tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26315373082397753092024-02-08T09:11:04.562-08:00New discoveriesA late-deafened adult, regaining hearing again with a Cochlear Implant and the various discoveries of the world of soundNikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-37860625984821158032017-10-17T21:09:00.001-07:002017-10-23T02:37:56.196-07:00Going bilateralEleven years after my first cochlear implant, I have decided to go bilateral.
I have 2 young children now so I want to hear them better.
I came to the realisation one day that there was really no need for me to have a 'bad side' anymore.
So next week I have surgery and I expect to be very dizzy so not looking forward to recovery.
And switch on will be 23 November :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-44979322526860917462013-01-10T16:10:00.002-08:002013-01-10T16:10:55.019-08:00Hearing aidI still have a hearing aid in my non-implanted ear but close to christmas the sound just... disappeared.
So went to the local hearing aid place who baulked at how old it was (it's analogue) but apparently Phonak still service/maintain these so they sent it off.
The hearing aid place rang me on my mobile and I could hear!!! :))))) But they said Phonak couldn't fix it :( So I have an appointment to get a new one. I've done a bit of research and the new aids sound very whizz-bang these days!! Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-91483727937035945002011-10-03T20:52:00.000-07:002011-10-03T20:54:21.763-07:005 years onHere is my take on the difference between normal hearing and the CI:<br /><br />The sound is different to normal hearing, it is a bit more robotic. There are still difficulties with background noise. Hearing people might be able to hear conversations across the room.. I can't, people need to be fairly close to me so I can hear.<br /><br />I can talk on the phone, so I don't need to lipread. I can hear sounds like sand falling on floors, but sometimes need to ask what it is if I don't recognise it. <br /><br />I prefer having subtitles for movies and TV, usually because the background has music. But that is my preference, I know some CI users who manage without it.<br /><br />I make it sound awful, I've just listed all the drawbacks! <br /><br />BUT - the CI gives enough dB that speech can be understood without lipreading and that is such a blessing. <br />It gave me a confidence that I had lacked, I am now sure of myself that I have heard something right and can join in group conversations better, rather than hanging back wondering if I've heard correctly and looking like a dickhead if I'm not on the same subject.<br />There are a lot of sounds (like computer beeping, doorbells) that I can hear again and little things like that make the CI all worth it.<br /><br />It is definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made to get implanted, being late-deafened in in an oral family, it has improved my quality of life immeasurably!<br /><br />There is a wonderful webpage which shows hearing people what it sounds like to a CI recipient: http://www.pbs.org/saf/1205/features/Interactive/intro1.htm<br /><br />So, saying all this and saying how great the CI is, I would recommend it to people, especially to people in "hearing" families but I'm not going to scorn people that don't want one, it is a very personal decision afterall!!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-17216068307309182432011-08-11T18:26:00.001-07:002011-08-11T18:26:57.737-07:00Dogs and cords do not mixLast night, we were watching Red Riding Hood. This didn't have subs, so I connected the CI to the TV (via a cord), to make things clearer/louder for me.
<br />
<br />Anyway, about halfway through the movie, Taffy decides she wants to go outside and walks into the cord, ripping my CI off my ear.
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<br />Apparently I scared the hell out of everyone (Stu, Taffy, birds) when I yelled out at Taffy to get her to stop. Oops. I am a bit protective of my $8000 ear piece :P
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<br />Found it on the floor, minus the little clear earhook that helps it balance on my ear. I didn't realise they came off :P I even have spares in my CI box of tricks. But Stu found my original one so it could sit on my ear again and I made sure the cord was on the ground properly so Taffy could walk OVER it, not THROUGH it.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-39464428268095724072011-07-20T18:38:00.000-07:002011-07-20T18:41:22.813-07:00Reddit againIt seems that Reddit has posted my vid again.<br /><br />HI REDDIT! <br /><br />And since all my mobile phone posts, I actually got myself an iPhone which doesn't have T-switch at all but I can hear well enough if the volume is up really loud. Still prefer sms's. But I love all the apps :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-4970853603316453522010-06-13T23:08:00.001-07:002010-06-13T23:15:05.888-07:00Mobile phonesI sent out emails to various Federal Politicians, suggesting we have the same legislation as the US does, as regards to ratings for mobile phones.<br /><br />I had one assistant ring me to tell me to contact Telstra. To go into a store and ask. OMFG, like I haven't contacted Telstra a billion times already to try and get information from them.<br /><br />But they missed the point in my email. I want RATINGS on phones. Manufactures can't even tell me what handsets have t-coils in them. I want this information available for every handset, like they do in America.<br /><br />If a politician can't understand that, then what in hell can be done about it?Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-66497250094356034642010-06-03T03:35:00.000-07:002010-06-03T03:55:43.578-07:00Sound from the CIDue to recent visitors who may not know about cochlear implants, I'll explain a bit about the sound:<br /><br />As I was late-deafened, I 'remember' sound so I can compare how it is to normal hearing.<br /><br />When it is first switched on, there is noise. As in my video, I was spoken to but all it sounded like was one high pitch, no understanding at all. I was expecting actual speech so that was a bit of a shock.<br /><br />Coming out of the office after activation, when playing with my mobile phone, I could hear the clicking of the keypad! It was the everyday type noises that I recognised almost right away and I spent weeks revelling in all those little things that people take for granted, like the click of the light switch being turned on and off and the pffssshhhttt noise when opening soft drink.<br /><br />It took about 2 weeks before I could understand speech without lipreading. I believe that is really fast, some CI recipients who are born deaf my never get to that point.<br /><br />I could not live without my implant. It has helped me so much. Saying that, it is not like 'real' hearing. It can still sound a bit hollow and robotic. I am still hard-of-hearing because I don't understand everything. I find it very difficult to hear when there is a lot of background noise. I still prefer to have subtitles when I watch TV and movies.<br /><br />I couldn't use the phone when I had hearing aids, I could not understand a thing. But now I can pick up the phone and talk to my loved ones and that is priceless :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-35001382897589147302010-06-02T23:14:00.000-07:002010-06-02T23:37:49.453-07:00Excited!It's very exciting, my YouTube video has suddenly got very popular and is being posted on lots of different webpages! I wondered why the hits had tripled in the last few days :) <br /><br /><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/9-people-hearing-for-the-first-time">From Buzzfeed</a><br /><br />I was interviewed by ninemsn and an article about that will appear tomorrow... it's great that people are becoming aware of this technology!!!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-60008374699253209372010-05-30T22:54:00.000-07:002010-05-30T23:00:06.107-07:00More updates on mobile phonesThanks to my dad's suggestion, I contacted Telstra's disability department about mobile phones for CI users. They actually gave me a specific phone that will work well with the cochlear implant. <br /><br />Of course, the phone is their own brand, LOL.<br /><br />But we have found this great site which lists phones with high compatibility with hearing aids:<br /><a href="http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/finder_results.php?m=e&w=s&car=0&avr=r&av_2=y&rar=0&ttr=0&str=0&f47r=0&f66r=r&f66_8=y&f38r=0&f27r=0&f56r=0&f4r=0&f5r=0">Phone Finder</a><br /><br />As that is American, now it's just a matter of finding out if those models are also sold in Australia.<br /><br />Motorola Australia also has a webpage devoted to accessibility, including mentioning that all their phones are built with telecoil:<br /><a href="http://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/au/accessibility/faq.html">Motorola</a><br /><br />So there is information out there!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-79937854678474421072010-05-27T22:17:00.000-07:002010-05-27T22:25:30.125-07:00Bits and piecesRecently, I captioned my YouTube video of my switch on. It took Stu (my husband) 2 hours to caption a one minute video! Such an involved process!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWe6iJmHKUE">You Tube Video</a><br /><br />Other things:<br /><br />About a month ago, I received an email from someone in the US who wanted to interview me about my CI experience for an article she was writing.<br />This is the finished product:<br /><br /><a href=" http://kstateinternetjournalism.wetpaint.com/page/Cochlear+Controversy">CI article </a><br /><br />Another recent happening is a Senate report on Hearing Health in Australia was released. I actually made a submission and was quoted on the cost of hearing aid batteries.<br />I wish I made a mention of mobile phones :(<br /><br />The PDF of the report : <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/clac_ctte/hearing_health/tor.pdf">here</a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-44895454185062044302010-05-27T20:24:00.000-07:002010-05-27T21:35:45.661-07:00Mobile phonesIn the US, they have a M and T rating for cell phones. M for Microphone and T for telecoil and the higher the number, the more compatible with hearing aids/cochlear implants.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Australia does not have this rating and our major Telecommunications company has fobbed me off TWICE (once online, once in a shop) as they can't help and don't offer to do any research in it.<br /><br />Yesterday in the shop, I explained the Iphone (as an example) had terrible sound and I just a blank look with "but that volume is quite loud". Well yes, it might be, but it's not compatable enough with telecoils.<br /><br />On the US Nokia site I actually found a list of Nokia phones with this high M/T rating, but which Australia doesn't sell.<br />So I email Nokia, explaining this rating and these phones and do we have anything similar in Australia.<br />I get an answer that Nokia does not keep records of these ratings and refer to the Nokia pages to search for a phone that suits your needs and preferences.<br /><br />DUH, this is why I EMAILED YOU.<br /><br />Obviously in Australia there is a HUGE gap where there is no information available on compatible mobile phones!!!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-65485415017057039812010-05-12T20:37:00.001-07:002010-05-12T20:37:42.600-07:00Nucleus 5 : switch onThis switch on was nowhere near as emotional as my first one!<br /><br />She put it all together as it comes in lots of pieces. She hooked it up to the computer... added all the previous settings from my old one and turned it on.<br /><br />Audiologist: How is it?<br />Me : Fine<br />Audiologist: Any different?<br />Me: S's a bit more clearer, that is about it.<br /><br />So there is not much difference with it in every day situations. BUT it is much lighter on the ear and looks cooler too :)<br /><br />The audiologist showed me how to add the battery packs on and how to use the remote. She didn't show me how to use the buttons on the actual processor, saying I would just use the remote (which looks very ipodish). <br /><br />Stu and I left after being there only half an hour and went to the city, to test if it really is better in noisier situations like it claims. It is sort of better, the remote definately helps in working out what program is which so you can adjust it to the noisy situation.<br />But while at the pub, I did work how I can use the buttons on the processor, as lets face it, carrying a remote around all the time is a pain in the bum.<br /><br />On the way to the city tho, I did ring dad from the mobile to test that and it worked ok.<br /><br />But at work on the phones, I'm having problems. At the moment I can't tell if it's the setting (I can hear background noise which is great at being able to tell how loud you are talking, previously it cut out all background noise) or if I just haven't quite worked out the best way to place the phone.<br /><br />Also, because I can hear background noise, I can't tell if the auto-t switch is kicking in. This is why I wanted this processor, because I didn't have to press any buttons to use the phone, it can detect the phone and automatically switch programs.<br />This is easily fixed with a visit to the audiologist tho, she can turn down the background noise.<br />I also want her to set it as a permanent feature, not something I have to set with the remote (cant' believe she didn't set it in the first place, or at least ask).<br /><br />My disposible battery pack I think will need to be replaced as it's not fitting tightly on, it kind of wobbles a bit. I don't want that twisting and falling off!<br /><br />I do have a major problem with the new processor. My everyday setting is currently on it's maximum setting. It is the same volume I had before... only I used to turn it up in quiet situations. Now this is the loudest it will ever get.<br />What is wrong with Cochlear?!! MAKE IT LOUDER!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Stu doesn't think I'm doing any worse or any better with it.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-72124513850031376242010-04-08T22:48:00.001-07:002010-04-09T00:56:12.571-07:00Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-11691839282372583652010-04-08T20:20:00.001-07:002010-04-08T20:22:52.213-07:00Upgrade informationI just joined a cochlear implant form on yahoo and already someone with a Nucleus 5 has given me lots of information!!<br /><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">I find the new Nucleus 5 processors are:<o></o></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><o> </o></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoListParagraph"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Much more elegant design, look and feel. They are much smaller in size and much lighter on your ear to wear. Much more comfortable. Not that the Freedom wasn’t, but the new processor is better.<o></o></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoListParagraph"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I have found the new microphones on the Nucleus 5 to be more superior (for my listening situations). Also the microphone covers last much longer and are made of a new gortex material and you only have to change them now say every 6 months.<o></o></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoListParagraph"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I have found that the rechargeable batteries are great with the Nucleus 5. You have a choice of stand size (longer battery) or Compact Size (which is shorter and makes the processor even smaller overall). Having said this the standard rechargeable’s last longer in length of hours etc.<o></o></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoListParagraph"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->The N5 takes 2 Zinc Air batteries compared to the Freedom taking 3 batteries. I find that with the new processor I get nearly as long battery life with 2 Zinc Air as I did with my Freedoms using 3 Zinc Air.<o></o></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoListParagraph"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->The remote control is fantastic and so easy to use. It is even better if you have Bilateral Implants as you can control both processors at the press of one button to change to say Program 3 from Program 1 etc. The remote controls either one processor, or two processors at one time. It gives you the flexibility to adjust from EVERYDAY program to NOISE or BEAM programs very easily and therefore you have a better listening situation if you adjust your programs to suit the environment.<o></o></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoListParagraph"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->It also has an Auto turn off feature so that it turns itself off after not being on the ear/head etc after 2 minutes. Handy feature.<o></o></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoListParagraph"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->It also has Auto Telecoil feature which is great when at home and the home phone rings. If you have it in Auto-T mode, when you answer the phone the Telecoil turns on automatically and turns off automatically after you hang up thereby enhancing your telephone listening experience. I used to never you Telecoil on my Freedoms as I was to lazy to press the Telecoil button, but now that it is automatic, I use it and can actually hear better on the telephone with it.<o></o></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoListParagraph"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I also find that the new software with Nucleus 5 allows me to hear better in noise. Listening in noisy places is always a bit harder for everyone and something none of us like, but with this new processor I find I survive better in noise. <o></o></p> <!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-style: italic;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span>Overall I am very happy with the new Nucleus 5. Having said this, you still have to get mapped and tuned to suit you as an individual and it takes time to get your new maps set the way you like them. </span>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-9094041344926517052010-04-06T18:45:00.000-07:002010-04-06T18:51:17.616-07:00UpgradingWhile I was at the audiologist last week, I gave her instructions on how she can order an upgrade on my behalf.. which involves paperwork to Cochlear Ltd and my health fund.<br /><br />But while I was there I got to see the new speech processor which looks lovely and shiny!! It also looks a lot smaller which hopefully means it will not be as heavy on my ear.<br /><br />So my audiologist put in an order for it the very next day (I am going for the boring beige colour, though the white was very appealling!!) and yesterday I got my paperwork from Cochlear, which I simply hand over to my health fund and they can pay for it!<br /><br />I already have my new "switch on" day, which is the 30th April. I probably could've had it done a lot earlier but I'm getting married in about 2 weeks and apparently the sound will be different so I think I'll stick with what I know for my Big Day :)<br /><br />This is perfect timing for an upgrade too as the last couple of days, my speech processor has been cutting out for no reason. I changed the coil over and it seems to have behaved itself since then.<br /><br />I can not WAIT to get my new speech processor with all it's new features!!!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-23316026031623121682010-03-23T20:12:00.000-07:002010-03-23T20:17:07.237-07:00InsuranceDocumentation for upgrading the speech processor has finally come out. The documentation is fantastic, it lists all the health funds and the contacts.<br /><br />My current fund will only upgrade after a lot of fuss. In fact, they didn't get back to me when I contacted them about it.<br /><br />Medibank Private, on the other hand, are fantastic. I replied and got all the answers I wanted, including they will upgrade with no fuss, as long as the audiologist is happy to put in the claim paperwork on the clients behalf!<br /><br />So, so easy!<br /><br />So I swapped funds, the great thing being that there are no waiting periods if your cover from the previous fund is the same as the cover in the new fund!<br /><br />Thank you, Australian Health System!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-69925600177950616812010-03-22T11:11:00.000-07:002010-03-23T20:11:53.565-07:00T switchI visited the audiologist who made the t-switch an actual program, rather than pressing 2 buttons at once.<br /><br />It's been fantastic ever since, it's much faster to change over and can hear on the phone so much better!!!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-30695423313923393652010-03-01T22:05:00.000-08:002010-03-01T22:06:00.181-08:00Wearing outThe button I press to get my "telephone" program on my CI is wearing out. It's so hard to swap over and that is a real pain when the phone is ringing and you want to answer it right away :(<br /><br />In other news, the rebate code for the new processors have come out so hopefully I will be able to get somewhere when asking health insurance companies if they cover upgrades :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-19798959107579074552010-02-18T23:03:00.001-08:002010-02-18T23:03:55.758-08:00Clean it out!Lately I've been getting Stu (my partner) to repeat himself a lot. This morning I finally twigged that this has been happening more frequently<br /><br />Me: Is my hearing getting worse?<br />Stu: (exasperated) YES!!<br /><br />Ooops. So today when the batteries died (at work) I grabbed a screen cleaner wipe, opened up everything I could...then saw how filthy it was in the microphone area. So cleaned that up and put it back on and VOILA!!! OMG, the difference is amazing, I can hear all the little things again!!<br /><br />I emailed Stu and told him it was dirt covering the microphone and he was very happy, LOL<br /><br />So should clean that more often :P This explains why I've been turning up the volume just to hear normal convos, lol<br /><br />Screen wipes are awesome :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-84038662874318893372010-02-14T23:06:00.000-08:002010-02-18T23:07:06.792-08:00InsuranceI've started thinking about upgrades to my CI, which cost craploads of money so thought better check if my health fund covers it.<br /><br />Apparently they don't.<br /><br />I try to talk to a company that I've heard DOES cover upgrades. They have no freaking idea what I'm talking about.<br /><br />I send out billions of emails to different companies to see if they'll cover a new upgrade, then they reply needing medicare numbers. <br /><br />Medicare tells me there are thousands of numbers and just fob me off.<br /><br />I try my audiologist and my ENT for *any* sort of information.<br /><br />In the meantime I find out there is actually a new processor out !!!<br /><br />I've spoken to Cochlear numerous times now, they don't have a rebate code for the new processor yet (too new?) but they gave me the old rebate code. They tell me they've dealt with MY insurance company who do cover upgrades, as does the one who originally had no freaking idea what i'm talking about.<br /><br />I can't believe how freaking difficult it is to get cover for an upgrade. It's like a hearing aid for gods sake, you get covered for upgrading those!!!<br /><br />*cries*Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-23854642832071552602010-01-18T23:05:00.000-08:002010-02-18T23:06:30.814-08:00Swimming poolsCochlear Ltd advertise the CI's as being splashproof. They even have a picture of a child in a pool wearing their CI. I can tell everyone that this is not true coz after a bit of splashing in the pool yesterday, it completely buggered up!!! Wouldn't have been so bad if I was just at mum's but we were socialising with friends so I was even more stressed out about it!! I managed to get sound out of it, but there was definately something wrong!<br /><br />It dried out overnight and it's all working fine again, but I thought it was ironic that my non-splashproof hearing aid fared better than my splashproof CI.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-65440746316074217902009-08-28T00:53:00.000-07:002009-08-28T00:54:26.838-07:00Movies without subtitlesI am still really useless at watching movies without subtitles.<br /><br />My boyfriend is all excited because he has all these downloaded movies that we can watch (via the laptop) on our new TV. None of these movies have subtitles and I watched a couple last night and although I can follow the storyline, I pretty much miss everything they say.<br /><br />Watching movies without understanding them is very boring.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-35307728555318343832009-08-03T19:40:00.000-07:002009-08-03T19:44:17.941-07:00CordsI just read over my last post about fraying cords. I believe they have made them better and my new cord hasn't needed to be replaced for over a year!<br /><br />I've also read (skimmed, really) "Rebuilt : how becoming part computer made me more human" by Michael Chorst and I've wondered if anyone would publish a book if I wrote about my experience ;)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-88266346384745634292008-08-05T21:20:00.000-07:002008-08-05T21:21:07.420-07:00Dating a deaf personThis is fabulous... someone deaf has joined the dating game again after years of marriage to a hearing person. The story is quite interesting because when hearing males find out she's deaf, they run a mile and I'm always afraid that will happen to me. But she's written some great tips which I'll copy and paste here.<br /><br />Here is the <a href="http://drromance.typepad.com/dr_romance_blog/2008/07/how-to-date-a-deaf-person.html">original link with the story</a><br /><br /><b>How to Date Deaf People: (written by Dawn)</b><br /><br />*If you meet a deaf person and you want to talk, let the person know by waving “Hi” or write a note to give to her or him.<br /><br />*When you want to say something; Have a pen and paper to communicate with them so he or she can understand.<br /><br />*If you invite a deaf person out out on a date, please face your date, to make it easier to read lips, and use the pen and paper when you don’t understand. Also, listen to what he or she has to say.<br /><br />*If you have cell phone with you, don’t answer it unless you warn your date first [Dr. Romance says this is true of any date, not just a deaf person.] Understand that a deaf person probably can’t tell what you’re saying when you’re talking into a cell phone, so it’s polite to let your date know why you’re answering the phone and what the call is about (for example, it’s work calling, or someone who is ill. Non-essential calls can wait.)<br /><br />*If you take this date to a party, introduce your date and let them know that she or he is deaf. Sometimes, people knew some sign language — you never know.<br /><br />*If the other person is talking and your date doesn’t understand, help him or her stay in the conversation by briefly explaining the gist of the conversation.<br /><br />*It’s helpful and kind to ask your date how to say some words in sign language. Your date will be impressed that you are willing to learn to communicate with them in their own language.<br /><br />*Phone calls are easy — text messaging always works. Even when you’re on a date, texting something on your phone and handing it to your date will work if you don’t think you’re understood.<br /><br />*If you’re going to the movies, ask in advance if there are closed captions for the hearing impaired.<br /><br />*Remember your date can’t read your lips in a darkened theater. This is a good place to use texting — you can just hand your date your phone.<br /><br />*If you want to be able to talk, it’s better to take your date out to mini golf, a nice small cafe or the park.<br /><br />*Understand that American Sign is a different language, with different grammar, so don’t be offended if your date is sometimes hard to understand. As with any different language, it takes a little patience. You’ll get used to it after a while.<br /><br />*I encourage you to learn sign language. Classes are fun, and you’ll impress your friends.<br /><br />*Your date will be happy to answer questions if you ask.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631537308239775309.post-7757939259958639452008-07-15T18:34:00.000-07:002008-07-15T18:35:42.480-07:00Fraying cordSo my audiologist mails me a warranty card explaining that the frayed cord is only covered for one year. This warranty card is different to the one they gave me originally, which does not mention anything about cords and just tells me it's covered for 3 years.<br /><br />RUBBBISSSH.<br /><br />So I email cochlear with a scanned copy of MY warranty and they still tell me it's not covered for 3 years like it says!! ARRRGHH.<br />Now at dinner on Monday with the family, both Dad and Garth said I should demand replacements if my warranty says 3 years.<br /><br />I chickened out a bit, it's easier for them to refuse me on email so I asked Dad (he said I demanded) that he ring and prove this point. Dad didn't even get to the warranty bit, the girl on the phone said it was a common problem and would send me out TWO replacements! WHOO!! $500 of free stuff!<br />Apparently they've worked out what makes the cord fray and are doing something about it. <br /><br />So that covers me until my 3 year warranty runs out *sigh*Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204955833481435425noreply@blogger.com0