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Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / June 2007OTP: Need some calming purrs
As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago that has dramatically improved my ability to communicate. Without it I am profoundly deaf. While I have had no problems with the way the device works, some of the parts seem not well designed. It took them and extra year to get the FDA to approve their body worn processor (an option to the behind the ear processor where everything including the battery pack hangs from your ear) It works but the design and implementation leave a lot to be desired. I'm sure this is the result of an attempt to make something like a profit in a very limited market. The biggest problem I've has is with the cable that runs from the processor to the magnetic coil that "sticks" to the implant in my head. The cable and coil are one piece and for some reason related to either or design or quality the cables wear thru and break. I've worn out half a dozen in the last two years. Also it seems they are wearing out faster than before. About a month ago we ordered two new cables. I was down to sharing a cable between the two processors. Usually they arrive within days. These didn't, and our trip to Alaska came and went, With me getting very uneasy about the cable that was now starting to wear thru. But I was sure the replacements would be here when we got home. No such luck. Also no email, snail mail, or phone messages. I sent an email to ask and got a reply that these cables have been on back order for weeks! That they will send my one that is too short that they do have in stock to make do until the replacements arrive. Now granted I walk around the house with out the processor a lot of the time, just for the peace and quiet. But that is a choice. Now I don't feel I can wear it at all. Need to save whatever life is left in it for emergencies (and treats like a phone call I got this morning) Being without this thing due to some mfg and shipping and ordering problem is upsetting me way out of proportion to anything. I can read and I can write and I have the computer to keep me company. Kayla and the cats don't care if I can hear or not. I could read, if I could find a new book that interests me. I can still take the dog to the park. People are usually very good with you just telling them you are deaf. And I'm not just upset for me. Most of these devices are in children who don't even remember ever being without them. How does Mommy tell a one or two year old, "sorry you don't get to hear this week?" Or a kid that is in school, "hey, you thought the implant made to feel different. Guess what you get to do this week?" This post is already too long. I've got to go distract myself. Jo > As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago that > has [quoted text clipped - 61 lines] > > Jo What a frustrating situation for you, and many others! Have you tried checking with some place like Circuit City or Radio Shack to see if there is some sort of substitute cable you might be able to use on a temporary basis? Joy >> And I'm not just upset for me. Most of these devices are in children who >> don't even remember ever being without them. How does Mommy tell a one [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > Joy That is a lot of what is so frustrating. These are one of a kind, and while the too breakable cable should be quite easy to replace, on one end is a very tiny plug into the processing unit and the other is hardwired into the magnetic coil that sticks to the plate in my head and feeds in data from the processor. Stupid cable should have had a plug on both ends making it far cheaper and easier to replace. I'm guessing from the size of the company (its in Australia) they either make these themselves or have a dedicated supplier. Very likely the part is failing at a much greater rate than they anticipated and nobody noticed soon enough to get production moving. Or they decided to take a shot at improving the design and that is taking longer than anticipated. Plus they are still under warranty and that has to be costing the company a bundle. When the do get back in stock of course I'd much prefer that the children and those who are still employed get theirs first. Makes one feel like a soldier short the one badly needed horseshoe nail. > As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago that has > dramatically improved my ability to communicate. [quoted text clipped - 48 lines] > > Jo I shall send you calming purrs. My Mother was very hard of hearing, so I understand some of the frustrations that go with hearing loss. My daughter-in-law has hearing in only one ear. She had Meniers disease (nor sure of spelling) and had one cochlear surgically removed (32 years ago) to help the dizziness. I hope strides have been made in this treatment. Where do you buy the cables? Regarding fun books to read. Have you read the "Cat Who" series? I believe there are about 18 books in the series. I wish you were here and I'd give you mine. I cannot read books anymore and my cataract surgeries did not help. Now even the computer is getting hard to read. Sending hurryup purrs for your cables. Best wishes. MLB >> As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of >> years ago that has [quoted text clipped - 101 lines] > > Sending hurryup purrs for your cables. Best wishes. MLB Many of the states here in the US have free books on tape/books on CD for folks who can no longer read. My mom is 83 now, and legally blind (and quickly becoming quite deaf) and bases her days around sitting in her chair and 'reading' (listening with headphones) her books. It's a wonderful service, and she gets her stories delivered to her via US mail (free), also they provided her with a tape player to use. Just something to look into if you are interested. Normin >>> As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years >>> ago that has dramatically improved my ability to communicate. [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] >>> I can still take the dog to the park. People are usually very >>> good with you just telling them you are deaf. > Many of the states here in the US have free books on tape/books > on CD for folks who can no longer read. My mom is 83 now, and [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > provided her with a tape player to use. Just something to look > into if you are interested. LOL, she'll have to get the cables first. :) Jo - I really don't blame you for being upset. It would be one thing if there was nothing anyone could do for your hearing - then you'd just have to accept the situation. But this simple piece of technology not being available, due to human error no doubt, is not acceptable! I sure hope you get them soon, or find something workable in the meantime. LOUD purrs! Joyce >>> As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of >>> years ago that has [quoted text clipped - 112 lines] > > Normin Thank you. I've had that suggested by several of my family members. I just am not in the "mood" yet to sit. I have always been a busy person and still want to be. Thanks and best wishes. MLB >> Many of the states here in the US have free books on tape/books >> on CD for folks who can no longer read. My mom is 83 now, and [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >> provided her with a tape player to use. Just something to look >> into if you are interested. >Thank you. I've had that suggested by several of my family members. I >just am not in the "mood" yet to sit. I have always been a busy person >and still want to be. Thanks and best wishes. MLB You can still do stuff while you listen to them... I used to borrow book tapes from the library and play them while I did the cooking/laundry etc. to help keep me from getting bored. :) >>>> As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago that has >>>> dramatically improved my ability to communicate. [quoted text clipped - 75 lines] > just am not in the "mood" yet to sit. I have always been a busy person > and still want to be. Thanks and best wishes. MLB Then you need an iPod to clip on and download books to! > I shall send you calming purrs. My Mother was very hard of hearing, so I > understand some of the frustrations that go with hearing loss. My [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Sending hurryup purrs for your cables. Best wishes. MLB I'm sorry to hear the surgeries did not help you. Lots of hugs and purrs, Polonca and Soncek > As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago > that has dramatically improved my ability to communicate. > > Without it I am profoundly deaf. Lots of calming purrs on the way and purrs the cables arrive asap.  SignatureAdrian (Owned by Snoopy and Bagheera) Cats leave pawprints on your heart. http://community.webshots.com/user/clowderuk >> As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago >> that has dramatically improved my ability to communicate. >> >> Without it I am profoundly deaf. > > Lots of calming purrs on the way and purrs the cables arrive asap. My feelings exactly. I just gave Persia some scritches and she revved back up again (for everyone). Jill >> As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago >> that has dramatically improved my ability to communicate. >> >> Without it I am profoundly deaf. The boys are revving up extra-resonant purrs. Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh Make Levees, Not War >>> As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago >>> that has dramatically improved my ability to communicate. >>> >>> Without it I am profoundly deaf. > > The boys are revving up extra-resonant purrs. Mmmm. I can feel those. > As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago that > has [quoted text clipped - 59 lines] > > This post is already too long. I've got to go distract myself. This is awful, Jo. Get you hearing again and then take it away - words fail me. Could a cable be ordered from abroad? If you can search the net and find one that would fit you here in the UK, I would gladly help get it to you. I have a friend at work whose mother has had a cochlear implant, I could ask her about cables for it if you want. Assuming UK/USA cables for this device are interchangable - I know our power plugs aren't and video cassettes are different too. Anyway, if you find a UK cable on the net that will fit and work your device, just ask me and I will get it to you. Tweed That's really upsetting! Purrs for your frazzled nerves and I hope they get on the ball with that cable! Hugs, CatNipped > As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago that > has [quoted text clipped - 61 lines] > > Jo Mega-purrs for your patience to remain intact until the cables arrive. Litterbox offerings upon the mishap(s) that resulted in the backorder situation. I have two deaf-blind friends with cochlear implants. I know how important they find that technology to be. It makes me angry that there's a shortage of any item that has this much impact on the quality of life for the people who use it. Donna, Captain, and Stanley > As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago that has > dramatically improved my ability to communicate. [quoted text clipped - 48 lines] > > Jo That is so unfair! Purrs for your cables to arrive soon. Is there like a Federation of the Deaf or something who you can appeal to to get the company to improve standards? There is no reason anything like that should wear out so quickly and you are right; that is probably why they are on back order! > As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago that has > dramatically improved my ability to communicate. [quoted text clipped - 48 lines] > > Jo {{{{Jo}}}}}} I am so sorry. The whole situation seems extremely stressful, and it needn't be that way. Purrs that the manufacturer and distributor get it together fast! Ginger-lyn Quick shipment purrs for the cables, Jo. Sam, closely supervised by Mistletoe > While I have had no problems with the way the device works, some of the > parts seem not well designed. It took them and extra year to get the FDA to [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > is the result of an attempt to make something like a profit in a very > limited market. I've had a similar experience with a brand of insulin that could only be used with a specific pen that ran on batteries. You couldn't change the batteries, so had to get a new pen every two years or so. Well, I get the pen for free because our national health insurance pays for them, but it still made me mad that they should design this pen this way. All that waste! And the battery function was completely unnecessary, anyway. And the pen was very badly designed in every way. You could never be quite sure how much insulin you'd actually injected with it, and often the plunger wouldn't plunge, and I had to inject several times before it worked. But now I've changed to another brand of insulin that goes into a good old mechanical Novo pen, which will last for years and years. I hope they are working on those cables to make them last longer. Lots of soothing purrs on the way to you. Would it be possible to order a larger set of the cables, so you could have an emergency store? SignatureMarina, Miranda and Caliban. In loving memory of Frank and Nikki. >> While I have had no problems with the way the device works, some of the >> parts seem not well designed. It took them and extra year to get the FDA [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > on the way to you. Would it be possible to order a larger set of the > cables, so you could have an emergency store? Not at $300 each. They are hardwired to the coil that attaches to the scalp. A $300 part that keeps breaking because of a 10 cent wire. Jo > "Marina" <frankiennikki@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message > Would it be possible to order a larger set of the >> cables, so you could have an emergency store? [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > They are hardwired to the coil that attaches to the scalp. A $300 part that > keeps breaking because of a 10 cent wire. Oh. No, that wouldn't be viable. How frustrating! More soothing purrs on the way! SignatureMarina, Miranda and Caliban. In loving memory of Frank and Nikki. >As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago that has >dramatically improved my ability to communicate. > >Without it I am profoundly deaf. I hope the cable that's too short will tide you over, and purrs for your nerves. But I'm also happy to hear that your implant is working so well that you really feel you need it. If the new design is so buggy that the company needs to keep replacing everyone's microphone every few months, I'm sure that's a big economic incentive for them to fix it very soon. >> As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago that has >> dramatically improved my ability to communicate. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > every few months, I'm sure that's a big economic incentive for them to > fix it very soon. Of course, it depends on whether they get to charge for replacing it.... Many purrs and good thoughts for it to hurry to you, Jo, in either case! Kathy >>> As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago >>> that has dramatically improved my ability to communicate. [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > it.... Many purrs and good thoughts for it to hurry to you, Jo, in > either case! Kathy I believe in another post she stated it costs about $300 per cable which is why she couldn't order two in order to have a "backup". Jill I'm so sorry to hear this, Jo. How frustrating! Is there any way I can help? I'm in Australia, could I get them directly from the company here and then mail them to you? Let me know. SignatureBritta Purring is an automatic safety valve device for dealing with happiness overflow. Check out pictures of Vino at: http://picasaweb.google.com/badwilson > As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago > that has dramatically improved my ability to communicate. [quoted text clipped - 48 lines] > > Jo > I'm so sorry to hear this, Jo. How frustrating! Is there any way I can > help? I'm in Australia, could I get them directly from the company here > and then mail them to you? Let me know. I'll keep that in mind if they don't get sorted out here soon. My last cable isn't completey worn through. But I'm only using it in emergencies since I don't know how long it will last or has to last. Jo >> I'm so sorry to hear this, Jo. How frustrating! Is there any way I >> can help? I'm in Australia, could I get them directly from the [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Jo Ok, no worries but just don't wait too long. I would rather help out sooner than have you stuck in a silent world when you don't have to be. Hugs, SignatureBritta Purring is an automatic safety valve device for dealing with happiness overflow. Check out pictures of Vino at: http://picasaweb.google.com/badwilson I got the too short but usable replacement cable today, so now I can relax and calm down. I don't handle frustration well. I can deal with inconvenience. Forced total silence is worse as a possibility than as a reality. I appreciate all your efforts to help out while I was busy freaking out. Jo >>> I'm so sorry to hear this, Jo. How frustrating! Is there any way I >>> can help? I'm in Australia, could I get them directly from the [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > sooner than have you stuck in a silent world when you don't have to be. > Hugs, > As most of you know, I had a cochlear implant a couple of years ago that has > dramatically improved my ability to communicate. [quoted text clipped - 48 lines] > > Jo We are sending you lots of hugs and purrs, Polonca and Soncek |
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