08/31/07 --
Three years ago, October 24, 2004, my cochlear implant was activated. For 18 years I suffered in the realms of amplified sounds via bilateral digital hearing aids. Many moons ago, when CI technology peeked over the horizon, I resisted the audiologists recommendation for the operation.
I'm wearing the most technological advanced Cochlear Implant
on the market; the promise of better technology is all part of Advanced
Bionics' mission to ensure the internal device can be upgraded via the external
processor (i.e., I will not undergo additional surgery).
I have traveled throughout the
I love hearing, I love the freedom I have gained with my Cochlear Implant, and I look forward to additional self-discovery. I look forward to acoustically challenging environments, such as concert halls and banquet facilities. I look forward to my ever-expanding horizon of hearing, because within sound I have discovered the beauty of life.
11/20/06 --“THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS” CHARACTER RECEIVES COCHLEAR IMPLANT, RENEWED HOPE
Advanced Bionics Donates Device, Applauds Daytime Drama for Commitment to Hearing Health
VALENCIA, Calif., Nov. 20, 2006 – “The Young and the Restless” character Devon Hamilton (Bryton McClure) will soon hear the world around him in a whole new way. During the episode airing Monday, November 20, Devon will receive a cochlear implant, an implanted medical device that will functionally restore his hearing. Advanced Bionics, a leading innovator of bionic technologies to treat deafness and chronic pain, donated the cochlear implant device.
When the storyline of CBS’ Number One daytime drama left Devon completely deaf after suffering from meningitis, the troubled college student and his foster family were challenged to learn sign language to help him adjust to the sudden silence. Told by doctors that a cochlear implant was his only option to ever hear again, Devon knew that having the surgery was something he had to do.
“With so many things happening in Devon’s world that requires his hearing – including being a music major in college – getting a cochlear implant was the best way to help keep his life on the right track,” said McClure, who has played Devon since April, 2004. “For anyone who loses the sense of hearing, the decision to get a cochlear implant is an important and highly personal one. It is a phenomenal innovation that holds so much promise for the deaf.”
“’The Young and the Restless’ is sending a powerful message about cochlear implants and their ability to help maximize hearing potential,” said Jim Miller, president of Advanced Bionics Auditory Division. “Hearing loss and the ways in which it can be treated are significant social issues. Advanced Bionics applauds ‘The Young and the Restless’ for its commitment to social responsibility.”
After undergoing the cochlear implant surgery, Devon’s device will be activated, or “turned-on” in the December 6 episode.
“I am honored to have a storyline with such importance and meaning as this,” continued McClure. “It is a challenge, but certainly one that I hope others will learn from.”
“The Young and the Restless” has been the Number One rated daytime drama for more than 17 years and is in its 34th season. The show is broadcast weekdays (12:30-1:30 PM; 11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company, in association with Sony Pictures Television.
Advanced Bionics Corporation, the neuromodulation group of Boston Scientific Corporation, is headquartered in Valencia, Calif. The company was acquired in 2004 by Boston Scientific, the worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties.
Patients interested in breakthroughs in cochlear implant technology to restore hearing should speak to their physicians and visit www.bionicear.com or call 800-678-2575 for more information
11/19/06 - Count Thy Pennies!
AB releases an update on the Harmony -- read about it Here!
11/14/06 - Farewell My Harmony...Until we meet again!
In order to maintain the integrity of the Harmony clinical trial i was
participating in with Advanced Bionics; I had to return my Harmony.
Over the last four weeks I experienced some of the best hearing moments
of my life; one night when my wife was taking a jog and my children
were sleeping - not only was I able to hear my daughter crying through
the baby monitor, I was able to discern the kind of cry it was and
understood she was simply crying out of fatigue. On November 7 I was
celebrating my birthday with co-workers at a restaurant called Ted's
Montana Grill; not only was the food spectacular, but i was able to
hear and participate in conversation amid the noisy chatter consisting
of talking, silverware hitting plates, servers speaking with customers
and etc. In fact, I was having such a great time during lunch I
returned to the same restaurant for dinner with my family :)
Additionally, battery life has increased tremendously which eliminates
the need for me to carry additional batteries in my pocket. I have
gone 20+ hours on one battery. One sure thing I would like to stress
is that it took the full four week trial to reap all the benefits of
the Harmony. What this means is while it took me approximately 25 days
to fully learn all the amazing new benefits, some may take longer and
some may not :)
I hope my experiences inspire current and prospective CI users
of the wonderful promises this technology holds for us. I am truly
excited and hope you are too!
11/7/06 - In Memory...
I met Catherine
Garland over the summer at a convention while working with Advanced Bionics; we instantly clicked and since
then we have exchanged countless emails. She was a special friend and a great
source of inspiration. Life threw some pretty tough curveballs, but her upbeat
attitude and devotion kept her going day in and day out. We spoke last week and
she mentioned how determined she was going to be to visit while I was in Raleigh
tomorrow. Instead, she will be laid to rest. I'm going to miss her; but I know
she is watching over all of us now. Sign Catherine Garland's online guestbook
11/1/06 - 
Attention all you Young and Restless fans! It has never been an easy life for Devon
Hamilton (what a hottie....nottie!), and it just got a little harder. After contracting Meningitis
Devon suffered a huge loss -- his hearing. Read more about it here - Bryton's story. This is such a facinating story line - I wonder how many viewers will start to look into better hearing for themselves or a loved one. Kudos to the Young and Restless!
10/31/06 - Captioner..Captioner... while watching television tonight i noticed i can hear much more of what is being spoken without having to rely on caption. i also noticed that captioning is typically two minutes behind - and often material is left out or "interpreted". I can't remember exactly what was changed, but when I come across such incident again I will post specifics! I confirmed with my wife, who is hearing, that captioning is not 100% accurate and often interpreted.
10/29/06 - "120 in the new!"
Approximately four weeks ago I visited AB Headquarters in
- I am wearing the new BTE (with a built-in LED) and using the new HiRes 120 sound strategy.
- I immediately noticed a difference in sound quality the moment my device was turned on - what I mean is sound is more crisp; clear; easily discernable. It is like converting from VHS tapes to DVD quality sound.
- My daughter turned two last week. We hosted the party at our house, which is 90% carpet and 10% hardwood. With the HiRes 120, I can hear better in noisy situations - it is like the speech popping out in a very sound-congested environment! However, restaurants - those with 100% tile/hardwood, blaring music and dimmed lights I am still trying to get a handle on. I'm pretty certain the average Joe has difficulty hearing in restaurants - which are notoriously bad acoustic environments!
- Music appreciation has increased three-fold. I can discriminate classical music easier - such as keyboard vs. piano music. with the 90K I was able to hear individual tunes -- with the HiRes 120 I am able to determine if the source is a keyboard or piano. Lyrical music appreciation has also increased.
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