What is the criteria for being eligible for CI?

Combination of the degree of loss and word recognition. The implant center will determine eligibility. If you are on Medicare they also have criteria.

Had a CI done a year ago. You need to spend time researching which one to get – there are 3 FDA approved ones. Had no issues at all with the operation – small incision behind ear, no vertigo, able to shower the next day, no hair shaving. Biggest thing with a CI is you need to do aural rehabilitation and you need to do it a lot – it makes a big difference. I think there is not enough emphasis on the fact that you are now hearing differently and your brain needs sound training. No regrets. Still use a HA on other ear.

The requirement is less than 50% speech scores on the AZ Bio sentence tests, less than 40% if you have Medicare. If you do the testing, make sure you only repeat back the words you actually understand. Do not fill in the blanks as this is a hearing test not a "how well you cope with HA's" test.

Thanks for the tip on the hearing tests. I've been wondering if maybe I score better than I perform in real life. I tend to try really hard to do well – old habits die hard! I think I always take a stab at the words, and – on the tone tests – indicate I've heard the tone even when it's just a slight sensation, not really something I hear as a sound. I'll consider a more relaxed approach the next time!

@tulip, @asklar02492, I'd like to hear from an audiologist on this. I think guessing at the words is actually encouraged — but not because it means you'll do better on the test and thus not be eligible for insurance coverage. The test shows the sounds you can and cannot hear — the various vowel and consonant sounds — and helps the audiologist make a more accurate assessment of your needs. As for the tone test, the tones are repeated and if you miss a tone one time but get it another it doesn't really mean anything because the audiologist can go back and test that same tone again — I think! Are there any audiologists reading this who can confirm or clarify?

In most cases the AuD can see your facial expressions and can tell if you are guessing. I always tried at my hearing tests, pre and post CI. That said, the hearing tests to evaluate you for CI candidacy are the only ones you likely will be glad you failed.

Hi! Instead of retyping my story, I'll just copy and paste my introduction post. 🙂

Hi! My name is Gerid. I am bi-modal. I've been severe/profound deaf since I was 2 years old from pneumonia. I am currenlt 39 years old. Either the high fever ruined my hearing or the antibiotics did it. Doctors aren't sure but they are leaning towards antibiotics probably being the cause. I have worn HAs all my life up until about 3 years ago when I got my first Cochlear Implant. My word recognition was 24% combined with both hearing aids in. 0% in my right ear. 24% in my left. 6 months after getting an implant, my right ear went from 0% to 66% percent. I am now at a combined 96% word recognition! I am getting my 2nd implant done in July 2019. I wish I had gotten my implants done 5 years sooner but unfortunately I was sucked into a vortex of nasty and untrue rumors/perceptions about Cochlear Implants. I am now a Cochlear Implant volunteer. I am also President of Hearing Loss Association of America, OAK Chapter in Grand Rapids, MI. I work for CaptionCall as well, talking with providers about captioning telephone services. My life is an open book and I love to talk with others about my experiences and connect them with resources to help them seek answers to their own questions.

As for guessing. The test I was doing, they actually marked right/from wrong based on syllables/sounds and not the entire word. So repeating back what I thought was being said, and I try REALLY hard to be right, they could see what sounds I was actually getting right.

@wired4sound, This is a great story! Congratulations. The vortex of nasty and untrue rumors is so damaging to so many people. Will you be in Rochester for HLAA Convention?

I will! Can't wait!

@wired4sound
Wow – what an encouraging story. I'm older – 70 with a progressive moderate/severe hearing loss in both ears, and HA's. I've been thinking of cochlear implants as last gasp, only maybe beneficial, technology to help me in my eighties. But maybe I should be looking forward to getting them!

I've seen 90+ year olds get them and say it was totally worth it. Don't wait. Don't think you are too old. Go get an evaluation.

@wiredforsound
Thanks for the information. Right now I think I'll have to wait for Medicare to cover, but I'm definitely checking out the situation in case I can speed things up.

Medicare does cover in most cases. I think their requirements is under 40% discrimination with hearing aids and severe/profound hearing loss. Good luck! 🙂