Has anyone gotten the MED-EL cochlear implant?

Posted by charlaine @charlaine, Nov 26 5:54pm

I just learned about this from an audiologist friend who works for this company. It has been FDA approved for hearing preservation with the implant. She previously worked for Cochlear so knows the options- and she is very excited about MED-EL. I am looking for any experience with this.

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Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Nov 27 12:10pm

Please share what you learned with us. Med-El is one of the three major cochlear implant manufacturers. The other two are Advanced Bionics and Cochlear Corp.

Has Med-El had something new 'approved'? Thanks in advance for sharing with us.

charlaine | @charlaine | 5 days ago

I was told from a MED-EL employee that it is FDA approved to preserve hearing in the ear getting the implant.

mazz101 | @mazz101 | 4 days ago

who do i contact to get the implant?

susanfalcon52 | @susanfalcon52 | 4 days ago

Is the implant covered by Medicare Part B? Or, any insurance?

charlaine | @charlaine | 4 days ago

I have been tested by a clinic that does implants and based on my hearing loss - pretty severe- it would qualify for Medicare.

charlaine | @charlaine | 4 days ago

In reply to @mazz101 "who do i contact to get the implant?" + (show)

My audiologist gave me a referral to a clinic in St. Paul that does implants

hedgerow | @hedgerow | 4 days ago

A few good resources
https://cochlearimplanthelp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ciexperiences
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10604631/
To answer a few questions above
-hearing preservation. The statistics are favorable, but there is no 100% guarantee
-insurance. Yes many insurance plans cover CI surgery, but it depends on your plan and network

Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | 3 days ago

You will find good information on the website of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance.
http://www.acia.org Medicare generally covers the cost of cochlear implantation if the person has been deemed a candidate. If there is a cochlear implant center in your area, go there for testing.

The mission of the American Cochlear Implant (ACI) Alliance Foundation is to advance access to the gift of hearing provided by cochlear implantation through research, advocacy and awareness.