Welcome to CI Hear 's FAQ Page

Information About Bilateral Implants and User Accounts

IA general listing of medical conditions and descriptions of hearing loss causes and medical needs and recommendations and FDA links

websites to implant manufacturers and information about their products

Sights to help CI Users learn to listen and understand with a CI

Links to sites which provide cochlear implant information online and tips for the CI User

Groups which provide local support for individuals who have hearing loss and/or cochlear implants

Special links to assist parents with children and the CI process, fun games and Spotlight on Kids with Ci's

What to expect with CI Surgery - Some Graphic

Chat help, consent forms and sites that can help anyone with hearing loss

When Should I see my Audiologist to Reprogram My Speech Processor?

1. To adjust the Speech Processor when it is on its original programming schedule. Eg: Several times in the first 6 months, every 6 months for the first 2 years, for the 3rd year anniversary, and as needed after 3 years for adults

2. To adjust the Loudness and Quality of sound if anything seems Uncomfortable, Unpleasant, or Unclear Eg: If it sounds too loud or too soft, rough, squeaky, or like gravel, or if familiar voices no longer sound as natural as they used to. You may feel it is just harder or more tiring to listen. Children may try to take their Speech Processors off more frequently, be more distractible, act like the sound is uncomfortable, or seem more confused.

3. To adjust a Child's Speech Processor if his or her Speech, Language, or Reading skills are not developing as expected Stay in frequent communication with your child's teachers and speech- language pathologists to keep track of progress. They should progress at a rate of 1 year of growth in these skills per year in most cases.

4. To reprogram the Speech Processor if it has sustained an electrical shock

Eg: A shock from static electricity can erase the program. Avoid touching the Speech Processor until you have grounded out on another object with your hand.

5. To troubleshoot the Speech Processor if it is dead or intermittent There could be an internal problem with the Speech Processor that affects the function of the program, or a problem with the cords, moisture problems, dirty or corroded battery contacts, or a dirty microphone.

6. To check and adjust the program after an MRI when the magnet was removed from the implant temporarily For people with removable implant magnets, after an MRI the electrodes and entire program should be checked after the MRI is done.

Gail Weddington, Au.D, CCC-A/SLP Central Michigan University

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