Charlaine,

I was in your position 6 months ago. I had experienced what I perceived as significant reduction in ability to recognize words in my left ear. I got my annual audiogram from my audiologist and it showed word recognition scores in both ears that were below the threshold for qualifying for a CI. I decided I wanted to pursue it as my friends and especially my family had grown frustrated with my hearing, or more specifically my understanding. I hear speech but don't recognize majority of the words in my left ear.

The Audiologist will then have to do additional testing (2 hours worth) to justify the loss for insurance purposes. If your audiologist does not have experience fitting and working with people with CI's, then you need to go to a larger practice or a research-type hospital. I went to Univ., of Penn Audiology where they do CI surgery weekly. I also could have gone to Jefferson Hospital in Philly or driven down to Baltimore for the best - Johns Hopkins.

If you live in a rural area, I would doubt your Audiologist has the experience and you might have to drive a distance, but it will be worth it. I have a surgery date lined up in August and am spending my time this month researching the 3 CI brands (Advanced Bionics, Cochlear Americas, Med-El) to decide which one I want to go with. I've also been talking to many of my friends at HLAA who have had CI's for years to learn what happens after the surgery, as the rehabilitation period after activation off your CI is very important to having the CI give you the best results in a quicker timeframe. I have heard of people getting to 90% word recognition in the CI ear within 3 months, and some it took almost a year.

Good luck with your decision. Let us know where you are located and maybe someone on this forum knows a good hospital or practice.

Mike in PA