The journey of Claire's cochlear implant

3-monthly tune up

2009-02-21T16:24:00.002Z

I had been so excited all week as my 3-monthly tune up was approaching. I knew I would do well as I had been picking up so many little things on a daily basis. At my workplace, I am beginning to hear people saying the odd sentences in the background.

Yesterday, I met Sarah, one of the Audiologists who I never met before. She tested the sounds by me pressing the button using my CI and hearing aid so she can update my audiogram and see if there was any change from the previous one. The result was at 15dB(HL) across the frequency range tested (250Hz – 4 kHz). I then did the same test as before (without lipreading) and my BKB score was 84% keywords correct. That had improved from 61% at 1 month post. I was so chuffed!!

Workshops all day

2009-02-10T22:36:00.004Z

Last week, I wanted to find out more about the accessories for my CI make - COCHLEAR NUCLEUS FREEDOM so I attended a morning workshop to learn more. It was really interesting and I met other CI users who have the same model as me. We were given three pieces of equipment to test. First, we had fun trying out with an ipod/CD player. It was funny seeing others how they react when listening to music. I had been practising with my ipod for a little while and the types of music sound different compared to my other hearing aid. Secondly, we were asked to plug a cable to watch the video of Dr Dolittle. I found that difficult because the video player plays a hum in the background. As it was an American film, I could not understand Eddie Murphy because he was talking so fast plus there was a music background. Thirdly, I was given a go listening to the music player. They turned on various types of music, using the CI/cable or CI alone. I have found I would listen to the music without the cable. I am glad I attended because it gave me the chance to try things out and was able to learn more that I did not discover.

Later on in the afternoon, I attended another workshop called "Using Your Voice Well". It provided practical hints and tips on maintaining a healthy voice. The Speech Therapists gave us plenty of ideas to keep our voice sounding great and feeling comfortable. I realised that I must drink plenty of water and drink less caffeine!!

My first talk - 28th January

2009-01-31T14:39:00.007Z

I had been asked to attend the User Group at the SOECIC to give out a talk about my own experience. I met another CI called Lesley who also been asked to come along and talk her own journey. She was a lovely person to meet. It was really nice to share our own experiences even though we were a little nervous in front of others who were thinking about having a CI! Nikki the Hearing Therapist who conducted the group, asked us some questions. The audience were a mixture of ages and at the beginning, they looked a bit petrified! I think in the end, they were more relaxed as me and Lesley made them understand better listening to CI users. We received a praise as they clapped for us. We felt even lucky as Nikki said that, the audience in the past user groups have never clapped before so we were the first ones!!

Welcome to 2009!

2009-01-05T22:18:00.005Z

Here I am writing my first post for 2009. Since I had my monthly tune up, there have been some small improvements with my implant and surprisingly, little noises have crept up on me! I have been told by some people that my speech has improved and that I speak more clearly. I’m still picking up the odd word without looking at their lips. More interestingly I have been able to hear my parents’ pretty well from a distance. The other task I wanted to try was to have a group conversation. I managed to get some of it but I know it just takes time. I was in Birmingham for Christmas and we had a big family dinner. There were some people that I hadn’t met before and I had the chance to understand them when meeting for the first time. Although they had a “brummie” accent and it took a while to understand them in the end.

During the past few weeks, I had been catching up with some friends who have young children. I have never been able to understand what young children are saying unless they talk to me very clearly in front of me! I caught up with my friend Joanne with her two twins, Keira and Jack. The twins adore me so much, crying out for my attention. I really loved seeing them. They have said the odd words and I hope when they get older, I will be able to understand them better. On 19th December I became an Aunty for the second time to Dannan (Danny). He is absolutely beautiful! I’m still practising understanding my other nephew Zac who is only 2. I’m determined to interact more with children and communicate better with them.

What have I heard more so far.....? The fireworks on NYE and I have never heard anything so LOUD!!!! I love hearing birds singing in the mornings... the washing machine alerts when I’m in the next room... supermarket announcement - got some of the words “special offer” and “buy one get one free!” I have listened to my IPod more and I can hear some of the lyrics. One morning I had Rice Krispies for breakfast and I actually heard SNAP, CRACKLE and POP!!!!

The best thing that has happened to me in 2008.... Well I would definitely say having the cochlear implant. It was exactly a year ago I had decided to explore my options of having a CI and I'm really pleased I have made it happen.

As the New Year has arrived, I’m really excited to discover more with my implant and have more practice with conversations. I would like to try my luck using the telephone/mobile and communicate with my family and friends more. I’m hoping to get involved more and help others who are thinking about having a CI.

Monthly activation

2008-12-04T21:32:00.007Z

What a week! I went back to full time basis at work this week and it has been tiring! I had been picking up news sounds which was incredible! One morning on my way to work, I passed by a river and I heard the ducks quacking at a distance! I really couldn't believe it and maybe they were trying to catch my attention to test me!

Yesterday was an exciting day as I had my monthly tune up and activation. I had a hearing test with the CI implant and hearing aid with CUNY (with lipreading) and BKB (without lipreading). Here are the results showing before implant and with implant:

CUNY - 16% before implant and 61% with implant
BKB - 73% before implant and 95% with implant

I was really pleased with the outcome and didn't expect to achieve a higher percentage! I have noticed recently that I have been picking up new small sounds but also catch the odd word or two. I have started to practice conversations with people without looking at their lips but it will take time. Now I'm looking forward to hearing more unusual sounds!

Back to normal!

2008-11-24T16:40:00.012Z

I know I haven't written for a little while. The past few weeks has been touch and go trying to adjust to normal life. I returned to work last week with part time hours for a 2-week trial. When entering into my office for the first time, it was actually noisy, (although I work in an open plan office). I could almost hear what everyone is doing! I really can't stand hearing the paper rustling! It just felt good to hear another person talking across the room. Now I realised how hearing people has to put up with when I missed out on these things. I was a little nervous when I caught the train (as I commute every day) and I could just about hear every single thing going on in the carriage! The announcement drives me insane!

I'm getting used to my implant now and I have picked up little things that it hasn't occured before. It makes me smile and even more excited what more is to come! I have my tune up next week so it'll be interesting to see what my audiogram looks like and see if it has improved.

2nd Tuning

2008-11-07T19:17:00.003Z

Since I got switched on, I have found myself asking "what's that". The hardest part was putting the processor on every morning because it sounded like a loud and bashing squeaky sound. It soon calmed down afterwards. I went back for my 2nd tuning today and this time my dad came with me for moral support. When I waited at the centre, I could hear the clock ticking. I met Helen again and recognised her voice well. We did some tests with the implant alone and I had to hear 3 beeps in sequence. She made some adjustments that made me feel comfortable and I had to concentrate really hard. Then a few moments later, I found it too loud because it was shaking my brain a bit!! Afterwards I had a rehab and met Julie, the Speech Therapist and we talked about using the syllables. I had some practice to see if I could hear her voice using the implant. I did really well but will continue to practice. I am heading back again on Tuesday for my weekly audiology.

Switch on - Guy Fawkes!!

2008-11-05T18:40:00.001Z

The moment of the truth finally arrived! I was feeling calm, excited and not too nervous because I wasn't expecting too much to happen. My mum came with me to watch the switch on. I met Helen the Audiologist and she explained the procedure and I removed my other hearing aid. I placed my processor on my head for the very first time and I was being so careful about the magnet as it met. It felt strange wearing it but I soon got used to it after a while. I was prepared to hear some beeps sounds. Helen discovered that 22 electrodes were working and only one of them doesn't work but that didn't make any difference. So I was raring to go and then 5 minutes later I heard the beeps!!! It made me jump but it certainly made me smile! That was a good sign and then she turned it on. It certainly made me smile even more! Helen was talking to me and I picked up some of what she said. It sounded so squeaky! My mum was asked to say something to see if I could hear her well. I understood her sounds but too not clear. We both felt emotional and tried not to have tears because we were both happy that the impant was really working. I found it a bit clear once I put my hearing aid back on and I was getting the balance of hearing from both ears. As time went by, I began to understand Helen a bit clear and when she was picking up some paperwork, I could hear the paper rustling and it drove me mad!!! I certainly heard my voice well too! Helen made some adjustments to my processor that suits me. I was given "program 1" and then I would come back 2 days later (Friday) for another tuning. I was keen to go outside and see what I could hear. I didn't pick up much and once we drove home, I actually heard the car indicators for the first time and it made me happy! I picked up so many little things for the rest of the day, for example we decided to go to the supermarket. I was pushing the trolley along the aisle and all the sudden I heard a man's voice behind me (didn't understand what he said but just the tone of his voice) and I never heard it before. When I got home I wanted to email my dad how it went and I couldn't believe I could even hear the keyboard tapping as I typed!! I was really pleased by today's events and the emotions I faced. I felt so worn out by early evening. I know I just have to be patient and know it will get clearer as time goes by.

Date for the Switch On

2008-10-24T23:00:00.001+01:00

I received a letter this morning that 5th November has been set for my switch on which is under 2 weeks! Wow - I can't believe how the time has gone quick since my operation.

I'm slowly getting better each day. Sometimes I just lose balance and feel dizzy. Yesterday I went out for the first time on my own. It was good to get out of the house for a bit and get some fresh air. I have been having trouble sleeping on my implanted side as the scar is still a bit swollen. I guess that will take time to heal properly. My hair is still growing back fast!

21st October - Post Operation

2008-10-22T20:38:00.002+01:00

Yesterday, I went to see Mr Ashcroft who removed the steri strips and the pack from inside my ear. That day I had been so itching to have them to removed and also had been counting the days to have a hair wash!!! He was pleased all was well and that the scar looked very neat. The first thing I did when I got home was dash the bathroom and have a good hair wash with the help of my mum of course. I felt so much better afterwards and it was so good to smell my hair again. Patience has paid off!!! I was able to see the scar behind the mirror and I was impressed. The scar feels numb and a little swollen. I still have to be careful not to let my scar catch an infection.

After meeting with Mr Ashcroft, I had an appointment with my Audiologist Yvette to explain the new CI. When I was escorted to the room, the first thing I saw was a big box of my new CI Nucleus Freedom. She told me not to worry but I was excited to see what they had to offer! I was shown the processor and all the other accessories. Here is what the processor looks like:

On the road to a recovery.....

2008-10-19T21:47:00.000+01:00

These are the pictures since I came out of hospital. You can see how much my hair has grown back quite quickly. I still haven't had a hair wash and I'm not allowed to until Tuesday when I see the surgeon Mr Ashcroft when he removes the steri-strips. It has been a bit frustrating but draining.

2 days after the Op.

4 days after the Op.

A week on since the Op.

Amost 2 weeks since the op.

8th October - Operation Day!

2008-10-14T02:34:00.000+01:00

This was a big day for me and I was feeling very calm. I arrived at the Nuffield Hospital in Chandlers Ford at 7am. I was shown to my own room and then the nurse came in to go through some questions and took my blood pressure. Mr Ashcroft, the surgeon came in at 7:45am telling me the operation has been slightly delayed - I really thought he was going to cancel my operation!!!! I was given some pressure socks and got changed into hospital gown. Then there was a waiting period and I was twiggling my thumbs. Someone knocked on the door and it was the Anaesthetist. He had a look at my file and asked me more questions. I thought he was cute and he reminded me of Colin Firth!!!! At 8:30am I was called to walk to the theatre with the Sara the nurse. I hugged my mum and I was being really brave to carry on walking after I said my goodbyes! I was asked to lay on the bed and the theatre staff put all the pads on, the cannula in. Then the mask was put on my face and the drugs were put in.

I remember waking up and saw the clock at 1:30pm. The nurse came over and asked me if I was feeling okay. I didn't feel too good and they gave me some pain relief. Sara the nurse came to take me back to my room. I had a bumpy ride on the way feeling sick! My mum was waiting in the room. An hour later, a different nurse gave me an injection of antibiotics. My mouth was really dry and I needed a sip of water. The nurses came in every so often to check on me and take my blood pressure. I was really hungry since I hadn't eaten for over 12 hours. They gave me a cup of tea with rich tea biscuits. I felt something wasn't right with me and my instincts were right - that I was feeling sick again!!! My friend Charlotte came to visited me with the balloons. It certainly cheered me up. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling too well again and the nurses gave me some stronger painkillers to stop being sick again. Mr Ashcroft came into see me and said that the operation was successful. At dinner time, I felt brighter and ate something small. I was feeling very tired afterwards and the nurse came in and gave me another injection of antibiotics. It was really slow to get it all in and it wasn't nice at all.

I didn't get a good night sleep as it was a bit uncomfortable sleeping with the bandage on. At 9:30am I was called in to have an x-ray and was escorted on a wheelchair. When I came back to my room, my mum was there. That day I was feeling much better and had more of an appetite. My dad and step-mum Nikki came to visit with my nephew Zac. That afternoon for the first time, I sat on the chair and took a slow walk along the corrider with the nurse.

The next day, I was eager to get my bandage removed as it was getting so heavy. Judi the nurse made me happy that morning as she called in after I woke up and told me that she would be taking the bandage off. I couldn't wait and finished off my breakfast. Judi took it off and she brushed and put my hair up. I asked if I could see it with the mirror behind in the bathroom and I was surprised with the amount of hair had been shaven off!!! I was discharged just before lunchtime and was given some painkillers and antibiotics.

Operation Date has been set!!

2008-09-26T07:01:00.000+01:00

I received an email this morning that the funding has taken place and that they got a date for the operation - 8th October!!!! I accepted but I couldn't believe it was so quick and that I'm actually going in under two weeks!! I felt so overwhelmed and told all my family and friends the best news!!!

I'm accepted!

2008-09-19T06:34:00.000+01:00

After all the waiting, I got a letter from SOECIC that I have been accepted to have a cochlear implant!!!! I was thrilled!! They said they had applied for the funding and once it has been approved, they would find a slot for the operation - usually they would let me know 4 weeks in advance. Whoo-hoo!!!

Expectations Meeting

2008-08-22T05:59:00.000+01:00

I met again with Nikki, the Hearing Therapist and she wanted to know my expectations should I have an cochlear implant. She asked me various questions and it was really hard to answer. I did not give her a lot of high hopes as only I know what will happen is after the switch on.

MRI Scan - 2nd attempt

2008-08-19T03:40:00.000+01:00

I had received another letter from Southampton General saying that I had to go back and repeat another MRI scan to take more pictures. I was not best pleased because I didn't want to go through that all again. It went quicker than I expected.

Vaccination jab

2008-08-13T23:58:00.000+01:00

I went to see my doctor and have my jab done for Pneumoccal Meningitis to prevent any bacterial infection when having the cochlear implant. I was very brave and didn't feel a thing!! I had side effects the next day but felt much better by the weekend.

CT & MRI Scans

2008-08-12T06:16:00.000+01:00

I attended at Southampton General Hospital for my CT and MRI scans. I was feeling really nervous but thankfully my mum came with me to support me. The CT scan lasted about 10 minutes and the MRI was 20 minutes long. The MRI was a horrible experience for me as I had to keep still and not move an inch. It felt like being in washing machine!! I was so relieved when it was all over.

Day Two - Meetings

2008-07-24T05:45:00.000+01:00

I attended a user group meeting and met 2 other ladies who had been implanted successfully. They told us their stories from the moment they had their operations and the important day when they had a switch on. It was really interesting to hear and it gave us the opportunity to ask them questions.

Day One - Assessments

2008-07-22T20:48:00.000+01:00

This morning I met with Nikki Stephens who was the Hearing Therapist. She wanted to hear my background and every day situations on how I currently cope. She confirmed that I was good lip speaker.

I wasn't looking forward to taking the next assessment which was the audiology repeat assessment. I did better than the last time but I still struggled to understand the words from the speakers. Yvette said that she felt really bad for putting me through this difficult test!

After lunch, Yvette carried out another test by putting the electrodes on my head so she could see the brainwave and responses. I had to keep still for 20 minutes.

Afterwards I met the Speech and Language Therapist, Sarah. She was getting to know me and how I was taught to speech from young age. She explained that I spoke really well and that she was confident that I would be eligible to have a cochlear implant.

Finally I met Mr Peter Ashcroft, the surgeon who would be operating me if I was successful on having a CI. He looked inside my ears and looked at my audiograms. He said that my hearing was very poor. Having looked at the latest audiograms and the various tests carried out, he offered me an implant.

The whole day was positive but tiring and tomorrow I will be back for day two assessments.

Audiology Initial Assesmment

2008-07-02T03:03:00.000+01:00

I was met by Yvette who was the Scientist Audiologist and she carried out some hearing tests in both of my ears. I had to listen to the sounds per ear with the headphones (without the hearing aids) and responsed any sounds I could hear.

The next task I was asked to do was watched a tv screen and understand what the man was saying by not wearing hearing aids. I had to repeat this procedure with my hearing aids on. It was very tiring having to concentrate. Yvette explained that I did well with my aids on because I can lip read better as well as the sounds.

The last task was very hard to do. Yvette asked me to listen to the sentences coming out from the speakers. I managed to pick up at least a word or two. The result came out 6%.

I was very pleased to get home as I felt so exhausted. Unfortunately I was told I had to repeat those tests again in a fortnight time.

Introduction to Assessment

2008-06-24T02:56:00.000+01:00

I met with the SOECIC team for the first time and I had my first assessment which was the introduction part. Two other hearing impaired people came along and we were given an overview on how the whole process works. We were shown the choices of the cochlear implants and what to expect overall.

Assessment dates

2008-05-03T05:19:00.000+01:00

I received a letter from the SOECIC that the funding has been approved for me to take part in the assessments. I was happy to hear that it was going ahead. I was given several appointments to get started.

Referral for Assessment at SOECIC

2008-03-18T00:28:00.000Z

I met with Dr. Melanie Collins, the ENT Consultant at Salisbury District Hospital. I explained to her that I would like to explore my possibility of having a cochlear implant as my right ear has worsened. She agreed to refer me to the South of England Cochlear Implant Centre, based in Southampton. Funding was required for me to take part in the assessment.

Appointment letter

2008-02-12T04:02:00.000Z

I received a letter from Salisbury District Hospital that they have made an appointment for me to see the ENT Consultant on 17th March, 2008.

Referral to the ENT Consultant

2008-01-15T20:02:00.000Z

Today I went to see my Doctor to see if I can get a referral to see the ENT Consultant. He was happy to refer me and await for an appointment date.