Some CI Education

The post-op check up last week went well and said I can go home, the first question I asked is “Can I wash my hair?”. It felt so good after I washed my hair! When I drive, I think a lot, driving home that day I arrived back to Cairns has been one of the most emotional day of my life. I thought about what I just did, and I did it alone without mum there. Wondering what the future would be like for me, it got too much I started to cry and I cried so hard. I’m ok now because as the comments from my friends, family, and even strangers poured in, I can’t describe what the supportive messages have meant to me. I wholeheartedly thank all of you who are standing behind me in this journey. In the last months, I’ve had several people suggest I go ahead, and they know who they are. Thank you for giving me the push I needed. I also want to thank Aunty Di, the first cochlear implant (or CI) recipient I met. She had given me so much encouragements.

Anyhow, the wonderful CI friends who wrote to me not only provided insight about the surgical process, but also offered their friendship, love and prayers. I hope that by sharing MY story, I can help somebody the same way their stories have helped ME.

Here’s some education for those who would like to know more about what CI is. Electro-acoustic implants, a Hybrid system combines two key technologies to overcome high frequency loss in a way not possible with hearing aids alone.

The Hybrid system uses the Hybrid L24 Implant (CI24REH) to deliver electrical stimulation directly to the high frequency part of your cochlea. It incorporates a specialised electrode, which is shorter and thinner than a standard cochlear implant, and designed to stimulate the high frequencies while preserving your existing low frequency hearing. This is what have been implanted behind my ear.

The Nucleus 5 Sound Processor is our smallest sound processor. The sound processor features:

1. Fits comfortably behind your ear. Discreet and designed to fit all ear sizes.

2. Two microphones for better quality sound and direction. Designed to capture sound from all around.

3. Adjusts to different hearing situations. Uses SmartSound™ technology to enhance the sounds you or your child want to hear.

4. Ready for future advances. Four digital signal chip processors are included, leaving you plenty of power and space for future upgrades.

Here is some more information about how the CI works.

Blessed be,

Cynthia xoxo