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