Vive le technology!

My friend and priest, Liz Armstrong, was right: the "mapping" or programming of the cochlear implant processor is what makes the magic happen!

I didn't realize how significant this programming was until yesterday's re-mapping session in Oklahoma. Now that I can compare this new mapping with the older, primary one, I can truly say that progress has been made and boy, oh boy, what a leap!

I can only imagine what it will be like after a year of mapping! My next mapping will be in three months.

This is scary cool. Now I know why everybody kept saying, "just wait, peej, just wait!"

Love from Sacramento,

P.J.

p.s. during the audiology testing yesterday, my sentence recognition (with cues) was 82%!

Out of curiosity...

I put my left hearing aid tonight on just to see how it sounded (for those who don't know, I will eventually wear both my left H.A. and cochlear implant device on right; for now, i only wear the new device).

It was really weird.

When I walked into the kitchen, I bumped into the stove because I felt pulled left. My balance as being thrown a bit!

From the hearing aid ear I instantly remembered what hearing was like with them: the lower pitches sounding louder, creating a "fuller" sound but significantly less sound discrimination than with my implant.

I definitely prefer the newer sound via the cochlear implant. Lots of details, intricate and complex sounds, a more dynamic range of pitch (all being equal and "in play"), and it's only getting better as my brain gets more comfortable.

My kids, Ivy and Jonathan, have unique and wonderful voices and laughs, and I absolutely love listening to them!

So it will be interesting to wear the implant device and the hearing aid together. That won't happen for at least another couple months, though. This is to give the brain a chance to adjust to life with the implant.

Hope you're all having a good summer.

-pj

Before and After: Audiology exam

The first test shows my hearing "au naturale." I only start to hear sounds around 70 decibels and need up t0 115 dbs for the higher pitch sounds. This is considered severe-to-profound deafness.

Now, the second test, done with my new thing-a-ma-jig, I am hearing sounds at whatever pitch at around 20 dbs. This is what is considered "normal" hearing range.

I know! Pretty awesome.

Now my brain is processing all the new sounds and taking an inventory. As the brain gets used to the new world, it will set up neurotransmitter highways for these sounds that will make it easier, over time, to recognize them. This is why right now it's not exactly hearing heaven yet.

Speech discrimination will slowly but surely get better and better.

Since I'm in Oklahoma: "YEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

WOAH. WOAH. WOAH.

Did someone put the Chipmunks on?

Man, plastic stuff is LOUD. Gross.

Ok, y'all, get ready for some daily postings now that I am officially hooked up!

And wait until you see my audiology test from today... did i really do dat?

It's all kind of overwhelming... in a really good way.

This is my kind of Independence Day Weekend.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart to everybody for the support!

First follow-up appointment: looking good.

I went to see Dr. Kopke this morning and he was pleased with the state of the wound/stitches.  20 stitches, by the way, in case you're counting.  It felt so good to scratch my head and hair for a little bit until he put the new dressing on.  

Been feeling a little on the weak side today; not quite able to eat as much as I usually do.  Food stays down no problem, just can't handle more than half a plate of food every 4-6 hours or so. Dad and I found a smoothie shop this morning and that hit the spot.

Glad to have the NBA Finals on tonight as a distraction.  Go Magic!  I'm from Sacramento so I can't root for LA.  Besides, LA has won enough championships.

My right ear: so THIS is total deafness.

Right now I'm getting used to zero hearing in my right ear, the ear with the implant.  It's kind of a shock, because I can't hear anything out of my right ear, absolutely nothing.  

Surgery successful!

Thanks for all the prayers and support!  Went into surgery at 7:30 this morning in Oklahoma City... four hours later, I'm well on my way to Bionic Man-hood.  Doesn't feel too bad, but not going to go play basketball today, I don't think.  :)