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How to choose between CROSS hearing aids or Osia implant?

Posted by bdurel @bdurel, May 5, 2022

I experienced SSHL in my left ear 3 months ago. No speech discernment, severe to profound hearing loss. Fortunately my right ear hears very well. I've been referred for Osia implant but my husband is concerned about surgery, future technology advancements, even that I may lose the good hearing in my right ear as I age "and then what?", etc. I'm 65. I'm confused. How do I choose? Which will give me the closest to natural hearing that I'm accustomed to? Will either make it so I can use my left ear to talk on phone again. Is one better than the other for bike riding, traveling? My husband has also suggested I wait a year unaided to see if my hearing comes back but I'm already isolating. Any input to help me decide? Thank you.

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Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | May 5, 2022

@bdurel There is no one answer to your questions about your hearing situation. Everyone's hearing loss is different. I speak only from personal experience and from my involvement with others who have gone through a variety of experiences with sensorineural hearing loss, use of technology, implanted devices, etc.

First, the implantation surgery is relatively minor, but it is surgery so there is always a concern there. If surgery is a concern based on other health issues you may have, why not try a bi-cross hearing aid system? A reputable audiologist can fit you with that system. They will give you a trial period to see how it works. Unfortunately, the standard trial period is 30 days, which is not enough time for most people to test a product. But, many will extend that trial time if asked in advance.

You are fortunate to have good hearing in your right ear. And yes, anyone can or might lose hearing as they age. You don't know.

There is no reason why you cannot bike, drive, socialize, etc. with SSHL. Your good ear will pick up the sounds you miss with the left ear.

Should you try a bi-cross hearing aid system? It seems to me that it might be worth a try if surgery is a concern. Just remember that trial period is your time to test that technology. Wear it unless you're sleeping. Don't get frustrated and take it offs. There's a limited time to test it in the situations you enjoy being in. I strongly suggest you ask for a system that has both BlueTooth and telecoil. Don't let them talk you out of the telecoil as that is a key to using installed systems in public venues like performing arts centers. Get both telecoil and BT. Both can connect you to the phone wirelessly.

With a bi-cross system you should be able to hear from both sides. That's what it's designed for. An implanted device does the same thing.

The frustrating part is that the bi-cross hearing aid is probably not covered by your insurance or Medicare. The implanted device probably is. Still, that trial period allows you to try to avoid surgery if you choose to. Seems worth a try to me.

Remember, you can return a hearing aid system as long as the trial period has not run out. Ask questions when you are fitted. You will likely sign an agreement that stipulates that trial period. Read it.

Let me know if this is helpful. Julieo4

REPLY
1 reply
bdurel | @bdurel | May 5, 2022
In reply to @julieo4 "@bdurel There is no one answer to your questions about your hearing situation. Everyone's hearing loss..." + (show)
@julieo4

@bdurel There is no one answer to your questions about your hearing situation. Everyone's hearing loss is different. I speak only from personal experience and from my involvement with others who have gone through a variety of experiences with sensorineural hearing loss, use of technology, implanted devices, etc.

First, the implantation surgery is relatively minor, but it is surgery so there is always a concern there. If surgery is a concern based on other health issues you may have, why not try a bi-cross hearing aid system? A reputable audiologist can fit you with that system. They will give you a trial period to see how it works. Unfortunately, the standard trial period is 30 days, which is not enough time for most people to test a product. But, many will extend that trial time if asked in advance.

You are fortunate to have good hearing in your right ear. And yes, anyone can or might lose hearing as they age. You don't know.

There is no reason why you cannot bike, drive, socialize, etc. with SSHL. Your good ear will pick up the sounds you miss with the left ear.

Should you try a bi-cross hearing aid system? It seems to me that it might be worth a try if surgery is a concern. Just remember that trial period is your time to test that technology. Wear it unless you're sleeping. Don't get frustrated and take it offs. There's a limited time to test it in the situations you enjoy being in. I strongly suggest you ask for a system that has both BlueTooth and telecoil. Don't let them talk you out of the telecoil as that is a key to using installed systems in public venues like performing arts centers. Get both telecoil and BT. Both can connect you to the phone wirelessly.

With a bi-cross system you should be able to hear from both sides. That's what it's designed for. An implanted device does the same thing.

The frustrating part is that the bi-cross hearing aid is probably not covered by your insurance or Medicare. The implanted device probably is. Still, that trial period allows you to try to avoid surgery if you choose to. Seems worth a try to me.

Remember, you can return a hearing aid system as long as the trial period has not run out. Ask questions when you are fitted. You will likely sign an agreement that stipulates that trial period. Read it.

Let me know if this is helpful. Julieo4

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Julie,
Thank you so much for that valuable info. Surgery is not a concern for me from a health standpoint. I believe my husband has concerns because I had foot surgery years back and the surgeon did a poor job and closed up shop shortly after. I've been too uncomfortable to try riding my bike or driving much, even going for walks, because not knowing where sounds are coming from frightens me and I don't feel safe. Perhaps that fear would go away after awhile and I should just push myself to get out there. Also I have very small ear canals and I've never been comfortable with ear buds or anything in my ears. They are also very sensitive to hairspray, certain shampoos, etc so the thought of hearing aids, especially in my good ear, doesn't appeal. But if I had to I'm sure I would adjust. Maybe I'll look into trying the Cross before committing to the Osia to make my husband happier about it. Thank you again.

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