Curse of Silence

Interesting video from TedMed

2011-12-03T17:02:00.003+11:00

http://www.ted.com/

Why bother with captions?

2011-10-10T15:18:00.001+11:00

There is a wealth of movies available from the so-called talkies era. The fundamentals of movie production were established well before Al Jolson came along. Names such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, Fritz Lang are true pioneers of the entertainment we now take virtually for granted. The festival is on in Sydney in September, gone for this year but still available in other

Videos of the year!

2011-10-03T19:28:00.001+11:00

Here's a couple of videos which you may enjoy. The first a cochlear switch-on movie And a quick one for a candidate for the Republican nominee, re-dubbed. I think it shows what deaf people experience every day. What do you think?

3 years

2011-07-31T09:13:00.001+10:00

Today is the day I went deaf 3 years ago.Here's a link to the original letterThat seems like a long time ago. I can't say that it seems like forever because I can remember in some past life that I could hear. Hear music. Understand what people said. And understand what they were saying. Thanx for the devices which have made such a difference - I remember the helpless part where there was just

Accessible Seinfeld

2011-07-12T10:57:00.001+10:00

Since you went deaf have you missed being able to watch Seinfeld? Yes it's on the secondary digital TV channels, but without captions. Now you can get Jerry Seinfeld's wisdom via a new website http://accessibleseinfeld.com/ And Android users can download an app dedicated to the website as well here Like it? Hate it? Leave a comment! They will be passed to the developer for improvement and/or

100 Pushups

2011-02-24T15:55:00.001+11:00

I need to build stamina and strength. The treatment has left me without energy and resilience. Even now 8.5 years after treatment. I have no balance and [I think] a bit more fitness might help me around that loss.Then I came across 100pushups [http://hundredpushups.com/]. I started with 5 - I didnt even think I'd do that and I'm now on Week 3! The goal is 100 pushups and it takes 6 weeks of the

Tinnitus is the result of the brain trying, but failing, to repair itself

2011-01-19T14:12:00.000+11:00

An interesting article...ScienceDaily (Jan. 15, 2011) — "Tinnitus appears to be produced by an unfortunate confluence of structural and functional changes in the brain, say neuroscientists at Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC)."Tinnitus is the result of the brain trying, but failing, to repair itself

Swimming again

2011-01-12T16:52:00.001+11:00

Now it's been over a year but swimming has recommenced. The balance situation is even worse than last year, but strangely, swimming seems to be an exercise which helps me realise orientation in space. Considering that while I'm in the pool I dont have contact with anything fixed [floating in water] it's a bit weird. I dare say someone has a theory...

Music Poll

2011-01-06T21:20:00.004+11:00

Six months with Number 2 [with results]

2010-09-04T14:51:00.001+10:00

OK Now it's six months since number two was implanted and coming up to two years for number one. Maybe I should give them names but they can't be names which means this one is better than that one, must be equal. Anyway six months in and I attended the checkup session with Monica on Friday at SCIC The Scoreboard Sentences, no noise 100% - L + R Sentences, + 10dB SNR 90% - L + R Words

Commenters

2010-06-15T10:12:00.001+10:00

Folks recently there has been a surge in "comments" posted to this blog. I say "comments" because they are thinly-disguised spam and porn link carriers. So you know - this kind of message will never be posted, so spammers, save your energy and go bother someone else!Waste of space!- iP

May update

2010-05-10T11:34:00.001+10:00

Swimming is on hold. Has been since implant #2, 17 February. Balance and unsteadiness is shaping my world right now. I saw the cochDoc on Thursday who reiterated the state of my balance at the time of my BlindSac (September 2009) - bad, not much there. I'll have a new balance test soon. I saw the NeuroPhys at StVincents today, Monday 10 May - there are some interesting exercises to try

Decision handed-down

2010-04-20T15:21:00.001+10:00

The Australian Human Rights Commission has handed-down its decision on the application by cinema chains for a moratorium on complaints regarding captions and audio description. The Commission has not released its complete report yet, but will do so "shortly". HREOC website Feel like getting involved in the campaign to encourage cinemas to provide access? In Facebook, search "action cinema

Fixed at last

2010-04-04T19:39:00.001+10:00

I can report that Dendy Newtown had an operational audio loop in Cinema 1 when I saw Mic-Macs today (Sunday 4 April) - iP

ReMap #2

2010-03-26T18:40:00.001+11:00

Today was my second tune-up for the new implant. We also did the original one considering that they are both now working in sort-of unison. I say sort-of because at times I hear two of everything not just one as I know you natural-hearing people take for granted. What an amazing thing is natural hearing! What an amazing thing is cochlear-assisted hearing. Amazing. With the new implant I got a

Monday 22 March

2010-03-22T17:33:00.001+11:00

Today I had to wear number one without number two for five minutes - I can’t believe how bad it sounded. And that’s the one I relied on 100% for 18 months until 10 days ago!! This means the brain is recognising the two together [but I’m still hearing double-sounds] and will continue to improve I think.

Second implant, first tune-up

2010-03-19T13:18:00.002+11:00

Well after a major trudge to Gladesville [two buses, arrived early] I met with Carol, not my usual audiologist but capable and friendly nonetheless. After a bit of tweaking [I dont think thats the technical term], did the sentences recognition test and achieved a result of [wait for it] [drum roll] 98%. The only error was a sentence about buying a house, not my forte. [Last visit we had to stop

First test

2010-03-14T08:27:00.001+11:00

Well Saturday night in Auburnon. Turkish restaurant. It was LOUD as usual. I used my microphone on processor #1. I think it was just too loud. In the car home I think the dual processors helped. Still getting over the new dizziness. - iP

Spencer Tracy, get out of my dressing room!

2010-03-11T17:00:00.002+11:00

What a day! The grey day started with the collection of my father from hospital after an overnight stay. Not good, but we're not talking about that here. We headed to Gladesville a little early to start the video footage [movie in production, be patient] Monica started the process. We opened the case - it's so big with so many bits and pieces in it! OK We were setup and ready to go. I turned

Dizziness fading

2010-03-07T19:19:00.001+11:00

Well I think it's finally fading. I was able to be in a noisy environment today with no after-effect. Still wasn't comfortable to drive so la chauffeuse continued her duty. Maybe tomorrow. I'm actually enjoying being on the buses although I seem to have to hang on more than previous. Started a(nother) new blog. I'm going to add a picture a day if I can. Have a look at http://

This time next week

2010-03-04T10:09:00.001+11:00

Implant number 2 will have been installed and activated. The mapping (personalised settings) will have been set. The movie footage will have been shot. Editing and captioning will be underway. At the moment I visualise my range of hearing as about 150 degrees (from 12 o'clock to 5 o'clock or so)I'm expecting the new device to fill in at least part of the circle. Another 150 degrees would be good.

Sounds of Summer

2010-02-27T20:07:00.008+11:00

Cicadas Corellas Cockatoos Rainbow Lorikeets Crickets Birds generally Aeroplanes when I'm in the backyard Traffic TV ads, louder than the program OK Thats it EVERYBODY SHUT UP!!

Spammers beware

2010-02-26T14:43:00.001+11:00

Folks I know most of you are nice people, and that some of you have a hearing-impairment. C'est la Vie. There is however one among our number who has decided to take it upon him or herself to post messages of hope. Those messages contain links to other websites which are somewhat unsavoury. You might ask why someone would take it upon themselves to do that. Why would they willingly vandalise

CochDoc says

2010-02-25T15:21:00.002+11:00

Today was the post-op visit to the surgeon. Apparently all went well and the dizziness, often more severe with the implant in the second ear, should subside soon, and probably before switch-on in, just 2 weeks away. He expects the performance of implant #2 [tested while I was in the operation] to be better than #1 where there was more nerve damage. And the two should work well together.

Transport in Sydney

2010-02-23T14:01:00.000+11:00

You may know that the Premier has announced a new transport plan for Sydney. There is a page set up for comments [need to sign up] Have your say Here’s the transport page link http://shapeyourstate.com.au/ I haven't seen anything on there about hearing-impaired facilities but here's hoping

Saturday

2010-02-20T07:31:00.000+11:00

It's a pleasant enough day today. The parrots are frolicking in the trees outside. Still dizzy but not as bad as Friday. That was bad. Funny thing - when I was dizzy in treatment I had nausea as a result. This is dizziness without nausea. I'll put it down to different cause/effect. - iP

One word

2010-02-19T09:45:00.001+11:00

Dizzy - iP

After the op

2010-02-17T18:03:00.005+11:00

Here's a pic taken in the Recovery Ward. Still alive, head spinning slightly. Throat very dry from local anaesthetic and still on a drip, saline. Had a little nose-bleed probably from the tube they pushed down there. Good thing I did all that swimming - given me a bit of strength against the surgical onslaught I think. Light on not many home Do this side At home, three weeks 'til

It's on TOMORROW

2010-02-16T18:48:00.000+11:00

Yep at 6:30 am tomorrow I'll be wheeled in and away we go. The operation will last about 15 seconds from my point-of-view. Several hours from your point-of-view. But I won't be able to hear any better until SWITCH-ON in a couple of weeks. Even then it remains to be seen/heard. So be in touch - I can still do email and monitor comments. Let me hear YOUR news!

Cinema Access Saturday

2010-02-13T14:52:00.012+11:00

On Saturday 13 February a group of about fifty from all walks of life gathered to protest the lack of accessible cinema sessions in Australia. We gathered at the cinema complex in George St 'Events', formerly Hoyts. They were joined in other cities across the country. Here are some pics from the Sydney group [clicking the image to go the album and see larger ones] From

Action on Cinema Access

2010-02-11T18:37:00.001+11:00

There's action brewing in response to the cinema chains wanting to shirk their responsibility with regard to access to cinemas for hearing-impaired and other people. Protest on Saturday 13 February The Sydney protest is scheduled for 11am at 525 George St - the cinema complex. Other locations on the Facebook page - http://tinyurl.com/deafaction10 Here's the post Attend your local

Date confirmed

2010-02-10T06:29:00.001+11:00

Have now received the letter with the details, so it's all go for 17 February- iP

Erskineville

2010-02-07T09:34:00.003+11:00

I hear the train a'comin - iP

Audioloop at the Museum of Sydney

2010-02-06T08:30:00.002+11:00

Last night I visited the Museum of Sydney (for a slideshow on Gardens of Spain) The telecoil and audioloop setup in the AGL theatre worked perfectly - the best I've ever experienced! The speaker was easily understandable, and not once did I feel the need for captions. I wish all entertainment venues (and elsewhere) could follow their example. Check the upcoming events below Links Museum of

Timeline

2010-02-03T21:48:00.005+11:00

See upcoming events in the Calendar, now online 2010 -- 11 March 2010 Switch-on Number 2!! 17 February 2010 Second implant operation 17 February 2010 Second implant due - 2009 -- August 2009 Blind Sac operation, in preparation for number 2 - July 2009 Overseas travel with a CI - 12 November 9:30amSwitch-on-22 OctoberCochlear Implant operation-20 OctoberPeri-operative testing, RPA-3

News Just In

2010-02-02T14:12:00.000+11:00

I have been advised today that my second implant will be implanted on Wednesday, 17 February 2010. At RPAH. Gifts and floral tributes should be presented to those closest to you, or even those not very close, say in Haiti. This is exciting!

Still waiting

2010-01-26T09:40:00.002+11:00

Well here we are on National Straya, snag on the barbie day and no appointment. To console me in my moment of nationalistic jingo, the higgledy-piggledy birds have been chortling their merry tunes out all morning. It is fitting that they might also be called Butcher Birds with their little blue-and-white-striped aprons. Suppose we'll have to chuck another snag on the barbie, call everyone

Bouquets and Buckets

2010-01-13T17:00:00.002+11:00

I received word from the deafness forum that a group of DVD distributors - AVSDA - have committed to provide greater access in the form of captions and audio description. Media Release here The positive action is to be applauded. However the inaction by at least one DVD distributor [21st century] is not. I wrote a letter which appears below. Let's see what response there might be [if any].

Swimming at Victoria Park

2010-01-12T14:06:00.003+11:00

Still splishing and a'splashing at Victoria Park. Thought I'd better check Google Maps and hey presto - I can see something there in the slow lane. It could be me, if they've done an update recently. Today back to ten laps swimming and 4 laps walking. I figure the best time is about 8:30 AM - the pre-work swimmers have left for work and the mothers' clubbers, having despatched hubbie to the

What's Happening?

2010-01-11T13:45:00.001+11:00

At this stage, who knows. Today I received a letter from a doctor I've never been to advising that an appointment has been made for me. Seems strange and a bit bewildering that I can't get a reasonable answer to my request for info, but I'm approached by a perfect stranger offering to operate on me with little/no history. Of course I can't speak to anyone - Xmas holidays. Hmm Posted with LifeCast

Have your say about Disability Rights

2010-01-08T13:24:00.001+11:00

Here's another questionnairehttp://www.disabilityrightsnow.org.au/Go to Australian Shadow Report then Shadow Report Survey to complete the questionnaire

More Swimming News

2010-01-06T10:02:00.001+11:00

Today 6 January6 laps walking, 15 laps swimming. Yay!Posted with LifeCast

Microphone tip

2010-01-01T16:15:00.001+11:00

This may apply to some hearing aids as well - I don't know With your Cochlear Implant, freedom style you may have received an extension lapel microphone. Here's a technique I have found to be quite handy, when out in the backyard - against cicadas, birds aeroplanes, wind and background noise. Connect the lapel microphone to your speech processor - get your audiologist to show you if you don't

Latest results just in

2009-12-09T21:45:00.002+11:00

Now, today [9 December] I had the latest in my run of tests of this cochlear implant [still on number one, right ear] and my hearing experience with it. The tests were as prescribed in CUNY sentences [Central University of New York] in quiet and noisy situations Results quiet sentences 65dB SPL 100% with noise +10%SNR 98% with noise +5%SNR 27% CNC words [consonant nucleus

Still Going

2009-12-08T13:26:00.000+11:00

Tuesday 4 laps walking 6 laps swimming, faster The pool is definitely better first thing in the morning. Too many dawdlers and suspicious people after lunch.

This blog goes 'round the world

2009-12-07T20:41:00.001+11:00

Interesting places I have seen on the Traffic Feed - lower right. Those with • I have been to, but not because of the blog or their contact. Theres even a map! here Belfort France • Bilbao Spain • Crows Nest Straya• Atlanta USA Philadelphia USA Houston USA Texarkana USA Sanata Ana USA Washington DC USA • Seoul Korea Halifax Canada Hong Kong China Islamabad Pakistan Honolulu USA • Lutherville

Hearing Diary

2009-12-07T20:32:00.001+11:00

I'm keeping a diary of sounds as I can hear them Dec 2009 Listening to my iPhone via the direct to processor cable December 2009 There must be something about this summer and the lessening of the drought. The cicadas are deafening. When I could hear naturally they could make a sound, en masse, which was like a pneumatic drill being applied to your skull! Now it's like they're

Listening to Music

2009-12-07T18:33:00.001+11:00

Well I've been trying listening to music via cable direct from iPhone to speech processor. Works well, except• pitch of singers is 'not right'• percussion is good but overpowering, rhythm is correct• harmony (Beach Boys) is cacophonousI can watch movies and podcasts where there is speaking and that works very well. Hardly need subtitles. Lip reading probably helps with those Ive watched. I wish

Going Swimmingly

2009-12-07T17:44:00.001+11:00

Monday4 laps walking6 laps swimmingThat's enough increase on distance, now to work on speed and staminaPosted with LifeCast

Swimming Sunday

2009-12-06T13:54:00.001+11:00

4 laps walking4 laps swimmingI swim breaststroke - I never learned to do freestyle properly and drink too much of the pool. It's best when it's a beautiful blue sky day with not too many people [particularly lane nazis]. I love seeing the sun glistening on the blue water and little swallows weaving around the air. Magic. Posted with LifeCast

Swimming at Victoria Park

2009-12-04T11:37:00.000+11:00

Friday 4 December Swam three laps, water-walked three laps. Kicked off from the end of the pool but the non-functional orientation device and closed eyes meant I was leaning one way or the other, or going deeper instead of toward the surface. Need goggles for visual orientation clues. Breathing out underwater. Still, three swimming laps, not bad. Thursday 3 December First time at the pool for so

2010 Deafness Forum Educational scholarship now open

2009-12-02T09:00:00.001+11:00

A scholarship is available for post-secondary students who are deaf, deafblind, have a hearing impairment or a chronic disorder of the ear. Applications - click the link below 2010 Deafness Forum Educational scholarship

I Can Hardly Believe it!

2009-12-01T15:13:00.001+11:00

Today I read Kate Locke's blog entry about her recent trip on a plane. She tried the plane headphones to see if the audio loop worked. Guess what? Thats right!Later, I thought "I wonder..."[You can see where this is going can't you?]I tried the headphones I sometimes use when using Skype, and they worked. Well, on the side with the implant anyway.Keep in mind this is a device which is primarily

Momentous Occasion

2009-11-28T14:00:00.002+11:00

Today I swam in the ocean. The Pacific Ocean. The Big Wet. You might not think this to be such a big deal but it is, for me anyway. It is the first time since early 2002 and probably late 2001 that I have swum unhindered by ear plugs or other ear related paraphernalia for at least 7.5 years. Of course I have swum at Byron and Bondi but always with ear plugs and careful not to get this or that

YouTube captions

2009-11-22T21:00:00.007+11:00

YouTube, part of Google have introduced a technology which enables automatic speech recognition [ASR] which was developed jointly by the University of New South Wales. What this means is that captions can be added to existing videos on YouTube, the online video website. You could even have a script in a text file, to accompany the video footage and the system would synchronise the two. I can

Better Hearing Australia [Sydney] Now Has a Blog!

2009-11-16T22:33:00.002+11:00

It is located at http://bhasyd.blogspot.com/ Check it out!

New ReMap

2009-11-15T20:27:00.001+11:00

My audiologist remapped (tweaked the settings) my implant the other day. I was able to hear and discern music that day. Still sounds very tinny but it was better than the non-melodic, non-rhythmic noise of previous. Hopefully it'll get even better. I've put some tracks on my iPhone so I can practice hearing them. I think it's best they be familiar songs so I know what I should expect to hear.

1 Year Cochlear

2009-11-12T20:08:00.002+11:00

12 November marks one year since my cohlear switch-on. Seems not very long ago, but I've done so much in this last year. Travelled to Italy, Paris and San Francisco, my first cochlear-powered trip 7 years past treatment 1 year deaf Packed up my house Had the pre-cochlear #2 operation Went to Byron Was elected to the Better Hearing management committee Acme Computer still going iPhone

Poor Cinemas

2009-11-08T21:43:00.002+11:00

This is my response to the notice lodged at I am deaf and have a cochlear implant. I have read the application for the "Temporary Exemption under section 55 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) from complaints in relation to the provision of captions and audio description in cinemas" At no point in the

One year down, on 22 October

2009-10-23T09:00:00.004+11:00

Can you believe it? I can't It is now one year since the implant was implanted. It has been a big year Seven years and counting past treatment, no other news, which is good news Switch-on of the cochlear implant Speech-Reading Appointed to the Better Hearing Committee Let my house, living under the Reign of Tok Made more pasta, more culinary triumphs 'Round the world again [#4] Finally got back

Submit to the Senate inquiry into hearing health [Australia]

2009-10-02T14:41:00.001+10:00

My submissionI went 100% deaf in 2008 and use a cochlear implant. Hearing is a health issue just as sight is.It should be covered by the Health department and Medicare, not Department of Ageing.The issue of captions on TV should be a primary issue with the ACMA. Health insurance for cochlear implants is charged at the highest rate. Why aren't they and hearing aids covered by Medicare and perhaps

Subaru gone

2009-09-28T09:00:00.002+10:00

My beautiful car TUZ442 has gone. Over the past few years I have been unable to hear the clutch and had to replace the clutch about a year ago. I'm going to go for something smaller and automatic. Probably a Toyota Yaris or similar. I had my green Subaru for about 9 years. It was the best car to drive in the wet and was great to/from Byron and around town too. Goodbye - enjoy your new life,

What I did

2009-09-23T09:45:00.004+10:00

On Tuesday at Better Hearing Australia [where I do my lip-reading classes] I gave a little presentation to the massed audience [of about 20] which consisted of the pictures from my Europe 09 expedition. I imported the images from the trip from my digital camera into my computer, using a program called iPhoto. [On a Mac]Then I edited the keywords for the final sets. Once the sets were established

Head underwater

2009-09-14T16:00:00.002+10:00

The operation of August has been pronounced a success as previously reported. The CochProf has now advised that I may get my left ear wet. This is momentous I don't need to wear earplugs in the shower surf or swimming pool I can swim unhindered, although I willbe completely deaf while doing so - no waterproof speech processors for implants It has been 7.5 years since I was able to do that Grab

They Made a Mess

2009-08-23T09:39:00.003+10:00

On Friday night I spent 3 or 4 hours at Casualty. I have swelling where the fat graft was taken about the size of half an orange. It was diagnosed as a haematoma so back onto antibiotics. Grrr! At least they didn't have re-open me [yet] and remove anything. [Wikipedia] This kind of bruising is excessive and shouldn't happen!

A success

2009-08-19T16:32:00.001+10:00

Now for the gory bits. Careful - they're in the next paragraphsSaw the CochDoc today and my recent operation was pronounced a success.Here's what they didThe bones in my skull near the left ear are affected by radiotherapy. It's called necrosis and the bone is rotting. This means that there is a great risk to having a cochlear implant on the left side, if they'd even do it. The fix is to remove

I can swim!

2009-08-19T16:00:00.000+10:00

Op pronounced a success by the CochDoc. When the water's warm...Posted with LifeCast

Channel 9 GO!

2009-08-19T08:39:00.002+10:00

There's a new digital TV channel (channel 9/2) - GO!And guess what?! No captions have I seen on their broadcasts. Wouldn't you think after last year's shenanigans they might have not launched something half-baked?Feel like complaining?Link - http://www.mediaaccess.org.au/complaints/Do it long, do it loud! While you're there check out captioned-cinema times, now at Palace Verona!

Post Blind Sac

2009-08-13T09:38:00.000+10:00

Just out of hospital, felling a bit sorry.The operation has been a complete success, if challenging.Apparently there was fibrous tissue to negotiate and they remove two of the three smallest bones in the body and the eardrum and, using fatty tissue from my abdomen recreated my ear canal.I'll be out of action for a bit, no lifting for a coupla weeks. Posted with LifeCast

Blind sac

2009-08-10T12:01:00.000+10:00

On Wednesday I'll be having a blind sac procedure on my left ear. The idea us to settle down the area and prepare it to receive my second cochlear implant.The ear has been deaf for over a year. I last had an operation in that ear in 2005. Posted with LifeCast

The ball starts rolling

2009-08-05T13:55:00.001+10:00

Just back from a world circumnavigation to find that moves are underway for the second cochlear implant. Blind Sac procedure next week, to increase the stability of the area in the ear. So Acme Computer remains closed for the time being.

Travelling With An Implant

2009-07-01T13:17:00.001+10:00

Well got all the batteries and spares together.Travelled via BA to Rome from Sydney via Singapore - three flights over 26 hours or so. (!) The friendly staff of BA were very helpful. All I had to do was let them know and they'd move me up the queue, kept me going. It's hard without a travelling companion to interpret for me.Coming into Rome I met a woman whose husband has an implant. I was able

June

2009-06-19T12:30:00.000+10:00

HowdyIt's been a big month7 years past treatmentsix months cochlear-equippedfirst trip cochlear-equipped [to Melbourne - trams, Brunetti]frequent flyer points discharged!first trip overseas cochlear-equipped [29 June]my partner has finished her study [won't know what to do with herself after the previous point]too much work!Keep an eye on the blog for location news as it happens, with a slight

New Resources

2009-05-08T16:00:00.000+10:00

In the light of failure by at least one cinema to provide adequate telecoil facilities I've been looking around for resources for deaf people.The Australian Human Rights Commission [AHRC] has advice and forms for you to lodge a complaint for yourself or someone else being discriminated againstForms are on this page or, this being the 21st century, you can lodge online or via email too.

Resources

2009-05-08T15:00:00.002+10:00

National Relay Servicehttp://www.relayservice.com.au/This is a great service whereby you can use text chat on your computer to make phone calls. The relay officer does the talking for you! Several different forms, depends how you communicate, whether you can speak but not hear or vice-versa. I've have found it a life-saver. Stay tuned - there may be a FaceBook-based user support group coming...

More cinemas captioned

2009-05-08T15:00:00.000+10:00

As of 4 May 2009 there are more cinemas with captioned screening sessionsThis brings the captioned cinemas in Sydney to a whopping [wait for it], 3!Come on Dendy and Palace and mega Hoyts where the hell are you?!

The Results are In Again

2009-05-07T20:00:00.000+10:00

Today was my six month tune-up. Yes, six months - I can hardly believe it either.So my 'exemplary' performanceSentences, no sound -100%Sentences, with sound - 55%Words - 56% [average is 30%]So, next tune-up in six more months and that's my first cochlear anniversary.Posted with LifeCast

First Cochlear-Equipped Plane Trip

2009-05-03T20:00:00.001+10:00

I went to Melbourne to visit me bruvva. I was able to negotiate security after check-in on the web [no luggage, the only way to fly]And, while there I was able to get around by fantastic tram. Several trips per day. Why did Sydney EVER get rid of trams?My favourite café - Brunetti in Carlton [tram 1 from the city]A successful trip.Posted with LifeCast

The Song - Announcement

2009-03-08T10:00:00.002+11:00

By the way...No correspondence will be entered into regarding the award of any prizes, other than passing on congratulations to the winner. Comment below if you like.So, there were 35 entries.There were many songs I have never heard of - hopefully I will hear and recognise them later...I'd like to be able to include them but these are out of contention.There were songs I know which would be too

2 March

2009-03-02T20:00:00.004+11:00

Went to the CochDoc today - starting the process for implant number 2.Before the implant can proceed I need a procedure called a "Blind Sac Procedure". Since treatment in 2002 [radio and chemotherapy] the structures within my ears have been affected - one outcome is bone necrosis. The risk with the necrosis is that infection will be able to take hold. The Blind Sac procedure seals the area and

Call for Nominations - the song

2009-02-26T20:00:00.001+11:00

Update 26 February - First - I am NOT giving in! It's now three months since the switch-on.The adoption of the implant is continuing and so far the results have been, well, spectacular. Music remains a problem and obviously a problem for the longer term, maybe after #2 listening will be easier - at the moment all sound is arriving in [what passes for] my brain all at once and with little

Higgledy-Piggledy birds in Byron

2009-02-23T22:15:00.003+11:00

OK you can stop waiting, or pestering me for the latest cinematic extravaganza.Forget the Oscars, Heath Who?!Presenting Butcher Birds in Byron Bay, the movie. Don't wait for the book.

Trip to Byron Bay

2009-02-15T19:45:00.004+11:00

13 February We arrived in Woolgoolga mid afternoon and noticed that there were a lot of rainbow lorikeets around. At sunset there were 1000s of them. And there were some black cockatoos too. And my friends the butcher birds but not so many of them. And kookaburras eating pizza. 14 February We drove to Byron along the coast - raining most of the way. Booked into the Byron cabin about 3pm. Byron

This Blog is Viewed around the World

2009-02-05T16:30:00.001+11:00

I'll add to this list as I see them.Down on the right hand side of this blog there's a panel [Feedjit] which shows which country the audience comes from and which page they came from. Many come from deafvillage.com, a reciprocal linked site in the USofA. The little flag denotes the country. I'm amazed at the range of different countries. Lots of websurfers out there.Here's some I've seenAustralia

Facilities available

2009-02-05T16:00:00.006+11:00

Here's a list of known facilities for those using electronic devices to enhance their hearing experience. Those listed as bad will be written to, so they may correct their non-provision of appropriate services. Those with telecoil devices [hearing aids, cochlear implants] might care to make a positive or negative nomination by commenting below [or email me]. Give your nomination a rating.

3 month tune-up

2009-02-05T16:00:00.005+11:00

Today it was time for the three month tune-up.More personalisation of the settings [there are four modes plus telecoil only], refining the settings I do have to suit my hearing experience.I also underwent the Speech Recognition test in the soundproof booth.It consisted of four testsIndividual wordsSentencesSentences with noise overlay [in which a recorded voice speaks sentences with a raucous

31/01/09 - 31/07/08 = 6mths

2009-01-31T08:00:00.002+11:00

Yep it's six months since that fateful day when I awoke totally deaf.Who'd have thought then that I'd have the hearing I have now? Who'd have thought I'd be going to Speech-Reading at Concord [not Burwood]? Who'd have thought I'd meet the people I've met?Don't forget to check the hearing diary for up-to-the-minute [well, fortnight] reports of the latest hearing spectaculars.Now, how to celebrate

Tune-up #4

2009-01-11T14:00:00.015+11:00

So I have had re-mapping [I call them tune-ups] number 4 on the 8th January. The settings I have settled onto are now arranged thuslySettingPurposeNote1General PurposeThis is the setting that is on when I turn on the device. I use it for general day-to-day listening.2General + TelecoilThis is the same as #1 telecoil is on as well. This allows me to hear something on the phone but also in the

Higgledy-Piggledy Birds movie

2009-01-11T13:30:00.002+11:00

After my tune-up of 8 January 2009 [Happy Nude Year by the way] I thought "maybe I can hear them". I went to the park in the early-ish morning, a couple of times but couldn't tell if they were there or not.Then I thought I'd heard the mascot Butcher-birds. I grabbed the camera and went scurrying up to the park to see if I could hear them, see them and record them. Yes is the answer and the result

Third tune-up Wednesday

2008-12-11T21:00:00.001+11:00

Back to Gladesville SCIC I had the third tune-up yesterday.More of the same, twiddling with knobs and sparks flying out the back of the computer. Monica set more settings and the hearing is a bit clearer if that's possible.I also tried out a few gadgets. I don't know what's wrong with my phone - whenever I try a new bluetooth device the humming is unbearable!We shall plug-on until a good

I hear Higgledy-Piggledy Birds

2008-11-29T15:22:00.001+11:00

Don't get too excited.[Higgledy-piggledy or "butcher bird"s are one of the mascots of this blog]I was walking thru the park yesterday and I heard the familiar refrain - 'higgledy-piggledy … higgledy-piggledy'It sounded like a man with a very hoarse voice saying the phrase. Nevertheless, I heard the rhythm of the phrase - I'll have to hang around the park a bit more and get the pitch of what

Tune-up, the second

2008-11-25T15:00:00.001+11:00

Well after three days using the setting from the first tune-up, the second tune-up came around and off we went again.As I write this it is clearer - I can hear someone in the other room and it isn't tinnitus!!Amazing.Now I'm looking into health insurance so that I can get a second implant to re-activate hearing in the left ear. It's been out of action for over a year, so require a bit more

A remarkable result!

2008-11-21T21:00:00.001+11:00

Today, Friday 21 Nov was the first tune-up session for the implant.Following on from 'Switch-on' settings were tweaked and settings were set. The diagram on the computer showed that even in the last week my ear has accepted and adopted the implant and is improving.The Audiologist later asked me to repeat a set of phrases, which apparently is a test for 4 or 5 weeks after 'Switch-on'. I was able

How is this done?

2008-11-17T21:00:00.001+11:00

You may be wondering what wondrous technologies are at work, to produce this wonderful blog.Wonder no more.Here's a bit of shameless self-promotion.These are the tools I use to put these pages together Blogger This is where it all comes together. I have a few different blogs - this one is "Curse of Silence", my experience of cochlearisation.I write the text you read on the pages, make links to

You've read the blog now SEE THE MOVIE

2008-11-17T17:11:00.005+11:00

Here it is • you'll laugh • you'll cry Captioned for those of us with less than perfect hearing Got something to say? let me know on the Make Contact Directly page

Make Contact directly

2008-11-15T21:00:00.000+11:00

The deadline has come and gone and here are the results, put through the Acme magnifying glass. It was nice to see that the most popular entry was "I'm subscribed and hanging on every post". I hope that wasn't just the donkeys voting.Also the vast majority of respondents were positive - negatives aren't going to vote, let alone read the blog. Boo, hiss on those negatives.Even so, THANK YOU to all

Pics from the Big Day

2008-11-13T17:00:00.003+11:00

Entry to the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre, Broadway-musical-style The before shot, awaiting cochlearisation. Me, not them Looking over the Audiologist's shoulder, gettin' configured Appliance installed, being configured still attached to the computer The Moment of Switch-On - Hearing Monica speak Father is flabbergasted and he can't even hear her! Celebratory lunch at the Sydney

The News is Good

2008-11-11T15:51:00.014+11:00

I can hear!! Yes - today was the day my Cochlear Implant was turned on. I am able to hear The Audiologist [Thanx Monica]partner providing soothparents talkingtraffic as noiseaeroplanes It was quite an emotional moment as you may well expect. There will be a movie of the moment of Switch-on. Pics too [coming!]The audiologist took me, and my entourage, thru the set-up process, direct-connected me

Calendar

2008-11-08T16:39:00.006+11:00

Here's the calendar - see when things are a'happenin'. If you click an entry you can add it to your calendar. How's that for convenient? [Google, iCal, Entourage maybe even Outlook - PC users advise please]

+Even later Change+ ^.-.^

2008-11-07T17:00:00.000+11:00

I have received word that we're back on for Wednesday 12 September. Re-mark your calendars/diaries. Put that champagne in the fridge a day earlier!!Don't forget - poll. You'd forgotten hadn't you?