When Dwight learned about the Cochlear™ Osia® System, he jumped at the chance to experience a comfortable off-the-ear sound processor that he could simply place on his head and be ready to go. One year later, Dwight shares his journey and how he’s enjoying clearer hearing with the Osia System.
“In 2013, I received the Cochlear™ Baha® BP100 Sound Processor, which allowed me to hear again on my right side. In 2016, I lost the sound processor on a hike, which led me to upgrade to the Baha 5 Sound Processor. WOW, what a difference it made in hearing phone conversations. In 2020, I upgraded to the Baha 6 Max Sound Processor and once again experienced a WOW factor.
Why I decided to get an Osia System
The only issue I periodically dealt with was infections around the abutment, so when the Osia System was released, I was interested in getting the newest bone conduction technology that doesn’t have an abutment.
First, I had my abutment removed and needed to heal before the Osia surgery. After a week without my Baha, I knew what I missed most. I missed having voices in my head — telephone calls and music*. With my Baha, I could listen to phone conversations and music without disturbing anyone. Boy, I missed that aspect and couldn’t wait for the Osia.
I still tended to check my head for the Baha. Just before I went to bed or got into the shower, my hand always went up to make sure I was not wearing the Baha. Even more than a month without it, the habit was still there. When my phone rang or I made a call, I had to put it up to my left ear to hear. What a bother. I missed the Bluetooth connection between my phone and the Baha.
Time for the Osia System surgery
A month later, the area where the abutment was located healed. Next, with the help of my audiologist, I set a date for the Osia System surgery. My audiologist asked a Cochlear representative to be present in the operating room during the surgery.
On the big day, my wife Debbie was ready to take me to the hospital. I was ready to get the party started, too. I had a quick conversation with my surgeon and audiologist in the prep room to ensure we were ready. The procedure would be about an hour and a half, and I couldn’t wait to get started.
Activation day
On the day of my activation appointment, I was so excited that I left the house an hour early for the chance to begin my activation sooner. A Cochlear representative joined us, and I learned that I was the first person in the clinic to have an Osia Sound Processor activated. They wanted to be there to ensure everything was correct.
After a hearing test, I was cleared to start the process. When I placed the Osia on my head, I learned that I was still swollen, but that it would go down. When the device turned on and was adjusted, I could hear again on my right side!
What I love hearing now
My grandson had a baseball game that evening. I watched him play and I heard the game like I had never heard before—it was great! I am so thankful for the experience to go from the Baha to the Osia. The clarity is so much better.
I’ve had my Osia for over a year now, and all I can say is how happy I am! I have clearer hearing with no infections. I love to listen to conversations that are occurring behind me and to my right, whereas before I could not hear them as clearly as I do now! Plus, I don’t have to finger hunt for the abutment to put the Baha on, instead I just put the Osia on my head in the area of the magnet and it attaches easily! I want to encourage anyone who is exploring hearing implants or an upgrade to consider the Osia!”
If you are interested in upgrading to the discreet and comfortable Osia System, like Dwight, learn how it can help you hear your best in any environment.
