I think implants are a bit like attitude and frequently need a little adjustment to keep them on track. Yesterday was MAP time so once more I was connected to a computer with Gayle and Ellen. I have been experiencing two different sensations of pitch between each implant. I was keen to learn if changing my left (second) implant to CIS strategy would facilitate a similar ‘listening’ experience from both sides. I was also in need of more ‘volume’ for my first implant.
We connected my right implant to Ellen’s computer and began by addressing my ‘volume’ deficit.
Audiologist, Bill Raymond has recently joined the cochlear implant team and Auckland University. Bill is himself a unilateral cochlear implant recipient. One of the ‘perks’ of the trade for him is his ability and knowledge to construct his own MAP’s. I’m sure his unique experience will be invaluable to the program. Bill suggested an increase of both ‘T’ and ‘C’ levels where additional volume was required. His theory is to maintain the dynamic range and thereby avoiding any associated compromise to battery life. While this would not normally be of concern, it does present itself if the range increases beyond 40 points. My own dynamic ranges vary up to 140 so battery life is contingent to processor performance. I currently have a theoretical estimated battery like of 37 hours for my left side and just 25 for my right. I notice that processor performance is conceded within three hours of the expected cessation of battery life.
Ellen and Gayle checked and saved the left side settings while constructing a CIS strategy program at 900Hz before switching on. The difference was significant and took me back to my first days following Switch-On. I’m sure I could get used to this new sensation but the reality is a big disappointment and return to ACE mono-polar strategy at 900Hz. I continue to have a bi-polar CIS strategy at 900Hz in my right processor. I am assured that my brain is ‘plastic’ enough to eventually recognise the two different strategies as one and as a result, my sensation of sound should become singular in tone.
The following photo shows my right side MAP # 71. The non high-lighted electrodes are those that have been isolated due to stimulation of non-auditory nerves. Electrodes 15 & 16 are ‘flagged’ to denote the electrical short. Ellen has written to Cochlear Pty Limited following another patient who also has an electrical short with electrodes 15 & 16. Electrodes 7 & 10 have a ‘bell’ to denote the two channels which alert me to eminent battery failure and program change respectively.
The next photo shows my left and most successful implant. Map # 74. Note the full compliment of all 22 electrodes and the significant dynamic range for electrodes 4-1.
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We connected my right implant to Ellen’s computer and began by addressing my ‘volume’ deficit.
Audiologist, Bill Raymond has recently joined the cochlear implant team and Auckland University. Bill is himself a unilateral cochlear implant recipient. One of the ‘perks’ of the trade for him is his ability and knowledge to construct his own MAP’s. I’m sure his unique experience will be invaluable to the program. Bill suggested an increase of both ‘T’ and ‘C’ levels where additional volume was required. His theory is to maintain the dynamic range and thereby avoiding any associated compromise to battery life. While this would not normally be of concern, it does present itself if the range increases beyond 40 points. My own dynamic ranges vary up to 140 so battery life is contingent to processor performance. I currently have a theoretical estimated battery like of 37 hours for my left side and just 25 for my right. I notice that processor performance is conceded within three hours of the expected cessation of battery life.
Ellen and Gayle checked and saved the left side settings while constructing a CIS strategy program at 900Hz before switching on. The difference was significant and took me back to my first days following Switch-On. I’m sure I could get used to this new sensation but the reality is a big disappointment and return to ACE mono-polar strategy at 900Hz. I continue to have a bi-polar CIS strategy at 900Hz in my right processor. I am assured that my brain is ‘plastic’ enough to eventually recognise the two different strategies as one and as a result, my sensation of sound should become singular in tone.
The following photo shows my right side MAP # 71. The non high-lighted electrodes are those that have been isolated due to stimulation of non-auditory nerves. Electrodes 15 & 16 are ‘flagged’ to denote the electrical short. Ellen has written to Cochlear Pty Limited following another patient who also has an electrical short with electrodes 15 & 16. Electrodes 7 & 10 have a ‘bell’ to denote the two channels which alert me to eminent battery failure and program change respectively.
The next photo shows my left and most successful implant. Map # 74. Note the full compliment of all 22 electrodes and the significant dynamic range for electrodes 4-1.