Merry Christmas all, and Happy New Year! Today I'm one month post op and things are still going relatively well. My ear still feels a bit congested, and still has the sound and feeling of fluid in the ear.
Whenever I sleep on the Esteem side it feels like my ear fills up with fluid and when I lift my head there is a feeling of suction or inward pressure and a pop that releases the pressure and then a second "normal" pop. I asked Dr. S about this and he thinks it sounds like the eardrum is healing, so alright! I'll take that!
I have noticed a slight shrill sound associated with myself, my internal noises, and louder high pitched noises again, which I'm guessing is scar tissue forming. I hope that it isn't going to get worse than this. I go about on C4 for my daily routine and turn it down to C2 at bedtime, and this seems to work well. I like C5, but the sounds that I notice are shrill are magnified so much at this level that it just isn't enjoyable to stay on.
I blew my nose gently for the first time this past week and had major feedback. That sounded awful! I'm also still showering with a cotton ball covered in vaseline in my ear until I see Dr. K again (Jan. 9th) to determine if the hole has healed in my eardrum.
One good thing to note is that my PCP requested that my insurance pay for me to have a covered visit with Dr. S and they agreed for ONE visit approved through mid March, and then from there they would need to be notified again if I needed to be seen by Dr. S to decide if they'll pay for more visits. I'm crossing my fingers that this will open the door to them paying for the Esteem on my left ear eventually.
I still have several more weeks of healing left to do and potentially my hearing could go one of 3 ways; worse, status quo, or better. I'll be very happy with status quo or better! God has blessed me with a very caring and talented surgeon who has stayed with me every step of the way and much better hearing than I could have dreamed.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Amazement
I put my device on level C2 for bedtime because I'm a really light sleeper and my hair makes too much noise against the pillow when I sleep on the Esteem side and our furnace kicks on every 6-7 minutes (it's COLD in Michigan). These noises keep waking me up, so taking my Esteem from C4 to C2 makes it more tolerable and I sleep better. I can still hear, just not so acutely :)
What I'm amazed by is that C2 used to be what I was on all the time, and at the time I thought I was hearing fairly well. Now that I've had the adhesions removed and can enjoy C4 and 5, C2 sounds so quiet! As in, I strain to hear, quiet. It is and was actually "work" to hear. With C4 I'm very relaxed and don't work to hear. It isn't as exhausting in social situations to stay in the conversation, and for that I am so thankful and blessed.
At work eating in the cafeteria was always confusing and frustrating due to the noise level. Now it is enjoyable again and I can follow and understand conversation much easier since the noise is not so distracting and roaring in my ear. And the volume is down to nearly the quietest level on my phone in my office, and all voices so far are easy to understand.
It's been an amazing 11 days since I turned the Esteem back on. Merry Christmas everyone :)
What I'm amazed by is that C2 used to be what I was on all the time, and at the time I thought I was hearing fairly well. Now that I've had the adhesions removed and can enjoy C4 and 5, C2 sounds so quiet! As in, I strain to hear, quiet. It is and was actually "work" to hear. With C4 I'm very relaxed and don't work to hear. It isn't as exhausting in social situations to stay in the conversation, and for that I am so thankful and blessed.
At work eating in the cafeteria was always confusing and frustrating due to the noise level. Now it is enjoyable again and I can follow and understand conversation much easier since the noise is not so distracting and roaring in my ear. And the volume is down to nearly the quietest level on my phone in my office, and all voices so far are easy to understand.
It's been an amazing 11 days since I turned the Esteem back on. Merry Christmas everyone :)
Monday, December 17, 2012
Finally, 5!
I have conquered level 5! I decided to bump up to the final level today and so glad I did. I can't believe how much the scar tissue impeded my hearing before. I finally understand the true miracle this device is! Although 5 is loud (!) I think I'll be using it and 4 the most. 4 is comfortable but 5 has umph ;)
For instance:
I heard my husband's feet hitting the treadmill in the basement while I was on the main level with the TV on! Tell me that isn't cool?! I started paying attention to TV conversation today, and I am catching probably 95% of what's being said. Wow! There is still room for improvement too, so I'm going to work at really training myself to recognize words.
My ear at this point feels pretty good. I still have a slight fullness in it, which I guess is probably due to healing. I'm also finding myself swallowing a lot to pop my ear, which helps relieve the pressure but only lasts a very short time. I don't think the hole is affecting the sound, but then how could I know, as I was not benefiting from the Esteem in full anyway? I have no way to know either about the 35 dB gain I got back but maybe it's hearing things like what I mentioned above about my hubby running?
Anyway, so pleased at the outcome for now. I am so happy I was allowed to turn it back on before going back to work which will be in 3 days.
For instance:
I heard my husband's feet hitting the treadmill in the basement while I was on the main level with the TV on! Tell me that isn't cool?! I started paying attention to TV conversation today, and I am catching probably 95% of what's being said. Wow! There is still room for improvement too, so I'm going to work at really training myself to recognize words.
My ear at this point feels pretty good. I still have a slight fullness in it, which I guess is probably due to healing. I'm also finding myself swallowing a lot to pop my ear, which helps relieve the pressure but only lasts a very short time. I don't think the hole is affecting the sound, but then how could I know, as I was not benefiting from the Esteem in full anyway? I have no way to know either about the 35 dB gain I got back but maybe it's hearing things like what I mentioned above about my hubby running?
Anyway, so pleased at the outcome for now. I am so happy I was allowed to turn it back on before going back to work which will be in 3 days.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
4 For 4!
Bumped up to level 4 today after church and again, going well :) I am confident level 5 will be just fine too. I'm using my eveyday setting which is C. For church I had to go back down to level 2, but when I got home I went for my forth program bump and 4 is great. I heard my phone text sound, a quiet swooshing, from 4 rooms away! I kinda feel like I have a secret agent ear, haha :) I haven't been paying attention to how well I'm understanding speech though. I don't think I've been saying "what?" or "huh?" very much. Once I get settled into level 5 I'll start paying more attention to that detail.
I'm cautiously optimistic that this will last and be able to maintain the clearer less screechy sound. However, I say cautious because the growth of scar tissue happens over time and if I grow a lot again then I'm worried I'll notice a decrease in quality of sound. But, I'm determined to enjoy how amazing it sounds now! And as Dr. Seidman stresses, think positive thoughts to promote good healing. I can do that!
I'm cautiously optimistic that this will last and be able to maintain the clearer less screechy sound. However, I say cautious because the growth of scar tissue happens over time and if I grow a lot again then I'm worried I'll notice a decrease in quality of sound. But, I'm determined to enjoy how amazing it sounds now! And as Dr. Seidman stresses, think positive thoughts to promote good healing. I can do that!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Good Progress
I'm enjoying and tolerating level C3! Yeah! This is going very, very well considering. I shot an email off to Dr. Seidman that I turned on the device earlier than instructed and although he "scolded" me, he was pretty excited things are looking up.
I plan to try level C4 either tomorrow night or Sunday. I will be elated if I can tolerate C4!
TBD...
I plan to try level C4 either tomorrow night or Sunday. I will be elated if I can tolerate C4!
TBD...
Thursday, December 13, 2012
2 Weeks Post Op
Two weeks, and I've hit the mark where I can turn on my device. I actually turned it on Monday evening, just out of curiosity since the packing was out...at first everything sounded really bad, kinda like a wind rushing noise. But I forgot to query, so I did, and that made it better. But I was on C2, and it was too loud, so I switched it down to C0 and that was really tolerable! I've been "on" since! And now at 2 weeks post today, I'm comfortably at C2. I tried C3 but it is too loud and actually seemed to make my eardrum ache, so back to C2. Everything sounds normal so far, a little fluid and ear congestion but nothing too bad as yet. And my tinnitus isn't so distracting now, whew! Hoping in the next couple days to get used to C3 as I've never had success getting past it or staying on it. I know that I have to keep in mind that the ear is still healing from surgery AND I have a hole, so those will affect my hearing quality but so far, it's not too bad. Anything is better than lopsided hearing :)
Monday, December 10, 2012
Hole-y Eardrum!
Today the packing came out of my ear. Not an uncomfortable procedure at all! I saw my hometown ENT so I didn't have to drive to Detroit to see Dr. Seidman for a short time only to turn around and drive another 3.5 hrs home. I'm 11 days post op now.
Dr. K removed my packing and cleaned my ear for me. He also noted a 2-3 mm hole in my eardrum. To be sure he knew what needed to be done, he called and spoke with Dr. Seidman and between the two of them, decided that a paper patch would be best. He performed the procedure right then, also not uncomfortable. I'm to follow up with him in 4 weeks to make sure the patch healed the hole. If the hole is still there, Dr. K felt I'd need to go back to Dr. Seidman unless they feel he can do whatever needs to be done. I really don't know at this point what will happen if the hole doesn't heal.
I have been in communication with Dr. Seidman since and I'm to follow restrictions for 2 more weeks (no lifting anything over 10 lbs, sneeze with mouth open, etc) and need to shower with cotton ball covered in vaseline for 4 more weeks until Dr. K can confirm the eardrum has healed. Dr. Seidman did say this likely will affect how the Esteem sounds once I turn it back on. I guess I'll see on Friday.
**Just spoke with Dr. Seidman shortly after writing this. If the eardrum does not heal in four weeks, the next step would be surgery to repair the hole. POSITIVE thoughts only!! Keeping my fingers and toes crossed that the hole heals!
Dr. K removed my packing and cleaned my ear for me. He also noted a 2-3 mm hole in my eardrum. To be sure he knew what needed to be done, he called and spoke with Dr. Seidman and between the two of them, decided that a paper patch would be best. He performed the procedure right then, also not uncomfortable. I'm to follow up with him in 4 weeks to make sure the patch healed the hole. If the hole is still there, Dr. K felt I'd need to go back to Dr. Seidman unless they feel he can do whatever needs to be done. I really don't know at this point what will happen if the hole doesn't heal.
I have been in communication with Dr. Seidman since and I'm to follow restrictions for 2 more weeks (no lifting anything over 10 lbs, sneeze with mouth open, etc) and need to shower with cotton ball covered in vaseline for 4 more weeks until Dr. K can confirm the eardrum has healed. Dr. Seidman did say this likely will affect how the Esteem sounds once I turn it back on. I guess I'll see on Friday.
**Just spoke with Dr. Seidman shortly after writing this. If the eardrum does not heal in four weeks, the next step would be surgery to repair the hole. POSITIVE thoughts only!! Keeping my fingers and toes crossed that the hole heals!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
1 Week Post Transcanal
Sore throat. Check. Ear congestion. Check. However, I one upped the congestion and got some Mucinex-D and that has really helped! Much better than Zyrtec-D ever did. I guess by thinning the secretions it helps to get it out of the sinus cavaties easier vs just drying it up.
The intensity of my throat pain is going down finally and I haven't gotten any fevers. Highest temp over the course of the week was 99.3.
Hearing only out of my left ear is tiring. I feel even more so now since I have had the advantage of the level of the Esteem for a year. I don't feel like being social and I panic when the phone rings! Thankfully I should be able to use my Esteem ear again soon, within the next 2 weeks.
The most annoying thing now is the cotton ball in my ear and slathering it in vaseline everytime I want to shower. Yuck. And itchy! But I have to be careful not to scratch at my ear...ugh! Ear pain is nothing so that's great! Most concerning thought now is, will it feel uncomfortable when the doctor pulls the packing out of my ear??? Details to follow on Monday!
The intensity of my throat pain is going down finally and I haven't gotten any fevers. Highest temp over the course of the week was 99.3.
Hearing only out of my left ear is tiring. I feel even more so now since I have had the advantage of the level of the Esteem for a year. I don't feel like being social and I panic when the phone rings! Thankfully I should be able to use my Esteem ear again soon, within the next 2 weeks.
The most annoying thing now is the cotton ball in my ear and slathering it in vaseline everytime I want to shower. Yuck. And itchy! But I have to be careful not to scratch at my ear...ugh! Ear pain is nothing so that's great! Most concerning thought now is, will it feel uncomfortable when the doctor pulls the packing out of my ear??? Details to follow on Monday!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Post op Day 4 (Monday)
I lied. Today I feel the worst. My throat feels like I've got one giant sharp serrated knife grating up and down in it everytime I swallow or drink and eat. My voice is getting better once it starts getting use. It's pretty scratchy. But really, shouldn't I be feeling better about my throat by now, not consistently worse? And I'm terrified to do anything they warned me not to: sneezing (can sneeze with my mouth open), blowing my nose, lifting more than 10 lbs, being careful how I bend over, and no straining with bowel movements. How easy it is to forget and do any of these things! I haven't sneezed yet, just keeping kleenex on hand for drips, I'm sure I've lifted more than 10 lbs already (oops) and I have been taking mirilax since I got home to help not strain during a BM.
On to better things; Dr. Seidman phoned me the other night to check on me and answer any questions I might have had. He told me the adhesions were rock hard, something he's never really seen before. Leave it to me :) I wanted to know if there was anyway to prevent the adhesions from coming back and of course there is no known way, just hope and pray! I asked about the cotton ball with vaseline during showers and if I could stop with doing that once the packing is out. He wants me to keep that up at least 3-4 weeks just to be sure everything heals and no infections will begin. We went over the pictures and also how exciting it is that my dB gain went from 5 to 35 dB according to the Envoy tech's testing. Turning on the device will be at my comfort and I won't need to see anyone to do it. If I feel I need an adjustment then I can call and set an appt up. Dr. S thinks 3-4 weeks before I'll feel like I can turn it on without interference of fluid, but the Envoy tech wrote 2 weeks, so I'm going to start there! I promised not to get too upset if it didn't sound great right away though.
Looking forward to the 13th :)
On to better things; Dr. Seidman phoned me the other night to check on me and answer any questions I might have had. He told me the adhesions were rock hard, something he's never really seen before. Leave it to me :) I wanted to know if there was anyway to prevent the adhesions from coming back and of course there is no known way, just hope and pray! I asked about the cotton ball with vaseline during showers and if I could stop with doing that once the packing is out. He wants me to keep that up at least 3-4 weeks just to be sure everything heals and no infections will begin. We went over the pictures and also how exciting it is that my dB gain went from 5 to 35 dB according to the Envoy tech's testing. Turning on the device will be at my comfort and I won't need to see anyone to do it. If I feel I need an adjustment then I can call and set an appt up. Dr. S thinks 3-4 weeks before I'll feel like I can turn it on without interference of fluid, but the Envoy tech wrote 2 weeks, so I'm going to start there! I promised not to get too upset if it didn't sound great right away though.
Looking forward to the 13th :)
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Post op Transcanal Day 2 (Saturday)
Ughhh, I almost think I feel worse today than I did yesterday. My throat is so sore I can hardly swallow and I have no voice. My ear just feels full and once in awhile there is a sharp pain in it, but it's managable. I've noticed my tinnitus to be waaaaay worse now that the sound is off in my ear. My taste is once again really metallic and bitter. The post op instructions say this could last days to months!! My guess is that since it was damaged before, it's going to be months. Blech....just when I was getting used to the way things were tasting. I'm not liking this! But at least I have taste at all.
I've changed my cotton ball 3 times now, but the drainage actually isn't much. I hope it won't be uncomfortable to get the packing taken out of my ear! Sleep is still pretty fractured so I'm really fatigued during the day. I think I'm more worn down from the anesthesia this time than the actual Esteem placement surgery.
I am praying my scarring doesn't go crazy this time and actually allows my device to work as it should. Countdown is on til December 13 when I can turn this on!!!
I've changed my cotton ball 3 times now, but the drainage actually isn't much. I hope it won't be uncomfortable to get the packing taken out of my ear! Sleep is still pretty fractured so I'm really fatigued during the day. I think I'm more worn down from the anesthesia this time than the actual Esteem placement surgery.
I am praying my scarring doesn't go crazy this time and actually allows my device to work as it should. Countdown is on til December 13 when I can turn this on!!!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Post-op Transcanal
I had a very good experience yesterday, success to be determined!
My surgery went on time at 2 pm, out of OR at 4:30 and in recovery til 7:30. Dr. Seidman told me it went well but it was right as I was waking up so all I could do was give a half drunk thumbs up. I did not need the full revision, so I still have all my hair!!! (and so does Dr. seidman ;)!!!!) According to what my husband told me, there were a lot of adhesions. Some right on the driver and stapes and some on the ear drum too. He removed it all with a laser (Activate the laaaser...anyone who's seen Austin Powers would appreciate that). Then he also noticed part of the driver was sticking out from the stapes so he recemented it back in place with some Envoy cement.
The Envoy rep that was there tested the device before surgery and said I was only getting a 5 dB gain. Normal is 25-35 dB gain. After surgery it was tested and I had a significant improvement to 35 dB gain! Praise God! Everyone was ecstatic! Results to be determined at 2 weeks when I can turn the Esteem back on. Yep, 2 weeks, not 6-8 like originally thought!! I'm very happy with that. I have packing in my ear that will need to be removed at 10 days post op and Dr. S is kind enough to let me do it at my audiologist who is close to home vs driving 3 hrs to see him for 5 min to remove the packing. Love this guy! He gave me 4 pictures with explanations from the surgery. It was very cool to see.
My pre-op nurse and recovery nurse were amazing! They were so kind and did everything possible to make me feel confortable. After surgery I couldn't pee (I was expecting this) and had to be straight cathed again. My nurse gave me some good advise about this. I should go to my pcp or a urologist and get a signed letter stating I have to have a catheter for all procedures no matter how short or small it is d/t difficulty urinating. It's a good idea. I'll probably see about doing this.
Over all this whole thing was very positive.
I couldn't have had it go any better I think.
The most discomfort I have right now is a sore throat that feels like strep throat from the ET tube and my ear feels like it has a bad ear ache. No neck or shoulder pain like last time. No incisional pain. Instructions are similar to a stapedectomy; no lifting objects over 10 lbs for 4 weeks, no strenuous activity for 4 weeks. I can shower right away but have to have a cotton ball with vaseline in my ear to keep water out of my ear. No blowing my nose and must sneeze with my mouth open for 3-4 weeks. Appt to take out ear packing in 10 days. And the best instructions; don't make anymore adhesions!!!!! Hahaha
I will add the photos here:
My surgery went on time at 2 pm, out of OR at 4:30 and in recovery til 7:30. Dr. Seidman told me it went well but it was right as I was waking up so all I could do was give a half drunk thumbs up. I did not need the full revision, so I still have all my hair!!! (and so does Dr. seidman ;)!!!!) According to what my husband told me, there were a lot of adhesions. Some right on the driver and stapes and some on the ear drum too. He removed it all with a laser (Activate the laaaser...anyone who's seen Austin Powers would appreciate that). Then he also noticed part of the driver was sticking out from the stapes so he recemented it back in place with some Envoy cement.
The Envoy rep that was there tested the device before surgery and said I was only getting a 5 dB gain. Normal is 25-35 dB gain. After surgery it was tested and I had a significant improvement to 35 dB gain! Praise God! Everyone was ecstatic! Results to be determined at 2 weeks when I can turn the Esteem back on. Yep, 2 weeks, not 6-8 like originally thought!! I'm very happy with that. I have packing in my ear that will need to be removed at 10 days post op and Dr. S is kind enough to let me do it at my audiologist who is close to home vs driving 3 hrs to see him for 5 min to remove the packing. Love this guy! He gave me 4 pictures with explanations from the surgery. It was very cool to see.
My pre-op nurse and recovery nurse were amazing! They were so kind and did everything possible to make me feel confortable. After surgery I couldn't pee (I was expecting this) and had to be straight cathed again. My nurse gave me some good advise about this. I should go to my pcp or a urologist and get a signed letter stating I have to have a catheter for all procedures no matter how short or small it is d/t difficulty urinating. It's a good idea. I'll probably see about doing this.
Over all this whole thing was very positive.
I couldn't have had it go any better I think.
The most discomfort I have right now is a sore throat that feels like strep throat from the ET tube and my ear feels like it has a bad ear ache. No neck or shoulder pain like last time. No incisional pain. Instructions are similar to a stapedectomy; no lifting objects over 10 lbs for 4 weeks, no strenuous activity for 4 weeks. I can shower right away but have to have a cotton ball with vaseline in my ear to keep water out of my ear. No blowing my nose and must sneeze with my mouth open for 3-4 weeks. Appt to take out ear packing in 10 days. And the best instructions; don't make anymore adhesions!!!!! Hahaha
I will add the photos here:
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Transcanal Tomorrow
Transcanal revision tomorrow at Henry Ford West Bloomfield! I'm to arrive at the hospital at 12:15. Dr. Seidman is certain he will not have to access the auricle incision (original incision behind my ear) to fix the scar tissue but it always is a possibility. I am going to tell him that if I wake up with half a shaved head like last time, he better have a shaved head too!
Basically he will be peeling back the eardrum, shaving off any adhesions and removing bone and cement dust that may be impeding the full potential of the Esteem device. He figures on about 2 hours operating time. I hope it'll be smooth going and no need to do the full revision. Regardless, I have to leave the device off for 6-8 weeks. That's going to be extremely hard now that I've become so dependent on this ear. Bye bye phone conversations!
I'll have a 1 week follow up on Dec 7 at the office to remove the packing on my ear and then just waiting on re-activation. I kinda hope I can just turn it on myself and move on...I really don't want to pay for activation fees! This surgery will be paid for by Envoy, for which I am terribly thankful. Beyond that I've got to hope and pray with all my might that everything goes swimmingly and works and I can HEAR without issues and not need extra visits that I'll need to pay for. I keep working on my insurance to cover any part in this whole thing. I've been denied, so I'm on to the appeals process and have my pcp helping me. Fingers crossed it gets me somewhere! Considering Dr. S is only 1 of 11 surgeons who can provide the services required for the Esteem, I'm thinking I might have a fair shot at Priority Health picking up some of the tab.
"Hear's" to a smooth surgery tomorrow!
Basically he will be peeling back the eardrum, shaving off any adhesions and removing bone and cement dust that may be impeding the full potential of the Esteem device. He figures on about 2 hours operating time. I hope it'll be smooth going and no need to do the full revision. Regardless, I have to leave the device off for 6-8 weeks. That's going to be extremely hard now that I've become so dependent on this ear. Bye bye phone conversations!
I'll have a 1 week follow up on Dec 7 at the office to remove the packing on my ear and then just waiting on re-activation. I kinda hope I can just turn it on myself and move on...I really don't want to pay for activation fees! This surgery will be paid for by Envoy, for which I am terribly thankful. Beyond that I've got to hope and pray with all my might that everything goes swimmingly and works and I can HEAR without issues and not need extra visits that I'll need to pay for. I keep working on my insurance to cover any part in this whole thing. I've been denied, so I'm on to the appeals process and have my pcp helping me. Fingers crossed it gets me somewhere! Considering Dr. S is only 1 of 11 surgeons who can provide the services required for the Esteem, I'm thinking I might have a fair shot at Priority Health picking up some of the tab.
"Hear's" to a smooth surgery tomorrow!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
A Thankful Thanksgiving
I have a date! November 29 will be my revision, or transcanal approach, on my right (Esteem) ear. Happy dance!!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Changes Ahead!
Envoy has changed their business model. That is what all the fuss and anxiety was about. The CEO has been replaced, and many staff/customer service reps have been let go. I have 2 familiar contacts left with Envoy, so that is a comfort somewhat.
Envoy has decided to cut back out of the picture and let the implanting surgeons take the lead on recruiting appropriate candidates for the device. They will no longer sell the device to the consumer, nor place a consumer with a doctor. It is up to any new patient/consumer to find the doctor and have the doctor decide if the Esteem will work for them. The docs are loving this part. I agree that it makes so much more sense to go through the surgeon vs going through a medical device manufacturer for important medical questions/advice and doctor match up.
One thing Envoy has done to cause a bit of a stir is to follow their LOU (letter of understanding) that all patients signed, to a T. That means only the activation and one adjustment are included in the purchase agreement of the device. All else (further adjustments, revisions, etc) will be the responsibility of the patient now, which had not been the case before. There were many of us (including me) who were promised much more than what the LOU stated. Some promises were in writing, most verbal. While Envoy has remained elusive about these promises, stating they cannot be upheld, they have come through for me one last time before I believe I will be responsible for everything else.
They have agreed to let Dr. S do my revision at their expense! It is a transcanal procedure which involves peeling back the eardrum and scrapping scar tissue and bone dust out of the ear and doing a little exploratory work. I'm told to expect about 2 hrs under general anesthesia and approximately 6-8 weeks with the device turned off to allow for healing/fluid drainage. He will not have to cut the original incision behind my ear on my head, which means no hair will be shaved! I'm so thankful that Envoy has decided to help me out and I'm also very happy to be able to stay with my implanting surgeon.
Next step is scheduling surgery, which should be right around Thanksgiving d/t other unavoidable circumstances...I'll be spending the holidays in quiet observance!
Envoy has decided to cut back out of the picture and let the implanting surgeons take the lead on recruiting appropriate candidates for the device. They will no longer sell the device to the consumer, nor place a consumer with a doctor. It is up to any new patient/consumer to find the doctor and have the doctor decide if the Esteem will work for them. The docs are loving this part. I agree that it makes so much more sense to go through the surgeon vs going through a medical device manufacturer for important medical questions/advice and doctor match up.
One thing Envoy has done to cause a bit of a stir is to follow their LOU (letter of understanding) that all patients signed, to a T. That means only the activation and one adjustment are included in the purchase agreement of the device. All else (further adjustments, revisions, etc) will be the responsibility of the patient now, which had not been the case before. There were many of us (including me) who were promised much more than what the LOU stated. Some promises were in writing, most verbal. While Envoy has remained elusive about these promises, stating they cannot be upheld, they have come through for me one last time before I believe I will be responsible for everything else.
They have agreed to let Dr. S do my revision at their expense! It is a transcanal procedure which involves peeling back the eardrum and scrapping scar tissue and bone dust out of the ear and doing a little exploratory work. I'm told to expect about 2 hrs under general anesthesia and approximately 6-8 weeks with the device turned off to allow for healing/fluid drainage. He will not have to cut the original incision behind my ear on my head, which means no hair will be shaved! I'm so thankful that Envoy has decided to help me out and I'm also very happy to be able to stay with my implanting surgeon.
Next step is scheduling surgery, which should be right around Thanksgiving d/t other unavoidable circumstances...I'll be spending the holidays in quiet observance!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Pay Off!
We paid off the Esteem in full today and boy does that feel great! Just shy of one year by a couple weeks too!
I am waiting on Michelle to get back to me regarding what the revision review board thinks of my situation. Dr. Seidman is aware of the wait as well. I also quit taking the Flonase because it wasn't working, and it actually gave me intolerable side effects (pharyngitis, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea).
So we wait.
I have had to turn my implant down to level 2 on program C. Everything sounds sharp and whistle-y now. Like I'm in a tin box. I can't stand to be in crowded noisey places at all. Program B causes feedback and I don't like program A anymore (was the original setting). All the programs cause feedback above level 3 anyway. It's kind of discouraging and really makes me anxious that I'm turning the implant down further and further.
There is also a ton of activity on the Facebook Esteem page regarding the changes going on within Envoy. We are all getting bits and pieces of the story but no one really knows what's going on. It's a mystery that I wish the company would explain! Until I know the full extent of what's happening, I don't want to say too much.
I am waiting on Michelle to get back to me regarding what the revision review board thinks of my situation. Dr. Seidman is aware of the wait as well. I also quit taking the Flonase because it wasn't working, and it actually gave me intolerable side effects (pharyngitis, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea).
So we wait.
I have had to turn my implant down to level 2 on program C. Everything sounds sharp and whistle-y now. Like I'm in a tin box. I can't stand to be in crowded noisey places at all. Program B causes feedback and I don't like program A anymore (was the original setting). All the programs cause feedback above level 3 anyway. It's kind of discouraging and really makes me anxious that I'm turning the implant down further and further.
There is also a ton of activity on the Facebook Esteem page regarding the changes going on within Envoy. We are all getting bits and pieces of the story but no one really knows what's going on. It's a mystery that I wish the company would explain! Until I know the full extent of what's happening, I don't want to say too much.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Revision
The appointment with Dr. S went well in terms of him getting to the bottom of why my ear just doesn't seem "right". The probable outcome is not what I expected, but it is what I want if it means getting the full potential out of my ear.
He took a look into my ear with his microscope and also did a tympanogram of his own. The tymp was normal, meaning there is not fluid in my ear. He also noticed a dry ear while looking with his scope. What he did see was bone cement on the inside of the ear drum and adhesions, both of which are likely restricting my ear's full potential to hear.
The answer? A revision of some sort. Putting me under general anesthesia and peeling back the ear drum, scraping it clean and removing the adhesions during the exploration of the ear. Dr. S said if he can do it he'd like to. Envoy typically won't allow a surgeon to do a revision unless they have at least 25 Esteems implanted. He's around 15. I don't really know what this means for me. I'd like him to do the surgery also, but will do whatever Envoy says since they pay for a revision.
For now, I've been prescribed Flonase (steroid nasal decongestant) to see if that will help alleviate any of the fullness in my ear. I'm supposed to get in touch with Dr. S in about 6 weeks to let him know how the Flonase is working, then go from there with plans to do or not do the revision.
Honestly, I'm just glad that I have a legit reason to not be hearing well and why my hearing has been sounding distorted! I'm still having trouble increasing my volume from C 3. I try to go to 4 and louder, higher pitched noises just sound whistley, like it's on the verge of feedback. But, definately still a big improvement since the last adjustment!
It sounds like the revision rate is getting somewhere up around the 5% mark now. I wonder if this will make Envoy think of different ways to do the approach to the surgery? Or if those that are getting revisions have some common denominator that makes the revisions necessary?
He took a look into my ear with his microscope and also did a tympanogram of his own. The tymp was normal, meaning there is not fluid in my ear. He also noticed a dry ear while looking with his scope. What he did see was bone cement on the inside of the ear drum and adhesions, both of which are likely restricting my ear's full potential to hear.
The answer? A revision of some sort. Putting me under general anesthesia and peeling back the ear drum, scraping it clean and removing the adhesions during the exploration of the ear. Dr. S said if he can do it he'd like to. Envoy typically won't allow a surgeon to do a revision unless they have at least 25 Esteems implanted. He's around 15. I don't really know what this means for me. I'd like him to do the surgery also, but will do whatever Envoy says since they pay for a revision.
For now, I've been prescribed Flonase (steroid nasal decongestant) to see if that will help alleviate any of the fullness in my ear. I'm supposed to get in touch with Dr. S in about 6 weeks to let him know how the Flonase is working, then go from there with plans to do or not do the revision.
Honestly, I'm just glad that I have a legit reason to not be hearing well and why my hearing has been sounding distorted! I'm still having trouble increasing my volume from C 3. I try to go to 4 and louder, higher pitched noises just sound whistley, like it's on the verge of feedback. But, definately still a big improvement since the last adjustment!
It sounds like the revision rate is getting somewhere up around the 5% mark now. I wonder if this will make Envoy think of different ways to do the approach to the surgery? Or if those that are getting revisions have some common denominator that makes the revisions necessary?
Monday, July 9, 2012
Uh-oh Tympanogram
I saw my own audi last week to pick up my HA, and out of curiosity I asked her to check a tymp on my right ear as it has felt full or like it has pressure in it since my Esteem was put in. She did and the results were abnormal. So I shot off an email complete with the image of the tymp to Dr. S and sure enough, I have to go see him this Thursday. The theory is that it's probably fluid, but as he said "tymps aren't always correct". Fingers crossed it's something simple!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Vacation Treat!
I went to New York City last week for vacation, and to see my best friends' new apartment. The city was fun as always but the best part of the week was going to the Jersey Shore and playing in the Atlantic all day!! It was just the best thing to be able to hear while in the water! This was my first time swimming with the Esteem and let's just say that this experience has totally made up for any of the down falls I have with the device.
I was thrown around and pulled under water by the waves and it felt like water was plugging my ears, especially the left, so much so that I thought it was blocking sound altogether. Then I realized that it wasn't water making me feel like I couldn't hear, it was the fact that the implanted ear was hearing so well!! I was amazed by that. Truly a blessing! I kept telling my hubby and friends how cool it was to be able to hear and know what was being said. Now I can't wait to go tubing and kayaking!! Those activities were always soooo frustrating trying to hear others talking as I floated away from them.
The only downside from being in the water is I do think I got water in my ear somehow. Everytime I blow my nose there is really painful pressure and then a popping in my Esteem ear. Not really sure what to make of it.
Dr. S has been in contact with me regarding the issues I brought up to Paul at my adjustment. I should get more answers in the next couple of weeks.
I was thrown around and pulled under water by the waves and it felt like water was plugging my ears, especially the left, so much so that I thought it was blocking sound altogether. Then I realized that it wasn't water making me feel like I couldn't hear, it was the fact that the implanted ear was hearing so well!! I was amazed by that. Truly a blessing! I kept telling my hubby and friends how cool it was to be able to hear and know what was being said. Now I can't wait to go tubing and kayaking!! Those activities were always soooo frustrating trying to hear others talking as I floated away from them.
The only downside from being in the water is I do think I got water in my ear somehow. Everytime I blow my nose there is really painful pressure and then a popping in my Esteem ear. Not really sure what to make of it.
Dr. S has been in contact with me regarding the issues I brought up to Paul at my adjustment. I should get more answers in the next couple of weeks.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Cautiously Optimistic
My 2nd adjustment was a great experience. I met with Paul, one of the engineers who actually created the Esteem and he was fantastic. He seemed really invested in how well things should be working and wanting to get me going in the right direction. Not only was he very helpful with the adjustment, but he took a lot of my concerns/complaints seriously and will be contacting Dr. S himself and letting me know if anything needs to be taken care of!
One thing I really appreciated with this adjustment was that Paul used music to coincide with fine tuning my newest programs. I told him that my voice and the radio were terrible. Especially higher pitched tones. He found a Katy Perry song (only artist I could think of split second when explaining who made me wince when they sing high pitched and loud) and we worked with that until we were both satisfied the new B and C programs were acceptable. I can totally tolerate my voice now. It doesn't sound like it's booming in my head. However, internal noises are still really loud.
Radio music is also enjoyable again. The exciting thing is that I'm on levels 3-4 in program C and feeling great about it! I also think B will be nice (again a background setting) and Paul took out treble and base to help with extra noise as I was telling him that I have a hard time at restaurants, church, outside by busy roads, etc competing with hearing the voices of those around me. I have yet to really play around in B. We left A alone as this was the setting I was used to and could fall back on if B and C don't work out.
As for the concerns that will be taken to Dr. S, it is about the itching and warmth around the implant, not being able to wear sunglasses d/t the frames hurting my head where the implant is, fluid and pressure in my ear (I felt a pulsing or throbbing sensation in my eardrum with program changes which is new), starting to get right sided migraines and wondered if it's coincidental to the implant. If any of this concerns Dr. S then someone will be getting ahold of me.
I have noticed clearer sound and no distortion of higher pitched noises like before. This is a huge relief. I was also told that I test very well and the trend continues on. However, Paul was more realistic to say that even with good scores it doesn't neccessarily mean a person is getting the best sound. I truly appreciate his work and level of understanding. Right now things are sounding good.
At work the day after the adjustment, I was able to lower the volume significantly on my work phone. The iPhone is still a little touch and go. Just depends on the person talking.
I don't want to get too excited yet, but this is definately a promising change!
One thing I really appreciated with this adjustment was that Paul used music to coincide with fine tuning my newest programs. I told him that my voice and the radio were terrible. Especially higher pitched tones. He found a Katy Perry song (only artist I could think of split second when explaining who made me wince when they sing high pitched and loud) and we worked with that until we were both satisfied the new B and C programs were acceptable. I can totally tolerate my voice now. It doesn't sound like it's booming in my head. However, internal noises are still really loud.
Radio music is also enjoyable again. The exciting thing is that I'm on levels 3-4 in program C and feeling great about it! I also think B will be nice (again a background setting) and Paul took out treble and base to help with extra noise as I was telling him that I have a hard time at restaurants, church, outside by busy roads, etc competing with hearing the voices of those around me. I have yet to really play around in B. We left A alone as this was the setting I was used to and could fall back on if B and C don't work out.
As for the concerns that will be taken to Dr. S, it is about the itching and warmth around the implant, not being able to wear sunglasses d/t the frames hurting my head where the implant is, fluid and pressure in my ear (I felt a pulsing or throbbing sensation in my eardrum with program changes which is new), starting to get right sided migraines and wondered if it's coincidental to the implant. If any of this concerns Dr. S then someone will be getting ahold of me.
I have noticed clearer sound and no distortion of higher pitched noises like before. This is a huge relief. I was also told that I test very well and the trend continues on. However, Paul was more realistic to say that even with good scores it doesn't neccessarily mean a person is getting the best sound. I truly appreciate his work and level of understanding. Right now things are sounding good.
At work the day after the adjustment, I was able to lower the volume significantly on my work phone. The iPhone is still a little touch and go. Just depends on the person talking.
I don't want to get too excited yet, but this is definately a promising change!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Preparing For My 2nd Esteem Adjustment
Things I'm going to bring up during my adjustment:
- still can't get past A2, and don't really care for programs B or C
- still have tinnitus in both ears
- right ear feels full/plugged and like I need to pop it all the time
- right ear often gets feeling/sound of fluid in it
- skin around processor still really itchy
- whenever in crowded, noisy places or near traffic, my ear wants to focus on background noise, not people near me
- high pitched voices and tones (esp on radio) sound really distorted and get almost scratchy sounding (static?)
- my own voice can be too loud or booming, esp going to level 3 or higher
- sometimes it feels as though the hearing aided side is more clarified but not necessarily clearer
- still able to pick up more sounds and tones with right ear
- feel like ear has either completely plateaued or maybe even regressed some
This isn't my complete list, but the high points I want to touch on next week. Praying I get some good answers!
- still can't get past A2, and don't really care for programs B or C
- still have tinnitus in both ears
- right ear feels full/plugged and like I need to pop it all the time
- right ear often gets feeling/sound of fluid in it
- skin around processor still really itchy
- whenever in crowded, noisy places or near traffic, my ear wants to focus on background noise, not people near me
- high pitched voices and tones (esp on radio) sound really distorted and get almost scratchy sounding (static?)
- my own voice can be too loud or booming, esp going to level 3 or higher
- sometimes it feels as though the hearing aided side is more clarified but not necessarily clearer
- still able to pick up more sounds and tones with right ear
- feel like ear has either completely plateaued or maybe even regressed some
This isn't my complete list, but the high points I want to touch on next week. Praying I get some good answers!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
The Esteem and Having Surgery
I had my hardware removal several weeks ago and things went very smoothly. Not a hitch in anything. I told my surgeon in advance that I would need to have bipolar cautery and he was very accomodating. I instructed the nurses on my remote and how to work it but they ended up just having me use the remote myself when I woke up more. It all worked out fine. The Esteem still works great!
Doing the CT scan afterwards was no big deal either. And on the subject of imaging, my Envoy rep has been in contact with me recently and has given me exciting news...The FDA of Europe has allowed those with the Esteem to have MRIs! Which means the US won't be too far behind. This is such good news!
I have my second adjustment scheduled in June. I'm looking forward to that. I'm hoping to get things tweaked and sounding better for a trip to NYC just a week after the adjustment. I'm still stuck on A2, and as far as I'm concerned, I'm not ok with that. I want more. I want better. My ear feels so full or plugged all the time and I'd love to be able to be in a crowded room and not have the background noise be all my ear tunes in to.
Doing the CT scan afterwards was no big deal either. And on the subject of imaging, my Envoy rep has been in contact with me recently and has given me exciting news...The FDA of Europe has allowed those with the Esteem to have MRIs! Which means the US won't be too far behind. This is such good news!
I have my second adjustment scheduled in June. I'm looking forward to that. I'm hoping to get things tweaked and sounding better for a trip to NYC just a week after the adjustment. I'm still stuck on A2, and as far as I'm concerned, I'm not ok with that. I want more. I want better. My ear feels so full or plugged all the time and I'd love to be able to be in a crowded room and not have the background noise be all my ear tunes in to.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Remote "Mishap"
I haven't been completely impressed with my implant since my adjustment was done and I just learned the reason why. On the way home from my mother-in-laws house over the weekend, I decided to use my background setting while in the Jeep because the windows were down (absolutely gorgeous weather!) and I was having trouble hearing over the wind and road noise. I got my remote out (this would be the second, maybe third time using it since the adjustment and the first time using it in about 5 or 6 weeks). The remote turned on, I started to query the implant and the remote went dead. Ok, I'd wait til I got home to replace the batteries and query again. When I did finally change the batteries and queried, I saw settings 1-15 for levels A, B, and C! I was confused to say the least. Though things initially sounded better on these levels, I did email my engineer Michelle about why I suddenly have 1-15. She explained that she only gives people 1-15 that seem as though they're doing well with adjustments. Anyway, after questioning this on my Facebook support group, I found out that querying after EVERY time batteries are changed is what I should be doing. So I queried again and that did reset my program back to correct settings. I still can't get past A2. Forget C. B is alright but not very useful for conversation. This remote business is frustrating.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
6 Month Mark
I am at the half year mark for my post op period with my Esteem! I think things are relatively on track for healing and I know there's lots more healing still to come in the next 6 months. I'm only slightly discouraged that my hearing seems to have truly plateaued. I'm still only able to use A 2. Even going up to A 3 is just too much for me. My own voice is the worst, then female singers (radio, TV, iPod...). My voice on A 3 or higher sounds distorted. But in a weird way. It's very clear sounding but yet almost like it could be coming from a blown speaker inside my head, which is really loud...I can't make sense of it. A 2 is good, it's getting me through slightly better than my hearing aid, but I want more power. Singers (higher pitched females, or any higher pitched sounds) just sound too tinny/sharp.
I have definately suffered through sinus fluid and drainage this year, so I'm sure that can't be helping things much. This is definately a trial and error process! At this point in time, I really can't make an adjustment appointment fit into my schedule. The soonest I can see myself being able to set one up is in June, when I will be at a post op hip appointment that is also in Detroit. And who knows, maybe things will be much improved by then?
- Still pretty itchy around the incision/processor
- Taste ability is about 90%
- Still some residual numbness at the top of my ear and my scalp
- I have not turned my device off at all since December (even with blow drying my hair)
- I haven't experienced any feedback at all since activated
- I'm still learning to associate correct sounds to certain words. So in a way, the conversations on TV don't always make sense, I still can't figure out lyrics to songs on the radio, and for whatever reason, certain people just have voice registers that I have to really concentrate on to make sense of what they are saying. I have had a few encounters still of the repeated "What?" when asked something and usually the question asked is a very simple one. For example: "Where did you work before here?" I could hear the man plain as day, but I just could not understand what he was saying. The third time he repeated himself (and bless him, he didn't raise his voice or speak irritatingly slow) I finally realized what he was asking me. It truly felt like I was hearing a foreign language, which is very common for hard of hearing people. I hope this will eventually stop happening.
My MRI dilemma was solved. I am not allowed to have MRIs at this time (much to the chagrin of my orthopedic surgeon). I contacted both my Envoy rep and Dr. Seidman about this and both have said the risks outweigh the benefits. On Envoys end, the FDA still hasn't approved MRIs yet, so they can't endorse doing it. Until then, I am allowed CT scans and ultra sounds. Also, my upcoming hip hardware removal is a month from now, and I will post on how that goes in regards to the Esteem. I was advised to turn the Esteem off during the surgery to be on the safe side (bipolar cautery is safe with the Esteem, but just to be sure, they recommend the device be powered off during any surgical procedure). Then when I recover I will be taken to the imaging department for the CT scan.
I have to admit, I'm a little nervous handing off my remote to the OR team while I'm under anesthesia as the darn thing costs $500 to replace if broken or lost! I would normally leave my hearing aids with my husband and then put them back in when he was allowed to see me after the recovery phase, but since I'll have my hearing aid out in my left ear and the right ear will be completely deaf when I wake up, I'd like to be able to turn the Esteem on right away in the recovery room to make communicating with my nurse easier. Hopefully I'll be coherent enough to work the remote!
I have definately suffered through sinus fluid and drainage this year, so I'm sure that can't be helping things much. This is definately a trial and error process! At this point in time, I really can't make an adjustment appointment fit into my schedule. The soonest I can see myself being able to set one up is in June, when I will be at a post op hip appointment that is also in Detroit. And who knows, maybe things will be much improved by then?
- Still pretty itchy around the incision/processor
- Taste ability is about 90%
- Still some residual numbness at the top of my ear and my scalp
- I have not turned my device off at all since December (even with blow drying my hair)
- I haven't experienced any feedback at all since activated
- I'm still learning to associate correct sounds to certain words. So in a way, the conversations on TV don't always make sense, I still can't figure out lyrics to songs on the radio, and for whatever reason, certain people just have voice registers that I have to really concentrate on to make sense of what they are saying. I have had a few encounters still of the repeated "What?" when asked something and usually the question asked is a very simple one. For example: "Where did you work before here?" I could hear the man plain as day, but I just could not understand what he was saying. The third time he repeated himself (and bless him, he didn't raise his voice or speak irritatingly slow) I finally realized what he was asking me. It truly felt like I was hearing a foreign language, which is very common for hard of hearing people. I hope this will eventually stop happening.
My MRI dilemma was solved. I am not allowed to have MRIs at this time (much to the chagrin of my orthopedic surgeon). I contacted both my Envoy rep and Dr. Seidman about this and both have said the risks outweigh the benefits. On Envoys end, the FDA still hasn't approved MRIs yet, so they can't endorse doing it. Until then, I am allowed CT scans and ultra sounds. Also, my upcoming hip hardware removal is a month from now, and I will post on how that goes in regards to the Esteem. I was advised to turn the Esteem off during the surgery to be on the safe side (bipolar cautery is safe with the Esteem, but just to be sure, they recommend the device be powered off during any surgical procedure). Then when I recover I will be taken to the imaging department for the CT scan.
I have to admit, I'm a little nervous handing off my remote to the OR team while I'm under anesthesia as the darn thing costs $500 to replace if broken or lost! I would normally leave my hearing aids with my husband and then put them back in when he was allowed to see me after the recovery phase, but since I'll have my hearing aid out in my left ear and the right ear will be completely deaf when I wake up, I'd like to be able to turn the Esteem on right away in the recovery room to make communicating with my nurse easier. Hopefully I'll be coherent enough to work the remote!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Checking In
Time for a quick update I suppose! It's now been 5 weeks since my adjustment. In the grand scheme of things, it's going fine. Not impressive, really no better than when I had my hearing aid, but the convenience is still hands down 100% worth it. I have only used my A profile, and stay at level 2. Anything else is too "sharp" or grating on my ear. Blah, blah, blah, nothing new from last time. I don't want to sound discouraging, so I'll leave it at that. I can hear better so I really can't complain much. I just need to find time to schedule another adjustment.
I haven't discovered any new sounds lately. My incision seems like it's slowly and finally starting to heal and close up. It spit out a big chunk of sutures a couple nights ago, and although tender, no more wide scab! And my tongue/taste issue is definately improving! The 24th of this month I will be 6 months post op and that seems to be right in line with how long it was supposed to take for my taste to come back. I would say it's 85-90% better right now. And my feeling in my ear (top of my lobe/cartilage) and scalp is getting better too. I can just about wiggle my ear again:)
The hair is still taking awhile to fully fill in. It grew in really wiry and choppy. My hair dresser had to cut the ends off twice just to get it to grow healthy and correct. I cut my hair to chin length just to help that section grow in faster. It was hard to do since I did have hair past my shoulders. Oh well, the style is cute! Fresh new look;)
I can say I'm used to hearing 24/7 out of my right ear now. Although I am still in awe that it's working as well as it is, the novelty has worn off. But I'm still one proud chick when someone asks about it or wants advice/info. It's life altering. I can't stress that enough!
I haven't discovered any new sounds lately. My incision seems like it's slowly and finally starting to heal and close up. It spit out a big chunk of sutures a couple nights ago, and although tender, no more wide scab! And my tongue/taste issue is definately improving! The 24th of this month I will be 6 months post op and that seems to be right in line with how long it was supposed to take for my taste to come back. I would say it's 85-90% better right now. And my feeling in my ear (top of my lobe/cartilage) and scalp is getting better too. I can just about wiggle my ear again:)
The hair is still taking awhile to fully fill in. It grew in really wiry and choppy. My hair dresser had to cut the ends off twice just to get it to grow healthy and correct. I cut my hair to chin length just to help that section grow in faster. It was hard to do since I did have hair past my shoulders. Oh well, the style is cute! Fresh new look;)
I can say I'm used to hearing 24/7 out of my right ear now. Although I am still in awe that it's working as well as it is, the novelty has worn off. But I'm still one proud chick when someone asks about it or wants advice/info. It's life altering. I can't stress that enough!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Life After The Adjustment
It's been just about 3 weeks since my first adjustment and I thought I'd update a little. I don't like any of my settings. I don't find B or C useful at all, and I've tried them in just about every setting. I like A well enough but can only tolerate A 2. Anything higher and sound is too sharp or scratchy sounding. I think I'll definately need another adjustment. I think I could get by with A 2 but I want more since I know it's there.
Getting the right sound adjusted is frustrating. I always disliked having to get used to the way a new pair of HA's sounded because every pair is different with tone and quality. The Esteem adjustment is a lot like that.
I had to leave a restaurant earlier than I wanted to the other night because a Red Wings game was on and the bar tender turned it way up. No matter what setting I put my Esteem on it felt like it was blasting in my ear. I ended up plugging my ear for a little bit before finally giving up. But then two nights later, at a different restaurant, I was able to follow conversation very easily within a large group of people I was eating with and there was a large group (very noisy) at the table next to us! No game on a TV though. One of my dinner mates has a very heavy Indian accent too, and I was able to articulate everything being spoken even with my Esteem side facing away from him! And the person next to me kept having to ask ME what was being said! That was a first;) So things are progressing and improving too.
I also seem to notice hearing on the phone is not always linear and easy since the adjustment. I'm constantly playing with the volume of the phone I'm on, whereas before I didn't need to. Sometimes voices are too loud and therefore sound a little muffled and other times I think it sounds too quiet like I'm hearing out of my HA side. Oh well! That's what adjustments are for!
I'm still loving the Esteem. I know it's a work in progress and it will be exactly what I want it to be with more tweaking:)
*On a side note, I'm currently trying to get approved for an MRI for my hip (if you're interested in why, you can read about it here
I contacted an Envoy rep and he checked into it for me and on Envoys end they are still dealing with the FDA trial/approval. So Envoy can't allow me to get the MRI. Next step is to see if Dr. Seidman will say it is medically necessary and give my ortho surgeon the thumbs up. I'll post what the results are either way. I'm curious to see if the Esteem can withstand MRI but I definately don't want to be the guinea pig!
Getting the right sound adjusted is frustrating. I always disliked having to get used to the way a new pair of HA's sounded because every pair is different with tone and quality. The Esteem adjustment is a lot like that.
I had to leave a restaurant earlier than I wanted to the other night because a Red Wings game was on and the bar tender turned it way up. No matter what setting I put my Esteem on it felt like it was blasting in my ear. I ended up plugging my ear for a little bit before finally giving up. But then two nights later, at a different restaurant, I was able to follow conversation very easily within a large group of people I was eating with and there was a large group (very noisy) at the table next to us! No game on a TV though. One of my dinner mates has a very heavy Indian accent too, and I was able to articulate everything being spoken even with my Esteem side facing away from him! And the person next to me kept having to ask ME what was being said! That was a first;) So things are progressing and improving too.
I also seem to notice hearing on the phone is not always linear and easy since the adjustment. I'm constantly playing with the volume of the phone I'm on, whereas before I didn't need to. Sometimes voices are too loud and therefore sound a little muffled and other times I think it sounds too quiet like I'm hearing out of my HA side. Oh well! That's what adjustments are for!
I'm still loving the Esteem. I know it's a work in progress and it will be exactly what I want it to be with more tweaking:)
*On a side note, I'm currently trying to get approved for an MRI for my hip (if you're interested in why, you can read about it here
I contacted an Envoy rep and he checked into it for me and on Envoys end they are still dealing with the FDA trial/approval. So Envoy can't allow me to get the MRI. Next step is to see if Dr. Seidman will say it is medically necessary and give my ortho surgeon the thumbs up. I'll post what the results are either way. I'm curious to see if the Esteem can withstand MRI but I definately don't want to be the guinea pig!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
First Adjustment
It was another exciting day involving my right implanted ear! I met not one, but two fellow Esteem patients. Loreen and Lisa were both activated today and Loreen sat with me through my adjustment so she could get a feel for her adjustment. We found out we have nearly identicle hearing loss and Esteem programs, so it was good for Loreen to see what to expect.
One really positive thing to write about is my incision. Dr. Seidman looked at it and says it's looking great and nothing to worry about. More than likely it's a suture working it's way out. So I'm not going to stress over this too much more.
So, on to the adjustment itself. Michelle (the Envoy engineer) was there again today and was her wonderful self! She really took her time with me to make sure I got the best programming possible for now. Although I didn't really receive any "gain" in strength of sound today (I'm told that will come as I continue to heal and have another adjustment) I can say the quality of my new programs is definately an improvement!
My voice sounds less plugged and doesn't feel/sound like it's booming inside my head now. Other's voices are also clearer. Michelle was able to eliminate most of the sharp/distorted sounds from the end of a lot of words when spoken, especially higher pitched sounds. But I notice some distortion still with music and high pitched voices. It's really noticable in my new C setting, which is for music and TV watching. I don't think I'll be using this setting much. I tried it while driving home and the radio still sounded fuzzy on high tones. The B setting is for noisy settings, and eliminates most background noise yet still allows enough power to pick up and follow conversation with your partner. I do like this setting and I'm sure it's going to be used a fair amount. But my A setting is now my everyday setting and so far it's pretty good! My swallowing and breathing noises don't sound hardly loud at all (yay!) and eating chips (my lunch for the drive home) didn't sound like fireworks going off in my head. I don't mind hearing myself talk either (at least not yet) as my voice doesn't sound as loud and RIGHT IN MY EAR anymore. It's pretty tolerable.
Hopefully this will solve my problem with my voice being too quiet for others when I speak, especially with my husband. I was given steps 1-5 again and I'm on either A 2 or 3 right now. I'll probably bump it up tomorrow after work once I get a feel for how it sounds there.
Michelle also went over my audiogram with me from baseline to today. I gained anywhere from 10-15 decibels in the majority of the hertz tests and my hearing out of the implanted ear is at the lower range of normal now! I think that's what she meant when she was explaining it to me. I am pretty happy with that, especially knowing I may be able to improve a little more.
Another notable today....she said more and more insurances are starting to pay for the surgery, so there is hope that this will be much more attainable for others, and for myself to get the left side done. Fingers double crossed!
One really positive thing to write about is my incision. Dr. Seidman looked at it and says it's looking great and nothing to worry about. More than likely it's a suture working it's way out. So I'm not going to stress over this too much more.
So, on to the adjustment itself. Michelle (the Envoy engineer) was there again today and was her wonderful self! She really took her time with me to make sure I got the best programming possible for now. Although I didn't really receive any "gain" in strength of sound today (I'm told that will come as I continue to heal and have another adjustment) I can say the quality of my new programs is definately an improvement!
My voice sounds less plugged and doesn't feel/sound like it's booming inside my head now. Other's voices are also clearer. Michelle was able to eliminate most of the sharp/distorted sounds from the end of a lot of words when spoken, especially higher pitched sounds. But I notice some distortion still with music and high pitched voices. It's really noticable in my new C setting, which is for music and TV watching. I don't think I'll be using this setting much. I tried it while driving home and the radio still sounded fuzzy on high tones. The B setting is for noisy settings, and eliminates most background noise yet still allows enough power to pick up and follow conversation with your partner. I do like this setting and I'm sure it's going to be used a fair amount. But my A setting is now my everyday setting and so far it's pretty good! My swallowing and breathing noises don't sound hardly loud at all (yay!) and eating chips (my lunch for the drive home) didn't sound like fireworks going off in my head. I don't mind hearing myself talk either (at least not yet) as my voice doesn't sound as loud and RIGHT IN MY EAR anymore. It's pretty tolerable.
Hopefully this will solve my problem with my voice being too quiet for others when I speak, especially with my husband. I was given steps 1-5 again and I'm on either A 2 or 3 right now. I'll probably bump it up tomorrow after work once I get a feel for how it sounds there.
Michelle also went over my audiogram with me from baseline to today. I gained anywhere from 10-15 decibels in the majority of the hertz tests and my hearing out of the implanted ear is at the lower range of normal now! I think that's what she meant when she was explaining it to me. I am pretty happy with that, especially knowing I may be able to improve a little more.
Another notable today....she said more and more insurances are starting to pay for the surgery, so there is hope that this will be much more attainable for others, and for myself to get the left side done. Fingers double crossed!
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