Successful laby 2011 considering Cochlear Implant

Larry. I was implanted for SSD this past December. I have a thread on his forum of my experience. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

 

Hi Larry So good to hear from you and great to know you are living your life! I remember your laby journey. I also had a laby in 2012. I had a conversation with my OTO about a cochlear implant after my good ear bottomed out on 2 different occasions. His recommendation was to have the implant while you still have hearing in your good ear. However he also stated that the technology changes every day and waiting until you are ready can be an advantage. My last bad spell with my ear was 2 years ago. I have yearly hearing test and my hearing is stable. I will consider an implant if and when the hearing in my good ear starts to fail me. I am sure you will make the right decision for you. Best of luck.

 

I have questions that maybe you two can answer.

I have SSD in one ear with a 40% hearing loss and a 100% comprehension loss. I cannot understand any words spoken into my bad ear, nor can I identify what sounds are that I hear only or predominately with my left ear. Will an implant allow me to regain comprehension?

I am on Medicare with a supplemental policy that pays everything that Medicare doesn’t. Will Medicare and insurance companies typically pay for the implant if I still have one good ear with only a minor hearing loss.

How do they know that the implant will work for me before they implant it? I’ve had several specialists try to figure out why I have lost my hearing and none are able to make that determination. It’s possible that I may have nerve damage or brain damage. I don’t know why I would have such damage, but at least one doctor said it was a possibility. The same doctor said a hearing aid was a waste of money and he was correct.

I’m calling the local ear nose and throat specialist that does implants on Tuesday and hope to get an appointment and more information. But hearing from someone who has already travelled this road is valuable.

 

@TexOkie, I’m really not sure about Medicare as I have private insurance. I can tell you that the implant WILL make a difference. It’s a long road, but one that should pay off with hard work put in. Your user name intrigues me as I am in the DFW area. If you are too, let me know and I can recommend a dr.

best of luck! Kevin

 

No, I’m in Tulsa. My user name comes from being born an partially raised in San Antonio and then moving to Tulsa where I spent the rest of my life. The times I have gone to DFW, it has felt like home. At one point I could find my way around there almost as well as here. Since I feel like I belong to both worlds, that’s the user name I use.

Eric
Tulsa

 

I found out today that in order to see an ENT for a consult on a Cochlear Implant, you have to be referred if you are on Medicare. I've messaged my PCP and asked her to send the referral over.

 

Best of luck!