Hybrid Vehicles?

I have driven hybrid vehicles with no problem, welded with a MIG with no problem, worked on running car engines with no problem, driven a race car with a helmet on with no problem and the best part of doing all this stuff while wearing a CI is I CAN HEAR everything around me. I can hear the electrical spark while welding and can tell the difference if it is welding hot enough or not.

As far as feedback, really, the only time I ever get any type of hum or noise is while I have the Telecoil turned on and using a phone. If I am riding in a car, I hear the alternator electrical field while it is generating electricity, spark plugs sparking to keep the engine running, fuel pump running, sometimes the security detectors at stores depending on how close I walk to them, high power electrical lines when going under them and lots of times, my computer cooling fan sitting at my desk. I rarely hear the microwave or any type of feed back from that as it relates to electrical noise. None of this stuff has been a problem it is just something I hear when I have the Telecoil turned on. What is nice when the Telecoil is activated is I don't hear all the road or wind noise in a car while I'm talking on the phone nor do I hear all the conversations in a restraunt or walking along side a noisy road. My audiologist has asked me if I want the Mic activated when the T-coil is on and one program, I do have 30% amplification through the mic's. It is nice to have the choice.

About all I would say is that if someone with a CI is getting this type of electromagnetic feedback, make sure the T-coil is turned off since it is possible to have both turned on all the time from programming. If there are still problems, check with the audiologist doing the programming to make sure things are right.
 
Informative post Steve! I was interested in how having your CI has helped you with doing your job and glad to hear that it has not interfered with your hobbies.
 
Sorry to hijack the thread for one update. Maybe it is helpful.

R2. My job has been going great. My CI has definitely changed my dreams and career direction with the company. My management seams to have also changed their ideas as well since I can catch 90-95% of what is said in meetings now. Since December and receiving my CI in January, I have had the opportunity to help launch an 800# call center for internal employees which lasted about 10 weeks and involved getting the new hires up to speed and help develop operating processes within the team. Eight of the first ten weeks, I spent much of my time answering phone calls which is one of the main reasons I mentioned the Telecoil setting in the previous post. I then took some time during and after the birth of our child and upon returning to work, was given the opportunity to transfer to a different group as a quality manager.

My hobby of racing cars is going great and this past weekend ended up in third place out of 209 drivers and a team ended up in 10th.

I can say for the most part, I no longer have the anxiety and stress 24/7 with trying to hear and understand what people say. Although the CI is not perfect and it is far from natural hearing, it is a HUGE HUGE help. I can say that most music sounds pretty much the same as when I could hear 2+ years ago but this has taken a lot of practice with re-training my brain to hear the frequencies as they use to be. Some of the frequencies are not quite right but at least I can hear them and know they are not quite right.

Just recently, I met a co-worker who has a child that was implanted a couple years ago. He has asked me a lot of questions as he is really seeking first hand knowledge as to what I went through so he can relate a little better to what his child is going through. I am glad to say that his child is doing great and is developing fine. He also said they are practicing signing as a back up as well for those of you who may be wondering.

Probably one of the more important things I have to always remind myself of and remember is that last fall, October/November timeframe, I made a decision to try a CI. With knowing the risks and the hope that it would be successful in helping me hear and understand what people said I could not predict the future nor could the Doctors. I dreamed that it would be as good as it has become but in reality, I NEVER actually thought it would turn out to be such a significant change in my life. I have to look at this CI as similar to a Knee Replacement or heart transplant. Nothing guaranteed the Dr’s say it should work but for how long, no one really knows and sure can't guarantee anything. It is man made so it can break but life can also change with a car accident tomorrow or next week. I plan for the future, take as many precautions as I can but I live for today. Today, I can hear. I hope it lasts for a very long time.

Anyway, thanks for asking.
Steve
 
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