For a long time, I've been struggling whether to get cochlear implant or not. Finally, recently I had a serious discussion with my honey Hollie about this. She was a little surprised (ok by me ;) ) .
After a long research, yes Cochlear implant will improve my hearing to hear ( not to be hearing) with special device. I've thought about it. Hollie is concerning about the side effects which I don't blame her.
Again, I'm much older and my brain is kind of hard (compare to young children's brains are soft and absorbs almost everything...). I do know that I don't have much time of excessive hearing training as I have a life to deal with :o). That is something for me to think about.
Hollie suggested me to start with Digital hearing aids to see how things go. I've not worn hearing aids since probably more than 10 years (it was broken - insurance doesnt cover - for those who have visual plan coverage by insurance - be happy). It costs 3000.00 for new digital hearing aids. Ouch! Most insurances will cover cochlear implants.
What difference between digital hearing aid and cochlear implant. As many of you know - I'm severe to profound deaf. My hearing loss are in be between 80-100 db. (only can hear the very loud noise - like jet engine plane, construction machines that many hearing people couldn't bear to hear the loud noises.) For digital hearing aid - have several listening modes, automatic volume control, and even automatic feedback (when the hearing aid squeals) reduction. If I decided to chose this, I would probably hear many sounds - I might will in range of 40-50 db hearing loss.
For cochlear implant - surgery required - will hear as many as sounds around you... I would be probably in 20db hearing loss range.
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Degree of Hearing Loss
Degree of hearing loss refers to the severity of the loss. The numbers are representative of the patient's thresholds, or the softest intensity at which sound is perceived. The following is one of the more commonly used classification systems:
Degree of hearing loss
Hearing loss range (dB HL)
Normal
-10 to 15
Slight
16 to 25
Mild
26 to 40
Moderate
41 to 55
Moderately severe
56 to 70
Severe
71 to 90
Profound
91+
Source: Clark, J. G. (1981). Uses and abuses of hearing loss classification. Asha, 23, 493–500.
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I'm aware that I will not learn as much as the young children who receives their cochlear implants. As I recently mentioned that my brain is old and hard! haha
This summer, I will make an appointment with audiologist about hearing aids and cochlear implant. Hollie will coming along with me. I probably will go for digital hearing aids. If I'm kid, I knew my parents will have me to have cochlear implant (no question asked).
I want to emphasize this... I am STILL DEAF if I decide to have digital hearing aids or cochlear implant. I will not be able to talk on the phone if I get cochlear implant. I will be always DEAF no matter what! I just want to hear the sounds. I know my kids are musicians! I do not have to understand the sounds of words. I just miss hearing music and I know I will hear my children's music whether they are singing or playing music instruments. I want to hear laughing, crying, and so forth. If I don't want to hear it, I just simply take it off :o) I know its totally sucks when you all want to have quiet time but look at this way - you have all the sounds to hear.
Hope to know the answer real soon :o) Now my life is a little complication :o(
5 comments:
WOW ! I hope your insurance covers this ? Do most insurance companies cover Cochlear more so than digital or is it, either or ?
Such a tough decision. I hope that you get it and are able to hear the sounds and music that you want. I hope that your old, hard brain ;) will allow for you to distinguish, learn and enjoy the sounds that you want to hear.
I am also EXTREMELY jealous and you know how jealous I am, that you can in fact take them out whenever you want.
I wish they made a mommy to five kids hearing device that would filter all of the crying and whining out :) ha ha
Maybe you could invent it and become REALLY rich !
It's funny that you posted this; you came to mind when I watched the movie "Sweet Nothing in my ear" last night. In the movie, Marlee Matlin's character is against getting an implant for her son. This leads to a separation from her hearing husband and a nasty custody battle. I really learned a lot about the deaf community that I didn't previously know.
Good Luck with your decision; I know it's a hard one.
Hmmm I was wondering about this as well. I watched the same movie as sjaynei about choclear implants and wondered what you guys thought. Please keep us updated!!
So cool, Technology can be a wonderful thing. Today there are limitations, tomorrow there might not be. Just think how far science has come in just the past 20 years. Even 2 yrs. It grows exponentially. The science is usually of basic and simple concepts. But the idea! I am always in awe of. To the Visionary's and their ideas!
It sounds like either of those devices might work for you T. I am excited for you.
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