Happy Halloween!

Here's a pic of Matt, in his school's Halloween "parade". Can you believe, he turned eight last summer, is in his seventh school, is mainstreamed in third grade now, and is doing GREAT! YEAH! Matt's finally making some good friends at his new school, too. Unfortunately I had to crop them out of the photo as I haven't yet asked their parents' permission to post thier pics yet.

Mat has now had his CI for five whole years! Nothing could have prepared me for everything we've been through. A bit of struggle at times, but amazing blessings, as well. I can only imagine what will come with the next five years. ;)

Whew! It's been a long time since posting!

We've had a busy summer, and the boys are settled into school. YEAH! I want to start posting here, again, thought I'd start with some more recent pics of the boys. Enjoy! ;)

FDA Approval of Advanced Bionic's HARMONY!

FDA Approval of Harmony™ HiResolution® Bionic Ear System

Source: Advanced Bionics
Publication Date: 9/28/2006
Author: Advanced Bionics

Natick, MA (September 27, 2006) -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today announced the approval of its new Harmony™ HiResolution® Bionic Ear System (Harmony System) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Developed by the Company's Neuromodulation Group, the Harmony System delivers 120 spectral bands, 5 - 10 times more than competing systems, helping to significantly increase hearing potential and quality of life for the severe-to-profoundly deaf.

"The Harmony System represents the next generation of cochlear implant technology," said Jeff Greiner, President of Boston Scientific's Neuromodulation Group. "We have brought together unprecedented advancements in science, design and functionality for the user - furthering our commitment to restoring hearing and improving quality of life for those living with hearing loss due to permanent inner ear or auditory nerve damage."

Designed to enhance music appreciation and improve hearing in a variety of difficult listening environments, the Harmony System couples revolutionary internal sound processing (with the optional HiRes Fidelity™ 120) with the new Harmony behind-the-ear (BTE) external sound processor. Together, the two key components of the Harmony System are designed to provide significantly enhanced spectral resolution compared to conventional systems for a more natural representation of sound to help improve patient performance.

"With the new Harmony System, we are able to actively steer electrical currents with a high degree of accuracy, increasing the number of spectral bands from 16 to 120," said Greiner. "We are attempting to guide precise pitch information into the cochlea by taking advantage of surviving neural populations to help increase the user's ability to hear in noisy environments and to better appreciate the intricate sounds of music."

Read more info here.