Pleased that I can be helpful. You live right in the heart of HLAA country. The home office moved from Bethesda to Rockville MD a few months ago, but had been in Bethesda since 1979. Your best bet is to contact HLAA. The website lists chapters of HLAA and their contact information. http://www.hearingloss.org People in those chapters will be happy to share their experiences with you. There are several options for you in the D.C., MD, and Virginia area. I hope this helps. I was on the national board of HLAA during the 80s and 90s. I watched the development of cochlear implants in awe. I finally decided to go for it in 2005. No regrets. It allowed me to return to work after a 24 year hiatus. I could share more about my personal experience, but think that's probably enough. 🙂 Good luck to you! NOTE: As a college student I was told I had 'nerve deafness'; that nothing could ever be done to correct that. That was in the 60s. Feeling fortunate.