BAHA Approved!/Scheduled! & more Questions???

[heyct]

Everything is approved & scheduled for 5/20! I sure wish it were sooner!

But, I do have a few questions:

BP3 or Oticon?
I demoed the BP100 a while back & am now going back to demo the Pronto & compare. It seems the few of you that have it have been very happy w/the new device, so now I am confused as to which I should get. It also seems the BP wearers have numerous feedback issues.

Summer Activities?
What are the restrictions on swimming during the healing process, before receiving the processor? As summer is rolling around the corner, we have several boating activities we do. How long does it take before the incision heals from surgery? Can I wear a swim cap if swimming is restricted?

Thanks so much!
Carolyn

[jaylogs]

Hey Carolyn, congrats on the approval!!  I just had my BAHA surgery done this last Friday (almost a week now), and I am more than ready for my "gotcha" date (in 3 months).  I went with the Ponto Pro....There are pros and cons to both units, in my research.  BP100 by Cochlear has been around for a long time, Ponto's the new kid on the block, but has some good innovations of its own.  Either one will do you well, as opposed to what you have before (which is not a lot!!)  Anyways, I know how it is waiting for the clock to tick down, but it will be here before you know it! Take care!
Jay

[ksiwek]

Hi Carolyn!

That is exciting news!  I had my BAHA surgery back on October 7th, 2010.  I began wearing my processor in January.  It has helped me in many ways.  As for swimming, I was told that once the skin incision heals you can swim.  So you do not have to wait 3 months.  3 months is for osseointegration.  I was in the Bahamas and Miami in January (3 months post op) without issues.  I also took my son to swim lessons in December without issue.  Just ask your surgeon what his opinion is...

I went with the Oticon Ponto Pro.  I think my device is great and haven't had any issues with it.  As a new user, I have never worn the device by Cochlear so I don't have a basis for comparison.  All I can tell you is that it is easy to use and works well for me   As Jay said, either is an improvement    I researched and talked to numerous people...it was all so new to me and I wanted all the information I could get my hands on!  Please feel free to ask any other BAHA questions as they come up!

Good luck!
Kris

[leapyrtwins]

Invested my money in a BP100 - my second processor by Cochlear (first was a Divino).

My BP100 has had a few minor issues, but nothing that Cochlear wasn't quick to fix - for free, including expedited shipping - within 5 business days.  Interestingly enough, I've never had a problem with feedback - my problems were a setting that got "stuck" and the low battery signal beeping when the battery wasn't low    I got my BP100 in April 2010 and these are the only issues I've had.  My Divino never had any issues - I just decided to upgrade to the BP100 when it came out.

I demo'd both the BP100 and the Ponto Pro (my comparison is here on the Forum somewhere).  They are pretty comparable - but I have great confidence in Cochlear products and I'm a Cochlear volunteer so that swayed my choice.

Jan

Almost forgot - Carolyn, please PM your mailing address to me or Lori (lori67) so we can send you one of our complimentary Official BAHA Recovery Kits.

[dalern]

I did a demo trial with both the BP100 and the Ponto Pro.  For me, the BP100 seemed to be the best.  I have had trouble with feedback and beeping, but the unit is being replaced, and my "loaner" has had no problems at all.  I think it is just a personal decision and both will provide you with hearing that you don't currently have!  Good luck and keep us posted.
~Dale

[moe]

That IS the big question!
I had no choice with military health care, and received the Ponto this past November, which I really like.
So does that help? Probably NOT! Either one is good......
Maureen
The Ponto IS a bit smaller, not as boxy as the BP 100

[heyct]

Thanks everyone for your input. I go for my demo mid-April. Surgery is May 20, my exact 2yr anniversary of SSD.

I was just wodering, can you have the abutment removed if you do not like it? Several people have asked me this, so it got me wondering.

Thanks again,
Carolyn

[moe]

During my original brain surgery, I had a BAHA put in because they knew I would lose hearing.

It didn't work out and so they unscrewed the abutment and it just healed over nicely. They said I could try again down the road.

I recently tried the BAHA again  (Nov) and it was an easy procedure of just screwing the abutment back in. Improved BAHA, I like this one much better and am sticking with it! (So there was a couple of years in between).
Hope this helps
Maureen

[leapyrtwins]

I was just wondering, can you have the abutment removed if you do not like it? Several people have asked me this, so it got me wondering.

The abutment (which is screwed on to the top of the titanium rod) can be removed easily by your doc with a screwdriver.

The titanium rod stays implanted in the skull.

Once the abutment is removed, the skin on your skull would grow over it. 

Jan