Questions and Answers
How did you choose which brand to have?
I did a bit of research prior to my assessment dates and I felt that Cochlear was the most well known brand and had the best success rate. I did also consider Advanced Bionics as other recipients had said this was the most ‘water proof’. However, on the assessment day I liked the look of the Cochlear brand better. Also, my audiologist advised me that unless someone made a very good case for a particular brand, they would normally choose the brand they felt was best for you. They suggested Cochlear an I was happy with that.
What did they ask you at your health check?
It was a standard health check where my weight was taken, my chest listened to, my blood pressure taken, blood and urine samples taken. I was also asked if I smoked and drank. It took about an hour overall.
Why is only one ear implanted?
It’s to do both with funding and the N.I.C.E guidelines (which you can Google). These guidelines advise children should be bilaterally implanted and adults with certain additional disabilities should be considered. Cochlear Implants are very expensive. There are several support groups easily found via the internet if you need further advice.
What happens during the operation and rehabilitation process?
During the operation is probably not something I should describe here, but you can find operation videos on You Tube (if you aren’t squeamish! Just remember, you are asleep!)
The rehabilitation process is most likely described on your Cochlear Implant Centre’s website or leaflets that they issue you with. It can take 9 months to a year before you are receiving the full benefits of the implant. It will not restore full hearing and there will be several appointments to adjust your implant to get the sound as best as it can be for you.
Pneumoccal Vaccination
I was advised that to have the vaccination was up to me, and that they would still go ahead with the operation if I did not have it. My centre advised me that the risk of meningitis was minimal. However, I decided to have the vaccination as I always seem to be unwell – so better safe than sorry!
I had to go to my GP for the vaccination and it felt like I had been punched very hard! Two days after the vaccination I felt very dizzy and faint. I also had a terrible headache. I had to go to bed and sleep all afternoon however when I woke up I felt perfectly fine. So this side effect is only temporary and I was warned it may happen.