Weird. Normally I turn on my cappuccino machine in the morning, turn on my lights for my plants and work my way back to the kitchen to make my mochaccino. This time I was doing some dishes instead, and the light went off on my machine. I heard some kind of soft chiming sound and looked around, but couldn't figure out what it was. Next thing I know, the light on the machine comes back on and I hear that sound again, and it dawned on me my machine makes sounds other than the hissing and steaming sounds. Never realized it had more than just an on off light.
I forgot to mention at yesterdays dinner, I had turned my hearing aid thing to a focused (triangle shape) setting, so I have the noise slightly lessened in the background. Worked ok. I was able to catch most of what was said at the table which was a huge change for me. NICE!! And my back wasn't against a wall either, which is the prefered way of sitting for hearing impaired people. Lessens surrounding noises. It was also nice to under stand what the waitress said was the special of the day. I never could understand that and it used to frustrate me to no end.
OK that's it till later.
Showing posts with label Cochlear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cochlear. Show all posts
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Cochlear & Misc Art Stuff
Well I have 2 classes I've taught under my belt now, and I have to say, I think they went fantastically. It was such a pleasure to hear and interact with the students. Looking forward to the other classes I'll be teaching.
This past Friday I had another hearing test done - this one was sentence recognition and I got 93% on it. Needless to say I did super well BIG GRIN. And probably would have gotten a bit higher score if the person speaking on the test had a better voice. Also as I said one word in a sentence I knew right away I had said the wrong word. C'est la vie.
Now the results of the word and sentence recognition test were very good for the ego, but now they need to come up with a test that has noise in the background, like music, or traffic sounds or lots of conversations and then see what the results of sentence recognition or word recognition is. Would be interesting to see.
It was interesting this morning. I was peeling a red delicious apple, and lately they've been really tasting like sawdust. Not pleasant... But when I was peeling one this morning (my last one) I was hearing the crispness of it. A very interesting sound.
And as far as posting art lateley, haven't done much of that, but that's not saying I haven't been creating. I've been doing a ton of art, but not stuff I can post, since I'm making samples for classes I'm teaching, and a technique journal for a good friend who's birthday it will be in a few days. Thought I'd give her one of my journals where I've already put stuff in it - so she has no fear of continuing to put stuff in it. A new journal with blank pages can really freeze some people. I don't know how many times I've heard, "I've bought this gorgeous journal and still haven't put anything in it..." Anyway I did a Zutter coil book and put it into a hard bound cover decorated with a resist technique paper I made. It's oversized in thickness, so it has lots of room to grow and add lots of samples etc.
This past Friday I had another hearing test done - this one was sentence recognition and I got 93% on it. Needless to say I did super well BIG GRIN. And probably would have gotten a bit higher score if the person speaking on the test had a better voice. Also as I said one word in a sentence I knew right away I had said the wrong word. C'est la vie.
Now the results of the word and sentence recognition test were very good for the ego, but now they need to come up with a test that has noise in the background, like music, or traffic sounds or lots of conversations and then see what the results of sentence recognition or word recognition is. Would be interesting to see.
It was interesting this morning. I was peeling a red delicious apple, and lately they've been really tasting like sawdust. Not pleasant... But when I was peeling one this morning (my last one) I was hearing the crispness of it. A very interesting sound.
And as far as posting art lateley, haven't done much of that, but that's not saying I haven't been creating. I've been doing a ton of art, but not stuff I can post, since I'm making samples for classes I'm teaching, and a technique journal for a good friend who's birthday it will be in a few days. Thought I'd give her one of my journals where I've already put stuff in it - so she has no fear of continuing to put stuff in it. A new journal with blank pages can really freeze some people. I don't know how many times I've heard, "I've bought this gorgeous journal and still haven't put anything in it..." Anyway I did a Zutter coil book and put it into a hard bound cover decorated with a resist technique paper I made. It's oversized in thickness, so it has lots of room to grow and add lots of samples etc.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Cochlear & Misc Stuff
I can't believe a week has gone by. Days just disappear. Had the 2 days with Carl Rohrs, then work and a friend coming over the next day, work and a Quilling class the next, then Friday work and finally home, but too tired to do much of anything. Have been doing art all day today that is after I woke up late. BIG GRIN
The Carl Rohrs class was fabulous. It was just such a pleasure to hear EVERYTHING he said and to interact with the rest of the students/friends. I taped what he taught and am able to listen and understand that too. Took pics of the samples on the board so can link up the tape to those pics.
Usually I have finished products by the end of a class, but this time we were more into the experimenting and trying out different letter forming with both the pointed brush and a flat chisel edged brush. I'm familiar with both brushes doing tole art painting and a bit of calligraphy, but Carl definitely showed us all a lot of brand new moves which I've been trying to incorporate into some decorated envelopes I've been doing this week. We also got a wonderful book with about 100 pages full of samples. So I'll be practicing...
When I have two more minutes I'll upload some of the lettering I did.
But I did find time to make some cinnamon raisin danish for Monday's class, then a couple chocolate breads for Tuesday's class. Boy did they go over well - no left overs. I'm glad I cut off the ends before packing them so I had something to fill my sweet tooth when I got home.
And I heard the squeak of the hinges on my kitchen cupboards - not what I wanted to hear (just means I have to fix something I have no time to fix).
Had another ear appointment on Thursday and they did the "sound proof booth" test. I got over 85% correct. I missed 4 out of 55 words, like stump instead of stunt and add instead of at. Needless to say she was very impressed and thrilled. The first time I took the test when I had just the regular hearing aid, I didn't get one word. Just couldn't hear anything. So I can say, it's amazing.
I was talking to a friend who has a friend who just got switched on about a week ago and not a happy person. She doesn't like the noise. Doesn't like the mechanical sounds etc etc. She is at the point where she thinks of wanting to reverse the process. I can't fathom anyone that would want to do that. Yes it was a mechanical sound at the beginning, which has since mellowed out. And with anything that is new or different there are adjustments to be made. the success or failure of the device rests considerably on the ATTITUDE of the person. I went in with no expectations and was just so overwhelmed with the good results. I remember thinking I wasn't going to like all the noise. I had gotten really used to the QUIET of not hearing. But I can honestly say, I don't want to take my hearing aid off at all except when I go to bed. I hope she sticks with it and goes to the scheduled appointments where they put in different programs depending on your individual needs. It's a learning and adjusting curve that is huge at the beginning and then just tapers of. OK enough said.
Oh yeah, I made a delicious split pea soup with Kolbasa. Just had a bowl and am going down for another one.
I think that's all the news for now.
The Carl Rohrs class was fabulous. It was just such a pleasure to hear EVERYTHING he said and to interact with the rest of the students/friends. I taped what he taught and am able to listen and understand that too. Took pics of the samples on the board so can link up the tape to those pics.
Usually I have finished products by the end of a class, but this time we were more into the experimenting and trying out different letter forming with both the pointed brush and a flat chisel edged brush. I'm familiar with both brushes doing tole art painting and a bit of calligraphy, but Carl definitely showed us all a lot of brand new moves which I've been trying to incorporate into some decorated envelopes I've been doing this week. We also got a wonderful book with about 100 pages full of samples. So I'll be practicing...
When I have two more minutes I'll upload some of the lettering I did.
But I did find time to make some cinnamon raisin danish for Monday's class, then a couple chocolate breads for Tuesday's class. Boy did they go over well - no left overs. I'm glad I cut off the ends before packing them so I had something to fill my sweet tooth when I got home.
And I heard the squeak of the hinges on my kitchen cupboards - not what I wanted to hear (just means I have to fix something I have no time to fix).
Had another ear appointment on Thursday and they did the "sound proof booth" test. I got over 85% correct. I missed 4 out of 55 words, like stump instead of stunt and add instead of at. Needless to say she was very impressed and thrilled. The first time I took the test when I had just the regular hearing aid, I didn't get one word. Just couldn't hear anything. So I can say, it's amazing.
I was talking to a friend who has a friend who just got switched on about a week ago and not a happy person. She doesn't like the noise. Doesn't like the mechanical sounds etc etc. She is at the point where she thinks of wanting to reverse the process. I can't fathom anyone that would want to do that. Yes it was a mechanical sound at the beginning, which has since mellowed out. And with anything that is new or different there are adjustments to be made. the success or failure of the device rests considerably on the ATTITUDE of the person. I went in with no expectations and was just so overwhelmed with the good results. I remember thinking I wasn't going to like all the noise. I had gotten really used to the QUIET of not hearing. But I can honestly say, I don't want to take my hearing aid off at all except when I go to bed. I hope she sticks with it and goes to the scheduled appointments where they put in different programs depending on your individual needs. It's a learning and adjusting curve that is huge at the beginning and then just tapers of. OK enough said.
Oh yeah, I made a delicious split pea soup with Kolbasa. Just had a bowl and am going down for another one.
I think that's all the news for now.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Cochlear & Carl Rohrs Slide Show
Well I went to Carl Rohrs slide show last night - in FRIGID temperatures. Sheesh I don't know why I do that to myself, but it was well worth the discomfort. He had 3 trays worth and was talking the whole time. He was behind and to the left of me by a good 8 plus feet and I could hear and understand everything he was saying. WOW is all I can say. This is one of the reasons I went ahead with the implant surgery, I WANTED TO HEAR THE TEACHERS. I was yakking with my friends - it was just such a pleasant experience. Then two friends drove me home and I was sitting in the back seat with both of them in the front and we were actually having a 3 way conversation. There is such a big grin on my face thinking about that experience. I am soooo looking forward to hearing everything the teacher says on Monday, plus playing in class.
And on another note - my heating doesn't work AGAIN. I think this is the 3rd time since it was installed this summer. I'm starting to regret having changed a very dependable heating system that NEVER broke down in the 9.5 years I've been living in the house. I've got my heating pad keeping my feet warm and bundled into a bunch of thick sweaters. The repairman will be later this afternoon/evening. Hopefully it can be fixed and stays fixed this time.
So now I'm going to do a bit of creating finally.
And on another note - my heating doesn't work AGAIN. I think this is the 3rd time since it was installed this summer. I'm starting to regret having changed a very dependable heating system that NEVER broke down in the 9.5 years I've been living in the house. I've got my heating pad keeping my feet warm and bundled into a bunch of thick sweaters. The repairman will be later this afternoon/evening. Hopefully it can be fixed and stays fixed this time.
So now I'm going to do a bit of creating finally.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Cochlear & a CD recording
Well I went out and bought my first CD album. Even when I wasn't hearing impaired I never bought a CD album, it was still tapes and records BIG GRIN.
Tom Jones - The Millennium Collection. Has some oldies but goodies on it and I remember going to one of his concert when he was in Montreal. Love his sound. Anyway, I've got this ear to ear grin on my face as I'm listening to it. Brings back memories, and I'm singing along here. Sheesh, who'd a thought I would enjoy it so much. I've never been musically oriented. If it was there, great, if it wasn't no big deal. Both my sisters barely can live without music. But now that I'm hearing it again -Green Green Grass of Home, What's New Pussycat, It's not Unusual, Delilah and a bunch of others, I think I'll pick up a few more.
The other thing I noticed today, I'm sitting in the LRT station, waiting for my train to come and I hear the clanging of the train bell and knew the train was coming waaaay before I saw it. Nice
My heating system broke down and I had the repair man in and he noticed these devices in my basement and asked me what they were for. They were sonic gadgets to keep mice out of my home. When I first moved in I had a mouse problem, but that's over 8 years ago and haven't had a problem since getting rid of them. These gadgets worked for 3 years approx, but I've had them a lot longer than that, but just never threw them out. Well he told me he was hearing sound from them. I wonder if there was sound when I first got them or if that's just an indication that they're old. Either way I CAN'T HEAR THAT SOUND... yet. So I guess there will be things I can't hear.
Tom Jones - The Millennium Collection. Has some oldies but goodies on it and I remember going to one of his concert when he was in Montreal. Love his sound. Anyway, I've got this ear to ear grin on my face as I'm listening to it. Brings back memories, and I'm singing along here. Sheesh, who'd a thought I would enjoy it so much. I've never been musically oriented. If it was there, great, if it wasn't no big deal. Both my sisters barely can live without music. But now that I'm hearing it again -Green Green Grass of Home, What's New Pussycat, It's not Unusual, Delilah and a bunch of others, I think I'll pick up a few more.
The other thing I noticed today, I'm sitting in the LRT station, waiting for my train to come and I hear the clanging of the train bell and knew the train was coming waaaay before I saw it. Nice
My heating system broke down and I had the repair man in and he noticed these devices in my basement and asked me what they were for. They were sonic gadgets to keep mice out of my home. When I first moved in I had a mouse problem, but that's over 8 years ago and haven't had a problem since getting rid of them. These gadgets worked for 3 years approx, but I've had them a lot longer than that, but just never threw them out. Well he told me he was hearing sound from them. I wonder if there was sound when I first got them or if that's just an indication that they're old. Either way I CAN'T HEAR THAT SOUND... yet. So I guess there will be things I can't hear.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Cochlear - The Birds
Well another day and another sound. I went down to make my morning moccacchino and looked out the window and saw the birds in my lilac tree, patiently waiting for me to serve them breakfast... I don't normally do it on work days unless there's been a snowfall or extremely cold, but on days I'm not working, I'll put food in their feeder. So I made my coffee, cut up some dried bread and loaded up with some bird seed and went outside to put it in their feeder. I have to admit, In past days I thought I was hearing bird sounds, but I couldn't see them so I wasn't sure, thinking it was just some kind of humming chirping noises from my surroundings. But today I was positive it was birds chirping. Boy were they making a racket. Very anxious for their food I would imagine. Probably calling high and low to their friends, saying breakfast is here... since I hadn't fed them in several days.
I think I will really enjoy the spring, summer and fall this year, because I love spending time in my garden, set up with a big table, umbrella, my laptop, and art supplies around me, just doing my thing. After a while the birds are all around me too, and it will be nice to hear them sing.
I think I will really enjoy the spring, summer and fall this year, because I love spending time in my garden, set up with a big table, umbrella, my laptop, and art supplies around me, just doing my thing. After a while the birds are all around me too, and it will be nice to hear them sing.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Cochlear - gadgets
Wow I got a bunch of gadgets for my Cochlear. I can plug into the audio of a TV so no external sounds are heard. I was worried I might have the volume up too high for my neighbor... I guess I don't have to worry about that anymore. Got one to use with I-pods and computers and things. Got a microphone for when I go to a restaurant with a bunch of people. I can put this on a glass or something and attach to my hearing aid so I can hear the people around me better. Looking forward to trying this out. Also got a bunch of replacement parts.
Ditched 2 of the programs on my aid and replaced them with a triangulation sound area, so the sounds in the back of me are dimmed and the sound I should hear are more in front and up to my peripheral area, and as I move my triangle of hearing capabilities moves. Interesting. I also have one for when there is sound changes in volume, like watching TV and a commercial comes on a lot louder than the normal program. It will bring the sound down, level to what the normal program was. Apparently it only reacts with sound volume. Will try that out too soon.
Ditched 2 of the programs on my aid and replaced them with a triangulation sound area, so the sounds in the back of me are dimmed and the sound I should hear are more in front and up to my peripheral area, and as I move my triangle of hearing capabilities moves. Interesting. I also have one for when there is sound changes in volume, like watching TV and a commercial comes on a lot louder than the normal program. It will bring the sound down, level to what the normal program was. Apparently it only reacts with sound volume. Will try that out too soon.
Cochlear - ATC Swap Meet
What an interesting day yesterday. Lots of things happening and new experiences.
In the morning I went for one of my ear appointments and Sonja tested me by speaking behind me and asking me to repeat what she said, which I did with flying colors. She says I'm putting her out of a job. So I'll only have one more appointment with her to fill out a questionaire in about a month or so. See the differences between then and now type of thing.
While on route to the above appointment, I was hearing car engines and differentiating between the sounds. There was definitely one that needed a tune up. And I'm enjoying the sound of walking into my kitchen and hearing the quiet hum of my fridge. It's a reassuring sound. I've always been a little disquieted about the fact I couldn't hear that, because I never new if the power went off on my fridge. If it was the whole house it wouldn't be a problem, because I'd see the lights didn't work or something similar, but if only my fridge (and my freezer connected to the same outlet) went out, I'd have a ton of food spoiling...
So last night was our monthly ATC swap meet. We were about a dozen people there, 9 of which were actually swapping. It was so nice to talk to everyone and hear what they were saying. We were in lots of little groups and what I found difficult, was I was hearing the conversations of the people behind me and trying to concentrate on the conversation infront of me. So I have to practice separating those sounds. So I would say I understood about 60% last night. That's waaaay more than about 5% on previous swaps. BIG GRIN. There was also CBC people interviewing us and filming us. Quite an adventure. It should air around the end of Jan or begin Feb. The show is between 3 & 3:30 Calgary time on channel 6 or 9 and will be accessible on line as well. Will find out more and blog about it.
Also brought the journal as a sample of what I will be teaching on Feb 14th and the lettering inside the journal on Feb 26th. Everyone was quite impressed. After these four classes, and depending on the response, I might give a few evening classes as well for those who can't attend during the day.
Well today I have another ear appointment that I will be going to soon. And tonight I have my Guild's Fri Night Art Social. It's the first one of about 5 scheduled and we'll see what the response is. It's meant to get us out and socializing and doing art together. I brought my laptop so if anyone hasn't seen the Denis Brown DVD they can watch it. And I brought my little squares for my Alpha Challenge...
Oh I almost forgot. My friend Moe who was driving me home, cracked a couple jokes and I actually laughed and realized I was hearing the punch lines. Since in the past I was only able to catch a word hear and there and before my brain registered what was said, the joke would have been long gone.
The other thing, I got an email from someone to watch a video clip on line. WOW I could understand everything they said. I've watched a lot of vid clips without sound and so lost a lot of the understanding behind them. I'm going to be watching a lot more vid clips now. There's a ton of art related and calligrpahy clips out there. Who knows I might invest in a video camera and start doing some myself now that I can hear words on them. It wouldn't have been the same without words. So many adventures to come in the near future. I'm excited. Can you tell...
take care till next bloging
In the morning I went for one of my ear appointments and Sonja tested me by speaking behind me and asking me to repeat what she said, which I did with flying colors. She says I'm putting her out of a job. So I'll only have one more appointment with her to fill out a questionaire in about a month or so. See the differences between then and now type of thing.
While on route to the above appointment, I was hearing car engines and differentiating between the sounds. There was definitely one that needed a tune up. And I'm enjoying the sound of walking into my kitchen and hearing the quiet hum of my fridge. It's a reassuring sound. I've always been a little disquieted about the fact I couldn't hear that, because I never new if the power went off on my fridge. If it was the whole house it wouldn't be a problem, because I'd see the lights didn't work or something similar, but if only my fridge (and my freezer connected to the same outlet) went out, I'd have a ton of food spoiling...
So last night was our monthly ATC swap meet. We were about a dozen people there, 9 of which were actually swapping. It was so nice to talk to everyone and hear what they were saying. We were in lots of little groups and what I found difficult, was I was hearing the conversations of the people behind me and trying to concentrate on the conversation infront of me. So I have to practice separating those sounds. So I would say I understood about 60% last night. That's waaaay more than about 5% on previous swaps. BIG GRIN. There was also CBC people interviewing us and filming us. Quite an adventure. It should air around the end of Jan or begin Feb. The show is between 3 & 3:30 Calgary time on channel 6 or 9 and will be accessible on line as well. Will find out more and blog about it.
Also brought the journal as a sample of what I will be teaching on Feb 14th and the lettering inside the journal on Feb 26th. Everyone was quite impressed. After these four classes, and depending on the response, I might give a few evening classes as well for those who can't attend during the day.
Well today I have another ear appointment that I will be going to soon. And tonight I have my Guild's Fri Night Art Social. It's the first one of about 5 scheduled and we'll see what the response is. It's meant to get us out and socializing and doing art together. I brought my laptop so if anyone hasn't seen the Denis Brown DVD they can watch it. And I brought my little squares for my Alpha Challenge...
Oh I almost forgot. My friend Moe who was driving me home, cracked a couple jokes and I actually laughed and realized I was hearing the punch lines. Since in the past I was only able to catch a word hear and there and before my brain registered what was said, the joke would have been long gone.
The other thing, I got an email from someone to watch a video clip on line. WOW I could understand everything they said. I've watched a lot of vid clips without sound and so lost a lot of the understanding behind them. I'm going to be watching a lot more vid clips now. There's a ton of art related and calligrpahy clips out there. Who knows I might invest in a video camera and start doing some myself now that I can hear words on them. It wouldn't have been the same without words. So many adventures to come in the near future. I'm excited. Can you tell...
take care till next bloging
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Cochlear - Mary Kay Tape
I've got tears in my eyes.
When I left Montreal over 11 years ago, my hearing was at the start of profound lose. A bunch of my Mary Kay buddies made a farewell tape for me, each person giving me their best wishes for my trip across Canada and continuing in my Mary Kay career. I had a fabulous trip coming across Canada, but did not continue with my Mary Kay because of my hearing lose. Anyway, at the time I tried to listen to the tape they made and couldn't hear any of it. I pulled out the tape from my stash and just listened to it in this boom box I won a few years ago (also never used until today). If any of you are reading this blog message, I just wanted to say your messages have touched my heart. I miss all of you a whole bunch. Thank you. I'm just so glad I've got the opportunity to hear things like this again.
Not much new has happened at work. Lots of sounds. Tomorrow I go for another ear appointment for testing without context I believe.
So till whenever.
When I left Montreal over 11 years ago, my hearing was at the start of profound lose. A bunch of my Mary Kay buddies made a farewell tape for me, each person giving me their best wishes for my trip across Canada and continuing in my Mary Kay career. I had a fabulous trip coming across Canada, but did not continue with my Mary Kay because of my hearing lose. Anyway, at the time I tried to listen to the tape they made and couldn't hear any of it. I pulled out the tape from my stash and just listened to it in this boom box I won a few years ago (also never used until today). If any of you are reading this blog message, I just wanted to say your messages have touched my heart. I miss all of you a whole bunch. Thank you. I'm just so glad I've got the opportunity to hear things like this again.
Not much new has happened at work. Lots of sounds. Tomorrow I go for another ear appointment for testing without context I believe.
So till whenever.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Cochlear - First day back at work
Very interesting. I heard my boss's key in the lock and him opening the door and was able to say hi as he walked in. Normally he has to come to my desk and usually jolts me out of deep concentrated work BIG GRIN.
Heard my first fire truck go by with the bells and whistles going. The other lady that works with me sometimes, came in today and I was able to have a nice conversation with her. She was able to explain work and I didn't even have to look at her to hear, I was able to look at the work she was showing me. So nice.
Finally asked my neighbor who I see on the bus going home at night what her name is - Tisha - such a pretty name. I mentioned I'd often wanted to ask her, but figured I wouldn't understand anyway, so always held back. I'm not thinking anymore about asking questions and wondering if I'll understand the answer - I know I will.
Till tomorrow.
Heard my first fire truck go by with the bells and whistles going. The other lady that works with me sometimes, came in today and I was able to have a nice conversation with her. She was able to explain work and I didn't even have to look at her to hear, I was able to look at the work she was showing me. So nice.
Finally asked my neighbor who I see on the bus going home at night what her name is - Tisha - such a pretty name. I mentioned I'd often wanted to ask her, but figured I wouldn't understand anyway, so always held back. I'm not thinking anymore about asking questions and wondering if I'll understand the answer - I know I will.
Till tomorrow.
Friday, January 2, 2009
More on the cochlear
Well this was day 5. Today Sherrie put in 2 more programs, both with volume on the program I like, so one will be good for phones and the other where I need just a bit more of a boost. I called my friend on the phone tonight... and I was able to understand her. I heard the ringing of the phone. Sheesh. I do have to get used to holding the phone in an area that is most receptive to the hearing aid. Takes a little practice I think and I only had it on the lower volume setting. But at least now someone can call me and if I'm "in the mood" I'll probably answer and we just might connect on that spur of the moment kind of way, which I haven't done in over 16 years. I've missed that. Before everyone had to give me ample warning via e-mails and tell me when they would arrive so I could keep the door unlocked.
Today I was able to pick up the sounds of cars from a waaay further distance away and figure out which direction they were coming from. They were also sounding more like cars on roads. Heard the pumping of brakes from the bus. Came to realize my camera makes noise when I turn it on and off. My new computer makes all kinds of sounds, programs ending, bells going off. And I still LOVE the sound of my keyboard's clicking sounds.
The 2 people I saw today are having a hard time coming up with things to do for me. I'm surpacing expectations. And I never stayed for 2 plus hours at any of the appointments for those intensive programming, which is what was booked for me. Things went soooo smoothly.
And just this minute I heard a ding. I have my oven timer next to me because I'm baking something and it just went quiet. I thought my timer went on the fritz, then I realized everything went quiet... My battery just DIED. Interesting warning. Doesn't give you any time to even think about - oh the battery is dying - it just went DEAD. These batteries only last for 5 days and you use 3 of them each time and they're not cheap. I got a battery charger and two rechargeable batteries which helps, but they only stay charged for 10 hours and take 4 hours to re-charge. You'd think with all our advanced stuff and things, they'd come up with batteries that lasted. These rechargeable batteries apparently last for 1000 charges (which is approximately 3 years and a bit). They also cost around $300 each. Ridiculous. But OK I shouldn't complain. right??
I have a couple more appointments next week. One I think with the person that will be testing my recognition of words without context. Will be interesting.
I'm trying to think of what other sounds were interesting today. Well the timer just went off and that's a loud DING.
When I left Montreal 11 years ago, a lot of my Mary Kay friends had made a farewell tape recording which I have never heard. I'm looking forward to finding it and listening again and wondering if I'll finally hear what they said. I think I'll try looking and listening to the Denis Brown DVD I just got of his latest work.
So I'll sign off till tomorrow.
Today I was able to pick up the sounds of cars from a waaay further distance away and figure out which direction they were coming from. They were also sounding more like cars on roads. Heard the pumping of brakes from the bus. Came to realize my camera makes noise when I turn it on and off. My new computer makes all kinds of sounds, programs ending, bells going off. And I still LOVE the sound of my keyboard's clicking sounds.
The 2 people I saw today are having a hard time coming up with things to do for me. I'm surpacing expectations. And I never stayed for 2 plus hours at any of the appointments for those intensive programming, which is what was booked for me. Things went soooo smoothly.
And just this minute I heard a ding. I have my oven timer next to me because I'm baking something and it just went quiet. I thought my timer went on the fritz, then I realized everything went quiet... My battery just DIED. Interesting warning. Doesn't give you any time to even think about - oh the battery is dying - it just went DEAD. These batteries only last for 5 days and you use 3 of them each time and they're not cheap. I got a battery charger and two rechargeable batteries which helps, but they only stay charged for 10 hours and take 4 hours to re-charge. You'd think with all our advanced stuff and things, they'd come up with batteries that lasted. These rechargeable batteries apparently last for 1000 charges (which is approximately 3 years and a bit). They also cost around $300 each. Ridiculous. But OK I shouldn't complain. right??
I have a couple more appointments next week. One I think with the person that will be testing my recognition of words without context. Will be interesting.
I'm trying to think of what other sounds were interesting today. Well the timer just went off and that's a loud DING.
When I left Montreal 11 years ago, a lot of my Mary Kay friends had made a farewell tape recording which I have never heard. I'm looking forward to finding it and listening again and wondering if I'll finally hear what they said. I think I'll try looking and listening to the Denis Brown DVD I just got of his latest work.
So I'll sign off till tomorrow.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Day 4 con't
I was just making supper and boiling potatoes and I actually heard the water boil... and it definitely sounded like water boiling, not mechanical at all. And the turning of my microwave plate. I was hearing the hum of my fridge, it's a really quiet fridge - who'da thunk.
And I'm scanning some of my artwork and I can hear the motor of the scanning light and the mechanism moving.
And I'm scanning some of my artwork and I can hear the motor of the scanning light and the mechanism moving.
Day 4
Well another memorable day has gone by. My friend and I had a fabulous art day even if it was too short. BIG GRIN. She did ring my doorbell and call my name from downstairs... but I heard neither. C'est la vie. Maybe in time I will, although we experimented with the doorbell and I found even when I was right under it, it was a very low sound, which she agreed with. Could be why I never heard it. So that's a job for the near future - figure out if I can make the bell sound louder or just change the contraption.
We went to Costco and I was being real nice by putting the carriage away in one of those holding pens... but she also called me while I was putting it away because another lady wanted it, but I didn't hear that either. Will definitely have to work on that.
Went to my favorite rubber stamping store Paper pastimes and Carole the proprietor almost had tears in her eyes from the good news I was giving her. We had a wonderful 3 way conversation, which I could only have dreamt about before in the past.
I heard the flasher signals in the car.
This morning I was coloring in my 1st Alpha letter for the 365 day Alpha challenge and I heard my colored pencils (actually my blender pencil) scrapping (not the right word but I can't describe the sound I was hearing) along the paper.
Still haven't consiously heard the birds. But an other next door neighbor was leaving her house yesterday as my friend and I were and I had another real nice conversation. In the past my head would move back and forth, not because I heard sound, but because I was trying to catch any words I could. But now my head is moving back and forth because I'm hearing the words being spoken and just naturally turning to the speaker. Nice. BIG GRIN.
Haven't tried using the phone yet either. And so many friends said they would call me if I was able to. I SHUDDER with the thought. I REALLY HATE phones, always have. So I'm not so sure I want to tell anyone if I can use them or not. Anyone reading this, please don't take it the wrong way. Maybe in time I'll really want to talk again on the phone, but for now, NO!!
And on another note, I just opened my new computer to make a recovery disc and wouldn't you know it, it doesn't do it on USB storage devices, only on CD, DVD, or something called DVD CL I think. The only things I have are CD but I don't have 14 of them, Sheesh. So I have to wait till tomorrow when I go out and pick up a couple DVD's (only needs 2 of them). So to make a long story short, I can't play with my new computer today. I really wanted to load all my software in and have my internet connected all day instead of limping along and turning it on only when needed.
Soon.. So I guess I'll spend the day doing year end accounting and some art work.
HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone.
We went to Costco and I was being real nice by putting the carriage away in one of those holding pens... but she also called me while I was putting it away because another lady wanted it, but I didn't hear that either. Will definitely have to work on that.
Went to my favorite rubber stamping store Paper pastimes and Carole the proprietor almost had tears in her eyes from the good news I was giving her. We had a wonderful 3 way conversation, which I could only have dreamt about before in the past.
I heard the flasher signals in the car.
This morning I was coloring in my 1st Alpha letter for the 365 day Alpha challenge and I heard my colored pencils (actually my blender pencil) scrapping (not the right word but I can't describe the sound I was hearing) along the paper.
Still haven't consiously heard the birds. But an other next door neighbor was leaving her house yesterday as my friend and I were and I had another real nice conversation. In the past my head would move back and forth, not because I heard sound, but because I was trying to catch any words I could. But now my head is moving back and forth because I'm hearing the words being spoken and just naturally turning to the speaker. Nice. BIG GRIN.
Haven't tried using the phone yet either. And so many friends said they would call me if I was able to. I SHUDDER with the thought. I REALLY HATE phones, always have. So I'm not so sure I want to tell anyone if I can use them or not. Anyone reading this, please don't take it the wrong way. Maybe in time I'll really want to talk again on the phone, but for now, NO!!
And on another note, I just opened my new computer to make a recovery disc and wouldn't you know it, it doesn't do it on USB storage devices, only on CD, DVD, or something called DVD CL I think. The only things I have are CD but I don't have 14 of them, Sheesh. So I have to wait till tomorrow when I go out and pick up a couple DVD's (only needs 2 of them). So to make a long story short, I can't play with my new computer today. I really wanted to load all my software in and have my internet connected all day instead of limping along and turning it on only when needed.
Soon.. So I guess I'll spend the day doing year end accounting and some art work.
HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Day 3 with Cochlear
Day 2 went very well. At the hearing appointments they map the responses of my brain to sound. There was a vast difference between the first day and the 2nd. It's amazing what the brain can do. As it hears and pocesses each sound and then stores it away. We adjusted the speed of the electral impulses to my nerves and hence my brain. We also checked the frequency of sounds. I seem to be able to hear extrememly low sound and extremely high sound and everything in between, so it looks like I might be having more than the anticipated 60% "return of hearing".
I was out feeding my birds today and one of my neighbor was leaving her house. She's a good 20 plus feet away and I said good morning. She answered and I heard her. Amazing. We talked for about a minute and I understood everything she said.
I heard the ticking of my oven timer. I am sitting at my desk doing some artwork and I must admit it's very quiet in my house , but still, I heard my clock on the wall as the second hand moved around. I looked up in wonder.
Other noises are starting to sound more natural, but there are still sounds that sound mechanical. Hey what can you expect it's only been 2 full days. Sheesh.
I have a friend coming over and I told her to ring my doorbell. Even with my other hearing aid I couldn't hear my doorbell, so I am anxious to hear what it sounds like. I also want to try my phone today and hear if I can hear anything and or understand what the person is saying. Will be interesting.
I've always liked bells and chimes and have had these bells hanging on my door knob for eons, even before I lost my hearing. I heard them today when I was closing the closet door. They didn't sound like what I remembered, but they were bell sounds. I might just put a ton of chimes around my house...
I love the sound of the clacking of my keyboard.
Yesterday I went to Future shop to buy a new laptop (which I sorely needed since both my computers have been on the fritz for quite some time now and it's soooo frustrating). But what I'm trying to say is I asked the salesperson a question and I understood everything he said. What a pleasure. Whenever I've asked something in the past I would invariably have to "tune out" because I just didn't understand what they were saying. I would then try to find my information by reading all the box info, which didn't always help and of course the prices were never on all the items, so I would just walk out.
I'm so looking forward to my first class at the end of January and hoping that I will be able to hear and understand everything the teacher is saying. This was the reason I looked into getting a cochlear in the first place. For years I haven't been able to hear the teachers and I missed out on so much information. I am just glad I am a very fast learner and show me something once and I can do it. Plus I have lots of friends in my Guild that help me by writing notes about what is said, so I could read a lot of the information. But it's not the same without the interaction. There have been so many times I would want to ask a quesiton or say something and wonder if someone has asked that already so I would just not participate in the discussion. I don't think I'll be keeping my mouth shut in the future.
OK enough for today. My next appointment is on Friday. Will keep posting about it. It's a good way to keep a record and maybe it will help another Cochlear person or hearing imparied person thinking about a cochlear implant.
I was out feeding my birds today and one of my neighbor was leaving her house. She's a good 20 plus feet away and I said good morning. She answered and I heard her. Amazing. We talked for about a minute and I understood everything she said.
I heard the ticking of my oven timer. I am sitting at my desk doing some artwork and I must admit it's very quiet in my house , but still, I heard my clock on the wall as the second hand moved around. I looked up in wonder.
Other noises are starting to sound more natural, but there are still sounds that sound mechanical. Hey what can you expect it's only been 2 full days. Sheesh.
I have a friend coming over and I told her to ring my doorbell. Even with my other hearing aid I couldn't hear my doorbell, so I am anxious to hear what it sounds like. I also want to try my phone today and hear if I can hear anything and or understand what the person is saying. Will be interesting.
I've always liked bells and chimes and have had these bells hanging on my door knob for eons, even before I lost my hearing. I heard them today when I was closing the closet door. They didn't sound like what I remembered, but they were bell sounds. I might just put a ton of chimes around my house...
I love the sound of the clacking of my keyboard.
Yesterday I went to Future shop to buy a new laptop (which I sorely needed since both my computers have been on the fritz for quite some time now and it's soooo frustrating). But what I'm trying to say is I asked the salesperson a question and I understood everything he said. What a pleasure. Whenever I've asked something in the past I would invariably have to "tune out" because I just didn't understand what they were saying. I would then try to find my information by reading all the box info, which didn't always help and of course the prices were never on all the items, so I would just walk out.
I'm so looking forward to my first class at the end of January and hoping that I will be able to hear and understand everything the teacher is saying. This was the reason I looked into getting a cochlear in the first place. For years I haven't been able to hear the teachers and I missed out on so much information. I am just glad I am a very fast learner and show me something once and I can do it. Plus I have lots of friends in my Guild that help me by writing notes about what is said, so I could read a lot of the information. But it's not the same without the interaction. There have been so many times I would want to ask a quesiton or say something and wonder if someone has asked that already so I would just not participate in the discussion. I don't think I'll be keeping my mouth shut in the future.
OK enough for today. My next appointment is on Friday. Will keep posting about it. It's a good way to keep a record and maybe it will help another Cochlear person or hearing imparied person thinking about a cochlear implant.
Monday, December 29, 2008
First day with new Hearing Aid
Well my first day with my new hearing aid went very well. The first programming session dealt with sound not words although I was able to understand everything the person was saying. A bit robotic at the moment, but I'm assured that sound will start to sound more natural as time goes on. This thing eats batteries though. Approx every 5 days it will eat 3 large type hearing aid batteries @ $6.75 for a pack of 6 that will take a chunk of change. Tomorrow I will be seeing a rechargeable battery and the 2nd day of programming. On Friday she mentioned I would be being kind of tested. To hear without looking at someones lips move. Will see how that goes. Will try to watch tv tonight with sound and hear how much I understand. BIG GRIN...
And after a while I was able to hear myself talk. Heard someone walk outside the office (with the door closed) and the heels clicking on the linoleum floor. Heard my feet crunch the snow, hear myself clicking away on my computer keys. Really weird. Quite a few sounds I couldn't identify outside yet. Like cars going by, just don't sound like cars. Took a bus home and it sounded like muffled voices, although I don't think anyone was talking. Heard the ding of my microwave.
More tomorrow
And after a while I was able to hear myself talk. Heard someone walk outside the office (with the door closed) and the heels clicking on the linoleum floor. Heard my feet crunch the snow, hear myself clicking away on my computer keys. Really weird. Quite a few sounds I couldn't identify outside yet. Like cars going by, just don't sound like cars. Took a bus home and it sounded like muffled voices, although I don't think anyone was talking. Heard the ding of my microwave.
More tomorrow
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