Yesterday was spent at Mayo with my daughter helping. First appointment was to select which CI I wanted to go with. Robin and I had done a lot of homework and decided on the Cochlear because of it's Kanso 2 (I have problems with dermatitis caused by the ITE). And Cochlear gave a lot of free 'toys'. Mayo uses Cochlear, MedEl (another consideration due to their Rondo) and AB. We both discounted AB as it didn't have an off the ear device). Dr Le then went over each one, plus, minus and the same in comparing them.

Turns out I'm going with the AB! The device is BTE, however it has a microphone that is directly in front of the ear canal (doesn't go in the ear) and for me would give better hearing. Another major point for me was that it included the HA (no cost) that 'talks' directly to the CI. Will stream directly to my Iphone (which was one of the selling points on Cochlear - MedEl you need to wear the mini-mic).

AB's HA is made to directly interface with the CI, which seemed to be a major plus. At one time AB had a recall (which had concerned me). Dr Le (who is fabulous) knew all the details and that it had been fixed. For my hearing loss - flat and severe - the AB turned out for me to make the most sense.

Next I was in and out for the CT - a piece of cake.

Last for the day was the balance tests, which were very easy and interesting.

Thursday I see the surgeon to hear (pun intended) what the team decided and if a 'go' to set a date for the surgery. The whole team has been wonderful. For the CT I was scheduled for 4:45pm, which meant hanging about for almost 3 hours. They managed to squeeze me in between the other two appointments! Yeah for Eric!. And by the time we headed out a major rain storm had left the area and we didn't have to mess with rush hour traffic and another storm (Arizona people do not drive well in rain - we aren't used to it).

Wishing you the very best in your journey.

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