My first hearing aid was a bi-cross system, fitted in the early 80s. I was resistant to wearing a hearing aid of any kind then, but I did find it helped. I used the bi-cross and it's next generation for about 15 years. It was fit to the 'better' ear. I learned, through testing, that I should have been fit with 2 hearing aids. I'm sure my resistance was the reason why the hearing professional promoted the bi-cross. In time, tests showed that I had sensory deprivation in the unaided ear. At that time, I learned about direct audio input (DIA) microphones, and graduated to a single hearing aid that allowed me to use that hard wired mike when I needed directionality. (Think streamers today.) In 2005 I decided to consider a cochlear implant, and learned I was a candidate. The surgeons wanted to implant the ear where I had worn hearing aids for so long, but I balked because I didn't want to lose what little hearing I knew I had with a hearing aid. (I was hearing quite well when using hearing assistive technology; think FM systems.) At my insistence, the ear that had been deprived of sound was implanted. I've had incredible success with the CI. I'm so glad I did it when I did. At this point I should be a candidate for a second CI, but because the two technologies work so well together for me, I don't qualify according to Medicare. It's amazing though, because if one of the two technologies are not working, my hearing ability drops like a rock. My brain has rewired itself to be bimodal. I encourage anyone whose hearing is getting worse and worse to consider a cochlear implant.

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