Hi all!
Today, I went to see Gena, my cochlear implant audiologist, to discuss which
system I will want to use. It's not a very easy decision, because we can't
try everything, but she told me that, either way, I wouldn't go wrong.
There are two major companies we are looking at: Cochlear Corporation,
whichs been around the longest (1980's), and Advanced Bionics, (1990's)
Each uses different strategies to achieve the same goal of presenting the
most important speech signals. cochlear uses more electrodes than Bionics,
but it sounds like Bionics are able to utilize their fewer electrodes to
achieve similar results, using different strategies. So far, I'm going for
the Cochlear Corp system. Other options within the companies include,
earpiece or body and/or earpiece, color, rechargeable or disposable
batteries. I think I'll go for the earpiece, which fits over your ear like
my behind-the-ear hearing aids but without molds. the magnet inside my skin
will help support the weight. Gena told me that the equipment will come
with a lot of accessories, such as plugs to connect things into electronics
such as stereo or TV, and I think maybe one to plug into the special phone I
already have that has a headphone jack. I plan to research it online. If
anyone is interested in the links, let me know. It would be fun to have
others research with me! One drawback I might face is that I might not
enjoy music quite as much as I have before, but since I still have hearing
in my other ear, my hearing aid might help with that a lot. At least I can
still perform. I hope I can hand over my Christmas project to someone who
can hear better who can mix and master and make other adjustments. Please
pray with me that I'll have the motivation to get done what needs to be
done.
thank you all again for your support!
Please visit my mall!
http://www.mypowermall.net/cgi-bin/pd/pd.cgi?showmpmcard=11941260560.55096435546875.card
Sharon
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