ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: marisa_rivera on September 04, 2012, 02:40:46 pm
-
Good afternoon! We are in the process of testing out the BP100 and the Ponto Pro(Power). My daughter has SSD since birth. They believe it was due to nerves not properly forming in the inner ear.
She is currently testing the Oticon Ponto Pro. I dont think she's noticed a HUGE change, other than being able to hear when she lays on her "good ear" or talks on the phone.
I'm hoping she will have better feedback on the BP100.
Can anyone tell me how much of a difference they saw(heard) once actually having the abutement put in? Or what their opinion is with either /both types. I know she will most likely get the Oticon abutement since it will fit either device.
Any information is greatly appreciated! We are excited that we have some sort of option for her. I hope she benefits the I see that most have.
-
Marisa .....
Good plan to try devices from both companies. Keep in mind that the demo is never as good as the actual implanted abutment with the processor attached directly to it ..... with either brand.
Also, the deal is to have hearing from one's deaf side, not to be aware of a huge burst of sound ..... that would be terribly distracting long-term. When my processor was first attached, I was initially disappointed sitting in the audiologist's office when I could not tell any difference, until she had my husband say something to me from my deaf side and I could hear AND understand him without turning to face him. I was ecstatic!! I love my Ponto Pro!!!
Thirdly, if your daughter has been SSD from birth, it may take awhile (maybe even as long as a year) for her brain to recognize and process the information coming from a side that never has heard before. Hearing is really a "brain thing" and the ear is only the means by which the brain gets the sounds.
Best wishes.
Clarice
-
I know she will most likely get the Oticon abutement since it will fit either device.
I'm a little confused here. Does your daughter already have a BAHA implant? If so, she may be able to switch processors (Oticon vs Cochlear), if not she won't be able to switch. A couple of years ago Cochlear changed their equipment so that Oticon processors no longer fit. Those of us with "old" implants - more than 3 years old - can still switch between companies.
IMO the actual implant is better than the demo. The demo just gives the patient an idea of what the implant will sound like.
When I had my implant I started with a Cochlear Divino than upgraded a year later to the BP100. At the time I decided to upgrade I demo'd both the BP100 and the Ponto Pro. I found them very similar, but opted for the BP100 since I liked it better. I haven't regretted my decision.
Somewhere on this Forum is the comparison I did of the two processors. If you search, you'll probably find it.
Best,
Jan
-
Clarice,
Thank you for your response! I really appreciate it. She is unsure how much she likes the ponto pro. She gets a lot of feedback due to her glasses being so close to it. But I also think it's because she has it turned up kind of high to try and get a better response from it.
I try to make her understand that she wont need it that high once the abutement is put on.
She gets the BP100 today. I'm hoping she can better decide or notice a difference between the 2. I may even request that she keep that one over the weekend as well in stead of just a couple days.
I've read up more on the Cochlear bp100. So i'm trying to read up some on the Ponto Pro.
Jan,
She does not have the implant(abutement) yet. We are just testing the devices out w/ the headband. I notice that it's kind of a split decision on the 2 devices and everyone's experience will vary. I'm hoping she is able to distinguish which one she likes best. I will look for your thread that discusses your opinion on the two.
She has excellent hearing in her left ear. So I'm sure it takes a while for her to adjust to it all.
Thank you both for your responses! I really appreciate all the information you've provided :)
-
Also, my concern is that she had zero response from her bone conduction test they did. Which they believe is a result from nerves not properly forming in her ear.
Is this common for someone w/SSD? Are the results from having the BAHA still good? Or how much of a difference does that make for someone that issue?
-
Marisa .....
Thought you might like to check out http://earcommunity.com/ I met Melissa last week at the Oticon Medical Patient Advocacy week-end. She has done tremendous research on hearing issues in children because her daughter was born with essentially no hearing in one ear. She gives very unbiased information on both the Oticon Medical and Cochlear bone-anchored hearing devices ..... see http://earcommunity.com/hearing-loss/baha-technology/ ..... specifically.
Clarice
-
Hello Clarise I hope you don't mind but I followed your links and found them so interesting.
-
Thank you for the link! Very imformative. I appreciate you sharing that with me. She is trying the BP100 out right now. So we will see which works best :)
-
I just want to chime in here and say that if she is trying the Ponto Pro POWER, she should not compare that to the Cochlear BP100. They also have a power model, it is the BP110. Then she would be comparing like devices. I found that I got a much better result with the abutment than I did with the headband. When it is actually attached to the bone, direct contact, it did make a difference....In numbers, I would say it was an improvement of about 50% better over the headband.
~Dale
-
Thank you Dale! That is great input. she will actually need to get the Ponto Pro Power if we use Oticon since she has such a profound hearing loss in her right ear. She is trying the Baha BP100.
I did notice the BP110 which I assumed was the power type model.
Did you try the normal BP100 and the Ponto Pro when testing out the devices? The audiologist said that once she gets the abutement she will be able to try them again to make a final decision. It's just so hard to decide whether to go with the procedure or not. I want to make sure it's going to make a real difference for her. It's hard to get any real feed back from her. I feel like she doesnt know what to fully expect from it.
Thank you again for your response. I appreciate it! :)
-
Marisa .....
Admittedly I do not know much about the Cochlear bone-anchored products ..... however, I do know that Cochlear changed their post/abutments about a year and a half ago so the latest Cochlear processors are no longer compatible with the Oticon Medical abutments. If your audiologist said she will be able to try both after the abutment is implanted, it seems to me she would only have access to the older Cochlear processors then.
As it stands today, if you have the latest Cochlear post/abutment implanted, you can only use Cochlear products ..... the Ponto processors will not fit onto it. If you have the Oticon Medical post/abutment implanted, you can use all of the Ponto devices, and the previous-to-the-change Cochlear devices. Hope that makes sense. In other words, you really need to decide which you are most likely to want before the abutment surgery.
I'm wondering how Cochlear is handling people who want to upgrade to the latest Cochlear processors but have the older post/abutments .....
Clarice
Clarice
-
Hi Clarice,
The audiologist said that the current Oticon abutement will fit either the device. So we plan on getting that one. She recommended ordering the Ponto Pro to try it out and then compare it to the BP110. I was just informed that my daughter is using the BP110..not the 100 like I originally stated.
I am curious as to how they are handling the people that have the older abutements. I hope there is a way to allow them the advantage of using the newer ones.
-
OK, good. Sounds like you and your audiologist are up-to-date and in agreement. Glad she is trying out the BP110 against the Ponto Pro Power.
Clarice
-
If you are trying the BP110 you should try the Ponto Pro Power so you are comparing like devices.
~Dale
-
I'm wondering how Cochlear is handling people who want to upgrade to the latest Cochlear processors but have the older post/abutments .....
To the best of my knowledge that isn't an issue. Cochlear equipment, old and new, will fit Cochlear processors. Old Cochlear equipment will fit Oticon processors, but new Cochlear equipment won't fit Oticon processors.
Dale, correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you have "old" Cochlear equipment and you are able to upgrade to the BP110 - which came out after Cochlear changed their equipment?
Jan
-
Also, my concern is that she had zero response from her bone conduction test they did. Which they believe is a result from nerves not properly forming in her ear.
Is this common for someone w/SSD? Are the results from having the BAHA still good? Or how much of a difference does that make for someone that issue?
I don't think I ever had a bone conduction test, although I did demo BAHA processors in my doc's office without a problem.
Jan
-
Hello Clarise I hope you don't mind but I followed your links and found them so interesting.
Just wanted to note that Cochlear has their own "links". Check out www.cochlearcommunity.com
It's a discussion forum, similar to this one, for CI (Cochlear Implant) and BAHA recipients/candidates. Registration is free.
Jan
-
Hello everyone. Thank you for all the feedback. She has tried both the cochlear and oticon brand.
Her biggest complaint on both is getting feedback from both of them because of her glasses. I think that's been the most frustrating part for her.
I dont know how much of an issue that is for any of you that may wear glasses. Or if that changes any once you actually it attached to the abutement.
I have visted Cochlear Community and have read some great stories there as well and I am now getting a little response from it. :)
Thank you all for the information!
-
Marisa .....
The abutment should be placed far enough away from the bow of her glasses so that the processor will not touch it ..... that is what causes the feedback.
I never have any feedback from my Ponto Pro unless I touch the microphones on the sides with my fingers. It is far away from the bow on my glasses.
Clarice
-
I wear sunglasses several times a day and regular glasses for distance - especially when driving at night.
Neither have ever been a problem with my processor.
Clarice's suggestion to have the abutment placed so that your daughter's glasses don't interfere is a good idea. You should mention this to her doctor. Docs generally has some latitude on placement - as long as bone density is considered sufficient.
Jan
-
To clarify, I have the newer Cochlear abutment, so I cannot get an Oticon Ponto Pro or Ponto Pro Power. I originally had the BP100, with this newer abutment, and later went to the BP110 which is the power model.
Also, I wear glasses intermittently and sunglasses a lot. Right before my procedure, they had me put on my sunglasses and drew a line on my head where the arm of the sunglasses rested. They placed the abutment above that. If the headband is touching the glasses in your trial, I understand why there is feedback. However, that should be different once the abutment is placed and the processor does not touch the glasses.
~Dale
-
Thank you Ladies. That is what plan to do. At first I thought it could only be in once general spot. But i realize that it can be move some.
We are just waiting to hear back on the surgery date and pre op date. :)
One additional question you all may be able to answer is in regards to "down time" while the area is healing.
I do realize we have to be careful w/ the area that get the abutement. How long before she can proceed w/ normal things and not have any concerns w/ things coming into contact w/ the area.
She is in wrestling, but is aware she will have to sit out some while it heals. I assumed atleast a month...but with the ability to do normal exercise/weights etc. just not any practice matches.
-
She should be able to proceed with normal activities (probably not wrestling) within a day or two of surgery.
I went to lunch and then to my son's volleyball game at the local junior high immediately after my implant. I got a few funny looks because I was still wearing the lovely "hat" my doc gave me - a large white mastoid bandage wrapped around my head and a white plastic "cup" over the site - but I felt perfectly fine.
The next day I could have gone to work without an issue, but I decided to spare my coworkers the site of my "hat"; I had to wear it for 24 hours post op.
Once I took off my "hat" there was a small bandage over my site which my hair hid pretty well; plus being behind my ear most people didn't notice it anyway. All docs have different rules, but I was able to wash my hair 24 hours post op as long as I held a plastic cup over my site so it didn't get wet.
My healing was virtually pain free (I took a couple of Extra Strength Tylenol the afternoon of the surgery and probably the next morning), but my doc did give me a Rx for Vicodin (never had it filled).
Everyone is different, but I wouldn't anticipate your daughter having a lot of "down time" - with the exception of the wrestling.
Hope things go smoothly for her,
Jan
-
Did you & your daughter come to a decision which one? I'm a bit confused what your dr told you, BUT just in the past couple years it HAS changed to where you can't get an abutment from one company but use either processor. I know if you have Cochlear abutment, you can only fit their processors. Now as to if you get the Oticon processor, I would think it goes the same, but not sure.....
I did the trials of both too and just had surgery this week for the Cochlear BP100. As far as activity, etc......I had local anesthetic (where they numb the skull area they are working on) and I think a little versed (a medicine via IV to make you relax or sleepy a bit) that way I didn't really know what was going on....just what I wanted! Before going into surgery my dr marked a line on my head tracing my glasses arm....then said he finds the best bone area to do the implant, yet making sure enough away from the arm so no interference :)
The surgery took only 1 hour, then I was in the recovery for 'maybe' 45 minutes. Enough to eat a small muffin & drink some juice & get dressed. At that point I felt fine!!!
Later that evening my head started hurting (local was wearing off). They gave me Lortab (like Vicodin) for pain, I took it but it didn't do anything much but give me anxiety & insomnia ;) I also had the big gauze head bandage on like Jan mentioned. The next morning my head was really hurting, and blood had soaked through that gauze. My hubby removed the bandage (which we wer told to do about 24 hours post op) and right away my head felt a bit better. My head had swollen a good amount & the pressure from the bandage was what made it hurt so much!!! It also was why it was bleeding so much.
That day I was exhausted due to no sleep & told to sit up cause of swelling. I took one of the pain meds & got comfy & slept. I felt SOOO much better later that evening!! I haven't taken the Lortab since them either, but have taken a few regular Tylenol! I still have some swelling, but I feel fine!!! :)
My dr also gave an antibiotic (that varies amongst doctors) to help be sure it don't get infected. Well, found out I'm allergic to it & possibly the Lortab I had. I've gotten a rash. That don't hurt though, so all good overall! My surgery was Tuesday & by Thursday I was able to do anything normal (wouldn't do anything too strenuous)
-
My doc doesn't prescribe oral antiobiotics at the time of the implant, which surprises me a little because he tends to be conservative.
If an infection develops - which isn't too frequently - then he'll prescribe one.
Like Denise mentioned, all docs are different.
Jan
-
Thank you Ladies. We did decide to go w/ the BP110(the stronger one) through Cochlear. I was told the Oticon abutement fits both brands, but cochlear only fits their brand.
It's such a huge decision to make since you cant really go any other route if you go w/ Cochlear.
My daughter seemed to like that one better. The doctor also felt it would be better over all as a brand since they have been the one's pushing BAHA for longer.
She has her surgery next week! :) we are getting excited.
Thank you for all the details on your experience. It helps give me a better idea of what I'm in for w/ my daughters surgery.
Denise, how has your experience been w/ the BAHA so far??
-
Well, here's hoping all goes Great!!
As for me, I had really only had discomforting pain less than 48 hours. Then nothing Tylenol didn't help ;) Had a sponge pad/dressing changed this week. (1 week post op) and stitches removed and all looked good. A bit of swelling, but good! Had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic he gave me, that was no fun....but fine now. (Not all doctors give antibiotics, he just does as routine he said)
Best Wishes for your daughter!!
Denise
-
Hi Everyone,
Well this is day one of post op baha abutment surgery. She is doing pretty good so far. Has had some discomfort today. The motrin doesnt really help. I did give her some vicodin yesterday but not much help either.
She's managing as best as possible. I think it's just swelling in the area along w/ added pressure from the cap they put over it.
I'm really trying to not mess w/ that area so the cap can stay on as long as possible.
May try and rinse her hair some tomorrow or sunday.
Now it's just count down til her device gets fitted for her.
:)
-
What do you mean by cap? When I got done with surgery they Wrapped my head in a big gauze bandage! I was told I could take it off after 24 hours but it was meant to keep pressure on. BUT, I had swelling set in and that is why the pain got uncomfortable so a bit less than 24 hours my hubby cut it off.....ahhh, it helped a lot!
Them there was still a square spongy thing on the surgical site (about 3" x3") with a round plastic cap over that. That had to stay on until I went back one week later. They removed that AND my stitches and then out a different gauze thing like the foam thing, soaked in antibiotic ointment and them another round plastic cap over that for oneore week....
I know all docs do things different, but that is mine. I'll PM you my email & number if you need anything ;)
OH, Andy BAHA friends from here&FB tolde a cup over the area when washing the hair ;) HELPED LOTS!!
Denise
-
Glad to hear your daughter had the surgery; sorry to hear she's having some pain/discomfort. Hopefully that will pass swiftly.
All docs have different procedures post op BAHA implant - including things like when you can shampoo your hair, what type of bandage they put on the site, etc.,
That said, it's best to follow what your doc tells you.
It's hard to wait for your "Gotcha Day" - the day you can attach your processor - but it usually goes quicker than you expected.
Good luck to your daughter. I think she'll love her BAHA ;D
Jan
-
Thank you ladies. Yes she is doing better. She went back to school today. The cap i was referring to was indeed the cap that he put over the surgical site w/ the gauze under it.
We did wash her hair yesterday. Tried not to get it too wet in that area. She's a trooper and is doing awesome.
-
So Glad to her it ;)
-
Well she had her follow up earlier this week. Everything looks great. She can hear when we touch the abutement. So it's pretty exciting to know that she can pick up on such a small amount of sound. I'm anxious to see how her device works.
Other than that it's just letting things heal. She still has her stitches in. So we are just waiting for those to disolve. Her next follow up is in a couple weeks.
:)
-
That was my BAHA moment...touching the abutment and hearing it without the BAHA attached. That was a great moment for me.
-
It was a great and new experience for her and gave her some added hope of what the baha will do for her.
Her doctor said she's a very good candidate for it since she has complete SSD, so she wont have any sound that will interfere with what her baha is picking up.