I am not really sure what is the best method for CI users to listen and enjoy music. Are there any Cochlear users here who could advise me? I am not bilateral, and I am finding my personal audio cable a little difficult to use. I also tried to use a neckloop, to connect both my hearing aids and CI. Can someone tell me what are the options since I am really confused, and have started wearing my normal Ipod earbuds again, but almost little or no sound gets amplified through my CI. I also dont see my Music Program any different; I have not been able to differentiate between my regular programs and my music program.
I'm a music lover, so it took a while for me to finally get the perfect program for my music.
First - it sounds like you have not connected your personal audio cable correctly.
Plug it in, then press the < and > buttons the SAME time. You *should* get the "EA" blink once on your LCD screen. Then pop the coil on, and you should be able to get the sounds through your CI. If you do NOT see the "EA", your audiologist probably had the option turned off.
For Freedom - you cannot use the ear bud like AB's because there's no microphones in the ear. If you RATHER get a headphone, be sure you get the "over the ear" headphone. I found that i really like Bose's headphone..it's so comfortable and really good...a bit expensive though.
You will need to switch to t-coil for this one. T-Coil is when you press the < and > at the same time twice. It will have the "T". Again, if you don't see it, your audiologist turned it off. You can hear the music through the headphones, but I find the background noise distracting, and if you move your head, the microphone get brushed and sounds horrible.
If you don't want your personal audio cable, and don't like the T-loop, then you can try the silhouettes that placed behind the ear.
For music program - I find Autosensitivity and ADRO works best (my everyday program is just Autosensitivity). It took me about 6 months to finally get it just perfect. It all comes down to programming. I prefer hearing the vocals over the instruments, so I have the programming adjusted for that. I personally use my Personal Audio Cables and plug them in an adapter because I'm bilateral, so I need two.
Good luck!