I have no hearing in right ear just lot's of screaming tinnitus. Lately my left ear is acting up. Do I start looking cochlear implants or do I wait until I'm completely deaf in both ears? I've have an appointment with specialist at UNC to find out more about them. What questions should I be asking? anything would help
Hello. I have a cochlear implant in my right ear and hearing aid in my left ear. Comepletly deaf in right ear and losing hearing in left. Deafness in right the result of a labyrinthectomy. Received implant 5 years after laby. I wouldn’t hesitate at all. I don’t know your condition as to how long the right ear has been deaf, but the sooner you can get one after going deaf, the better results you may have—no guarantees though. Some things you may want to ask: Am I a good candidate for a CI? This may be brand dependent, but can you pair a hearing aid with the CI for better success? Is my age a consideration for success? What are the risks of the surgery? Am I better off getting the CI now or waiting until I can get both? Just some anecdotal info: The world is a loud place and CIs magnify that to an extent. They are great at picking up annoying sounds (e.g., turn signals, running water faucets) yet not as good with human voices. It takes a LOT of patience, practice, and persistence with adjustments (aka mappings) and trial and error, but it’s worth it. Sure beats the alternative. Happy to answer any questions you may have and I hope this helps. —Kevin
Thank you for info. I meet with UNC North Carolina (one of best in USA) yesterday. I liked what the Audiology people talked about and they were great, but I felt I was talking to a used car salesman when I spoke with the Otolaryngologist. He was a Meniers expert, the first time I'd spoken to and "expert" beyond mt ENT dr. I wanted to talk about Meneries but he didn't want anything but my signature for the procedure. My biggest concern is that not much has changed with the internal part in many years. They indicated the internal ear has something like 20,000 hairs and are able to produce only the equivalent of 22 hairs. Once I have it done it's what I'm stuck with for ever. Since we all know AI is getting ready to change the world, what's it going to do with Cochlears? I'm not expecting AI to come up with a "new" one. With AI coming online more and more every day, somewhere someone may have thought of a better internal part, but because they don't have the right name, right letters behind their name, or are not at the right institute, no one takes them serious, and the idea is just sitting there (posted online). AI might allow it to be discovered by someone that can move it to the next level. The Otolaryngologist with much confidence says "nope it will never change, it's the best it's going to be, sign here now". I lost half hearing in right ear 3/21 and remaining 3/22 so the window is still open for a little while longer. I would hate myself if something comes along in the 18-24 months and I'm stuck the (old and much less effective internal part). Other questions you might be able to answer. Will it restore my sense of sound direction? Will it help being able to hear individuals in multi-people speaking environments'? What are the down sides?
I'm getting tested next week for the third time for a cochlear. The first two times I did not qualify according to Medicare standards -my hearing in my good ear was too "good", but it has deteriorated since y last test 2 years ago. I have no hearing directional capability and everything is garbled to me so I'm ready to take the plunge if I "flunk".
The decision is yours, of course. For me, it was a little easier since I have 0 hearing in my right ear resultant of a labyrinthectomy. For me, hearing anything in that ear was welcomed as soon as possible. Echolocation comes with persistence in wearing the processor. It isn't obvious at first, but the sound coming from the implanted side is different than normal hearing. That said there are times I only hear something through the implant and not my "good" ear. So the ability is there, it just takes a lot of brainwork to figure out the new way to hear. There are plenty of software programs on the processor to help in noisy environments. They are far from perfect but are better than the normal setting an implant may be programmed for. Downsides are: I'm almost completely deaf without it and the accompanying hearing aid (not really a downside, but credit to the available tech) If you live an active lifestyle, they can be challenging Takes time to acclimate Hats. If you wear hats, there's a bit of a challenge (a little tongue-in-cheek, but relevant to some) I get your apprehension about future technology, but from what I understand, the sooner you get the CI after going deaf, the better the outcome is. Tinnitus is masked in the affected ear whilst using the CI; however, as soon as you take the processor off (say, bedtime), it returns. Meniere's can damage hair cells in the inner ear; therefore, it's possible you already aren't dealing with the full amount you cited. Please remember, I'm not steering you toward anything, just wanted to share my experiences. As a musician, I can tell you losing your hearing is terrifying and I think all your concerns are well-founded. Happy to answer any concerns you have. I generally am on the forum every night. --Kevin