Today, I visited Dr. Diaz-Ordaz’s office for the express purpose of taking the steps necessary to have the other ear (left) implanted. While I originally considered the cochlear implant last year, Dr. Diaz-Ordaz and I were discussing whether to do both at the same time or only one. It was then decided that we would do the right ear since it was my worse and I had “nothing to lose, everything to gain”. I don’t regret making that decision because I think it would have been more difficult to get used to the implants in both ears rather than one at a time. This proved to be the case when I found the hearing aid in my left ear to be more of a distraction instead of being an assistance to the CI in my right ear.
Anyway, the visit was rather routine and a script was written for me to be evaluated at Buffalo Hearing and Speech. We did discuss the issue of the facial twitching I was experiencing and Dr. Diaz-Ordaz explained that he now grafts a piece of bone to keep the electrode array away from the facial nerve. He did indicate that he has been having success with doing this and this was also confirmed by the audiologists. In addition, by going bilateral I can reduce the dependency on my right ear and lower the volume to a point where the twitching is a non-issue. Assuming my insurance company approves, I’ll probably schedule the surgery for January, 2007.
In the meanwhile, a few more “CI moments” – hearing the birds and especially the $%@$#%$))@!#$# Canadian Geese that love to paint anything in their path, green. I am also hearing the planes take off from the airport nearby; Vamoose’s meowing; the rain (when it rains which has been pretty sparingly this spring); the rustling of the leaves in the wind. Speech comprehension is coming somewhat slowly but a lot of that is my fault…I have not been practicing lately. BAD ME!
So, that’s it for now! Time to scoot off to the tv for the Yankee game and more “practicing” using the tv as a “teacher”!
Thanks,smarty pants! I ordered you a lawn mover, should be there in a couple days 🙂 If you ever move and like your lawn at the old place, this will move it for you, lol…..
Sam, good luck with going bilateral. I hope you get a surgery date soon and the insurance company doesn’t give you trouble!
Thanks folks…..oh yea, Laurie…that should be 2008. You were the first one to catch the boo-boo! Unfortunately, you didn’t win anything but when Billy sends me that lawn mover, I’ll forward it down to ya!!
Sam,
Congratulations on your decision to go bilateral. You will not regret it. I hope the insurance process goes smoothly for you. Yes, you will need to reduce the volume and sensitivity with two implants but you will hear SO MUCH BETTER!!! However, January 2007 has already passed. . . . are you sure about the date?!!!
Good luck with your insurance company! Mine is balking so far, but they are supposed to be changing their policy on adult bilaterals this fall…*fingers crossed*…
Jennifer…thanks, I’ll cross my fingers, toes, and eyes for you!
Thanks! We need a new mower!
Sam: I think you did right by doing one ear at a time. Yea, maybe your hindsite says you shoulda, coulda, but I’d side with a conservative approach, or one at a time.