@charlaine You are fortunate to live in an area where there is an HLAA chapter as Mike mentioned. I hope you connect with them as it really helps to talk to people who understand what you are going through. You can get contact information on the national HLAA website under chapters. http://www.hearingloss.org

The University of Minnesota has a CI program. Of course, Mayo is in MN too. It is important to consult with an audiologist who is informed about CIs or is affiliated with a CI center.

I'm sad to say I have two friends who have had audiologists tell them they are 'not ready' for a CI. Both of those friends are borderline, and in their late 70s. They struggle socially and are starting to withdraw from things they've always enjoyed. Both have been using hearing aids for years. I mention this only because there seems to be a disconnect among some audiologists when it's time to recommend going the CI route. Perhaps they don't want to lose a long time patient. This, in spite of the reality that candidacy for CIs has changed considerably in the last two years to allow more people to qualify. Getting tested at a CI center, and consulting with experts in this area makes sense.

Do keep us posted.