#cochlearimplant – rootedbythewater.blog

Me wearing my Advanced Bionics Marvel cochlear implant processor.

Last Wednesday, February 25, was international cochlear implant day. I’ve been meaning to take a moment to write this blog, but life has been busy lately. I didn’t want to miss an opportunity to write about how this technology has impacted me personally. Almost 20 years ago, I underwent cochlear implant surgery on my right ear. It’s incredible how times flies and how much I rely on and appreciate this technology.

I’d like to clear something up. Cochlear implants don’t restore your natural hearing or bring it back. The sound is different than the way a hearing person hears sound. Cochlear implants stimulate the auditory nerve by electrical impulses to the brain via implanted electrodes. Your brain has to learn how to interpret those signals. It’s takes time, patience and much practice. I’m almost 20 years into the journey and still adjusting. Every time I go to the audiologist for a “map” or computer program update to the processor and implanted device, I have to adjust again. The technology is always evolving and improving and our brains have to adjust every time.

Would I do it again? In a heart beat! This has been such a huge blessing even through there are obstacles to navigate, adding my low vision to the mix makes it even more challenging. Do people around me expect me to hear like normal people? It depends; some do, some don’t . Without my external processor on, which you see in the above picture, I can comprehend no speech. With my processor on I hear most environmental sounds, musical instruments, birds singing, wind chimes, and language. Does my brain process all the language? No, not in my own experience, however compared to my lack of comprehension without it, I think I do above average. Many things factor in such a rate of speech, tone, if a voice carries and then there is back ground noise.

I am so thankful it’s an option and a valuable tool I can use to attempt living a more normal life. (But honestly, normal is overrated.)

I know many people with cochlear implants. Some do remarkably well while others don’t like it. It depends on the person and their individual needs. In a world with many having hearing loss, it is a tool to experience the world of sound. I especially love music. I’m not talking about loud music but rather the harmony and beauty of instruments that are a poetic symphony of beauty. It does my hear good to hear such beautiful things. Birdsong is another favorite, followed by the sound of the ocean. It is such a gift to hear such beautiful things. It’s also a gift to occasionally take a break from daily sounds of electronics and chatter in general. Sometimes my brain needs a break from the over stimulation. That’s okay too. Options are nice.

If you meet someone using cochlear implant technology, take time to project your voice clearly and make sure they can also see your face. Many I know who use this technology will listen and lip read at the same time. Being also visually impaired, I don’t really have that option unless the person is close enough for me to see them. Be patient. We are trying hard to understand. If we don’t get it the first time, perhaps a second or third time will help. Just being real. Regardless, I am so beyond thankful for this gift. God is good always!!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

My Advanced Bionics Marvel Cochlear Implant processor.

Story of life! Seriously, it sort of is. Here’s the thing, almost one week ago I had some big adjustments to my cochlear plant. For some reason over the years, four of my16 implanted electrodes had been turned off for various reasons. In my 18 years of implantation with my cochlear implant, I’ve had differing levels of success or lack there of. If you know, you know 😂 (You can count on me to keep it real.) I love my current Audiology Center called Lakeside Audiology in Fort Mill, SC. I started going there about five years ago after much frustration at my previous hearing center. The team that works with me at Lakeside Audiology sent my files to Advanced Bionics AB (that makes the type of implant I have) in California to have a specialist there review and make recommendations for improvement. Since I also have low vision due to optic nerves issues, I rely heavily on my cochlear implant to help me hear. The AB Specialist made some recommendations to implement. Last Monday when I went for my appointment, three electrodes were turned on that were previously off. I noticed a difference although I couldn’t pinpoint what it was. My levels of pitches were adjusted as well and it was louder. I did better hearing the sounds in the sound booth. I went home, determined to work with the new changes. Little did I know I’d be back four days later.

Tuesday and Wednesday were a blur of activities and I didn’t have time to really pay attention or work with the new adjustments. I did pick up some things I did not notice before but it also really grated on my nerves. Just try to think about it; Each of these electrodes stimulate my auditory nerve allowing me to hear different pitches. Three more had been turned on so my brain was being more stimulated. Thursday I finally had a slower paced day and that’s when I realized it was just too loud for me. I don’t complain but my nerves were “strung” and I was tired from all the effort and simulation. I e mailed the Audiologist and Ron called. I was able to go in Friday to have the levels turned down a bit. Little steps are sometimes needed to make progress. I kept the electrodes on, just had some volume turned down. Now I’m back to listening activities with Sound Success, Word Success and iAngelsound.

I have noticed maybe a little improvement. The thing is, I’m never consistent. I asked my Audi why I have such issues with the rate of speech and she said it is due to the type of hearing loss I have. Neuro sensory relating to my lovely nerves. Seems everything boils down to nerve issues. (Vision and hearing issues) It seems to me that doctors would come up with something to help. What about oxygen therapy treatments? Dietary changes? Supplementation? Come on! I did ask a previous primary Dr. his thoughts on dietary changes to help with nerve issues. His response? “That would take a long time to work. “ That might be true, but “Pop a pill” isn’t the answer to everything. Just being honest here.

Back to my story. On Saturday Mom and I went to our Lit & Latte Book Club that we attend once a month. The ladies went around the table sharing prayer requests before discussing this month’s book selection. I DID understand a little bit during the sharing of prayer requests. Just bits and pieces, some voices better than others, but everyone talked one at a time. Once we began the book discussion I was lost in overlapping chatter and laughter. Mom did help me to follow some of the discussion. At one point I kind of “zoned out”. I told Mom later it’s kind of like going to the gym. You go and get your workout in. When you get tired you leave and it’s over until next time. Not so with hearing rehabilitation. I go and listen intently, but once I’ve had enough, I still have to continue listening. I do have friends with cochlear implants who just take the processor off to give themselves a break but they can see way better than me. Mom and I stopped at a few stores on the way home. When I did finally get home I was beyond exhausted. I laid down at 4 pm and took a two and a half hour nap. Whew!

I’m determined to work with the new changes and God willing my brain will make the connections and comprehension will come. Until then, I will continue to test myself with the various exercises. I was telling the audiologist that it’s a challenge while doing the iAngelsound app as I have to zoom in to see the word selection and the repeat button is over to the side. (On iPad screen) Sometimes I don’t see the word right but hear the sound. Oh Lord have mercy. It’s like a never ending rollercoaster that you want “off of” 😳Thankfully at home I can function fine without the processor although I prefer to have it on. I don’t want to miss “life” happening around me. So the testing goes on. My husband is so used to me having my processor on that when I do take it off and he starts talking, I’m like….. “I don’t have my processor on. Let me put it back on. Okay what did you say?” Yes… that’s an every day thing.

Just a little glimpse at my world. Technology is a marvel. Sometimes I love it and sometimes I want to throw it out the door but I will keep working with it. Eighteen years and counting. God is good and faithful. So thankful for the resilience to keep going, stay real and keep smiling. All for His Glory.