Cochlear Implant Patients.

[jillio]

Again I don't see why i would need one. I know the risks the concerns. I've even watched the surgery performed on youtube.com. I know what they say i can expect which is more than ya'll are saying. I also know what i expect. right now its not really how well i communicate it all comes down to music and the job i have in january.

I'm not depressed because of this, i'm just frustrated that i might miss my job in january. that is all. if that happens then i'll be angry for maybe a week, if i get to work there and do fine then ill have the ability to say told ya so..

That isn't what psychological assessment is all about. You may know what to expect, but you do not have the coping skills currently that you need to be successful with or without an implant. There is a very good chance that you won't receive the benefit you expect. And even if you do, you will still have to adjust to the hearing you receive through the implant, which is drastically different from natural hearing that you had.

But like I said, you are free to accept suggestions or not. It really doesn't sound as if you are quite ready to move forward.

 

[zebadee2010]

That isn't what psychological assessment is all about. You may know what to expect, but you do not have the coping skills currently that you need to be successful with or without an implant. There is a very good chance that you won't receive the benefit you expect. And even if you do, you will still have to adjust to the hearing you receive through the implant, which is drastically different from natural hearing that you had.

But like I said, you are free to accept suggestions or not. It really doesn't sound as if you are quite ready to move forward.

I know you may think that just because i'm 18 that i may be immature, un-capable, unexperienced, or what have you. but i'm above my ages generalization. I've never smoked drank or tried any of these or any other drug. Although Advil can help with headaches.
Personally i hate therapists and psychiatrists. all they seem to want to do is prescribe anti-depresants which can lead to suicide or other adverse behavior.

It doesn't matter what you think, they usually make you see one anyway. They have their reasons.

They haven't mentioned not one thing about a therapist. And as I am 18 I have the right to refuse. If after surgery i continue to have problems after say 6 months i might consider one. But i don't see it very likely.

 

[deafgal001]

She didn't talk about your age. Your age have nothing to do with this.

 

[Banjo]

They haven't mentioned not one thing about a therapist. And as I am 18 I have the right to refuse. If after surgery i continue to have problems after say 6 months i might consider one. But i don't see it very likely.

If one was offered and you refused, they can refuse to perform the surgery.

 

[deafgal001]

If one was offered and you refused, they can refuse to perform the surgery.

I think it is pretty too late for that. They already set the surgery date for her.. but then again, they may when she tell them which CI brand she like.

 

[zebadee2010]

If one was offered and you refused, they can refuse to perform the surgery.

The surgery date is set. We are taking all precautions and following everything they have told us to do.
I have been in and out of the hospital all my life, I know how to cope with disability.

Try have 76% lung function all your life due to Cystic fibrosis. Try not being able to play hardly any sport for lack of breath. Even when i could swim, i could barely do it underwater because the pressure on your lungs is to intense.
Its really fun to have people stay away from you because you cough to much thinking you might be sick.

I know how much it sucks not being able to do something. I'm not concerned with not being able to hear as well as i did. I just want to be able to do my job and listen to music.

 

[Banjo]

I think it is pretty too late for that. They already set the surgery date for her.. but then again, they may when she tell them which CI brand she like.

Yeah, I got that. Although I do recall that some would require one to see a psychologist prior to the surgery. I guess they don't do that in some places.

 

[zebadee2010]

I think it is pretty too late for that. They already set the surgery date for her.. but then again, they may when she tell them which CI brand she like.

For the record I am a he.. just saying.

And we picked the nucleus 5 a week and a half ago. I wanted the Med-el brand but the doc said that It was safer to go with the N5 because it had a shorter electrode.

 

[deafgal001]

N5 is a good brand. You can't go wrong.

 

[zebadee2010]

N5 is a good brand. You can't go wrong.

Iv'e heard they all sound about the same but i wanted the longer electrode so that when future sound processors come out i would have more options for hearing.

 

[deafgal001]

Iv'e heard they all sound about the same but i wanted the longer electrode so that when future sound processors come out i would have more options for hearing.

I had many processors with one CI implant, they improve everytime.

btw, your implant does not have to be for life, you always reimplant if it ever get to that point.

 

[zebadee2010]

Yeah, I got that. Although I do recall that some would require one to see a psychologist prior to the surgery. I guess they don't do that in some places.

US seems to be a little more relaxed than Canada. But Canada like Europe and other places is probably far ahead of their time. I've also heard its nice in Canada but honestly have no clue.

 

[deafgal001]

Yeah, I got that. Although I do recall that some would require one to see a psychologist prior to the surgery. I guess they don't do that in some places.

I think they do that with parents. but yes, they do counseling here. but each states is different I suppose.

 

[zebadee2010]

I had many processors with one CI implant, they improve everytime.

btw, your implant does not have to be for life, you always reimplant if it ever get to that point.

Yeah, that was more or less what i was looking for was expandability, or upgradeability. As I really hate needles and don't like IV's i was trying to pick the most future-proof brand so that i would have to have as few surgeries as possible.

I also don't like the whole MRI thing, but i hope i never need one!

 

[Anij]

Yes, the CI user will still be deaf after the implant, especially when he or she takes the device off.

But as for "forever", got a crystal ball?

Ok - Correction "For the foreseeable future, and certainly for the next 20-30years, (likely longer) since that's how long any sort of trials would take to be certified for a non-life-threatening condition"

 

[Anij]

Anij, very nicely said , I've always been fascinated with ASL do you know how it is to learn?

I loved learning ASL - I'm very visual so it naturally makes sense to me. I have enjoyed every moment learning and using ASL - just wish my parents had let me learn it as an infant/child instead of having to wait until I was an adult.

ASL actually helped me understand a number of English concepts so it's been 100% a positive impact in my life

 

[Anij]

I don't need a therapist or psychiatrist. I'll be just fine without one. I feel as though you don't have one of these and just look down upon them as I have found out many people are able to understand speech upon activation day.

You may not think you need or want one now ... but in 3, 6, 12, 24months - you might change your mind. I don't "look down" on CIs ... I just know many people with them you - like yourself- have though that somehow they were going to go in on activation day and "hear" (hear and understand like a hearing person) ... this just isn't the way it works. While some people (who lost there hearing and were quickly implanted) DO recognize SOME sounds, and perhaps even some words quite quickly ... it's not like they walk out of the office and would be able to transcribe lyrics verbatim that day, week or even month - especially in a place with background noise (concert/classroom etc). If you think that you'll be able to transcribe a signers voice (thats 2 complicated listening tasks, much more complicated than transcribing a speakers voice) - you are setting yourself up to be very disappointed and frustrated. BELIEVE US ... if it WAS that "easy" - if getting a CI was like turning on a hearing & understanding "sound switch" like you seem to hope it is ... the CI people here and everywhere would be TELLING YOU ALL ABOUT IT... but that's just not how it works. I truly am sorry that it's not like that for you (and others who've lost their hearing - but it's just not.



I also think that its dumb to say have a discussion with my audiologist because right now I cant hear!
There are plenty of ways to communicate without being able to hear ... and there will be times that you'll need to use those skills (CIs DO break etc) so might as well practice with the pen & paper, laptop (open a word program and type) etc.


As for the time being I think that i'll be fine without an alarm clock, I don't see why I couldn't wear it at night. And as for a visual alarm clock, or a visual smoke/fire detector. I don't see how either of these would help me while i'm asleep.

I'm guessing your living at home right now ?? You'll need all these things for MANY years (if not a lifetime) as you can't wear the CI at night - not only will the CI magnet fall off, but you also need to give the skin between the internal & external components a "rest" otherwise you will get skin breakdown issues ... which will force you to go without the CI at all until the breakdown heals. "Visual" signallers - flash lights (you'll notice when your sleeping) - and have bed options that vibrate (a strong vibrating "puck" is placed between the mattress) and shakes you awake. As for a fire and monoxide detector that is Deaf Friendly (ie a strobe indicator) these are LIFE SAVING devices that you NEED ... if your home/apt/dorm etc is on fire you will NOT smell it (you can't smell in your sleep ... which is how people burn to death while sleeping) You need to talk with your audiologist (email them !) and find out what type of assistive devices you need to be INDEPENDENT ... you want to be "normal again" - that means being able to be independent. Visual and tactile signallers WILL give you your independence.


And sure I'll be "deaf forever" when its off, but when its on i'll get to continue to see the world with sound. Its been so hard for me not being able to hear anything. I can barely walk because I can't hear anything. I'm putting all of this in God's hands. If he wants me to hear in time to work it will be so. If he doesn't that will also be so. He is the great Physician. He is the ultimate Doctor who can heal and do anything if He wants.


If you don't want to hear this coming from me as a Hoh/Def person ... then hear this coming from me as a Seminary student ... Be STRONG enough to see a therapist/psychologist so that you can talk through the anger, frustration, hope, dreams, disappointments BEFORE you really "need" one.
And remember that sometimes "healing" isn't about restoration of a sense, it's about growth as a person.


So until then I'm going to stick with my God and let him guide me.

If that's what you believe ... then also believe that each of us have been brought INTO your life for a reason. You found AllDeaf, posted your query and we responded - we might not have said what you WANTED to hear ... but we posted what you NEEDED to hear.



I honestly wish you the very best with your CI. I hope that you can come back to us and say how you walked out of your activation appointment understand every word that they said, that you were able to transcribe all the lyrics a singer sung, and how it's as good as being hearing.... I do.

I also know that sometimes we don't get what we do desperately want. I was in a car accident that changed my life and and the wanting and hoping and exercise and therapy and extremely hard work didn't change the fact that I was unable to do some of the things that I loved before (including my job) because of the permanent change that happened in the split second that someone else's car hit mine.I have a happy, full life - but I have a DIFFERENT life than I did before the car accident ... because I was given the gift to grow from that experience and be better (and different) for it.

 

[jillio]

I know you may think that just because i'm 18 that i may be immature, un-capable, unexperienced, or what have you. but i'm above my ages generalization. I've never smoked drank or tried any of these or any other drug. Although Advil can help with headaches.
Personally i hate therapists and psychiatrists. all they seem to want to do is prescribe anti-depresants which can lead to suicide or other adverse behavior.




They haven't mentioned not one thing about a therapist. And as I am 18 I have the right to refuse. If after surgery i continue to have problems after say 6 months i might consider one. But i don't see it very likely.

None of that has anything to do with the reason for therapy. But, hey, like I said earlier, obviously you aren't ready to move forward yet. I am truly concerned about your adjustment to the CI given your current state of adjustment. But no one can help you until you are ready to help yourself. So be it. I wish you luck.

 

[Hohtopics]

Again I don't see why i would need one. I know the risks the concerns. I've even watched the surgery performed on youtube.com. I know what they say i can expect which is more than ya'll are saying. I also know what i expect. right now its not really how well i communicate it all comes down to music and the job i have in january.

I'm not depressed because of this, i'm just frustrated that i might miss my job in january. that is all. if that happens then i'll be angry for maybe a week, if i get to work there and do fine then ill have the ability to say told ya so..

zebadee,

Yes, you do what you want. And if you really don't think you need to see a therapist, then by all means don't. I didn't see one prior to my implantation either.

If you sensed that some of the others are trying to "pigeonhole" you into having certain thoughts and feelings then you're probably right! ;-)

And you may want to also look for people that'll "build you up" and not "try to hold you back or hold you down". They are out there, you'll find them!

Just focus on your goals and go for it! And best of luck with your surgery!

 

[Deaffy]

Zebadee,

I completely understand how upsetting and life changing it is to one day be able to hear and get on with your everyday life like you always have and then the very next day it all be gone and you are lost in translation. I was angry for a long time trying to cope and learn who I am as a deaf person. But as all the poster's here have said before you really do need to understand that the CI is a powerful tool it has the ability to give back alot of what you had once lost, but the tool does not do all that work alone. Your brain is what gives you the ability to distinguish the electrical impulse's on your auditory nerve and decodes them as sound. If your brain cant adapt to that then you will have a slow rehabilitation process. I hope you are able to achieve this. But not everyone is able to understand speech on day one. I am on of the few lucky ones to be able to progress with the CI at a rather fast pace. I personally know it can be done. But its not very common to happen. My audi told me that where I am hearing with only a few months worth of rehab sometimes takes other users years to achieve. It's touch and go man the dr's have an idea of what you possibly can achieve but they will never tell you .. " YOU will be able to understand speech and music.. You very well may never be able to. That's teh real reality of this. I am not being negative towards what you are wanting to achieve. After my activation I could hear rather well on day one but even still there was alot I couldnt hear. There was a life support chopper over head as we were driving back home I could not hear that at all. Now 4 months later I am hearing very well. IT takes practice and patience. I sure do wish you the very best in your journy. As far as seeking professional mental health help. It cant do you any wrong. Might help you in terms of comming to terms that you are becomming a Deaffy. I know that I wish I would have gone this route when I first lost all my hearing. I alienated those around me I also felt like I was living on a deserted island for many years. You need to be able to accept that there are going to be many many challenges ahead in your life with your auditory situation regardless wether you have a implant or not.. There has been times where I have gone out with my implant and be at a gathering only to realize I didnt bring extra battery's and I hear that fateful ( beep beep beep) welp guess I got 5 more minutes of hearing left for the evening. That in and of itself can be a very depressing situation. Just thought id toss my .02 out there.