Just to clarify, the Roger Pen is not an 'amplifier'. It's a microphone that allows someone to hear better in noisy settings. It helps clarify conversation. Prior to the development of this device and other streaming devices that work with hearing aids, many people used a personal FM system or a direct audio input microphone that could be connected to a hearing aid with a wire. Those both worked well, but were somewhat cumbersome. I certainly understand why you prefer not to add more expense to your new Phonak hearing aids, and hope you will benefit greatly from those excellent hearing aids.

Deciding to undergo 'corrective surgery' of any kind is a personal decision. CI surgery is intended to be corrective in that it can, and most often will, bring clarified sound back to a person who has serious hearing loss. It's usually done on an outpatient basis, and is a relatively minor procedure. It is not 'brain surgery' as some would have people beelieve. There are some naysayers out there among the culturally Deaf population about cochlear implants. They feel their deafness is their identity and their 'norm' and don't want to be 'cured'.

I'm surprised to know there's a detailed video on cochlear implants that would be such a turn off. I'd like to see it. Do you know how I can access it?