ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: leapyrtwins on August 03, 2010, 06:24:22 pm
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Well it's been an interesting couple of weeks.
Last Wednesday I had the occasion to chat with the Cochlear support group online about an issue with my BP100.
In a nutshell, I got stuck in program #3 (music) and couldn't access program #1 (normal) or program #2 (noise reduction). This was a new problem to them - nice to know I'm unique ;) - and after they attempted to have me reset the processor, with no luck, I was given their Fed Ex account number and told to ship it back for repairs. I was promised a turnaround time of 5 business days - which sounds great to me.
I've always heard that Cochlear stands behind their products and that they are very customer-service oriented and this experience just proved that to me.
I checked with my audiologist about a loaner, but was told she doesn't yet have a BP100 available to loan.
In the meantime, I've started wearing my Divino again - I'm amazed at how much better the sound quality of the BP100 is - and that's what I'll be taking to Seattle when I leave tomorrow. Sadly, my repaired BP100 will arrive at my house when I'm not there :(
Yesterday, I finally had an appointment with my neurotologist to have him remove the screw from my AN surgery that is "interfering" with my BAHA site. It doesn't cause me lots of trouble - it's taken me over a year to schedule this appointment - but we both decided it's time to remove it. I thought it was the screw that held the bones back together after they were cut (retrosigmoid approach) but my doc said it's one of the screws that is holding the titanium plate he put in during my AN surgery. He assured me that removing it won't cause any issues "inside" my head.
Silly me. I thought he could just whip out a screwdriver right there in his office and take it out - but I was mistaken ::)
Apparently the screwdriver is a "special" screwdriver - one that doc's typically don't just carry around with them - and in addition, I need a more sterile environment than an exam room for the procedure. So it looks like there's another OR in my future - albiet one at an outpatient facility.
The plan is to use local anesthesia and have me out of there in about 30 minutes, tops.
So in a few short weeks, Lori and Kaybo (and Pooter) will no longer be able to accuse me of having a screw loose! :D
Jan
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Sorry you won't have your BP100 for your trip, Jan. I'm sure you will appreciate it all the more upon your return home.
As for the other matter . . . I have a spiffy screwdriver with 21 different tips. Surely one of them would fit. I also have an X-acto knife and a sewing kit. If you'd like to drop by Missouri on your way to Seattle, I'm sure I could take care of it for you.
Sara
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Your no fun........
No Comment! ::)
K ;D
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Your no fun.......
K ;D
Well, if it's any consolation, you'll still be able to call me a fat head LOL
Saralynn -
I think the X-acto knife, the 21 tip screwdriver, and the sewing kit would work quite well and we could use Lori's garage as our outpatient facility.
Actually if my insurance company doesn't want to pay for this procedure, I may have to resort to that ;)
My doc assured me that they will cover it, but you never know when it comes to insurance companies.
Jan
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Jan, what a bummer! I have heard of the BAHA "buzzing", but not of being stuck in one mode. Guess you are pretty unique!
It is great to hear what you have to say about the Cochlear support. My audiologist has quite the opposite opinion. I think she was hoping I would choose the Oticon Ponto Pro, because she has had so much luck with Oticon's service reps. She has a difficult time getting the Cochlear folks to respond to her. However, I liked the sound on the demo better on the BP100 and found the controls easier to use. Now that I know it is easy just to go to Cochlear directly, it may make my life easier if I ever have a problem (which I am not anticipating, and I am not as unique as you are!)
~Dale
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Dale -
Cochlear Americas is known for their customer service. They are supportive to their customers in many, many ways - from their Cochlear Community to their Coffee Talks for CI and BAHA candidates and wearers.
When I demo'd the Ponto Pro and the BP100 - I preferred the BP100 - but the thing that cemented my decision to go with a Cochlear processor (for the 2nd time) is their reputation. Oticon has a wonderful reputation as a manufacturer of conventional hearing aids - they've been in business for years - but when I talked to them they had no support whatsoever for their Ponto Pro.
I don't know if this is because the Ponto Pro is their first entry into the BAHA market. I also don't know if things have changed since the Ponto Pro debutted, but for my money I wanted a company that would treat me like a VIP and Cochlear gets my vote.
Chatting with the customer service rep online was very easy and helpful - saved me a trip to the audiologist's office - and I was emailed a transcript of our conversation for my records. I also got a followup phone call after the online chat (which I had in my office) by the time I arrived home - about 2 hours later.
So far they have taken excellent care of me - and I've heard the same thing from others. So at this point I'm extremely satisfied with them.
Jan
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Is there a seperate programming of the BP 100 for volume? I test drove a BP 100 last weekend and found that the sound was clearer than my Divino, but the max. vol. was not as good as the Divino. The person who lent me her BP said it hadn't been programmed for volume???
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Hi all :)
Jan, when you get a chance, please ask Cochlear these follow-up questions after they assess and fix your BP100 .... what caused it to get stuck in program #3 .... and do they have any stats on how often it happens? I don't now, and don't plan to, connect any music devices to the device, as you do (I think). Perhaps that had something to do with it getting stuck.
This is timely, since in a week, I'll get my final version (I've had a demo since mid-July, with the none-too-subtle "DEMO" on both sides), and I'd like to know if this situation could rear its ugly head .... while on my ugly head.
Thanks for any feedback that you might learn from Cochlear. :)
Greg
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First of all I wanted to report that true to their promise Cochlear repaired my BP100 in five business days.
It arrived at Cochlear in Colorado via Fed Ex on Monday, August 2nd and today (Monday, August 9th) it was returned to my home via Fed Ex.
Now my only issue is I'm in Seattle and my BP100 is in Illinois :'( I don't return home until Thursday, August 12th.
Greg -
great thoughts on questions to ask Cochlear. I'm anxious to see what, if anything, they included in the box with my BP100 or what information they will be willing to share upon questioning. I'll deal with that "stuff" when I get back home.
The only thing the online support rep (Diane) told me was that the problem I was having was a new one for them. No one had had it before.
Sam -
glad you tried the BP100. I mentioned to you before that the sound is much smoother and natural than the Divino. You asked me almost a year ago after I tried it at the ANA Symposium in August 2009.
As far as the volume, there are two buttons on top of the BP100 that adjust volume - one increases it; one decreases it. These buttons reside on either side of the button in the middle. The middle button is the program button (moves the programs from 1 to 2 to 3) and it also turns the BP100 on and off. To my knowledge the volume buttons don't need to be programmed, but I could be wrong.
My BP100 wasn't programmed by my audiologist - it was programmed @ Cochlear before I received it. That's why they returned it to me after the repairs; rather than to my audiologist for programming.
Jan
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Greg -
the paperwork that came back with my BP100 simply said that the middle button was broken and that it took 40 minutes to repair. It also said that it was under the 2 year warranty period, which it is.
I contacted Cochlear and was told that this is a first for them, and that getting stuck in program 3 wasn't really the issue. The button not working was the real issue. It could have just as easily gotten stuck in program 1 or program 2 or the on or off position. So using the MP3 adapter didn't cause the problem with the button.
I'm anxious to put my BP100 on today. Although my Divino worked great, the sound is much more smooth and natural with the BP100.
Hope you are enjoying your processor!
Jan
Forgot to mention that my other repair - removal of screw - is scheduled for Tuesday a.m. We'll be using lidocaine, the procedure takes about 10 minutes, and I've been told I can drive myself home. So as long as my doc has his screwdriver, it should be a piece of cake 8)
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Thanks Jan for the info on reason for your middle button problem. Glad they gave you a little info on what the problem was; they can now be on the lookout for possibly problems in that area. Hopefully, no pattern of problems will show.
(Yesterday, doc looked at the raised area around the baha-butment, and said he saw no problem w.r.t. interference with processor. I'll get my white BP100 next Tues, so I've gotta get some colorful sharpies this weekend.)
Keep ;D -ing!
greg
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Thanks, Donnalynn ;D
Grega -
glad things are healing well and you are moving in the right direction.
Happy Hearing!!!
Jan
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(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc207/leapyrtwins/100_0693A.jpg)
Picture of the screw that was removed from my head two days ago. Other than a small shaved patch of hair behind my ear, it's the only souvenir I have.
It was one of the 4 or 6 holding the titanium plate from my AN surgery.
Not the best picture, but gives you some idea of the size of the screw (next to a dime).
I was shocked that the screw is so tiny; when it was in my head and I could feel it with my fingertips, it felt huge.
Longest part of the "surgery" was waiting for my clothing so I could change out of my lovely, fashionable gown, robe, and socks and hit the parking lot to retrieve me car.
Actual procedure only took about 10 minutes from start to finish. I have one stitch under the skin and a steri-strip on top of the skin. No pain meds necessary; could have probably used a Tylenol later in the day, but really only had a little discomfort, so I refrained.
Return visit to doc in 2 weeks just to make sure everything is a-okay. 99.9% sure it will be.
Jan
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Did you ever find out 'why' this screw decided to pop out?
Actually I've known about a possible screw removal from my first followup visit after my BAHA implant; a couple of years now.
My BAHA site is in the same area where my AN was removed - right on top of it, really. My doc told me that the head of one of the screws from the AN surgery was very close to the surface of my skin and that it might pop through at some point. He said if it did, he'd just remove it with a screwdriver. At the time he was talking about one of the screws that holds my bones together - I had retrosigmoid.
Turns out that screw is fine, but this screw - one used to hold down my titanium plate - became an issue.
While the screw never broke through the skin, and didn't routinely give me pain, from time to time I would scrape the arm of my sunglasses against it when I put them on. This resulted in some discomfort and annoyance, so I finally decided I'd have my doc look at it and see if he could take it out.
He assured me he could. He also assured me that there were other screws holding the plate and that removing this one wouldn't be an issue. If you have a titanium plate, there are typically 4 or 6 screws holding it in place. I didn't ask him, but I'd imagine that after 3 years there's also been some calcification in my skull that would also hold the plate - even if all screws were removed. My BAHA implant only took 90 days to calcify into my skull.
Being behind my ear, the "problem" was something that was really hard for me to view - even with two mirrors - so I wasn't really sure what we were dealing with. Going by feel, the screw covered by skin, was like a "lump" that felt much larger than it actually was.
My doc likened it to the old pebble in your shoe that you could swear is a rock :D
I don't think I'm the first person who's had this type of surgery. It even had a name on my paperwork "Removal of left cranioplasty screw".
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Wow that thing is tiny, thanks for satisfying my curiosity.
Liz
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Jan ~
Thanks for sharing your titanium mesh screw removal adventure with us. Because so many AN surgery patients have these tiny screws in our skulls, this could happen to any of us and your account (and the photo) help allay any possible trepidation we might have about getting one removed. I'm pleased to learn that this was a quick and easy procedure for you.
Jim
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Thanks for sharing with us even thou I don't have AN but I learn something new everyday. Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks? ;) Glad the procedure went swift and you're back home quickly.
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Well, gosh, you know me - I'm big on sharing adventures ;D
I'm actually very happy that I can stop trepidations and allay fears when I'm able to. Knowledge is power, IMO, and I also feel that the more you know about something, the less frightening it is. Especially when it's a simple procedure that you imagine to be not so simple.
I just spoke to an ANer last evening who is planning on BAHA surgery, but had big questions about how difficult it is. After I told her I had local anesthesia and discussed my surgery with her, she wasn't afraid anymore.
Ken -
you aren't much older than I am - and I'm definitely NOT an old dog :o We are both young dogs, for sure ;D
Best,
Jan
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AAAARRRR!!!!!! So ye finally had that loose screw removed--so THAT were the problem!!! I hope that the sawbones scallywag dint charge you an arm and a leg, cuz yers truly woulda popped thet little devil outta yer noggin wiv me riggin' knife whilst we was in Chicago fer naught but a draft o' grog!!!!! Maybe ye needs ter make yerself an earbob outta the lil sucker!!!
Big hugs, to ya!!!
Capt Deb (http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/skull_sword_through_head_lg_clr.gif)
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Actually, the screw was never loose. It was just an annoyance.
But a doc who can remove an annoyance in roughly 10 minutes with only an injection of lidocaine and a screwdriver should be hired. Not that your offer of your riggin' knife isn't appreciated ;)
I'm sure the insurance company will be charged a very large sum, for both the doc and the surgical facility, but once it's deeply discounted the doc will most definitely be ripped off by the fee he receives and the poor nurses at the surgical facility (who BTW were phenomenal) won't be driving Mercedes.
An earbob. Now why didn't I think of that?
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Wow I cannot believe the size of the screw and yes I can feel mine little more than an annoyance and the surgeons said if it keeps bothering me very easy to remove and do not have to worry about it being taken out... Amazed that it was so easy and they even let you drive home.... Thank you for sharing that with us one less thing to have to worry about if the time comes for some of us if it becomes necessary to have it taken out...
Best Wishes,
Pat
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Pat -
don't worry at all. The screw is about the size of the screws they use for eye-glass frames. In fact, I was trying to figure out how my doc even held it in his fingers to "install" it. Perhaps a magnetic screwdriver ???
Anyway, it's a very simple & short procedure. I still think it could have been done as an in-office procedure, but I guess having a more sterile environment is a good thing.
Jan
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Thanks Jan you always say the right thing to make everyone feel better and now I am visiualizing how do they get those tiny screws in there definitely magnetic...everytime I lose one of my eyeglass screws it is a comedy scene especially when the screw falls to the floor... So I guess if the doctor does drop one it most definitely has to be sterile... another visual !
Best Wishes,
Pat
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Hey Jan .....
Your "titanium mesh screw removal adventure" sounds fun!
Seems forum folks have heard of just one.
With decorum at the fore,
Joined thoughts from Oz and Baltimore,
The cheer goes out .... Good On Ya, Hon !
Scheeeeeesch ::)
greg ;D
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Jan,
I missed out on this whole thread! How could I have missed the opportunity to make fun of your loose screw?! :D
But you know, my guess would be that having that dime in your skull was more of a problem than that little tiny screw. Happen to have a $20 bill in there? I could use a little cash.
Lori
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Nice poem, Grega ;D
About time you showed up, Lori. Without you and Pooter around, I don't feel quite "hassled" enough - and I miss that ;)
Very amusing about the dime :D
Thanks for the laugh,
Jan
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Jan~
You really do have some "cents" up there?
K ;D
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Yes, Kaybo, and it's also been confirmed - by my doctor via my MRIs - that I DO have a brain ;D
Very amusing pun!
Jan
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The radiologist who read my MRI told me I have a "pretty brain."
And when I had an ultrasound for my middle daughter, the ultrasound tech said the baby had "echogenic kidneys." Her first compliment - I made sure to write it in her baby book.
Sara
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I am new to the forum, but had a translab procedure performed on a 3cm AN in Nashville 2 1/2 years ago. I had never even heard of the BAHA until I accessed this site 3 days ago. I have SSD and I, too, am very frustrated by it in both my professional and personal life. I was wondering to what extent the BAHA helps you with sound location and tinnitus. Those are my 2 biggest frustration points.
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DKL,
I don't have a BAHA, but I would suggest trying the demo, it will give you an idea of how it works. Do you have a Dr that does BAHA's, if not go to the cochlear America site and check it out. I'm sure Jan (our resident BAHA guru will be along with some further details).
Good luck to you and hopefully this is a viable option for your SSD :)
Liz
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I am new to the forum, but had a translab procedure performed on a 3cm AN in Nashville 2 1/2 years ago. I had never even heard of the BAHA until I accessed this site 3 days ago. I have SSD and I, too, am very frustrated by it in both my professional and personal life. I was wondering to what extent the BAHA helps you with sound location and tinnitus. Those are my 2 biggest frustration points.
Not knowing where you are for sure but I'm guessing if you are still in Nashville. If not, You can find a Baha surgeon near you; http://www.cochlearamericas.com/Support/38.asp
I would try out the demo before deciding on the surgery. I don't have AN but I have bilteral Bahas and love it! ;)
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What are bilateral Bahas? I thought Bahas were one for one side?
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What are bilateral Bahas? I thought Bahas were one for one side?
Bilateral means two. I have one on each side since I am deaf on both sides. People can wear two hearing aids, Cochlear Implants or Bahas.
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But I thought a Baha required one good ear? So if neither ear hears, where is the hearing coming from? Thanks for helping me to understand.
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But I thought a Baha required one good ear? So if neither ear hears, where is the hearing coming from? Thanks for helping me to understand.
Not necessary to have one good ear. As long you have a functioning cochlea (inner ear) on either side, Baha will work on either side. For me, I prefer to have two of them so I can have a near normal hearing like the rest of the people. I have functioning cochlea on both sides. I have non-working middle ear (three little bones) and none on the other side. Baha is like a bone conduction hearing aid but better. Read more about Baha here; http://products.cochlearamericas.com/baha/introduction-to-baha
One thing they are telling you is for single sided deafness, That's not always true. I know there are a lot more people like me who has bilateral Bahas.
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Carol Ann -
note that Ken is a BAHA wearer because he has Treacher Collins Syndrome. He is not SSD as the result of an acoustic neuroma. Lots of people wear BAHAs for different reasons.
DKL -
sorry I've been off the Forum a few days. Had a little issue with my job - which no longer exists :P Well, enough about me - let's just say I could use some prayers and a new job in the Chicago area if anyone is looking for an excellent accountant ;D
BAHAs are amazing. Here is one of my favorite links http://www.umm.edu/otolaryngology/baha.htm
You should also check out www.cochlearamericas.com - their Cochlear Community (free discussion forum for CI and BAHA wearers) is a great resource (you'll see me there).
And last, but certainly not least, my partner in crime Lori (lori67) just moved from Nashville to Virginia Beach a few months ago, but I believe her BAHA was implanted in Nashville - perhaps even with your doctors. I'm not positive. But I will send her a link to this post and ask her to respond.
BAHAs rock!!!
Jan
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Forgot to provide an update on my surgical extravaganza - aka as my "big" surgery LOL :D
Had my 2-week followup appt. yesterday.
Steri-strip was still stuck to my hair and my head. Doc had to use his trusty razor to remove it. Personally I think he just likes to cut people's hair. Perhaps next time he'll take more gray ;)
He said the area looked "okay" - is apparently still healing - told me to use bacitracin 2x a day for 1 week. (Hear that, Lori? Break out the Dawn!) ;)
We both noted that the "lump" where the screw resided is gone, which was kind of interesting to me because the screw was so tiny I don't see how it caused a lump in the first place ???
Ask if said screw was magnetic - as in how do you hold it because it's so small? - and found out that it's not. Was told the screwdriver is a "special screwdriver" but it's not magnetic.
Medical stuff just fascinates the hell out of me ;D
Jan
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It makes sense that the screw was not magnetic. If it were, we would not be able to have follow-up MRIs. It is probably titanium, same as the mesh.
Sara
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Jan,
It could have added to my magnetic personality...too bad
sorry about your job, almost wishing I didn't have one right now...month end ugh! Hope you find one fast! Sorry I can't help.
Liz
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Good point, Saralynn. Never thought of that.
Just couldn't figure out how a doctor could reasonably screw (or unscrew) something that tiny without it falling off the screwdriver. Maybe docs are just better with tools than I am (admittedly, I'm not much of a handyman - nor have I ever drilled a hole in anyone's skull) ;)
Liz -
I left my employer one day before the end of the fiscal year. Lots of work for the upcoming audit and I don't pity my staff whom I left behind to deal with that. Actually I feel a little guilty, but that's out of my control.
It's very strange not being employed - I've worked continously since I was 16 (will be 49 in a few weeks) - and while I'm liking the time I now have to get out and run, etc., I miss the old "grind". My work was a huge part of my life and I was very passionate about it and dedicated to it. I'm anxious to find something I can be equally passionate about and dedicated to (other than my BAHA) and hopefully I won't have to wait too long.
Keep me in your prayers, please.
Jan
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Jan, do you think that Cochlear needs an accountant? It would be fabulous to combine both passions.
I think you should send an inquiry.
Sara
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Sara~
I was thinking that very same thing!! :o As Dave always says...either like minds think alike OR Fools seldom differ! ;D
K ;D
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Kaybo - I always heard "Great minds think alike." Let's stick with that one.
See Jan, now you have to send a resume to Cochlear.
Sara
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Damn good idea. I'm wondering how receptive they'd be with my telecommuting from Illinois though ???
As much as I like Colorado (and I love my BAHA), I have two children to consider - one whom is totally consumed and enamored with his high school football team; and after having a few tough fatherless years, I'm thrilled to see him coming into his own and bonding with some very positive male role-models. I've never really worried about my daughter; she's a tough cookie, like her mom ;)
My time will come; right now I have two more important people to focus on.
But, I appreciate your votes of confidence ;D
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Jan: http://careers.cochlear.com/jobDetails.asp?sJobIDs=599285&stp=US&sLanguage=en
Sara
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Okay, you tempted me and I clicked on the link. Two issues for me - one, I have no clinical experience and two, I have no sales experience.
I did find another possibility though, and if I could get them to agree to let me work from home I'd apply.
http://careers.cochlear.com/jobDetails.asp?sJobIDs=599252&stp=US&sLanguage=en
The application pages have no place to submit a cover letter, so I'll have to find another way to pitch my telecommuting proposal.
I have a few personal contacts @ Cochlear, so I may approach them. Cochlear seems to be a very employee-friendly place, so you never know.
Jan
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Go for it, Jan.
Sara
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really you should go for it, what do you have to lose ;D
Liz
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I agree! You should go for it. They have people with CI's representing them, why not a person with a Baha? What do you got to lose? ;)
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Okay, so I did send an email to one of my "people" @ Cochlear (Ken, it was Kara) and didn't hear what I wanted to hear - no pun intended :D
Apparently the position for the territory manager would require relocation to someplace in the Midwest other than Illinois; most likely SW Missouri. In addition, I would have to have both clinical experience and sales experience. Neither is in my background.
As for the BAHA job, she agreed that I am very well-suited for it, but it would require a move to Colorado.
In other words, keep looking closer to home, Jan ::)
Can't blame a girl for trying. Thanks for your encouragement.
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Good for you for making the contact. The thing is you never know what contact will know someone who knows someone else whose sister-in-law's nephew's next door neighbor has a job opening that is just what you need. Or maybe Kara will talk to someone else at Cochlear and they will reconsider the telecommunication angle. No harm in thinking positive!
SW Missouri would probably be the Springfield area, in case anyone else is interested in the Cochlear position. Branson is way southwest, but not much of an urban area.
Sara