ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: Sefra22 on September 12, 2009, 05:29:49 pm
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Okay, first of all I am a little embarrassed that I have to ask this.(Okay a lot embarrassed) But after finding out I have a mild infection around my abutment, I need to know exactly how to clean it.
I have the soft brush (Thanks Jan and Lori!), but do I use it dry or wet? Do I put soap on it? Do I use this everyday?
My Dr was supposed to go over this with me when I scheduled to get the Divino, then I heard about the upgrade, so we cancelled that appt. So anyway, I waited 5 weeks for the BP100, and all we talked about during that appt. was the device, not my head. So I have just been cleaning it when I shampoo....obviously not workin' for me :-[
Lisa
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I wouldn't be embarrassed - it's not like cleaning around a BAHA abuttment is common knowledge!! :D
Anyway, it seems all doctors recommend different ways of cleaning your abuttment - mine had me clean with a soft toothbrush right from the very beginning. I know other doctors say not to do that. I had a problem with infections around mine because I think I was being a little overzealous with the toothbrush (my dentist tells me the same thing) and that would probably cause little scratches that would let germs in. Now, I use it about once a week and just remember to be a little more gentle. I used antibacterial soap for a while, but now that I haven't had any problems (knock on wood) I just use shampoo. I also have a handheld shower head, so I can aim the water right at the abuttment and make sure all the soap is rinsed off and it's nice and squeaky clean.
The first year, I also had an issue with the skin wanting to grow over the abuttment, which would make it easier to become irritated....leading to infection....I have a steroid cream called Clobetasol that I can put on now if I notice it getting puffy. I put a little on at night and by the morning it's fine.
I know it sounds like a lot of work, but after the first year with mine, it's really low maintenance. So, I don't think I actually answered your question, but you should probably check with your doctor to see if he's a fan of the toothbrush or not. Good luck!
Lori
So,
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Thanks Lori, your info helped a lot!
I got some creme for a psoriasis patch from my dermatologist yesterday, and it is the same steroid creme you mentioned! What a coincidence! I doubt I'll need it for my head, though.
My site was cauterized on Fri., so I will probably wait a day to clean it with the brush.
Thanks again,
Lisa
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Lisa -
I'm glad the toothbrush in your Lori & Jan recovery kit came in handy, but I have to ask. Didn't you also get a Cochlear toothbrush when you got your processor? I got a very nice one, along with some other "goodies" when I got my Divino. The audiologist went through all the goodies with me and explained everything I needed to know; she also programmed my Divino.
My doc has always told me that I can just clean my abutment with a washcloth and mild soap or shampoo, but I don't do anything special. I pretty much just let it get clean when I shampoo (daily). Every once in a while, I use my toothbrush.
I haven't had any infections, but I did have a mild irritation about 9 months ago. I just used bacitracin for a couple of days and it was fine.
Jan
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Jan,
I did get a brush with the BP100, but I was told to use that on the device, not the abutment.
My BP100 isn't programmed yet because the audiologist needed training from a Cochlear rep. I'm sure that being the only person in Maine with the BP100 so far, it may not have been a priority to get someone up here to train her on the new processor. This took place this past Friday. Because of my schedule, I won't see her until Thurs the 24th.
I called her before she met with the rep, and told her all of the issues I am having with it, so I hoping things will improve after my next meeting. I am also seeing the Dr.during the same visit, so maybe we can all work together to make this work for me.
My Dr. told me on Friday that I need to wear it all the time to get used to it. But the feedback is driving me crazy. I turn the volume down as low as I can, but then it doesn't feel like it's working at all. I don't know if I can take this for 2 more weeks, so I may end up having to store it until then >:(
Lisa
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Jan,
I did get a brush with the BP100, but I was told to use that on the device, not the abutment.
I have never, ever heard of this ??? I've had my Divino since June 2008 and haven't cleaned it at all - it hasn't needed it.
Did you get some literature with your BP100; perhaps a little booklet that tells about it? I seem to recall receiving something with my Divino.
I hope things get better once you see the audiologist. IMO, they shouldn't have given you the BP100 if it wasn't programmed yet - kind of defeats the purpose of having it; and I'd imagine it would also be kind of discouraging since it doesn't appear to be working correctly.
Jan
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Jan,
My audiologist suggested using the brush that came with the BAHA to clean the processor too. I guess to keep dust and stuff from getting into the inner workings. I use a baby toothbrush to clean my abutment and the other one to clean the processor.
Maybe you don't get as much dust on your head since you're tall. :D
Lori
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Jan and Lori,
Cochlear sent me a kit (they must have hear a bout yours and gotten jealous) It contained, along with a few other things, a brush for my abutment and a smaller one for my processor. It also contained wipes for my abutment and processor, as well as a battery tester/holder keychain and a small mirror. My doc had told me to just wipe the processor with a slightly dampened cloth once in a while but only because I asked. I clean the processor a couple of times a week.
Wendy
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Jan and Lori,
Cochlear sent me a kit (they must have hear a bout yours and gotten jealous)
Hmmm :( Bet it didn't include chocolate though! ;D
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Hi Jan!
Nope -- no chocolate!! Your kit was definitely superior!!! ;D ;D ;D
Wendy
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Oh my! A little soft brush ..... chocolate .... I'm starting to salivate! Guess it's time to, once again, contact my audiologist company to get the baha-ball rolling. My last request was Sept 2 ! ???
Perhaps time to check with another audiologist too.
BTW, a couple months ago, Mike sent a link to Cochlear's manual for surgeons ..... who knows where he go it. Anyway, I think it included cleaning procedures, which might help.
Hey Mike, if you're listening, please try to re-post that link.
Greg
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Darn it, I knew we should have patented that idea, Jan! Cochlear is moving in on our territory!
Lori
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Yea, Lori, we definitely missed the boat on that one ::) guess we'll just have to work on selling franchise rights to our garage surgery business :D
Greg -
I'd imagine Mike found the manual on Cochlear's website - go to www.cochlearamericas.com and search.
And get going on that appointment - before I eat all the chocolate I've stocked up for the BAHA Recovery Kits! ;)
Jan