----- Original Message -----

From: Trish

To: baha_anz@...

Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 3:21 PM

Subject: Re: [baha_anz] Re: BAHA implant yesterday

 

hi Jan

my BAHA is on my right ear.

My hearing loss is from chronic ear infections since early childhood . I have moderate to severe hearing mixed loss in my left ear not sure why because this ear was never as bad as right .

I had surgery 20 yrs ago on my left ear and after that I noticed the hearing loss had deteriorated severely.

The BAHA is on my right side with moderate loss ... I can hear fairly well with my hearing aid but I have chronic discharge.

I had a partial mastoidectomy 31 yrs ago and a small cavity, my ear is always infected , the middle ear bones are damaged and my drum has  a huge perforation too..

If the BAHA works well for my right I might see about the left ear. 

thanks it is helpful to know what to expect.

how did you loss your hearing ?

kind regards

Trish

From: Jan

Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 2:57 PM

To: baha_anz@yahoogroups.com.au

Subject: Re: [baha_anz] Re: BAHA implant yesterday

 

Hi again,

 

Yes the screw sits out - but not very far.  Just enough for you to be able to snap the processor on.  It is a little uncomfortable at first to sleep on that side - but that gets better as well.

 

How did you lose your hearing - if you dont mind me asking?

----- Original Message -----

From: Trish

To: baha_anz@yahoogroups.com.au

Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 2:16 PM

Subject: Re: [baha_anz] Re: BAHA implant yesterday

 

hi Jan

thanks for this information. I had mine at St Vincent's Private by Dr Biggs.

I live in Sydney , well outer Sydney too.

After the cap is removed is the screw sitting out ?

 

I will check out the forum too.

I think I joined one already it could be the same one.

kind regards

Trish

 

 

From: Jan

Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 2:07 PM

To: baha_anz@yahoogroups.com.au

Subject: Re: [baha_anz] Re: BAHA implant yesterday

 

Hi Trish,

 

I think all Doctors are different, but my cap was taken off on my first visit back to the Dr. - about 2 weeks after the operation.  The only thing I had to do regarding care of wound was to keep it clean - I just gave it a gentle rub each time I washed my hair, and I had no problem at all.  No you dont need to keep the hair short or shaved - the hair does not grow back close to the processor anyway.  The numbness does improve over time, but I think mine took a few months or more.  It doesnt worry my now and I had the op. in February of this year.

 

Who did the operation?  Where do you live?  I live in Sydney and Dr. Philip Chang did it at St. Vincents.

 

When you get the processor you will move on to an audiologist who will tune the BAHA in for you.  It has taken some months for me to be happy with the settings, but I am very happy now - I am sure you will be pleased that you went through it to have hearing at the end.

 

Please let me know if you need any more information as I will be very happy to share my experience - I certainly felt that I didnt have too many people. if any, that actual knew what I was going through - so I am very open to answering any questions or concerns you may have.

 

There is also a fabulous forum online that you may wish to register for.  Just Google  'Baha Users Support Forum' and it will take you there.  Although it is UK based, there are a lot of questions answered there.

 

Good luck with it all,

 

Jan

 

----- Original Message -----

From: babyangelmum

To: baha_anz@yahoogroups.com.au

Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 12:45 PM

Subject: [baha_anz] Re: BAHA implant yesterday

 

hi Jan
thanks for answering my question

I guess I will find out Wednesday but wondered how long the cap stays on and what kind of care you do for the wound/ screw site in between now and when you get the sound processor - also do you need to keep the hair around the site short/shaved.

I also have some numbness above the site and around but not below - does this improve with time ?

thanks again
Trish

-- In baha_anz@yahoogroups.com.au, Janet Welsh <gourmetkitchens@...> wrote:
>
> I received a BAHA earlier this year. If you would like to discuss anything,
> or ask any questions I am happy to help. I live in Sydney.
> Kind regards, Jan
>
>
> On 23/9/09 10:17 PM, "babyangelmum" <kookai_smile@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I received my BAHA implant yesterday and I wondering if this group is still
> > active ?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

----- Original Message -----

From: Trish

To: baha_anz@...

Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 2:16 PM

Subject: Re: [baha_anz] Re: BAHA implant yesterday

 

hi Jan

thanks for this information. I had mine at St Vincent's Private by Dr Biggs.

I live in Sydney , well outer Sydney too.

After the cap is removed is the screw sitting out ?

 

I will check out the forum too.

I think I joined one already it could be the same one.

kind regards

Trish

 

 

From: Jan

Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 2:07 PM

To: baha_anz@yahoogroups.com.au

Subject: Re: [baha_anz] Re: BAHA implant yesterday

 

Hi Trish,

 

I think all Doctors are different, but my cap was taken off on my first visit back to the Dr. - about 2 weeks after the operation.  The only thing I had to do regarding care of wound was to keep it clean - I just gave it a gentle rub each time I washed my hair, and I had no problem at all.  No you dont need to keep the hair short or shaved - the hair does not grow back close to the processor anyway.  The numbness does improve over time, but I think mine took a few months or more.  It doesnt worry my now and I had the op. in February of this year.

 

Who did the operation?  Where do you live?  I live in Sydney and Dr. Philip Chang did it at St. Vincents.

 

When you get the processor you will move on to an audiologist who will tune the BAHA in for you.  It has taken some months for me to be happy with the settings, but I am very happy now - I am sure you will be pleased that you went through it to have hearing at the end.

 

Please let me know if you need any more information as I will be very happy to share my experience - I certainly felt that I didnt have too many people. if any, that actual knew what I was going through - so I am very open to answering any questions or concerns you may have.

 

There is also a fabulous forum online that you may wish to register for.  Just Google  'Baha Users Support Forum' and it will take you there.  Although it is UK based, there are a lot of questions answered there.

 

Good luck with it all,

 

Jan

 

----- Original Message -----

From: babyangelmum

To: baha_anz@yahoogroups.com.au

Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 12:45 PM

Subject: [baha_anz] Re: BAHA implant yesterday

 

hi Jan
thanks for answering my question

I guess I will find out Wednesday but wondered how long the cap stays on and what kind of care you do for the wound/ screw site in between now and when you get the sound processor - also do you need to keep the hair around the site short/shaved.

I also have some numbness above the site and around but not below - does this improve with time ?

thanks again
Trish

-- In baha_anz@yahoogroups.com.au, Janet Welsh <gourmetkitchens@...> wrote:
>
> I received a BAHA earlier this year. If you would like to discuss anything,
> or ask any questions I am happy to help. I live in Sydney.
> Kind regards, Jan
>
>
> On 23/9/09 10:17 PM, "babyangelmum" <kookai_smile@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I received my BAHA implant yesterday and I wondering if this group is still
> > active ?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

----- Original Message -----

From: babyangelmum

To: baha_anz@...

Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 12:45 PM

Subject: [baha_anz] Re: BAHA implant yesterday

 

hi Jan
thanks for answering my question

I guess I will find out Wednesday but wondered how long the cap stays on and what kind of care you do for the wound/ screw site in between now and when you get the sound processor - also do you need to keep the hair around the site short/shaved.

I also have some numbness above the site and around but not below - does this improve with time ?

thanks again
Trish

-- In baha_anz@yahoogroups.com.au, Janet Welsh <gourmetkitchens@...> wrote:
>
> I received a BAHA earlier this year. If you would like to discuss anything,
> or ask any questions I am happy to help. I live in Sydney.
> Kind regards, Jan
>
>
> On 23/9/09 10:17 PM, "babyangelmum" <kookai_smile@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I received my BAHA implant yesterday and I wondering if this group is still
> > active ?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

hi Jan
thanks for answering my question

I guess I will find out Wednesday but wondered how long the cap stays on and
what kind of care you do for the wound/ screw site in between now and when you
get the sound processor - also do you need to keep the hair around the site
short/shaved.

I also have some numbness above the site and around but not below - does this
improve with time ?

thanks again
Trish

-- In baha_anz@..., Janet Welsh <gourmetkitchens@...> wrote:
>
> I received a BAHA earlier this year.  If you would like to discuss anything,
> or ask any questions I am happy to help.  I live in Sydney.
> Kind regards, Jan
>
>
> On 23/9/09 10:17 PM, "babyangelmum" <kookai_smile@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I received my BAHA implant yesterday and I wondering if this group is still
> > active ?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

 
 

I received my BAHA implant yesterday and I wondering if this group is still active ?

  
    

I received my BAHA implant yesterday and I wondering if this group is still
active ?

The information from my clinic. I've had all the info from Cochlear
and i've had a trial BAHA... Now i just play the waiting game..

How long did you have to wait?

Cheers, Kay

--- In baha_anz@..., "Felicity Bleckly" <felicity@...>
wrote:
>
> I wouldn't worry about a registrar doing your operation. I had the
registrar
> at Flinders do mine. They are well supervised by the main surgeon.
When you
> say you haven't got the information yet? Were you expecting it from
Cochlear
> or your clinic?
>
>
>
> Regards
>
> Felicity Bleckly
>
> felicity@...
>
> 0427 427 330
>
> 8388 2112
>
> From: baha_anz@...
[mailto:baha_anz@...] On
> Behalf Of kckaycot
> Sent: Sunday, 30 March 2008 3:09 PM
> To: baha_anz@...
> Subject: [baha_anz] Re: How are you going?
>
>
>
> Hi,
>
> Well i am now on the waiting list. But as i'm going in as a public
> patient i have to be done by a trainee registrar as the ENT i had
> seen doesn't do public patients. I'm a bit nervous about that i
must
> admit. I know they all have to learn on someone, but does it really
> have to be me..
>
> Still waiting for the info to be sent out.....
>
> Kay
>
> --- In baha_anz@... <mailto:baha_anz%
40yahoogroups.com.au> ,
> "Felicity" <felicity@> wrote:
> >
> > I know there are a couple of people on the forum who are thinking
> about
> > a Baha. I wondered how you are going?
> >
> > Regards Felicity
> >
>

Hi,

Well i am now on the waiting list. But as i'm going in as a public
patient i have to be done by a trainee registrar as the ENT i had
seen doesn't do public patients. I'm a bit nervous about that i must
admit. I know they all have to learn on someone, but does it really
have to be me..

Still waiting for the info to be sent out.....

Kay


--- In baha_anz@..., "Felicity" <felicity@...> wrote:
>
> I know there are a couple of people on the forum who are thinking
about
> a Baha. I wondered how you are going?
>
> Regards Felicity
>

Hello all
I need your help.
We are currently assessing whether the Cochlear Awareness Network is
effective and one of the ways is to find out how current people with
Bahas found out about a them. Attached is the questionnaire. I would
appreciate it if you could answer the questions for me. You can do it
anonymously or if you wish give your name and contact details so we
can clarify anything.

It is quite short and should only take your 2 or 3 mintues to
complete.
(1) You can download the file in Word format and type in your answers
then email it to me at felicity@bleckly. com
(2) You can print the file and write your answers and scan and email
to me at felicity@bleckly. com
(3) You can print the file and write your ansers and fax it to me on
08 8388 2112

Please feel free to pass this questionnaire on to anyone else for
them to answer as well. BUT if you get the questionnaire twice (ie
from some other source such as in the mail or via a private email)
please DO NOT answer it twice. :-)

Regards Felicity

I know there are a couple of people on the forum who are thinking about
a Baha. I wondered how you are going?

Regards Felicity

I have just received my online newsletter from BellaOnLine, The Voice
of Women whose editor is Felicity Bleckley who is Cochlear recipient,
so she knows her stuff.  This is a fabulous site and I encourage you
all to subscribe to it and benefit from Felicitys expertise.  The
following article is so important that I wanted to post it here for
you to read, it could save your life.  (Thanks Felicity there is some
wonderful tips here).

How deaf people cope with an emergency

Emergencies have a nasty habit of occurring in the middle of the
night. Most deaf or hearing impaired people don't wear their hearing
aids to bed so how do they know if there is an emergency? This is
very difficult for those who cannot hear.

I have had many emergencies and mostly I was lucky they turned out
alright. Perhaps you can identify with some of these and tell me on
the forum (link below) how you handled the situation. Emergency
alerts are geared to the hearing. Fire alarms, ambulances, police,
burglar alarms all rely on sound.

Many years ago while I still had some hearing, one night on a holiday
by myself in a high rise hotel on the Gold Coast I heard the phone
ring. I answered it, but no-one was there. I hung up but it was still
ringing so I answered it again, once again no-one was there so I hung
up and it was still ringing. I looked around for another phone, when
suddenly the sound changed to a siren. It was the fire alarm. Had
there been a real emergency by the time I recognised the sound, it
would probably have been too late.

Obviously if you live with a hearing person then they become your
ears in an emergency. My oldest son, who was 16 at the time, saved us
when the house burnt down. He heard and saw the fire, called the fire
brigade, then woke me to get everyone out of the house. I would have
slept through it and together with my other son and daughter would
probably have been trapped at the end of the house without an exit.

When my youngest son had a work accident my employer took the call
and interpreted for me until I had enough information so I could get
to the hospital.

Another time my car broke down out on a country freeway. It was
before mobile phones and I tried to use the emergency phone by the
side of the road. But the phone either didn't work or I didn't hear
the instructions. I waited some hours before someone pulled up and
helped me out.

Many years ago I was on an aeroplane which made an emergency landing.
By the time I knew there was an emergency we were back on the ground.
I had not heard anything and to this day I do not know if we were
asked to move into the brace position. Had we crashed I would not
have been prepared.

When my brother suddenly died recently, I was next of kin. The police
came to the house in the middle of the night. Of course I didn't hear
them knocking and I didn't hear their phone calls trying to wake me.
My husband was my ears this time.

If you don't live with someone who can hear there are things you can
do to improve your chances of dealing with an emergency:
(1) Let your neighbours, neighbourhood watch organisation, as well as
police and fire service, know your are deaf
(2) Buy an emergency alert device which can connect you to a medical
centre, friend or family member at the touch of a button
(3) If staying away from home, let the hotel know you are deaf
(4) Let friends and family know where you are likely to be and when
you will be coming home
(5) Carry a mobile phone so you can call or SMS for help
(6) Find out the SMS details for your motoring association
(7) Wear a medic alert bracelet which says you are deaf
(8) Source a watch/device which vibrates as an alarm and can tell you
which alarm is going off
(9) Install a fire alarm with a bright blinking light
(10) Install a light which is activated when the phone rings
(11) Tell anyone you travel with that you are hearing impaired and
would need extra help to know of an emergency
(12) Keep extra batteries and a back up hearing aid or processor on
hand

Emergencies are difficult for anyone. They can be much harder if you
can't hear and can't communicate easily in a stressful situation. By
planning ahead you can deal with some of the angst beforehand.

Just a note from Wendy - Maybe you could let an adoring a dog or cat
become part of your life, there are many wanting loving homes.  All
of us have heard/read who an animal will alert their owners to fires
and many lives have been saved this way.  Let them sleep close by
when you are sleeping and hopefully they will save your life.  It's
just a thought.

This lady was in the USA I think... Maybe you could find a CAN member over
there who could do it for you?

Regards

Felicity Bleckly

felicity@...

0427 427 330

8388 2112

-----Original Message-----
From: baha_anz@... [mailto:baha_anz@...] On
Behalf Of wendydarlz
Sent: Sunday, 24 February 2008 9:01 PM
To: baha_anz@...
Subject: [baha_anz] HAVING TROUBLE FITTING IN AT WORK, THEN WHY NOT ORGANISE
AN INSERVICE.

Let me help you at work. My in-service runs for approx. 30 minutes
(maximum). We can work together on a suitable time. I provide
excellent resources to employers, employees and colleagues. By using
guided practices, role play and simple educational resources,
employers and employees CAN co exist with ease instead of
experiencing misunderstandings and frustration. There are many
benefits to gain and nothing to loose. We can work together and
become mindful of the many benefits involved whilst working with the
hearing impaired or deaf. You will be able to carry these wonderful
new skills into your professional and personal lives. Collaboration
and communication wil become enjoyable, once thse simple new skills
are put into place. Dealing with people with this disability may bave
been difficult in the past but together we can gain understanding.
Please don't hesitate to email me for more information to to make a
booking and together we can make life easier for so many in the work
place and beyond. I look forward to hearing from you soon. This is
only one of the many services Cochlear Awareness Network volunteers
undertake. We are all hearing impaired ourselves so our experience is
second to none. If you live in the Sydney Metropolitan area, are an
employer or colleague of someone with a hearing impairement, a
Cochlear Implantee or a Baha recipient, a general practitioner,
audiologist or a concerned citizen who has an organisation who wishes
to make someones life much happier and more valued then please make
contact me so we can improve the quality of life of so many who need
assistance. If you are hearing impaired or deaf yourself and
currently employed then I encourage you to give this note to your
employer, hopefully he will provide you with this effective,
practical and valuable opportunity.

Contact Name: Mrs Wendy Rae Jansz
Contact Phone: (02) 9554 4495 or 0402 017 911
Contact Email: wendydarlz@... <mailto:wendydarlz%40hotmail.com>
Website: Cochlear Awareness Network http://www.c-a-network.com
<http://www.c-a-network.com>

Let me help you at work. My in-service runs for approx. 30 minutes
(maximum). We can work together on a suitable time. I provide
excellent resources to employers, employees and colleagues. By using
guided practices, role play and simple educational resources,
employers and employees CAN co exist with ease instead of
experiencing misunderstandings and frustration. There are many
benefits to gain and nothing to loose. We can work together and
become mindful of the many benefits involved whilst working with the
hearing impaired or deaf. You will be able to carry these wonderful
new skills into your professional and personal lives. Collaboration
and communication wil become enjoyable, once thse simple new skills
are put into place. Dealing with people with this disability may bave
been difficult in the past but together we can gain understanding.
Please don't hesitate to email me for more information to to make a
booking and together we can make life easier for so many in the work
place and beyond. I look forward to hearing from you soon. This is
only one of the many services Cochlear Awareness Network volunteers
undertake. We are all hearing impaired ourselves so our experience is
second to none. If you live in the Sydney Metropolitan area, are an
employer or colleague of someone with a hearing impairement, a
Cochlear Implantee or a Baha recipient, a general practitioner,
audiologist or a concerned citizen who has an organisation who wishes
to make someones life much happier and more valued then please make
contact me so we can improve the quality of life of so many who need
assistance. If you are hearing impaired or deaf yourself and
currently employed then I encourage you to give this note to your
employer, hopefully he will provide you with this effective,
practical and valuable opportunity.


Contact Name: Mrs Wendy Rae Jansz
Contact Phone: (02) 9554 4495 or 0402 017 911
Contact Email: wendydarlz@...
Website: Cochlear Awareness Network http://www.c-a-network.com

 
 
Hi, that would be really good – what area do you live in?  I am seeing Dr. Chang again on Monday week – I picked up the trial BAHA today – and yes it does seem amazing.  I am yet to trial it in noisy circumstances, but I feel very optimistic with what I have experienced so far.

Hi again, if you want to meet up for a coffee and have a look at my
Baha and ask questions, give me a call.  It's amazing technology and
I am positive that you will benefit so much and your life will
improve beyond your dreams.  Wendy Jansz
>

 
    

--- In baha_anz@..., "welshjanet"
<gourmetkitchens@...> wrote:
>
> I lost my hearing in my right ear 20 years ago - noone has been
able
> to say how or why it happened.  I was at work and when I answered
the
> phone - I couldnt hear anyone.  I thought something was wrong with
> the phone till I switched the phone to my left ear and could hear.
> I spent the new few years having tests, seeing doctors, going
around
> in circles.  I was left with very severe tinnitus and no hearing in
> one ear.  All the specialists I saw said that it would be just
> something I would have to live with.  There was nothing they could
do
> about the hearing or the tinnitus.  I occasionally have episodes of
> vertigo but, thankfully, they are becoming less frequent.  The
> tinnitus has been with me every day since and I still struggle with
> it.
> I had learnt to accept the deafness and found ways to help me in
> different situations.  I still avoid large crowds, and struggle if
I
> am in a group of more than a couple of people.  If I go out for
> dinner with more than one other I try to choose the seat at the end
> so noone is sitting to my right.  I find it impossible to
distinguish
> where a voice is coming from.
> Each time I need to go to the GP for some reason, I usually ask if
> any advancements have been made regarding my ear.  The answer has
> always been the same - no - the hearing is gone.
> My youngest daughter is a nurse, and is now specialising in the
> neurology theatre.  She has encouraged me to see an ENT again as
she
> is seeing how many new procedures are being done now with regard to
> ENT.  She works at Royal North Shore and had not heard of the
BAHA.
> Apparently the procedure is not done there.
> At her insistence I again visted an ENT who referred me on to Dr.
> Chang at St. Vincents Private Hospital.  Dr. Chang told me about
the
> BAHA and said I would be a candidate.  I am having my trial BAHA
> fitted tomorrow.  I am very excited at the prospect of being able
to
> hear again.  Only a month ago, I didnt realise that such a thing
> existed.
> I took a BAHA brochure back to my GP and she had not heard of it
> either.
> I go back to see Dr. Chang in a couple of weeks, so I will let you
> know how I go with the trial.
> Fingers crossed.

Hi again, if you want to meet up for a coffee and have a look at my
Baha and ask questions, give me a call.  It's amazing technology and
I am positive that you will benefit so much and your life will
improve beyond your dreams.  Wendy Jansz
>

I lost my hearing in my right ear 20 years ago - noone has been able
to say how or why it happened.  I was at work and when I answered the
phone - I couldnt hear anyone.  I thought something was wrong with
the phone till I switched the phone to my left ear and could hear.
I spent the new few years having tests, seeing doctors, going around
in circles.  I was left with very severe tinnitus and no hearing in
one ear.  All the specialists I saw said that it would be just
something I would have to live with.  There was nothing they could do
about the hearing or the tinnitus.  I occasionally have episodes of
vertigo but, thankfully, they are becoming less frequent.  The
tinnitus has been with me every day since and I still struggle with
it.
I had learnt to accept the deafness and found ways to help me in
different situations.  I still avoid large crowds, and struggle if I
am in a group of more than a couple of people.  If I go out for
dinner with more than one other I try to choose the seat at the end
so noone is sitting to my right.  I find it impossible to distinguish
where a voice is coming from.
Each time I need to go to the GP for some reason, I usually ask if
any advancements have been made regarding my ear.  The answer has
always been the same - no - the hearing is gone.
My youngest daughter is a nurse, and is now specialising in the
neurology theatre.  She has encouraged me to see an ENT again as she
is seeing how many new procedures are being done now with regard to
ENT.  She works at Royal North Shore and had not heard of the BAHA.
Apparently the procedure is not done there.
At her insistence I again visted an ENT who referred me on to Dr.
Chang at St. Vincents Private Hospital.  Dr. Chang told me about the
BAHA and said I would be a candidate.  I am having my trial BAHA
fitted tomorrow.  I am very excited at the prospect of being able to
hear again.  Only a month ago, I didnt realise that such a thing
existed.
I took a BAHA brochure back to my GP and she had not heard of it
either.
I go back to see Dr. Chang in a couple of weeks, so I will let you
know how I go with the trial.
Fingers crossed.