Cochlear implants

Hi globug,

I have bilateral Meniere's and bilateral cochlear implants (CIs). I've had my left CI for ten years and my right CI for five years. With CIs my hearing went from over 120 dB down in both ears to only 20 dB down in both ears (considered to be low normal hearing). Meniere's patients usually do well with CIs. My CIs have fixed the distortion, hyperacusis, and recruitment. I am able to enjoy music, tv, and use the phone and cellphone without a telecoil. Also with bilateral CIs I have directivity again. I can tell where sounds are coming from. An added benefit is the CIs markedly improved my tinnitus and when my CIs are turned on my tinnitus is completely masked. CIs gave me my freedom back. I feel confident going out in public without depending on my wife to be my interpreter. Friends and relatives sound just like they did before I had Menieres. I can hear leaves blowing down the street again. CIs are the best thing I've ever done for myself, and my family. Please note that I have had a very good experience with CIs. Most do, but there are some who do not. I hope this helps.

Best regards and good luck,

AKJim

 

This is such wonderful news! Thanks, Jim.

 

Hi globug,

Happy New Year!

I had my left ear implanted first. My left ear was so bad that I figured I had nothing to lose. The F.D.A. has evidently eased the requirements for getting a cochlear implant (CI). When I got mine you had to have profound hearing loss in both ears to qualify for a CI. I understand now they are considering allowing CIs for people with unilateral deafness.

I also had 3 perilymphatic fistulas (plfs) in my right ear. I had them patched twice. The first patch worked for about three months and then it blew. The second patch was successful and it stopped the severe vertigo I was having from the plfs, but the hearing loss continued. My neuro-otoligist thinks I probably had plfs in my left ear too, because I lost my hearing in that ear so fast.

Both of my CI surgeries went well. I did have some mild vertigo for a few hours after both surgeries, but it resolved pretty quickly. There are risks with CI surgery, but the odds against them are in way in your favor.

As far as which implant company to go with, it is my understanding that all three are pretty similar. Both of my implants are made by Cochlear Americas http://www.cochlear.com/wps/wcm/connect/us/home/take-the-next-step/request-a-free-information-guide?utm_campaign=Cochlear_Brand&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=cochlear%20implants&utm_content=cochlear_brand&gclid=CNDJ8Yu2oNECFVNufgodZ6QEbg. I am extremely happy with them. Their new N6 processor has some really neat wireless accessories: The Mini Mic 2+, the Phone Clip, and a TV streamer. I own the Phone Clip and the Mini Mic 2+ and they both work very well.

Also Cochlear Americas sponsers meetings in most states. We have them four times a year up here in Anchorage. They are very informative. There is probably a Cochlear volunteer near you who would be more than happy to talk to you about the CI journey.

Best regards,

AKJim

 

p.s. If I had to do it again would I? Absolutely!

 

Having cochlear implant surgery this months.
Have bilateral MM and hearing aids don`t work for me anymore.
Looking forward to join the hearing world again!

 

Hi globug,

Actually the PLF surgeries weren't that bad. They were done under local anesthetic and mild sedation. I was actually able to talk to the surgeon while he was doing the surgery. The interesting thing is that once he applied the patches, I felt immediate relief.

Best regards,

AKJim

 

Hi Paris 48,

Congratulations! I think you will be happy with the results. Once you get activated, the important thing is to listen, listen, listen all you can. Keep a radio, or tv playing in the background as much as possible. Let us know how things go.

Best of luck,

AKJim

 

Jim is a very valuable to resource to this forum and he has been especially to me over the years. He is a man that has zero vestibular function in both ears, 2 cochlear implants and lives an active, fun, normal life filled with good family and friends and travels abroad.

Don't give up, Jim is living proof to not let menieres control your life and relinquish you to anxiety and depression.

thank you Jim for all you have meant to me and other members of this forum over the years. You are an inspiration!!!

joe/bulldogs

 

Thank you Joe. Nice to hear from you.

 

Paris, wondering how the cochlear implant is doing? Have you adjusted to the sounds, did it take much time? I've been waffling on getting it done & figure its time to get off my butt.