Hi from a new user!

[Marcy 1]

Hi HearPeers! My name is Marcy and I was recently activated on October 23 at Mass Eye and Ear with a RONDO 2. This forum was so helpful to me when I was agonizing over which brand to choose and when I was worrying about surgery. I read a lot of the posts made here and used that information to make my choice to choose MED EL. 

It's only been about a month but I'm already seeing the benefits of a cochlear implant. I can hear things such as microwave beeps and the chime of the oven alarm! 

Although overall I love the RONDO 2 - it's so great to be able to charge the device overnight and not worry about disposable batteries, the one thing I wish MED EL would have is a stronger magnet. I'm already on the highest level 4 magnet but often times the RONDO 2 slips from my head. It might also be because I have very heavy, thick and curly hair but I'm hoping MED EL would come out with a level 5 magnet one day. I usually use the clothes attachment line so it won't slip and drop when I'm walking outside. Another option to me is that, since my clinic allows me to have a second backup processor, I can swap with the SONNET 2 device which might stick to my head a bit better since it's lighter. Does anyone else have magnet connectivity issues?

 

[Mary Beth 2,232]

@Marcy

Congratulations and welcome to HearPeers.  I am looking forward to following your journey!

The magnet strength of the DL-coil used with Sonnet 2 will most likely be just fine.  It is a lot lighter than the Rondo 2 since the processor rests on our ears.

 

Some people with magnet strength issues due to thick hair, have their hair thinned out at the implant spot.

Many people can move to weaker magnets a few months after surgery when internal swelling subsides.

Discuss options with your audiologist.

enjoy your journey!

[Marcy 1]

Thank you @Mary Beth! That's really good to know. I have a hair cut appointment soon so I'll see if that helps me with my magnet problems. It does stick well when I have my hair up so it's not that bad. I'm just getting used to everything anyway.

[Mary Beth 2,232]

There is a lot to get used to at first!  Feel free to ask questions and share your experiences with us!

[Dave in Pittsburgh 95]

@Marcy welcome to HP I am bilateral had my first implant 2016 and second 2018 I have the (2) Sonnet and(1)-Rondo at first I did have the same problem with Rondo 2 falling off a lot had to do with internal swelling try just sliding the Rondo on your head instead of just placing it and try to part as much hair as possible.

Dont get discourage it will all come together 

Keep in touch

[Mary Beth 2,232]

@Marcy

Did you receive GripWear in your Rondo 2 kit?  It is a sticker that goes on the bottom of the Rondo 2 to help it stay in place better if needed.  If you don’t have one, reach out to your CSR from Med-El or your audiologist and see if you can get a sample to try.

 

@MED-EL Moderator Can GripWear be used on Rondo 2?

 

 

[Mary Beth 2,232]

@Marcy

Another thought....

Med-El says we can help line up the internal rotating magnet (which makes it hold better) by ....

put Rondo 2 on your head

rotate it to 2:00 position, then back to 10:00 position, then return to 12:00 position

I do this with my Synchrony side when needed too.  It makes a difference for me.

[JohnL 15]

Marcy

 congratulations on your activation. I was implanted last March and activated in April also at Mass Eye and Ear. I found the audiologists to be terrific but I must admit I didn’t know the whole process of testing so it was a bit daunting. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about what you will be going through (or at least what I went through). I have both the Sonnet and the Rondo 2 and I usually alternate processors each day. Fortunately I haven’t had a problem with the Rondo2 falling off but I actually use the hair clip just in case. 
good luck. 

[Mary Beth 2,232]

@Marcy

@MED-EL Moderator

This morning I could not find this and was perplexed because GripWear is not listed in the Med-El US shop as a Rondo 2 accessory.  But now I found where I saw GripWear works with Rondo 2.

[Mary Featherston 737]

Hi @Marcy and welcome!  It sounds as though you're doing well.  It's amazing how many little noises there are that you didn't hear before, isn't it?  Right now I'm hearing the swish-swish of a battery-powered cat toy.

[MED-EL Moderator 274]

Hi @Mary Beth, thanks for tagging us  

@Marcy: Welcome to HearPeers and congratulations on your CI! 

Yes, GripWear can be used with RONDO 2, you can find all fixation options for RONDO and RONDO 2 on our website: https://www.medel.com/hearing-solutions/accessories/fixations 
Your local MED-EL team can also assist you with finding the right fixation option for you. 

 Best regards, Verena 

[Nischal Koirala 3]

Hi! @Marcy 

Congratulations on your activation and Can you hear all type of voices in all type of places without any problem? As my activation day is coming nearer and I'am also planning for Rondo 2 I want to know something from a new user too 😃

[Mary Beth 2,232]

Wishing you the best @Nischal Koirala!

Everyone’s CI journey starts off differently. I started with static and beeps.  Just this weekend I enjoyed the Broadway musical Frozen and while listening to the awesome performers I heard a young girl giggle nearby.  These CIs are amazing!

[Mary Beth 2,232]

Thanks @MED-EL Moderator

That is a helpful link Verena!