Pretty cool!

It has been awhile since I post this.  Sorry about this..first my laptop with my new postings..then it was "gone"...this happened before.  jeez. Didn't I learn from this? nope.

so then our home computer crashed..no computer for 8 days.   And I have been really busy..with everything.

Now my Spring Break is starting now..kids' last day of school is tomorrow.  

SO basically, I have been really noticing new things and has been hearing so much more than I had before.  Understanding people more and really taking grant of "white noise" around the house, work and out there.  Really, I hate it.  It's driving me crazy..how could anyone just accept that?  It's a noisy noisy world out there!  

Things are so much better in sense, my hearing aids are accepting things like my key chains, the dog's claws on hard floor, or little things.   The only thing, is that I'm having a hard time accepting the clicking of my fingers on keyboard.  as one co worker tells me; " shhhh too much noise"! I can't tell if she is kidding or not?  (I think it's just to bug me!) I try not to be self conscious about it anymore. 

ONE another thing..I have been told that my speech has been much better lately as well!  I'm like over the moon!   But it can be a "downside" to that..if my speech/talking is pretty good..people forget that I have a hearing loss so I still need to "lip" read or face to face conversation.  I don't know if that was a habit for me or do I really do dare to try to listen more without having to look at the person?   That is for me to decide and to try?

I have been working in other preschools/daycare communities for the past two months...I am still not used to the noise in the classroom but it does helped me to pinpoint where "excitement" happened or if I happen to notice whether they have music on or not.  (I work with teachers and support them how to work with children who have hearing loss in the class) so this is great for me to pinpoint that music during free play is a big no no for children with hearing loss.   Beside, not just music..everything else too.  I'm modelling what I hear or not so therefore that's what the child hears too.

The other center, I visited in early Nov.  and went back just recently. I noticed for the first time, a big fish tank near circle time was  loud and it's a terrible noise distraction for my little client (and myself), having to struggles what the teacher is talking about.  I didn't even noticed it before when I came to visit first time..

I am excited to share the Smart Alert..it is not exactly perfect but it does put my mind on ease.   I especially do appreciated the door bell and the fire alarm ones.  I don't want to rely my kids to tell me when the alarms/bell go "off".   No more telling people to let me know what time they come over SPECIFICALLY so I don't have to watch for the door anymore and norhaving to text me to let me know that they are here.   

However, the phone..is another story.  It droves me crazy, when the phone rings,(10 to 20 times a day from after school to bed time)  my pager and my aids goes off..ALOT!  this doesn't work for me especially when you have a teen in the house. who gets the most phone calls here??? the teen!  SO I opt to unplug the alert for the phone unless I am expecting an important call.   

Its a nice feature to have if you don't have a teen ..been thinking about a separate phone for her lately.  So far so good with her letting me know if there's actually phone call for me.  

The fire alarm..I think its good idea to have one on each floor (we only have one)..and we have three floors house.  I will go back and find out if I can add two more smoke alarms.    Another great thing to have is a bed shaker! so if I take my aids off (at night time), I can use bed shaker to signal me instead of pager or my hearing aids.   When it goes off..I have to check the pager to see which one door or fire.  My husband was away for business trip and for the first time, I felt safe not having to rely on him to secure the "house".  Having these essential signals really put me at ease.  Especially with my teen who is a heavy sleeper..she would sleep through anything.  :(     |With the bed shaker, it droves my dog nuts...every time it goes off. He would POUNCED on me and tried to find it.  that's kind of  "heart pounding" moment for me.

One thing , I don't have...I wonder if its important to have, is a house alarm.  Honestly, I'm not too worried about that..THAT alarm is so loud and blaring..I may will hear that without my hearing aids or sense it.  (the speaker for alarm is in the closet next to my bed) and that will wake my kids up too.   

Something I can ask about house alarm..would it be a good feature to have?  :)

Hearing aid batteries

Really GOOD to know...!!!!
I had few package of new ones from my audiologist when I got Max aids.  I noticed when I got home that I still have some left overs to used up before I'd use the new ones.   When I first got Max, there were new batteries, it lasts me about a week and half.  Not bad . (remember I didn't wear them 100% of the times, was still getting used to them)
Then it was time to change it, few days ago, I used the old package (expiry date is Feb. 2013)..it didn't last long.  and I can hear the difference, its not as sharp or loud as the newer batteries were.

So more the reasons to used up the old ones so you dont waste them but always check for the dates before you buy them and make sure its last longer than a year.   (the new ones are expired in 2014!)

Just saying...

I am getting used to this!

Today we all went out for dinner at a Chinese restaurant with my parents as well..you know how noisy that can be?  The place wasn't quite packed but they had music on. (why???)  So today I did bit of an experiment, changed my hearing aids program to 2.
Program one: normal
Program two: eliminate background noises, mic picks up "speaker"  (good for group setting or one to one in noisy place)
Program three: FM system in movies, or meetings or where they have system
Program four: "off".  THIS one I requested it because there is no "on or off" on my hearing aids so I can just turn if off without having to take them off then open the battery compact.  It's nice you can have that option.

Now back to restaurant..I was quite pleased how I can hear everyone talking, which it was quite nice not having to struggle to hear what everyone was saying.  It is AMAZING how the mic just naturally "picked" up directly to the speaker so I can hear a little better and not the music.

I think my parents noticed how I am able to be involved with conversation this time..no more asking my mom to interpreted for me.  :)

I still DO rely on lip reading..no ifs or buts.  Every little bits helps!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Music..am I listening to it again?

Well, I really must share this.  I gave up music many years ago..(many many years ago..)  It was always something that I had to work hard to it and practice with it almost daily and always had to look at the words so I can hear the lyrics.  It was something I felt I had to do it because it was a "teen" thing and all my friends were into music, dance and such.  I always felt left out when bunch of us would be singing and dancing, and knowing the words.   It was in my world at that time..so if that is something I had to adapted, then I will learn.  I think when I got married..and I sort of gave up on music..because it is always constantly changing and I don't go to night clubs anymore. so what's the point?  Yeah, it just fades away.

Until then I have a daughter, almost a teen daughter who is blasting away her stereo and listening to good old rock and roll.  She loves listening to all types and I'm in envy when I see her and my husband just singing and dancing away.  Some of my old favs..just came flooding back.  How do I not resist this?

So last week, as I was driving to Chilliwack for client's appointment..it was a long drive and I thought I'll try one of my daughter's CD .  Dixie Chicks all stars.   W O W..for the first time, I was pretty surprised how clear the lyrics were and I was like ?  oh gosh. I can actually hear the words.  My SUV stereo isn't the "top" of the line and I have tried before..it was always not clear with me. So I never listened in the truck anymore.   I didn't want to spend $$$ for better system. Since Sean never really use my truck and it's not worth the investment for a "deaf" person to have top of line stereo in the SUV anyway.  but now... mmmmm

I was pretty shocked how clear the words are..I got so excited that I wanted to grab that CD case and see what's song it is played and words.  Just saying..wow!!!  maybe I am ready to try again.  After all, I have almost teen daughter, so it's my duty to show her the cool stuff.  (wink)

Next week, we have a staff meeting..I will try the FM system and see how that goes.
mmm?

I'm back..to normal? almost.

Sorry, I haven't been on this for awhile. My family has been sick, on and off.

I don't know if anyone is aware of this. When you have a bad cold or allergies..(in my case. I can't figured out which one I have.) I had it on and off for a month and half.  I can't wear my hearing aids full term.  I would wear one or both if I have to. Then take them off several times a day.  It's because there are fluids in my ears, which that making it very sore.  (mold part) .  I noticed when I have a runny nose..it does means there's fluids in my ears too.   Very frustrating.

One thing, it never bothers me before but it could be now that I'm getting "old"..so maybe its a age thing?

A neat thing about the NEW hearing aids...If I wear one and the other one is in my pocket. (by the way, I do not recommended this..putting them in pockets) That is another story.   Somehow, it would accidentally go off in my pocket, and I CAN hear it .   With my old ones..I couldn't hear it.   I would be walking out of the door, clueless and people around me would gives me strange looks.

When I go out...I can wear my hat, sunglasses, or my vest coat (with high collar) without any feedback from  my hearing aids.   Cool!!! This is how..

On my first day of appointment, I had my ponytail up while fitting for the aids. Then I was already half way home when I took my ponytail off.  It started to "chime" (rather than whistling), and it kept going off.  At first, I wasn't sure what it was because it was all new to me.  I kept looking at my dashboard to see if my vehicle is trying to tell me something.   I waited until I got home and as soon as I went into the house, it kept chiming. And I was thinking it was the feedback from the right aid.  I tried to fix it but couldn't do it. So I had to take it off for the rest of the day.  It was OK the next day..but it kept coming back.  Then when I lifted my hair to see in the mirror, it stopped. Ah Ha ! That's when I figured it out.  I had to keep my ponytail on.   But I'm in 40's and I don't usually wear ponytail!  So this can't last.  I had to go back and this time..
I bought my hat, and sunglasses and wore my vest so we can eliminate the feedback during that process.  I recommended that. If you are using something that you wear daily, bring it during your appointment so they can adjusted it to your 'lifestyle".
It was better the second time around.  It takes time for the new hearing aids to "adjust" to my lifestyle. Really!

Day 8..life is easier for me.

I think it really helps that I am able to distinguish the difference of what is being "heard" now.  This is so great! In the past, I can't tell the difference between crying, yelling or just "playing" talks.  I often had to run upstairs or go to other rooms to see what's up?  It was frustrating because it was hard to tell.  Lately, I noticed that I can tell the difference.  No more running upstairs unless it is REALLY an emergency!  Another thing, I can hear the difference if anyone is upstairs or downstairs!  No more going up to find my kids or hubby, then go all the way down down.

I am very much like a chef. Once I get into gourmet cooking, I would forget the "running" water and the food being boiled over.  (with running water, I tend to overflow the sink A LOT. But lucky, we have this tilted sink which the water can flow into other part of sink.)   But I did noticed it today..it was kind of neat. I didn't work hard to listen. It just happened to noticed that I left the water running.  I guess it was loud enough for me to hear it. And another thing I don't have to stand and wait for the food to be "cooked" only to hear the sizzle that tells me it's starting to boil or to cook behind me while I do more prep.    

The downside of the kitchen was a lot of clanging and banging, cupboards slamming etc.  I grimaced every time that happened.  It made me slow down more in the kitchen, it is bit embarrassing that I had to tiptoeing around the kitchen.  My daughter had to ask me what was I doing.  har har.
While we were sitting and eating..I never noticed how noisy, the cutting is on the plate and the clanking of dishes and utensils.   I had to ask my husband...if this is normal.  He said..well..it is NORMAL for us here at home because we are used to it.  Same with cupboard slamming etc. It's not that good but it is kind of cute with that is who we are.  I think I will be more careful now with those sort of thing, because I do noticed it now.

Day 7

Day at work (day 6)

Monday morning..I knew that I will have a long day. Today is the day that I have to wear it all day at work.  So there's no stopping me now.
On the way out to the door, I heard something..after listening to it for awhile. I couldn't figure how to explain this "sound"..it was just weird.  It was coming from other room (the laundry)..I can seem to pinpoint where it was coming from. Is that neat???   I noticed my dog, Charley is eating..then there is that "sound" again.  I turned to CA, "what is that noise?  is that Charley eating??"   She said  it was.  oh that is disgusting!  that what it was..disgusting noise!!!  WHAT A PIG!  She said that our other dogs never eat like he does.  How embarrassing.  
Off to work, I went.   ON the way , it was time to try it again on the road.  It was like a new experience all over again.  I'm astonished to hear all that..how come I didn't "hear" it before??  Then it started to rain..I had to use the wipers.  I really didn't like the way the wipers sound.   sound like pluckkkked then click.  again and again.   It was really annoying.  Not the way I wanted to start off my day, so I turned it off. I can live without them for now.  (not really..) it was really wet out.   Impossible not to USE the wipers.  ugh.

Walking into work..interesting.  I never noticed the noise before...printers, phones, computers, admin staff.. have I been so ignorant all these times?

I smiled when I said hi to one of my admin staff, she has a strong accent.  At first, it does sound strange because I wasn't used to it with new aids but after we worked together for awhile.  I noticed that she is becoming more understandable than before.   Which is GREAT..I'm so thrilled that it really help, especially that I have lots of clients with accent, and it has been frustrating before.  

When I was in my office, I can hear my co-workers (3 of us shared in the same office) more than ever!  IT didn't bother me before but now its more "noticeable".  It's something I have to get used to.  Them with on phones, computer clicking (typing) and even my own. I tried so hard to be quiet and natural but it's not possible.  I have to remember that THEY are used to it. I am not.
Then I heard in other office, someone was laughing.  That was pretty cool, considering I can tell what it is.  Before I would just hear "something" , it could be just talking, or anything.  But it was clear and it was EXACTLY laughing. so I had to check it out.  I think some of my co workers were surprised that I heard that, when I came in and said "what's so funny?"  

Then later, I had a meeting with my "side-kick" classroom teacher, we were planning our lesson plans.  I hear the "hiccups" before looking at her.  At first, I heard it..then I stopped, heard it again and again. Then I knew it was hiccups .  It was.   it was kinda of quiet type.  Pretty amazing.  

As I was walking away to my classroom, someone called me from one end of the hall.  I heard that and turn around.  She was amazed that I heard that! it was something it didn't happened before.  

After a long day, I was pretty EXHAUSTED, I took my aids off when I got home and somehow, I fell asleep. Slept for 2 hours! which it's pretty unusual and I MISSED my son's BUS!!  Thank heavens, CA, my eldest was home to let him in.  
That was pretty scary.  I realized that it will takes awhile for me to get used to them.  I have to EXPECT that after a long day of "listening" and getting accustomed to new aids, it can be overwhelming and exhausting.   So next time, I put my "alarm" on my iPhone so I don't miss my son's bus again.

Introducing Max..

I grew up with hearing aids behind the ears since I was 7 years old.  Then I tried the digital ones about 6 years ago.  I was amazed how different they are , it took me a week or so to get used to them.  I know I have heard that several hearing aids users really didn't like it and gave up after a day or two.  My audiologist assured me that its something I have to adapt to it and get used to it.  And I did.  I have a profound hearing loss so it means I don't hear as well and I rely on lip reading a lot.
Introducing Unitron "Max", once again my "hearing" has changed for the better. W O W..just saying.

http://unitron.com/unitron/nz/en/professional/products/max.html

Plus got the Smart Alert System.  Something that I have always want and SHOULD have.  Everyone with hearing loss, young or old SHOULD have.  I can't believe it how much I am missing out the essential things in my life for my home.  Will tell more about that later.  First two weeks with my hearing aids, then once I'm "settled" then will explain more about the Smart Alert System.

Day one..the minute I stepped out of my hearing clinic. I knew I was done for.  It was like suddenly my brain switched on and I'm hearing EVERYTHING that I haven't heard like before. I heard the ladies in other room, hearing the phone, fax, printer etc in other ROOM!  I had this nervous giggles.. I think it was bit nervy at first, yet it was exciting.  I did had to take it off on the way home, it was too noisy.  When I got home, it was really interesting to take in all my home's sounds.  Some are unknown..
Then I had to go to for a hair appointment.  I was pretty curious to see if it would be better for me this time.  You know how noisy they are in sense, (probably you don't notice it because you are used to it) hair dryers, sometimes music on,  people talking and your hair dresser talking to you as well.   I have to admit I had to wear one..a headache was pending and I was already tired (two hours later).   I do noticed that I could understand my hairdresser better and how it automatically reduces the background noises and adapted so the mic is working hard to pick up her voice directly.  Weird huh? that's the best way I can explain it..

Then I got home, my family is home.  Suddenly, it sounds like our house is having a party..kids playing, yelling (but not really yelling..just normal as I figured it out later) and I kept telling them to be quiet..hush hush..inside voice etc.  My eldest keeps telling me that she is not "yelling".  She was pretty puzzled..so I had to shared that I have new hearing aids.  She was pretty excited for me..so you can hear everything now?  well..not exactly.  It DOES not "fix" my hearing ..it will NEVER be normal nor be the same range as "normal" people hear.  I had to clarify that.
Hubby came home shortly after that...he has a deep bit louder than "normal" voice.  I'm like "hush..hush"..oh boy.
It was "done" for the day.  I enjoyed the rest of the evening, aids free.

Day two.
The Shopping Mall....if I HAD known..it was probably too soon to go out with new aids.  I do not RECOMMENDED this.  Stay home, take care of yourself, relax for few days.  But this date to the mall has been set with my mom and my daughter weeks ago.
The minute I got to the truck..I can hear lots of beeping..I'm thinking...is something wrong with my vehicle?  I kept looking at the dashboard..no warning lights.  I kept hearing it. so finally I had to asked my daughter, CA.  It was driving me crazy!  She said that..she hears nothing.  So I had to described what it sounds like.  Then I heard her giggling...at the red light, I finally stopped and turn around.  "WHAT???"  thinking she's doing this to annoy me.  She said "oh mom! it was my Iphone".  whattttt? are you serious??? that little thing makes noises????  Oh my..thinking about MY Iphone too.  oh dear..
Before I went to my mom's , I was driving along..I can hear my key chains clicking together..that was so annoying!!! I couldn't stand it. I had to pull over and take them all apart.  From now on, only one in the truck.

Well..the "mall"...that was one noisy place.  For the first time, I noticed music playing!! I said to my mom..is that normal?  do they always play music in the mall?  I do know that they do in individual store but out in the corridors???    Oh that drives me crazy!  really.  I really hate music playing in the stores, because its so loud sometimes, and you can't hear the sale lady.  or If I had to ask about something..and I'm not familiar with their accent or lip reading..then I'm lost with music on top of it.    Now with new aids..it seems LOUDER..and yes I do have to get to used to it.  It took me a strong will not to march up to the counter and demand that the music to be turn off or turn it down !  Seriously.  After a hour and half at the mall, was enough for me.  I was pretty exhausted.  Good thing, we were done anyway.