Life is Bliss - Lily's Cochlear Implant Journey

AB research in the news

Two new research studies about potential future Advanced Bionics technology.

Use of the Phantom Electrode strategy to improve bass frequency perception for music listening in cochlear implant users.

Integrated Speech Processor Headpiece with patent approval

 

 

 

Fourth grade and preschool bound!

Today is the start of fourth grade for Lily and another year of preschool for Bodie. Who would have ever imagined? Lily continues to achieve at very high levels and remains passionate about reading (and life!). She just finished the new Harry Potter script, after a summer of pouring through books.

Lily has her darling Kindergarten teacher again for the fourth grade. We are lucky she is such a strong teacher and will challenge Lily and help her grow.  

Unfortunately, our favorite principal retired this summer. This was a huge blow to the amazing school and culture she developed.  We are ever indebted to her leadership, advocacy and inclusion focus in a growing school. Hopefully we will cross paths again.  However, our new principal will be great too and has already shown great interest in "hearing issues" and providing strong support and inclusion.  

We are also lucky to be with other families and kids at the school who wear CIs.  We are able to support each other in our kids' hearing journeys.  I'm not sure where we'd be without them!   

Lily continues to wear her Neptunes, and we hope new AB BTEs will come out next year. Lily's been seeing some new advantages in BTEs like using headphones and some directional microphones. She continues to utilize a Phonak Inspiro in the classroom, in addition to a soundfield and Dyna-mics. And the best part is that all the technology worked on the first day of school!  Lily's hearing resource teacher gave a great training to the school's staff last week to prepare them for the technology and best teaching practices.

For new technology, we've got our eye on the new Phonak Inspiro touchscreen because of the Omni Directional Mic capabilities that can be utilized with small group discussions (and no mic wires) or a Phonak Pen (although not able to connect to other devices) or table Mics. Small group situations, especially in noise are very challenging for Lily. When there is one other student, they can wear the FM, but with many students, it's a real challenge.  

So much to think about and stay on top of this year but we're ready!