Thursday, July 4, 2013

Useful CI Links

Useful CI Links
Below are some links to various websites which may be of use. Please let us know if you find any broken links, inappropriate content, or have suggestions for other resources.

CI South West (UK) Facebook Group Page - join us!
>https://www.facebook.com/groups/cisouthwest/
Southmead Audiology **NEW** email as of Spring 2013   wecip@uhBristol.nhs.uk
Southmead CI Blogs 
Written by people who have received their CI at Southmead. 

Manufacturer Websites
In addition to the primary product site, each CI manufacturer hosts an user forum for CI users and candidates to share experiences and ask questions. These forums can often be very helpful when you want to find answers to specific questions when researching CIs. 
Advanced Bionics     
Main Website (UK)    http://www.advancedbionics.com/uk/en/home.html
Hearing Journey user forum     http://www.hearingjourney.com/
Cochlear Corp.   
Main Website (UK)    http://www.cochlear.com/wps/wcm/connect/uk/home
Cochlear Community user forum http://www.cochlearcommunity.com/
Med-El     
Main Website (UK)    http://www.medel.com/uk/
HearPeers user forum    http://www.medel.com/uk/hearpeers/
There is also a fourth CI manufacturer, Neurelec, based in France which is not available through Southmead/BRI.

Cochlear Implant Comparison Chart

Many people find this chart helpful in understanding the differences between the various makes of CI. It was put together by a group of CI users and aims to be impartial. http://cochlearimplanthelp.com/cochlear-implant-comparison-chart/
This related website includes some links that you may find useful when researching CIs: http://cochlearimplanthelp.com/

British Cochlear Implant Organisations
British Cochlear Implant Group (BCIG)    http://www.bcig.org.uk/
Safety Guidelines for Cochlear Implant Users  http://www.bcig.org.uk/downloads/pdfs/2012%20safety%20final.pdf
National Cochlear Implant Users Association (NCIUA)    http://www.nciua.org.uk/index.php

What is CI South West?

CI South West is a social group made up of Cochlear Implant (CI) users and candidates in the South West of England, including those who received their CI at Southmead/BRI Hospitals in Bristol, UK.

The main purpose of this group is to provide an opportunity for CI users and candidates in the South West to meet each other, ask questions and share experiences. Partners and friends are welcome too.

We plan to organise CI social events in Bristol, Exeter, and Taunton (and also elsewhere in the South West if there is demand).

A secondary purpose of this group is to share information and experiences about Southmead/BRI surgical and audiology units.

We welcome people from a wide variety of backgrounds -- whether you are born deaf, late deafened, sign or don't sign or a bit of both. All CI makes are welcome (Advanced Bionics, Cochlear, Med-El and undecided). We look forward to hearing more from you!

We can also be contacted on cisouthwest@yahoo.co.uk