As the last year falls away...

Here we are, at the end of another year.  2011 has certainly taught some difficult lessons.  I finally took some notes so I won't repeat mistakes.  (I hope!)

I keep trying to look back and reflect on this past year, but the future beckons and I find myself looking forward instead.  Maybe that is how it should be?

Less than 24 hours and we will have started a new year - 2012.  A birthday in less than 48 hours.  Surgery in 30 days.  Stepping back into a world of sound in February.

For me, activation may end up as my "New Year."  There are so many sounds I want to hear again.  Realistically, I know that rebuilding my hearing will be a process that takes patience, persistence, and practice.  I fret a bit about what others will expect of me once I'm implanted - but that's another blog post.  Today is about hopes and wishes.

Getting to enjoying the music that Alexandra brings to life when she sings.  Listening to Victoria - because she has so much to share.  Hearing Brittany's voice again...it was the first to disappear.  Conversations with my mom, dad, and Kristin - where I don't get lost watching lips.  Getting the "inside joke" at work, instead of being the joke because I completely missed it. (Whatever "it" is!)   Traveling.  Stepping outside of the "box" again.  Running...on the road...and knowing what is around me.  Talking with friends.  Traveling and not being dependent on everyone else to tell me what's happening.  Visiting with family...I'm hoping to talk my cousins into another reunion. (I couldn't attend the last one, and the last time I saw them all, I struggled to understand what they said.)

Hearing life - and living.

2012 should be a wonderful year!!


<3

I have a date!

Happy Thanksgiving!  Oh, wait…that was last month.

Gobble Gobble!

I probably should have posted something around Thanksgiving, but the holiday was a bit harder than I thought that it would be.  Being surrounded by family certainly helped – and provided lots of opportunities to people watch!   

For the past month I have been busy doing research, creeping around on CI forums, and asking lots of questions.  I figured that if and when the time came for me to decide on a processor, I’d be way ahead of the game.

Guess what?  I’m not.

Tuesday, December 13th was my evaluation.  I really was not expecting to get the green light so soon.  I thought there would be more hoops to jump through - more time off work, more appointments to schedule.  Instead, there was testing.  Lots of testing.  There were also voices in a box speaking Swahili.  I was supposed to let my Audiologist know what words I understand.

I scored 0% with no visual cues.  (And the voices were really in English, saying things such as: "She dropped the towel on the floor.")  

Several hours later, I walked out with a date.  (Not THAT kind of date!)

Mark your calendars:  

January 30, 2012
(This is also my mom's birthday!!)

The surgery itself should take about 2 ½ hours – total, for bilateral cochlear implants.  My surgeon even assured me that he’d try to make sure the implants are even.  Nothing beats having a surgeon that understands female vanity!  I should be discharged the same day with the Princess Leia wrap, pain meds, and a pretty bad headache.  Should make for some interesting FaceBook photo uploads!

~     ~     ~

With any surgery, there are risks from the general anesthesia.  

• There is a slight chance of facial paralysis.  In order to prevent damage, nerve monitors will be placed on my face near my eyes, so when I wake up, I’ll most likely look like I was in a fist fight – and lost!
• The risk of meningitis is increased in recipients of cochlear implants, so as a preventative measure I’ll need a pneumococcal vaccine at least two weeks prior to surgery. (Finding this vaccine is proving to be a daunting task.) 
• Taste loss or altered taste is fairly common and usually only temporary – but it can be permanent. (I'm sure there are better ways to diet.) 
• Dizziness is normal (or so I'm told!) for the first few days afterwards – so I’ll be taking a full week off from work.  (This is probably one of the only times that I won't try to work while on "vacation".)  

DECISIONS DECISIONS

I also need to decide which implant and processor I want to go with since I'll be living with this equipment for quite some time.  I’ve already ruled out Cochlear America.  They’ve had some issues lately with recalls and trust is a huge thing for me.

One down – two to go.  That leaves Advanced Bionics and Med EL.

Advanced Bionics (AB) and Med EL both have a lot to offer, which is making the decision a difficult one.

Advanced Bionics -

•          Dual firing electrode array for more sound depth
•          Neptune processor can be worn off the ear (in the hair, on the arm, or in a pocket AND can be used for swimming)
•          T-Mic instead of basic T-Coil option
•          Harmony BTE (behind the ear) model is water resistant
•          2 microphones
•          3 stored programs
•          Upgradeable
•          No remote control
•          2 processors per ear (1 for use, one for backup )
•          Partnered with Phonak (a leading hearing aid manufacturer)
•         Cool skins to dress up the processor!
•          HearingJourney forums and Listening Room for practicing…well…listening!
•          Likelihood of retaining any residual hearing is very slim

Harmony Processor

Neptune - for water adventures!

~     ~     ~

This is the Opus2 w/Maestro and remote

Med EL

•          Thinner, longer electrodes for deeper pitches
•          A thin remote that works for both processors – no need to 2 remotes
•          Upgradeable
•          2 processors per ear (1 for use, one for backup )
•          Comes in multiple colors!
•          Thinnest processor on the market
•          “Out the door” activation may provide more immediate understanding
•          Moisture resistant
•          50/50 chance of retaining some residual hearing (at least until the progressive loss snags it)

o   If I did manage to retain some hearing – I wouldn’t know for 4 – 6 weeks after the surgery

There are still some questions to ask and I won't lie and say that I'm not a bit nervous...but I'm excited about the possibilities.  After all, the possibilities are endless!

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

<3