13 Days and Counting

I spent a lot of time on the computer today. I broaden my search beyond Hybrid Cochlear Implants (aka short-electrode cochlear implant) and opened up to cover a wide range of topics related to rehabilitation and high frequency hearing loss.  I found a lot of information. It was valuable to help me make an informed decision.

I learned about Floating Mass Transducers (aka middle ear implants.) I love the name Floating Mass Transducer but, in the end, I ruled FMT out as an option for me.  There are some good things about the FMT such as not having to worry about the ear irritation that comes from wearing hearing aids.  But, there were other concerns that left me thinking this is not the best way for me to go at this time. 

I  found two companies that offer an electronic-acoustic implant-Cochlear and Advanced Bionic Corporation.  Both have good informative websites designed to sell you on their product.  Both have strong products and offer consumer support. Both have people to help you navigate the insurance companies.  Both are heavily into research and development.   I had trouble deciding between the two corporations' product.

But, the deciding factor was where I could get services after the implant.  Following surgery, there will be activation, implant programmings (aka mapping) and listening therapy. What I learned today is Florida State University's Schendel Speech and Hearing Clinic is associated with Cochlear.  The clinic is just a few minutes away from my home. They have been there for me in the past and it would appear they are going to be in my future. One decision made. 

13 days and counting toward the eligibility evaluation

16 Days And Counting

I checked my right hearing aid and it is working again.  I think I will keep it in the dryer box until my eligibility evaluation. I need both hearing aids for the evaluation and the weather here has been rainy most afternoons.  I don't want to take a chance on it quitting again.  My left hearing aid has not had similar problems so I will continue to wear it.

Today, I sent Scott R.,Cochlear employee,  a message with a link to the Cigna policy I found on line.  I am trying to alert Cochlear that the current Cigna policy, that denies funding for Hybrid CIs,  is up for review next month. The current policy considers Hybrid CIs experimental.  I am hoping that Cochlear has someone on board that follows this type of information and who advocates with the insurance agencies during their policy reviews. The best case scenario is Cochlear will provide information that will promote Cigna to change their policy in advance of my needing the policy.

My hearing aids are nearing the end of their lifespan.  The last quote from a for profit company was $7,000 for two hearing aids. Insurance covers the audiological evaluation but will not cover hearing aids.  As I understand it, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will cover the expense for basic hearing aids but not the newer model that was recommended. After the quote from the for profit and my right hearing aid breaking, I went to  Florida State University's Schendel Speech and Hearing Clinic looking for more options. C. Johnson, audiologist,  told me about Hybrid CIs.

But are Hybrid CIs really an option for me? I am reluctant to get more hearing aids.  It will be more of the same.  Hearing aids amplify sounds. My high frequency loss is a sensorineural type of damage. So no matter how loud you amplify the high frequency sounds, I am not going to hear them.  Hybrid CIs offer something different.  Hearing aids to amplify the low frequency sounds and CI to recreate high frequency sounds for the auditory nerve to pick up. If the insurance says no, I don't know what the next step will be.

For now, I must practice patience.

Right Hearing Aid Died Again

My right hearing aid died again.  In April, I went to Florida  State University's Schendel Speech and Hearing Clinic  to get it fixed and it started working on its own. Lucky me.  That appointment at FSU lead to discussion about a Hybrid Cochlear Implant.   I have decided I am very interested in the implant.  Well, my interest is to be able to better participate in conversations and implants are the only thing that offers that potential now.

However, I need both of my hearing aids to last through the evaluation process. The hearing aids are about ten years old so I think I am pushing their lifespan. As yesterday was a rainy day, I put the hearing aid in a dry box in the hope that it is just moisture fouling the connections.  If it is not working by Monday, I will have to call C. Johnson to see what to do next. I am hopeful either that the aid dries out and begins working or this does not cause a delay in the evaluation process.