Bryan at home in his crate. I grabbed the package of unopened Keebler's cookies, an unopened box of crackers, my video camera, a towel, sunscreen, the AquaMic for my Neptune, etc... and set out. I actually just got onto Wyoming Blvd. when I realized I left my phone, so of course I went back and got my phone, then for sure set out to the lake. About an hour's drive, but not bad. Made my way to Okie Beach, and drove around slowly until I found the group of deaf folks that were already there. A family were camping and wanted to do a pot-luck with anyone who wanted to come out. We ate, chatted, hung out. Some left early. A few of us went out on the boat. Before walking over to where the boat was docked, I switched from the T-comm/standard headpiece to the AquaMic, and stuck my iPhone in a plastic waterproof casing/bag that I bought, and off I went. The boat ride was fun. Got splashed on a bit, no big deal. Got some pictures and a few short videos with the iPhone. Enjoyed listening to the sounds of the boat, and the waves hitting the boat. Those were some new sounds for me. After boating for a while, we returned to dock, and everyone pretty much started packing up, ready to leave. Wish I could have made it out to the lake a bit earlier but oh well. It was still a good time!
Made the drive back into town, and decided to swing by downtown and check out the balloon fest that was going on. Part of a street downtown were blocked off, and there were several hot air balloon baskets lining the street. People were able to go to the baskets (or even get in) for photo ops, chatting with the balloon person, and pulling the trigger for the fire. Every time a fire blast went off, I jumped. It was loud! Oh man! But it was interesting to roam around for a bit and hanging out. Even ran into my mom, stepdad, and others in the family, so that was fun!
Yesterday, I finally hit up one of the pools at the apartment I live at. The one closest to my apartment still isn't open/ready, not sure why. But the other pool was open, so I walked over to it. I enjoyed the swim with the Neptune on, just floating, listening to the water, the breeze/wind, etc. One girl, who was swimming with her family, asked if I was listening to music. I told her my device was to help me hear. She was cool with it and went back to swimming with her family. Was a really nice day for a swim!
Also, one of my appointments set for August ended up being rescheduled. Turns out the surgeon is out of office the whole week of August 21. Nice. Made it work out so we'll stay in Denver an extra night, and I'll see the surgeon in the morning of August 25th. Just really awkward timing, as first day of college classes is Aug. 25. Not a big deal, I can work around it. Two classes are strictly online, math is mostly online but with on campus class sessions (I will email the math instructor to give him a head's up), and the ASL class doesn't start until Tuesday, Aug. 26. So I should be ok. I'll have my laptop with me while we're in Denver so I can check in online and such.
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