Hi, I made an appointment to see the doctor right after Thanksgiving to see about cochlear implants. This is really my very first time to be talking to the doctor about cochlear implanrts. What questions should I be asking ?
Appointment for after Thanksgiving
- Thread starter Heath
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There are many ADers here with personal CI experience, so they will give you the best advice about which questions to ask. 
My suggestion is, if you want an interpreter present for your interview and subsequent appointments, make sure you are assertive in requesting one. Also, whatever questions you have, make sure you write them down before your appointment, and that the doctor actually gives you full answers.
A friend of mine went to surgery without a full understanding of what was involved (pain, after care, side effects, costs), so my friend had a rougher recovery and adjustment period. My friend is very happy to have the CI now but it would have been a smoother, less worrisome process if my friend had full disclosure before surgery. This friend (who normally used terps) didn't use a terp for any of the CI appointments or pre- or post-surgery, and was not assertive about asking questions.
Best wishes to you!
My suggestion is, if you want an interpreter present for your interview and subsequent appointments, make sure you are assertive in requesting one. Also, whatever questions you have, make sure you write them down before your appointment, and that the doctor actually gives you full answers.
A friend of mine went to surgery without a full understanding of what was involved (pain, after care, side effects, costs), so my friend had a rougher recovery and adjustment period. My friend is very happy to have the CI now but it would have been a smoother, less worrisome process if my friend had full disclosure before surgery. This friend (who normally used terps) didn't use a terp for any of the CI appointments or pre- or post-surgery, and was not assertive about asking questions.
Best wishes to you!
LakeTahoe
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Audiologists will give you a hearing test...a little different way. And also she/he will send you to ENT (I am not sure in your area will do) and you'll have Cat Scan, then wait for result to see if your cochlear is in a good shape or not. I can't remember what else...and set up surgery date. Also pick what kind Implant you want.
I am sure other ADers will give you a better feedback. I cannot find my thread.
(the one I posted about my testing for CI)
Good luck!
I am sure other ADers will give you a better feedback. I cannot find my thread.
(the one I posted about my testing for CI)Good luck!
Hear Again
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Heath,
Congratulations!
My CI evaluation involved audiological testing (2.5-3 hours), CT scan, meeting with my surgeon and meeting with my audi to discuss reasonable expectations and each of the 3 devices (Advanced Bionics, Med-El and Cochlear).
I agree with Reba's comments regarding a terp if you need one. I found the use of a tactile interpreter to be very helpful in allowing me to fully understand the entire CI process (evaluation, surgery, activation, etc.).
Another piece of advice: If you're not happy with the interpreter you're given, ask for another. It's imperative that you have the best communication possible as you go through this process.
Good luck!
Hear Again
Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G
Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05
Right ear - Nucleus Freedom
Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06
Congratulations!
My CI evaluation involved audiological testing (2.5-3 hours), CT scan, meeting with my surgeon and meeting with my audi to discuss reasonable expectations and each of the 3 devices (Advanced Bionics, Med-El and Cochlear).
I agree with Reba's comments regarding a terp if you need one. I found the use of a tactile interpreter to be very helpful in allowing me to fully understand the entire CI process (evaluation, surgery, activation, etc.).
Another piece of advice: If you're not happy with the interpreter you're given, ask for another. It's imperative that you have the best communication possible as you go through this process.
Good luck!
Hear Again
Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G
Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05
Right ear - Nucleus Freedom
Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06
MilitaryGirl83
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Hey Heath! Yay, I am so excited for you! I can't wait to see how it goes for you.. make sure you let me know what's going on after the appointment! 
Just one question for you, you couldn't hear some things with your hearing aid that you thought you could hear it with?
Well you know that I got implanted on August 22nd and I got turned on October 2nd. The surgery did went well for me but after that It got somewhat painful but lucky they have painkiller meds for me especially vidion for me to take home with so it was a big relief.
Before all of that, I had to do 2 days appointment. The first day was alot of hearing tests but I had no problems with it. All it has to do with hearing the sounds and raise head if you can hear them or not on both ears. Then they will do the cochlear test to see if it's working well. And I had to watch a video to read lips and to see if i can understand them.. with and without hearing aid and tell them what I think it just said. It was the hardest one for me but they told me I did very well. and they explained the details to me about 3 brands of CI and it was my choice. So, I chose Nucleus Freedom for those reasons.. water retisits, no recalls and the company that I could trust with no problems. And they had great benefits to it. Then on the 2nd day, I had to do a Cat Scan and I was only in it for 5-10 mintues.. it was pretty easy. Then wait for 2 hours to meet with the doctor so Jeremy and I went out to eat at Mcdonald's at the hospital. Then later I met with a doctor and talked about CI and the questions I asked and he explained alot to me. He was extremely nice and very caring so it made me feel very comfortable right away. He showed me the cat scan of my cochleas and that they was in perfect condition. I was so relieved for that! Then they told me that they want to implant me in the right ear because it has been slenced about 20 years and that my left ear have still some good hearing left so I should get new digital hearing aid for tha left ear. So I agreed with the doctor and I had to sign paperworks and explained about the surgery and the pain and aftercare.
Then I had to wait until June or July to hear that my insurance has approved for the CI and set the date for August 22nd. I was so excited and I could not wait. I was jumping up and down about it.
Then August 22nd came, Jeremy, Kim and I went to Indianapolis. My kids was at grandparent's house for a few days. Anyways, Then when we arrived at IUPUI Clarion Hospital. I had to go to the sectary for paper works to sign and write those answers they asked the questions about. It's pretty easy. Then the nurse called us in so I went in the room and I had to undress and get in the hospital gown with warm socks and a blue cap on my head. I was waiting until those students who was on the CI team with the dr. gave me paper works to sign some more so I did. And they again explained about the surgery and etc to make sure I know what was going on. So then I had to say goodbye to Kim and Jeremy. And I went in the Operator room with the nurse. It was a cold room but students and others made sure I was warm enough and I was put on the table. They told me that they will put the IV in me after I go to sleep. So then the athestist told me what was going to me. So they put the mask on me then I went poof. I don't even remember going poof.
The surgery took 3 hours then when I came out.. I was groggy but came out with a smile and I felt some pain so lucky the nurse gave me morhine to less the pain. I was so thankful for that. Then I was wheeled in the private room and I stayed overnight. They made sure to give me more medicine when I need it due to pain. Then the next day, I had my banage off and I saw my CI incision when Jeremy took pics of it. It looked so awesome!
And my doctor came in to make sure I was ok and told me about the aftercare. They gave me painkillers just in case if I need it. The nurse came in and had to do the phemonia (sp?) shot on me. It was just a pinch.Then I had to sign a release paper so I coudl go home. Plus they gave me heat pads to take home with. So I was so happy to go home.
The healing took a while and I was careful to wash my hair and leave my CI incision alone until dr said I can wash it completely after 2nd week. I was so happy! But I waited until October 2nd ti get it turned on.
then October 2nd came, I was so excited about turning on. So when I heard those beeps I was such in an awe then I could hear the beepings.. my own voice.. the audiologist's voice but Jeremy's voice was somewhat static. I was on P1 and volume 6. Then I came back on October 3rd for more mappings. They put on more sounds. As time went on. I heard doors, fridge and cabinet open and closing. I heard the cop put down. I can hear myself typing right now. I heard motorcycles and cars went by. I heard the water running, dogs barking and meowing. and I heard people upstairs doing some things like aruging.. screaming.. that sorta thing.. it was annoying lol. But some things are still static right now but I will get used to it. My next appointment for more mappings is on the end of November. I can't wait so I am looking foward to it. I did go on to P2 and P3 with volume 12. now I am on P4 with volume 14. they also gave me other equitment including the dry box. they gave me plug ins for tv, music, ipod you name it! I love it very much! I hope this ahs help you to make the decision that you want.
You can ask some questions like for example:
1. What are the three brands of CI?
2. What each CIs have the benefits for? And have them give you the info you need on those brands such as Medical-EL, Nucleus Freedom and AB Bionics.
3. How long is the surgery and what are the risks?
4. Do I have to stay overnight or just this is an outpatient surgery?
5. What do I have to expect before the surgery and after surgery?
6. When will I have my turn on date and how long do I have to wait for the CI to be healed?
If you need any more help or questions, don't be afraid to ask me! Also for Nucleus Freedom, they do have recharageable batteries which is great for me and they do have mini BTEs and standard ones. they have those in different colors. I picked mine blue and pink also picked the standard CI so I can listen to things and music on TV, Ipod computer, etc. The Mini BTEs may be great but it is a very different battery life and they do not have rechargable batteries like the standard one does. They do have bodyworm ones if that's what you want but I chose not to have it because I have kids and they can pull the strings.. forget it!
So I chose the BTE so I do not regret this decision and it is the best decision I have ever made in my life.
Again, I am so excited for you and I can't wait to see of your journey in the beginning to the end.
Just one question for you, you couldn't hear some things with your hearing aid that you thought you could hear it with?Well you know that I got implanted on August 22nd and I got turned on October 2nd. The surgery did went well for me but after that It got somewhat painful but lucky they have painkiller meds for me especially vidion for me to take home with so it was a big relief.
Before all of that, I had to do 2 days appointment. The first day was alot of hearing tests but I had no problems with it. All it has to do with hearing the sounds and raise head if you can hear them or not on both ears. Then they will do the cochlear test to see if it's working well. And I had to watch a video to read lips and to see if i can understand them.. with and without hearing aid and tell them what I think it just said. It was the hardest one for me but they told me I did very well. and they explained the details to me about 3 brands of CI and it was my choice. So, I chose Nucleus Freedom for those reasons.. water retisits, no recalls and the company that I could trust with no problems. And they had great benefits to it. Then on the 2nd day, I had to do a Cat Scan and I was only in it for 5-10 mintues.. it was pretty easy. Then wait for 2 hours to meet with the doctor so Jeremy and I went out to eat at Mcdonald's at the hospital. Then later I met with a doctor and talked about CI and the questions I asked and he explained alot to me. He was extremely nice and very caring so it made me feel very comfortable right away. He showed me the cat scan of my cochleas and that they was in perfect condition. I was so relieved for that! Then they told me that they want to implant me in the right ear because it has been slenced about 20 years and that my left ear have still some good hearing left so I should get new digital hearing aid for tha left ear. So I agreed with the doctor and I had to sign paperworks and explained about the surgery and the pain and aftercare.
Then I had to wait until June or July to hear that my insurance has approved for the CI and set the date for August 22nd. I was so excited and I could not wait. I was jumping up and down about it.
Then August 22nd came, Jeremy, Kim and I went to Indianapolis. My kids was at grandparent's house for a few days. Anyways, Then when we arrived at IUPUI Clarion Hospital. I had to go to the sectary for paper works to sign and write those answers they asked the questions about. It's pretty easy. Then the nurse called us in so I went in the room and I had to undress and get in the hospital gown with warm socks and a blue cap on my head. I was waiting until those students who was on the CI team with the dr. gave me paper works to sign some more so I did. And they again explained about the surgery and etc to make sure I know what was going on. So then I had to say goodbye to Kim and Jeremy. And I went in the Operator room with the nurse. It was a cold room but students and others made sure I was warm enough and I was put on the table. They told me that they will put the IV in me after I go to sleep. So then the athestist told me what was going to me. So they put the mask on me then I went poof. I don't even remember going poof.
The surgery took 3 hours then when I came out.. I was groggy but came out with a smile and I felt some pain so lucky the nurse gave me morhine to less the pain. I was so thankful for that. Then I was wheeled in the private room and I stayed overnight. They made sure to give me more medicine when I need it due to pain. Then the next day, I had my banage off and I saw my CI incision when Jeremy took pics of it. It looked so awesome!
And my doctor came in to make sure I was ok and told me about the aftercare. They gave me painkillers just in case if I need it. The nurse came in and had to do the phemonia (sp?) shot on me. It was just a pinch.Then I had to sign a release paper so I coudl go home. Plus they gave me heat pads to take home with. So I was so happy to go home. The healing took a while and I was careful to wash my hair and leave my CI incision alone until dr said I can wash it completely after 2nd week. I was so happy!
But I waited until October 2nd ti get it turned on. then October 2nd came, I was so excited about turning on. So when I heard those beeps I was such in an awe then I could hear the beepings.. my own voice.. the audiologist's voice but Jeremy's voice was somewhat static. I was on P1 and volume 6. Then I came back on October 3rd for more mappings. They put on more sounds. As time went on. I heard doors, fridge and cabinet open and closing. I heard the cop put down. I can hear myself typing right now. I heard motorcycles and cars went by. I heard the water running, dogs barking and meowing. and I heard people upstairs doing some things like aruging.. screaming.. that sorta thing.. it was annoying lol. But some things are still static right now but I will get used to it. My next appointment for more mappings is on the end of November. I can't wait so I am looking foward to it. I did go on to P2 and P3 with volume 12. now I am on P4 with volume 14. they also gave me other equitment including the dry box. they gave me plug ins for tv, music, ipod you name it! I love it very much! I hope this ahs help you to make the decision that you want.
You can ask some questions like for example:
1. What are the three brands of CI?
2. What each CIs have the benefits for? And have them give you the info you need on those brands such as Medical-EL, Nucleus Freedom and AB Bionics.
3. How long is the surgery and what are the risks?
4. Do I have to stay overnight or just this is an outpatient surgery?
5. What do I have to expect before the surgery and after surgery?
6. When will I have my turn on date and how long do I have to wait for the CI to be healed?
If you need any more help or questions, don't be afraid to ask me! Also for Nucleus Freedom, they do have recharageable batteries which is great for me and they do have mini BTEs and standard ones. they have those in different colors. I picked mine blue and pink also picked the standard CI so I can listen to things and music on TV, Ipod computer, etc. The Mini BTEs may be great but it is a very different battery life and they do not have rechargable batteries like the standard one does. They do have bodyworm ones if that's what you want but I chose not to have it because I have kids and they can pull the strings.. forget it!
So I chose the BTE so I do not regret this decision and it is the best decision I have ever made in my life. Again, I am so excited for you and I can't wait to see of your journey in the beginning to the end.
sr171soars
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- Jul 14, 2005
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Health,
FelixKat did a great job in her posting and gave some good questions for you.
I just want to add that you should ask them how they expect you to do with a CI. That way you sort of gauge your expectations afterwards. The best thing to do is to keep your expectations low and go from there. Remember, everybody is different and some get going quickly and others take longer.
I wish you the best of success!
FelixKat did a great job in her posting and gave some good questions for you.
I just want to add that you should ask them how they expect you to do with a CI. That way you sort of gauge your expectations afterwards. The best thing to do is to keep your expectations low and go from there. Remember, everybody is different and some get going quickly and others take longer.
I wish you the best of success!
