17. The outside parts catch
sound and send it to the
inside parts
The microphone catches
sounds and sends them
to the speech processor
MICROPHONE
18. The speech processor is
a small computer.
It is called a speech
processor because it
pays special attention to
speech sounds.
It changes sound waves
into a special sound code
to help the wearer hear
SPEECH PROCESSOR
19. The sound wave code gets sent by the
round transmitter (coil).
The transmitter sends the sound wave
code to the inside parts of the cochlear
implant.
TRANSMITTER (coil)
20. There are two Inside
Parts:
the Decoder and the
electrodes.
They are connected
to each other. The
inside parts of the
cochlear implant send
certain sounds to the
hearing nerve.
Next to the decoder is
a special magnet
MAGNET
DECODER
ELECTRODES
24. Angus has 2 Speech processors
Each processor is programmed
specifically for each ear i.e. The right
processor will only work on his right side
and the left on his left side
Getting them mixed up causes Angus great
discomfort as it transmits an incompatible
noise to the implant
25. LCD Display
The program that helps convert the analogue sound wave to a digital
signal is called a “MAP”
Angus has 4 MAPs programmed into his speech processor. They are
called P1, P2, P3, P4.
•P1- is his everyday, standard program
•P2- is normal sound + 50% FM
•P3- is 100% FM (this means he can only hear what is being passed
through the FM microphone
•P4- is the same as P1, normal sound processing
To change the program- press the “select” button until you reach the
desired program
Note: this program information was correct November 2009, it may change in the future.
26. Other messages that you might see on the LCD display
H3- the coil is not making contact with Angus’s implant (this means he is
not hearing from this processor. Place the coil on Angus’s head. If the coil is on his
head and the error remains, it may indicate a faulty coil- which will need to be
replaced)
H2- Battery going flat
H1- Battery IS flat
H6- the 2 coils have touched each other (this is not a problem )
27. Batteries
This section is for your
information only.
Angus can do this task
himself.
At this point, 3 batteries
last Angus
approximately 2 days.
Some MAPs are more
draining that others and
so his battery usage
quite often changes
28.
29. Flashing red light
If the indicator light is flashing, it usually
indicates that there is a problem with the
speech processor.
Angus’s processors have been programmed to
flash if:
-The batteries are flat (or going flat)
- The coil is not making contact with the
implant
If it is flashing – don’t panic. It may be as
simple as flat batteries.
If you cannot stop the processor from flashing
be aware that Angus may only be receiving
sound from the other processor – and may
miss sound directed at the faulty side
30. Static and Water
A static shock to the processor will erase the program channels – this will
mean that the processor will be useless and not transmit any sound to the
implant
The speech processor is NOT water proof and getting wet starts corrosion
in the internal parts of the computer
Please make sure Angus avoids water and static. If an activity is going to
involve either of these, it might be best that Angus removes his “ears”
before commencing the activity. If he does this, HE WILL NOT HEAR A
THING. He can lip read when necessary.
31. Ear Gear
Angus has “socks” that go over his processors made by Ear
Gear. They protect his processors from dirt and sweat and
mean that we can secure the processors to his clothing
I have deliberately chosen different colours to help Angus
distinguish the left processor from the right. At present they
are (R)ed (right) and ye(L)low (left). He also owns b(L)ue and
o(R)ange ear gear and may wear these socks when the
others are being washed.
Angus is independent with putting his processors on but may
need assistance to clip the ear gear to his clothing
32. Angus’s FM
A brief overview – please see product instruction manual for more
information
33. There are 2 components to
the FM System
The Transmitter
And the Reciever
50. Be aware that Angus may not be
hearing everything
51. He has to work extra hard to hear in
noisy environments which mean he
will tire easily/ loose concentration
52. Without his processors on (or working)
he cannot hear a thing
53. This simulator (internet access
required) may help you
understand what other children
with hearing loss hear ( or don‘t
hear)
http://www.audibel.com/understanding
/simulator_flash.html
