Sunday, September 25, 2011

Looking Forward To An Informative Month Ahead

I am so nervous! This implant is ALL I can think about. I am just going through the motions of every day waiting until it is my turn. As I said in a previous post, I meet the surgeon October 26th. That is a month away. Ten days before then, I am going to a BEA meeting which should be full of great information. Since the recall ended last month, by this time they will know how things are going as far as getting the implants needed at this time. Lots of people have been waiting and surgeries are happening now but I'm not sure if supply has met demand yet. There is also a new processor coming out that I will be eligible for!! I am really excited about this one and can't wait to find out all about it. It is called the Neptune and is water PROOF! Yes, you can go swimming with this baby! YEA! This processor is not warn behind the ear (like a hearing aid) but is a body warn processor. It is so small that it can be clipped to swimming goggles!

I will get two processors with my implant. One is for back up. This to me is excellent as there is nothing like getting my hearing back only to lose it if something should break. Up until now, most people got two behind the ear processors. I think having one of each will be the best of both worlds. For one thing, I'm not sure I will like the behind the ear. My hearing aids were never comfortable but something I had no choice over. At least with the implant, there are no ear molds! That was the most uncomfortable. I do however want the BTE because of my hopes to use a phone again. This processor has what is called a T-Mic which fits right in the ear canal so I can use a phone just like you hearing people! I have not used a phone in so many years now that I'm not sure I will get back in the habit of that but it will be nice to be able to if the need arrives. Also to stay connected with my family. There is also a "holder" for the BTE that has a clip so you could wear it elsewhere. I am going for that option too. This is mostly used by children but hey, I just a big kid. :-)

I have only heard of one adult that preferred the body warn processor but I really think I might just fall in this category. He says he would rather others not know he is HOH/deaf so he clips it to his belt and it looks like another phone/pager etc. Most don't like it because of the wire. That will definitely be something to get use to (and keep my cat from attacking) but I think it might be easier to get use to than a BTE. So many decisions to make! There are also two types of batteries, a slim cell and a power cell. The slim is smaller/lighter but doesn't give as many hours as a power cell. I don't know if I can handle the weight of a power cell but would love the added time. We get four so I'm going for two of each. I will only open one of each and try them out and the unopened one can be exchanged if I need to. I also have colors to choose. I will bet when I go to the surgeon there will be something else to decide on that I have given no thought to. I sure hope I make all the right decisions because there is no re-do. I have my list of questions for the surgeon that I am adding to all the time. Maybe in my next post I'll get the scanner out and should you some of the choices I have.

2 comments:

  1. wow-Who knew there would be so manh decisions to make when it comes to regaining your hearing? I am SO excited for you, Kris! I can't wait for you to get back into the world of hearing again! I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday- xo Diana

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  2. That was many decisions...NOT manh decisions!;>) xo Diana

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