HA's are considered a "quality of life" issue and not a medical necessity. No, I do not agree with that but that is the excuse we get. My real theory is that it would bankrupt the system, especially Medicare, if they covered HA's because so many people need them.

As for Cochlear Implants, GO FOR IT!! My CI's are the best thing I have ever done for myself. HA's just do not compare. The short of it is that HA"s just amplify sound where CI's use your ear structure to produce sound the way it is supposed to be made. CI's have given me my life back.

Also, CI's are covered under insurance 🙂

You are fortunate to be a candidate for cochlear implants. I was implanted with one CI when I was your age, even though I qualified for 2 then. I am amazed at how well my brain has adjusted to being bimodal (hearing aid and CI). I test extremely well when using both technologies. I've thought seriously about having a 2nd CI, but am told, after extensive testing, that I do too well to qualify since my test results indicate I'm hearing 90+ percent when using both HA & CI. Interestingly, when I remove one technology, it doesn't matter which one, I do poorly. The brain is amazing. I encourage you to go for a CI. Good Luck. PS: Get involved with HLAA If you're not already a member. HLAA advocates for you. If more people would become involved, we just might change the insurance issue.