NOTE: THIS IS AUSIAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Quiet Signs of Love from ikonfilm on Vimeo.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Audiological Evaluation 6 month Post Implantation
Today I received the audiological evaluation in the mail. This is amazing I had to share.
History: Danielle was born with Bilateral hearing loss, which worsened approximately two years ago. The etiology of her hearing loss is unknown; however she has been diagnosed with disease. In February 2011, Danielle was implanted with a Nucleus System 5 cochlear implant in her right and she received the external components one month later.
Technology. Danielle came tot his evaluation using a MAP in her CP810-processor composed in the ACE processing strategy in Meniere's her right cochlear implant. Danielle was tested by means of standard audiometry in the sound field. Responses to narrow band noise were considered to be of good reliability, indicating threshold levels of 5-20 dBHL for the frequency range of 250-6000 Hz with her cochlear implant. These findings indicated that danielle has full access to speech at normal and soft conversational levels when using her cochlear implant.
Speech Perception: Speech discrimination testing was performed at this evaluation.
Scores:
Test Condition Right Cochlear Implant
CNC Word List 50 dBHL 80%
AZ BIO SENTENCES 50 dBHL 89%
50 dBHL S/N +5 75% ( P1- " Everyday")
80% ( P2 - " Noise")
Word recognition scores in quiet, using recorded CNC word list, were judged to be good. Sentence recognition scores, using recorded AZBio sentences, were judged to be very good in quiet and good in noise. These findings indicate a significant improvement in speech perception in noise since the previous evaluation (75%-80% today compared to 41% three months ago).
History: Danielle was born with Bilateral hearing loss, which worsened approximately two years ago. The etiology of her hearing loss is unknown; however she has been diagnosed with disease. In February 2011, Danielle was implanted with a Nucleus System 5 cochlear implant in her right and she received the external components one month later.
Technology. Danielle came tot his evaluation using a MAP in her CP810-processor composed in the ACE processing strategy in Meniere's her right cochlear implant. Danielle was tested by means of standard audiometry in the sound field. Responses to narrow band noise were considered to be of good reliability, indicating threshold levels of 5-20 dBHL for the frequency range of 250-6000 Hz with her cochlear implant. These findings indicated that danielle has full access to speech at normal and soft conversational levels when using her cochlear implant.
Speech Perception: Speech discrimination testing was performed at this evaluation.
Scores:
Test Condition Right Cochlear Implant
CNC Word List 50 dBHL 80%
AZ BIO SENTENCES 50 dBHL 89%
50 dBHL S/N +5 75% ( P1- " Everyday")
80% ( P2 - " Noise")
Word recognition scores in quiet, using recorded CNC word list, were judged to be good. Sentence recognition scores, using recorded AZBio sentences, were judged to be very good in quiet and good in noise. These findings indicate a significant improvement in speech perception in noise since the previous evaluation (75%-80% today compared to 41% three months ago).
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
3 MONTH EVALUATION #2
Today I went into the city for a full evaluation. My audiologist put me in the sound booth. I listened to beeps then I had to listen to sentences. This time it was a harder test than the first evaluation.
First I had to use my Everyday Program and listen to the sentences with the background noise ex: " Today was a rough day.", " Have a great day at work", " Her hair is very long." then it started getting harder. " I have to go to take out the garbage, then go to the food store." The sentences got longer and longer and I did AMAZING! WOHOOOOOO.
Jill said to try my NOISE PROGRAM with the background noise. I had to repeat different voices (male and female) of a conversation. It seemed harder with when I couldn't understand what the Male said. I started to get frustrated. She wanted to see the difference from the EVERYDAY and the NOISE.
My audiologist was very impressed. I am comfortable with her and she tells me everything too!
CNC WORD LIST was the same from the first evaluation that was 80% ( WHICH IS STILL GREAT SHE SAID)
Then the BIO SENTENCES: My first evaluation back 6/7/2011 I scored 41% . TODAY: I got 89% WOHHOOO!
I couldn't believe it. I thought it did bad. What a difference in three months. I was so happy I was going to Jump out of the chair and do a dance! LOL. My audiologist will send me the full evaluation report within the week.
I am still hearing in the NORMAL RANGE which is 10 db!!!!!! WOHOOO So she didn't want to do a mapping because she feels this is a great program for me. I will continue to stay on this program. She also said that if we put it so loud it will be overwhelming.
Then she took an impression of my EAR for an Ear mold because the implant keeps falling off. It happens every second because my ears are tiny ( I guess thats the reason why). The ear mold will be sent to my house. It will arrive in 2 weeks.
Remember that Warbly sound I was telling you about.... it was driving me crazy of course it didn't happen TODAY but she did say that she thinks it could be the batteries since everything was replaced. Hasn't happened in a few days so KNOCK ON WOOD! She did ask if I was putting it in the DRY & STORE. I told her every night i put it in there. I'll let it go.
Here is my audiogram from today: I was so proud I had to scan it. I never in my life thought I would hear so well. Its amazing to be able to hear!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here are both evaluations: ( CLICK ON PHOTO TO MAKE BIGGER)
I dont have to go back till NOVEMBER 22, 2011. After this appointment, it will be every 6 months.
Hope you are all having a great day!
HUGS
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Locust Valley Newspaper
Remember my old post about volunteering. Well today I found out I was in the Locust Valley Newspaper. I am glad that my article was in the newspaper. Hoping there will be more volunteers this year. Cant wait for the fall festival.
I will be back tomorrow after my mapping.
Hugs- Danielle
Saturday, August 20, 2011
How to use the Zephyr Dry & Store
Here is a video that explains how to use the Zephyr Dry & Store.
It is Captioned.
Hugs- Danielle
It is Captioned.
Hugs- Danielle
Friday, August 19, 2011
Going to School with Cochlear Implants
To all parents who have children that are going to school with their cochlear implants. Here are some articles that will help your child get the best education possible.
Back to School with Cochlear Implant's
FM Options
Choose the right FM Receiver for your CI
What is Individualized Education Program (IEP)
IEP Checklist
Parent Checklist for School Placement
Placement Considerations Checklist for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Choose an FM system for your CI
I found out that Phonak is one of the top brands that cochlear recommended to me for a Receiver. You can check out which receiver is best for you.
( Please Note Below is a personal email from cochlear. I did not write this.)
FM Options for Nucleus® Recipients
In a classroom setting, FM systems may help a student with a Nucleus Cochlear Implant better understand the teacher by allowing the student to hear the teacher over other classroom sounds. This occurs by having the teacher wear a microphone, and having the student wear the FM receiver that connects with his or her sound processor. There are a variety of FM system and receiver options available. Cochlear™ offers several options for FM system use.
Nucleus® 5 FM Options
- Ear level receiver connected directly to the sound processor (ex: Phonak ML14i)
- Ear level FM receiver connected to the sound processor using the Euro Accessory Adaptor (ex: Phonak MLxi) TIP: Check out our YouTube video on using the Nucleus 5 with the Euro Adaptor!
- Neckloop receiver that functions using the telecoil in the sound processor (ex: Phonak My Link) FM cable connected to body-worn receiver
Nucleus® Freedom™ FM Options
- Ear level FM receiver connected to the sound processor using the Freedcom MicroLink
- Neckloop receiver that functions using the telecoil in the sound processor (ex: Phonak My Link)
- FM cable connected to body-worn receiver
Hugs- Danielle
Back to School with Cochlear Implant's
FM Options
Choose the right FM Receiver for your CI
What is Individualized Education Program (IEP)
IEP Checklist
Parent Checklist for School Placement
Placement Considerations Checklist for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Choose an FM system for your CI
I found out that Phonak is one of the top brands that cochlear recommended to me for a Receiver. You can check out which receiver is best for you.
( Please Note Below is a personal email from cochlear. I did not write this.)
FM Options for Nucleus® Recipients
In a classroom setting, FM systems may help a student with a Nucleus Cochlear Implant better understand the teacher by allowing the student to hear the teacher over other classroom sounds. This occurs by having the teacher wear a microphone, and having the student wear the FM receiver that connects with his or her sound processor. There are a variety of FM system and receiver options available. Cochlear™ offers several options for FM system use.
Nucleus® 5 FM Options
- Ear level receiver connected directly to the sound processor (ex: Phonak ML14i)
- Ear level FM receiver connected to the sound processor using the Euro Accessory Adaptor (ex: Phonak MLxi) TIP: Check out our YouTube video on using the Nucleus 5 with the Euro Adaptor!
- Neckloop receiver that functions using the telecoil in the sound processor (ex: Phonak My Link) FM cable connected to body-worn receiver
Nucleus® Freedom™ FM Options
- Ear level FM receiver connected to the sound processor using the Freedcom MicroLink
- Neckloop receiver that functions using the telecoil in the sound processor (ex: Phonak My Link)
- FM cable connected to body-worn receiver
Hugs- Danielle
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
I FOUND MY OLD HEARING AIDS
To be honest I cant remember most of my childhood. I guess I blocked everything out because I was isolated and confused 99.9% of the time. So I dont really remember wearing so many different hearing aids as my mother said. Today I found my old hearing aids and in the case it said they were from 2000. I decided to donate them to Starkey Hearing Foundation. If you have any old hearing aids or Assitive Listening Devices that aren't being used. Please donate them to Starkey. They need them more than ever. Here is how:
(Please Note: This is directly from the website)
Hear Now collects hearing aids for recycling purposes. Any make or model, regardless of age, can be donated to the hearing aid recycling program. All donations are tax deductible and a letter of acknowledgement will be sent to all identified donors.
If you wish to donate a salvaged hearing aid or other assistance device, please securely package donation and mail to:
Hear Now
6700 Washington Avenue South
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
1-800-328-8602
All I remember is I finally figured out that with the hearing aids because I couldn't figure out which aid goes in which ear. Red is for the right ear and Blue was for the Left. I wanted to share the pictures with you. This was when I was really young.
Have a good night!
Smile-Hugs
(Please Note: This is directly from the website)
Hear Now collects hearing aids for recycling purposes. Any make or model, regardless of age, can be donated to the hearing aid recycling program. All donations are tax deductible and a letter of acknowledgement will be sent to all identified donors.
If you wish to donate a salvaged hearing aid or other assistance device, please securely package donation and mail to:
Hear Now
6700 Washington Avenue South
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
1-800-328-8602
All I remember is I finally figured out that with the hearing aids because I couldn't figure out which aid goes in which ear. Red is for the right ear and Blue was for the Left. I wanted to share the pictures with you. This was when I was really young.
Have a good night!
Smile-Hugs
Thursday, August 11, 2011
What to do to Combat Hearing Loss
Today's show talks about hearing loss. Its 7 minutes long. If the captions DOES NOT WORK, Then go to the website the video will come up below it on the right it will say SUBTITLES. Press on it and the captions will appear.
What do you think about this video? I didn't like comments what the audiologist said about " If you do not take care of your hearing loss you will end up with dementia."
" Your brain will shut down". I honestly dont think that is true because studies and research never said that before.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
What do you think about this video? I didn't like comments what the audiologist said about " If you do not take care of your hearing loss you will end up with dementia."
" Your brain will shut down". I honestly dont think that is true because studies and research never said that before.
Featured on Mill Neck School for the Deaf
Each year I volunteer at Mill Necks school for the Deaf which is located in Mill Neck, NY. It's about 30 minutes away from my house. I love volunteering at Mill Neck because I am surrounded by many people who are deaf/hard of hearing like myself. I also get to meet new friends. Mill Neck asked me to write why I like to volunteer. This is taken from Mill Neck's website. Once again for some reason I cannot add the link.
This article is supposed to be featured in a few of my local newspapers: Newsday, Daily news.
Special Fall Harvest Festival Volunteer Inspires “It’s as Natural to Me as Living”
Danielle Nicosia is one special volunteer, what with her outgoing and hardworking nature and willingness to help. A Fall Harvest Festival volunteer since 2007, Danielle has worked in the apple booths and sign language shop, both Saturday and Sunday, and through rain, sun and sometimes downright unpredictable weather. What keeps her coming back? “It’s a wonderful place! Every time I am there volunteering, I always enjoy helping and meeting new people. This is something I look forward to each year!” she happily explained. Every Columbus Day weekend, 300+ volunteers, the life-blood of Mill Neck Family’s Fall Harvest Festival, are counted on to man a number of areas throughout the 86-acre campus grounds. From setup to winding down, helpers work in shifts or all day, and look forward to joining the much-appreciated volunteer ranks annually at the event, which turns 50 this year. “I get so excited to volunteer at the Festival!” said Danielle, who went on to explain a typical day. “I usually get there early to help setup, and then I head to my volunteer area. For example, at the apple booths, I may start packing all the apples, and as more volunteers arrive I introduce myself. If there are first timers, I explain what we have to do for the day.” As a profoundly Deaf young woman with a cochlear implant, Danielle looks forward to interacting with both Deaf and hearing crowds alike. Over 20,000 visitors join the Mill Neck Family each Festival weekend, and all enjoy the numerous activities, reunions, good eats and educational experiences with gusto. And because the Festival showcases the latest in Deaf technology, sign language novelty items and books, Deaf participants and Mill Neck Manor alumni attend the event as a “homecoming,” bringing the heart of the Long Island Deaf Community together. On that note, Danielle says the Festival has “been the best experience of my life. I love meeting people just like me.”
Interestingly, Danielle says she didn’t know other Deaf people until she began attending college in 2007, as she was enrolled in special education classes at mainstream schools until then. “I actually found out about American Sign Language (ASL) and Mill Neck through an ASL class! Since then, I knew each year I had to volunteer and be part of this wonderful community. Meeting so many new people daily and being able to communicate with the Deaf using ASL has been a great experience for me. I also enjoy going to many Deaf gatherings, and currently, I’m finishing my degree to become a Teacher of the Deaf.” If it were up to Danielle, she’d increase the already packed Festival grounds by thousands more, enticing visitors with fall’s finest delicacies, country crafts and activities. “I always recommend this event to my family, friends and even people I just met. Last year, I asked my entire hearing family to come to the Festival, and many any of them did and had a great time!” she said. This special volunteer is already planning out her Festival weekend, from arrival time to the areas she’ll help out to the people she’ll promote the ever popular, 50 year tradition to. The active participant can barely contain her excitement and she shares final remarks about volunteering. “I think it’s important to help because volunteering is as natural to me as living. I love assisting others and being around a wonderful community.”
Hope you enjoyed reading this. Have a great day!
Hugs,
Danielle
This article is supposed to be featured in a few of my local newspapers: Newsday, Daily news.
Special Fall Harvest Festival Volunteer Inspires “It’s as Natural to Me as Living”
Danielle Nicosia is one special volunteer, what with her outgoing and hardworking nature and willingness to help. A Fall Harvest Festival volunteer since 2007, Danielle has worked in the apple booths and sign language shop, both Saturday and Sunday, and through rain, sun and sometimes downright unpredictable weather. What keeps her coming back? “It’s a wonderful place! Every time I am there volunteering, I always enjoy helping and meeting new people. This is something I look forward to each year!” she happily explained. Every Columbus Day weekend, 300+ volunteers, the life-blood of Mill Neck Family’s Fall Harvest Festival, are counted on to man a number of areas throughout the 86-acre campus grounds. From setup to winding down, helpers work in shifts or all day, and look forward to joining the much-appreciated volunteer ranks annually at the event, which turns 50 this year. “I get so excited to volunteer at the Festival!” said Danielle, who went on to explain a typical day. “I usually get there early to help setup, and then I head to my volunteer area. For example, at the apple booths, I may start packing all the apples, and as more volunteers arrive I introduce myself. If there are first timers, I explain what we have to do for the day.” As a profoundly Deaf young woman with a cochlear implant, Danielle looks forward to interacting with both Deaf and hearing crowds alike. Over 20,000 visitors join the Mill Neck Family each Festival weekend, and all enjoy the numerous activities, reunions, good eats and educational experiences with gusto. And because the Festival showcases the latest in Deaf technology, sign language novelty items and books, Deaf participants and Mill Neck Manor alumni attend the event as a “homecoming,” bringing the heart of the Long Island Deaf Community together. On that note, Danielle says the Festival has “been the best experience of my life. I love meeting people just like me.”
Interestingly, Danielle says she didn’t know other Deaf people until she began attending college in 2007, as she was enrolled in special education classes at mainstream schools until then. “I actually found out about American Sign Language (ASL) and Mill Neck through an ASL class! Since then, I knew each year I had to volunteer and be part of this wonderful community. Meeting so many new people daily and being able to communicate with the Deaf using ASL has been a great experience for me. I also enjoy going to many Deaf gatherings, and currently, I’m finishing my degree to become a Teacher of the Deaf.” If it were up to Danielle, she’d increase the already packed Festival grounds by thousands more, enticing visitors with fall’s finest delicacies, country crafts and activities. “I always recommend this event to my family, friends and even people I just met. Last year, I asked my entire hearing family to come to the Festival, and many any of them did and had a great time!” she said. This special volunteer is already planning out her Festival weekend, from arrival time to the areas she’ll help out to the people she’ll promote the ever popular, 50 year tradition to. The active participant can barely contain her excitement and she shares final remarks about volunteering. “I think it’s important to help because volunteering is as natural to me as living. I love assisting others and being around a wonderful community.”
Hope you enjoyed reading this. Have a great day!
Hugs,
Danielle
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Processor problems
Two weeks ago cochlear sent me a new COIL and MAGNET for my N5 processor because of the sounds I was experiencing. The sounds still do occur when I go out to a bar (which its so loud.) and also when I'm dancing or sweating. Every night I put my processor in the dry in store. I cant figure out the problem. Today the warble sound came back again and I took my implant off and I saw the magnet a little wet ( probably from sweat or my gel.) So I cleaned it off still the same. Then all night out to dinner is was fine. Very weird. A few people keep saying maybe you need a map. I'm probably due for a mapping and will be going soon August 24th. Hope this fixes the problem.
Other than that I am so happy to be hearing so many new things. Able to talk on the phone without using the wire. My implant still falls off so Im probably going to have to get an ear mold because It falls off way to much. Hoping even though I'm allergic to the ear molds the hypoallergenic will work. It hasn't in the past.
I start school September 7th and I cannot wait to go back and finish my degree. Its been 4 years out of college. Time flies and I hope I can do this since I am not feeling well with fibromyalgia.
I have been watching this new series called " Switched at birth" which is on ABC family in US only. Happens to be a deaf girl on the show its a pretty good show and I am so surprised many of the cast members are doing so well using ASL. This show is mostly for teens but I wanted to check it out since this is the first show with a deaf teen on TV. Monday is the season finale already of season 1 but I found out that this show has high ratings and it will continue. Season 2 will have 22 episodes.
Hope all of you are having a wonderful summer!
Smile-Hugs,
Other than that I am so happy to be hearing so many new things. Able to talk on the phone without using the wire. My implant still falls off so Im probably going to have to get an ear mold because It falls off way to much. Hoping even though I'm allergic to the ear molds the hypoallergenic will work. It hasn't in the past.
I start school September 7th and I cannot wait to go back and finish my degree. Its been 4 years out of college. Time flies and I hope I can do this since I am not feeling well with fibromyalgia.
I have been watching this new series called " Switched at birth" which is on ABC family in US only. Happens to be a deaf girl on the show its a pretty good show and I am so surprised many of the cast members are doing so well using ASL. This show is mostly for teens but I wanted to check it out since this is the first show with a deaf teen on TV. Monday is the season finale already of season 1 but I found out that this show has high ratings and it will continue. Season 2 will have 22 episodes.
Hope all of you are having a wonderful summer!
Smile-Hugs,
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