This is the 2nd time I'm going to attempt to post. I had a response all written, but pushed the wrong key and deleted it - I HATE when that happens!!! Obviously my processor hasn't made me any smarter
Before I start my play-by-play, let me state for the record that my kids fight all the time. I find that with twins, they are either totally co-dependent or compete constantly (as in, "mom likes me best") and as mine grow older, they definitely fall into the latter category
I did take time today to listen to the birds, a water fountain, and several airplanes. I got out of the doc's earlier than I expected and had time to kill, so I enjoyed the sounds and the nice warm sun in the outside grotto. It sounds very hokey, but I felt like a whole new woman - I don't know if it was the processor or the fact that I wasn't hearing anyone fighting or asking for money. Peace and quiet are hard to come by
I think I am going to like the BAHA very much and it will be as amazing as I anticipated. But there are a couple of things I have to get used to. #1) putting the device on the abutment. It's very easy to pop off, but being right handed and putting a tiny little box onto a screw on the left side of my head by feel alone is going to take some practice; #2) hearing the sound of my own voice every time I speak because it's now broadcast over an itsy-bitsy microphone. I've flipped the little switch for directionality, but at this point I can hear no difference in how loud I hear my own voice.
Now for details of the "gift pack" - sadly there is no Dawn, but it's actually very impressive:
a lovely oval black covered box to store my processor in when not in use;
a 6-pack of #13 "orange" batteries;
a brown abutment cap (to match my hair and my processor);
a safety - which is basically a fishing wire attached to a collar clip so I don't lose my processor when riding roller coasters or engaging in extreme physical activity - apparently the folks at Cochlear have very high hopes for me
a really soft blue toothbrush (you were right shygirl) with Cochlear printed on it;
a small jar of "Mini Super Dri-Aid" to take the moisture & condensation out of the processor - when the little beads get old, you can reactivate them in the oven or the microwave
a little credit card that explains to airport personnel what is implanted into my head (in case the metal detectors go off);
and last, but not least, a hard plastic "thingy" so that others can experience how the BAHA works. They can plug their ears and have someone hold the "thingy" to the bone behind their ear to get the full effect of the BAHA. The audiologist said you can also cover the "thingy" with the fingertip of a latex glove and have someone place it between their teeth (instead of on their hearing bone) and they can experience the same thing.
I also got an instruction manual with instructions written in about 17 different languages; literature about an extended warranty; and a catalog with "accessories" like Ipod adaptors that can be ordered at an additional price.
Although the doc and the audiologist told me a few months ago that they thought the price was "about $2,500" the audiologist told me today it's $3,750. I'm interested to see how much my insurance will want me to pay. Regardless of the price, I think it will be well worth it.
BAHA Jan
