Music in true stereo
Avid readers will remember my previous posting about listening to music using both CIs. I never did like the reception with the Music Link t-coil headset because it sounded tinny, and plus the coils were not optimally situated for the induction receivers on the CI processors. Using regular headsets required placing headset precariously perched higher than my head in order to connect up ear pads with the CI's microphones (located on top of the processor), resulting in uncomfortable pressure on the top of the ear and the headset frequently falling off. For most music listening I ended up using 2 Cochlear direct audio input A/V cables connected up to a stereo Y-splitter. This resulted in the same stereo sound transmitted directly to each CI's direct audio input jack; not great, but at least the sound quality was better than listening via computer speakers with just the CI's, e.g., without cables or headset.
Many times over the last five years since receiving the second implant, I've asked my audiologist and Cochlear Corporation where I could get true streo A/V cables for bilateral Ci'ers, but only to be told that "they're coming." A close friend tried to hack Cochlear's A/V cables to split the sound into right and left channels, but it resulted in no sound on the left channel. A month back I vented my frustration on my CI support mailing list, and Bob MacPherson responded with guidance on how to construct a solution using the A/V cables and parts from Radio Shack.
Equipment needed:
Y-adapter Mono Phono Jacks to Stereo 1/8" Plug
Radio Shack Model: 274-269 Catalog #: 274-369. $5.59.1/8" Stereo Phono Jack to Phono Plug Adapters
Radio Shack Model: 274-0387 Catalog #: 274-387. $3.59 each -- need 2.Direct audio input A/V cables (Personal Audio or TV/Stereo)
Cochlear Model: z60830 ($130) or z60829 ($180) each -- need 2, but Cochlear includes one cable with each Freedom CI processor.
Connecting up the equipment:
Bulky, but it works.
The white mark indicates which side to use for the left ear.
The experience:
The first time I used this setup, I listened to some of my favorite songs, and I melted. From "Your Joy" I clearly perceived Chrisette Michele's voice waltzing around the piano, from my right ear to my left, and back again. With "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables I could easily distinguish Fantine's voice from the instrumental background, even during the crescendo as the tigers came in the night. The instruments playing Beethoven's compositions each had their own locations in the auditory space of my mind, drums to the right, violins to the left, waves of music crashing back and forth, to and fro.
It only took 7 years to experience such vibrant music, but I'm grateful and thrilled that new worlds of sound are now opening up. I've heard that Cochlear is *finally* coming out with A/V cables for bilateral CI'ers, but at least I have a solution now.
Thanks Bob for your advice!!!!
Many times over the last five years since receiving the second implant, I've asked my audiologist and Cochlear Corporation where I could get true streo A/V cables for bilateral Ci'ers, but only to be told that "they're coming." A close friend tried to hack Cochlear's A/V cables to split the sound into right and left channels, but it resulted in no sound on the left channel. A month back I vented my frustration on my CI support mailing list, and Bob MacPherson responded with guidance on how to construct a solution using the A/V cables and parts from Radio Shack.
Equipment needed:
Y-adapter Mono Phono Jacks to Stereo 1/8" Plug
Radio Shack Model: 274-269 Catalog #: 274-369. $5.59.1/8" Stereo Phono Jack to Phono Plug Adapters
Radio Shack Model: 274-0387 Catalog #: 274-387. $3.59 each -- need 2.Direct audio input A/V cables (Personal Audio or TV/Stereo)
Cochlear Model: z60830 ($130) or z60829 ($180) each -- need 2, but Cochlear includes one cable with each Freedom CI processor.
Connecting up the equipment:
- Begin with the music player and locate the headset port
- Plug the Y-adapter into the headset port -- this converts to 2 mono phono jacks, 1 right channel (red jack), and 1 left channel (white jack). Make note which sides are right and left
- Plug one Phono Adapter into each of the Y-adapter's jacks
- Plug one CI A/V cable into each Phono Adapter
- Connect the right A/V cable (red jack) to the right CI, and the left A/V cable (white jack) to the left CI
- Turn on the music, become one with your music player, and enjoy true stereo!
Bulky, but it works.
The white mark indicates which side to use for the left ear.
The experience:
The first time I used this setup, I listened to some of my favorite songs, and I melted. From "Your Joy" I clearly perceived Chrisette Michele's voice waltzing around the piano, from my right ear to my left, and back again. With "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables I could easily distinguish Fantine's voice from the instrumental background, even during the crescendo as the tigers came in the night. The instruments playing Beethoven's compositions each had their own locations in the auditory space of my mind, drums to the right, violins to the left, waves of music crashing back and forth, to and fro.
It only took 7 years to experience such vibrant music, but I'm grateful and thrilled that new worlds of sound are now opening up. I've heard that Cochlear is *finally* coming out with A/V cables for bilateral CI'ers, but at least I have a solution now.
Thanks Bob for your advice!!!!