Activation Update

This is the 4th day since the implant was turned on.  I am on the schedule of gradually increasing the amplification (volume) of it, a notch every couple of days.  I found out I don't need to wait 3 days unless it is uncomfortable... so I am using two. Now on the 3rd step.  I continue to be pleased.

As I fool around with headphones, I have determined that the "implant ear" is now about the same, in terms of hearing voices, that my other ear is without any aid in it.  That is good.  I can expect the Implant Ear will get better with each step up.

The "fidelity" of the Implant Ear, however, is not yet "natural."   A man with a pleasant resonant voice sounds a bit like Barny Fife.. a little tinny or twangy.  That is very similar to what the old hearing aids produced as well.  I am hopeful/optimistic that they will be able to improve on this when I go back in (in 6 weeks or so) for an updated setting.   Right now, the major objective is to fine the most useful upper and lower volume settings. And to let my brain start to filter out the "internal noises" of chewing, swallowing, and my own speech.  They always sound load with each change in the volume.. but I also know that in a short time one doesn't notice them any more than a "normal" person does.

Overall,  is a bit hard to make a good comparison between "now and before" as for the last two months I have had no hearing at all in the Implant Ear.   So, of course, anything is an improvement. There is a BIG benefit to "always having an aid in", even at night.

So, I am feeling pleased about the whole project to this point.

All Went Well

We just now (6:00 PM) got back from my session to have the device "activated".  The MD checked the ear and that was fine.  Then after an hour delay (the first time an appointment did not start right on time) I met with the audiologist and the Esteem "engineer."   It works.  Big sigh. But there is still quite a ways to go, which I was not fully aware of.  They turned it on, and then I went through a battery of audio tests to get it initially programmed.  Now I start a protocol of stepping up the volume through 15 increments, with 3 days at each.  This gets my ear, and me, accustomed to the device as the ear continues to heal.  So this will take 45 days or so.  Then back to the audiologist where they will test again, fine tune the programming, and create 3 alternative programs I can use for different situations.

I entered into this whole adventure with rather modest expectations.  So far they have been met.  I have thought that if the new device works at least as well as the exiting hearing aids I have been wearing (which are a lot better than nothing but still not great) that would still be a big plus in that I will not constantly have to be taking them in and out because of rain, sweat, etc... or Carol having to try to determine if I have them in or not when she wants to say something to me.

So with the experience of just a couple of hours, I think the implant will be noticeably better, due to improved clarity of what I can hear.  It is too early to really tell much because the volume is set so low.. but my best guess now is that I will be very pleased that I have had this done.

More later as things progress....

Nothing New

Nothing really to report.   We are waiting for the "activation date" on Aug 14 when I am scheduled to have the new hearing implant "turned on."  All seems fine.  Coolest July on record for Houston.  Although hot an humid as usual... only mid 90's vs low 100's as usual.  And, rain from time to time.