Category: Naida

My Aqua Case

On By Glenice SIn Activities, Advance Bionics, Aqua Case, Cochlear Implant, Hearing Environment, Naida, What I Hear2 Comments

My Aqua Case kit arrived at he cabin at the beginning of the week of our vacation. There were so many activities to participate in that I didn’t rush to put it together and hurry into the water. I wanted to read all the instructions, charge the new battery and make sure that I did everything just right. A couple of days passed before I was ready to sit down with the system, put it together and try it out.

We had great weather. The lake was a nice swimming temperature and the kids were doing water activities every day. It was time to get out there and join them. Setting up my stronger left ear with aqua mic and my Naida safely enclosed in the Aqua Case, I clipped it to my swim suit and headed for a kayak. I don’t know why – but I was feeling a little apprehensive about actually swimming and getting my head wet.

Family lake activities

After being on the water in a kayak or floating on a blow up chair, I finally found the courage to go all in. Taking a few breast strokes off the sand bar,  I put my head under water and heard the bubbles. I hadn’t heard water like that for a very long time. It was great to have sound while enjoying a favorite family activity.

With the fear of falling into the water removed and being able to hear coaching and instruction from others, I got out on the paddle board and finally mastered it. Last year I didn’t like it, but that had more to do with having to go out in silence.

Glenice on Stand Up Paddle Board wearing Aqua Case

There is peace in being able to hear the ripples of the water while passing the paddle through it. There is comfort in knowing I will be able to hear oncoming boats. And there is joy in hearing the laughter and giggles of my family swimming in the lake. Thank you Advanced Bionics for developing the Aqua Case.

Splash!

On By Glenice SIn Advance Bionics, Aqua Case, Cochlear Implant, Naida, What I HearLeave a comment

In preparation for my summer activities, I ordered an Aqua Case for my cochlear implants in April. Advanced Bionics took my order and began the process system which includes submitting an approval request to my health insurance on the chance that part or all of the waterproof system might be covered.  I hadn’t heard anything from them, so today I called. The order has been held up in the insurance process. Since I had the money for the Aqua Case set aside I had them send one out so I have it before my vacation.

I have visions of swimming with my grandsons and enjoying the sounds of their laughter and squeals as we play in the water. It will be more fun to go out in the Kayak and have no fear of getting my hearing system wet and the thought of mastering our paddle board and being able to hear the water ripple or an oncoming boat is enticing.

Normally I am pretty patient and wait on the process. This time, the thought of going into the silence when I don’t have to was too much and I decided to push forward.

I love hearing all of the time. Even when a sound is irritating and I have the ability to remove my sound system, I don’t, because it reminds me of how deaf I am. Completely. This reminder often brings me to sadness. There are cochlear implant users that appreciate the ability to go into the silence – I’m just not one of those.

I’m excited for my Aqua Case! There will be water sounds, laughter, splashing and joy! I will be able to hear at least in one ear the sounds that bring smiles to others’ faces which I previously viewed from silence. Splish Splash!

Mic, Mic, T-Mic

On By Glenice SIn Bilateral, Cochlear Implant, Hearing Environment, Naida, T-mic, What I HearLeave a comment

The T-mic on one of my Naida processors was cutting out and while waiting for a new one to be delivered I used one of my programs that has either only processor mic or only headpiece mic. I have used the T-mic since it first came out and have had rare occasions when I needed to use one of the other microphones. I was surprised to discover again what a difference the location of the microphone makes.

With the proper fit, the T-mic sits right in front of the ear canal using the natural shape of the ear to capture sound. The processor mic is on the top of the Naida processor placing it at the top of the ear, close to the head. The headpiece mic is in the headpiece so the microphone will be wherever the headpiece location is on each individual. In my case it is above my ears about one inch.

I am bilateral, so I only had to adjust programs on one side to use a different microphone and therefore was also listening to find the best balance with T-mic working on one side and processor or headpiece mic on the other. Spending a couple of days without one T-mic and traveling I really discovered how each microphone affects the delivery of sound.

First I tried my program with the processor mic. Immediately I noticed that the sound lacked the definition I am used to. It seemed muffled and it felt like I was not getting as much sound. I then switched to my headpiece mic and was much more satisfied. I quickly adjusted to having the headpiece mic on one side and keeping the working T-mic on the other.

Being able to experience these changes in the real world versus the audiologists office where the environmental noise is limited gave me the opportunity to assess and really discover what a difference the location of the microphone makes. It is comforting to know that the headpiece mic will serve me well if and when a T-mic goes out and needs replacing.  Hearing the differences, I was also reminded that there is an optimal position for a microphone and that is in front of the ear canal.

Within two days my new T-mic was delivered. I quickly installed it and was relieved to have the sound back that I am used to. These couple of days served as a reminder to me how lucky I am to have this wonderful technology to give me optimal sound plus backup options when needed.

Whoops the Loop!

On By Glenice SIn Cochlear Implant, conference loop, fm loop, Hearing Environment, Listening, looped room, Naida, T-coil1 Comment

I went to a meeting this afternoon that was held in a room that is looped. I switched to my program with the T-coil. The host was holding the microphone down in front of her as she walked to the center of the room and she whispered, “Showtime.” I had to laugh because I was probably the only one in the room that heard her! As the panel passed the microphone around, I heard every rustle. It really was awesome! However, if I find myself in a similar situation again, I think I will remind the presenters exactly what looping does for those of us that are wearing hearing devices. We can hear! And maybe more than they want us to. 

Naida Accessories

On By Glenice SIn Bilateral, Cochlear Implant, Harmony, Hearing Environment, Listening, Mapping, Naida, T-mic, What I HearLeave a comment
I have always been so thrilled with the hearing I get from my cochlear implants that I never really concerned myself with little extras or accessories that I did not have. My Harmony behind the ear processors served me well for many years without a remote control or any other add-ons. But now that I have them …
The Naida replacement systems that I received in March came with some options. Since I am bilateral, I ordered the MyPilot remote control with one and the ComPilot with the other. I didn’t think I would use them much but since one or the other came with the kit, then why not? 
Although there are buttons on the Naida processors for changing maps and volume, I have found that I do really like using the MyPilot for adjustments and program changes. Along with the visual screen that allows me to see where I am, there are more options for adjustments with the MyPilot. One of my favorites is the sensitivity setting. When I was first implanted and used the Clarion Platinum body processor for the CII implant, I had sensitivity control. I gave that up to wear behind the ear processors that did not have a switch for that. It is really nice to have that back. I found it really helped me to adjust to a new map on my right ear that seemed a little loud at first, but by adjusting the sensitivity for a day or two, I was able to adjust to the map by giving my ear/brain time to get used to having more sound.
As a Harmony user I loved the T-mic and the ability to just pick up a phone and hold it to my ear like everyone else. I also found ways to listen to music that did not require me to change settings or use the direct connect to enjoy listening to my favorite songs. So I was a real skeptic when it came to the ComPilot thinking I probably wouldn’t use that much at all. 
About a week after getting my Naidas, I decided it was time to check out the ComPilot. Following the instructions provided, I first hooked it up to the Bluetooth on my laptop computer. Wow – the direct sound coming from my computer was great and I was curious to hear more. I then hooked it up to the Bluetooth on my iPhone 4 and tried a phone call to my mother. The only background noise I heard was coming from my mother’s end of the conversation. This was wonderful for cutting back on the “what’s, pardon me’s, and please say again,” parts of the conversation. Finally, I hooked it up to my Nano Shuffle to check out listening to the music I would play when carving my Trikke. I love this. I have to say it is wonderful to be out on the trail, carving and listening to my music just like other people out there wearing their earbuds and headphones as they walk, jog, bike or run. I have never been big on needing to fit in, but by golly this just felt really great! I was so wrong about the ComPilot. I use it all the time and really love it.
There is one more accessory that I am really excited about. The Naida waterproofing kit for swimming! It has not yet been approved in the USA, but is coming soon and I am excited for the release. Living in Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes, I believe this is another accessory I may use a lot. Being able to hear while swimming with my grandsons would truly be a joy. 
Naida Accessories – Now that I have them – don’t want to live without them!