Hello everyone,
I've been working on a bigger post that will have a lot of information about the hearing ear, how it works, how cochlear implants work and information on the cochlear implant that I plan to get (I get to choose!). While that is being written (I'm struggling to find time) I thought I would put up information about the test I'm going to have this friday. Now this is a significant procedure. For real this time, this will give the official answer as to whether I am a cochlear implant candidate!!! I don't know if I'll get the results that day or very soon after. I'm thinking I'll have the answer by Thanksgiving, at least I hope! If this test is successful, the next step will be to get pre-approval for surgery from the insurance company. Now on average that can take up to 6 weeks to receive a response/decision about surgery, but since this is not a usual case it could take longer than that. I'm hoping to receive an answer by the end of January, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. :-D
I wanted to have information up on this test so when all of my supporters have questions, hopefully this would help. Your welcome to ask any questions you like. I also plan on writing a post Friday night to at least state the status of the results.
Electrical promontory stimulation test (testing the level of nerve response)
This type of test is one of the first procedures used in the selection of prospective patients for cochlear implantation. The test requires the patient to be awake because it relies on their responses.
So what they do is numb up my ear, and they would place an needle/electrode through my ear drum to the proper nerve and stimulate it with electrical impulses. According to one article a second reference electrode will be placed on my forehead, although I'm not sure why. They will use many types of pulses (ex: constant vs. a rhythm) and a range of stimulation (ex: low vs. high/loud). Pulsed electrical stimulation is earier for patient's to detect, especially if there is any ringing in the ear's. Now that I've paid attention more this happens at least once a week, I guess I grew accustomed to it. They will also carefully and slowly increasing the amount of stimulation until the signal can be consistently detected. The more stimulation it takes to make a consistent response, the less sensitive the nerve is.
This test is recommeended especially for patient's that have my type of hearing, no hearing at all. In fact because my auditory nerve has NEVER been used, there is a possibility that the electrical impulses could cause a 'false' interpretation from the brain. This is because I would lack auditory memory from the corresponding part of my brain to my right ear to associate the impulses its receiving to sound. It can be expected that I may not "hear" the impulses but could feel pain in the inner ear possibly into the neck, dizziness, tingling in the arms, chest or head, a warm sensation, etc.
If there is no response or very low response, then a cochlear implant would not be an option. So I hope you can understand when I say that I am greatly excited for this procedure, but a little nervous. I'm very optimistic about the results I receive. In case I'm not a candidate, at least I will know. I know a lot more than I did before this great turn of events in my life, that's for sure. This has already been life changing. The response from those I know has been absolutely wonderful. Honestly I was quite stunned at how many people wanted to stay actively informed warmed my heart. I thank all of you for supporting me. I'm sure it couldn't be easy to deal with my excitement and how much I've wanted/needed to talk about it and enlighten them on where I am with my countdown. Probably to the point of annoyance. So thank you!!!!!
I hope everyone is well and I will update again Friday night!! 2 more days!!! :-P
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