How Baha is changing my life

[Tod]

I've had my BAHA (Ponto Pro) almost a month now. While it does not "fix" everything, it sure does make a lot of things better. Meetings and low- to -middle-noise social situations are so very much better. Almost normal, in fact.

In fact, apparently it is working too well. I am in San Francisco for a conference and last night I called down to the desk for a wake-up call. I kept punching buttons on the phone, but the darn thing wouldn't work. It took three tries of hanging the phone up and trying again to say to myself:

"Oh yeah, I'm deaf on that side. Dumbass." The silence on the phone was deafening....until I put it on the other ear.

I have not done anything like that since surgery. The fact is, with Baha, I, and others, notice that I do no longer automatically angle my body to the person I am talking with so they can speak into my right ear. I can more or less look people in the face dead-on. I also don't have to twist my neck 100 degrees if the person sitting to my left wants to say something to me.


This really is a big improvement for me.

-Tod

[CHD63]

Oh, I am so excited by your story!!!  The abutment for my Ponto Pro will be put in during AN surgery next Wednesday ...... should be a processor in August.  I can hardly wait.

Loved the part about the phone wake-up call!!

Clarice

[grega]

Glad for ya, Tod! Keep up the humorous side of this ordeal     I've had similar positive experiences as you.

And Clarice, wishing you the best with both AN and BAHA ..... won't be long now 

Greg

[james e]

It really makes a difference...mine is in the shop for 3 days now, and my wife has to TALK REALLY LOUD, and I have to turn my head to listen, and cup my hand around my good ear to hear the TV. And yes, I've tried to listen to the phone on my bad side. There is some humor with ANs....we'll never make the Leno Show, but I appreciate or pitfalls! I have had people ask me about that thing on the back of my head, and I had told them that I can't tell them what it is...but I work for Apple, and walk away.

[grega]

James ....... when people ask me the same. I look around quickly and start swatting, as if chasing away a flying something-or-other.   Usually gives them a chuckle!

[leapyrtwins]

I've probably said it a million times in the past 3 years, but I'll say it again just for kicks.

Getting a BAHA has probably been one of thee best things I've done in my life; no contest.

I've never regretted having the surgery and I don't think I ever will.  It'd do it again in a heartbeat.  My BAHA has made a huge difference in my post-AN life.

Jan

[ksiwek]

So glad you are having a great experience!!!!  I am sure that your neck is enjoying the break 

Happy Hearing!!!

Kris

[heyct]

Love the comedic stories. I hope that happens to me soon! I'll have to think of something for myself:) Just had BAHA surgery earlier today & feeling good, except I can't sleep:)

People/doctors/etc just don't quite understand. I'd swear my migraines are caused from my balance compensations & constant neck craning to hear people. It's a very subtle position, but constant. Maybe the BAHA will even help with this!

Glad to hear so many positive stories.
Carolyn

[Tod]

Carolyn, it would not surprise me that your migraines could be caused by "balance compensation & constant neck craning", it makes sense. Of course, I am not a doctor so I don't actually know anything.


Congratulations on your surgery....BAHA can truly be quite helpful.

-Tod

[Lynn Mc]

Love this post!!!!  Can't wait till July for my turn!!