IllinoisDeafBob
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- Joined
- Jan 31, 2018
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So I took the red pill and am in the process of seeing how cochlear implants will change my life. I've spent my life as a technical person, first an auto mechanic, then as a computer programmer and hardware specialist plus other hobbies and habits that have filled my life.
I've had hearing aids for 18 years, now I've regressed in my left ear to profound and severe on my right, so I qualify for at least one implantation. I've been researching since October about the three companies and their technology. I've focused on the internal electrode technology most as it is what is least able to change out of the whole setup. I am working with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. My insurance so far has basically given me a reasonable blank check to get what I need and what best matches my life. I am grateful there; however, the manufacturers have certainly made the choices difficult.
Right now Cochlear is out - from their first impression, all they talked about was IPhone compatibility. No technical information, nothing else. Total turn off. After researching, I see how they are the biggest company with the most users, because they cater more to the low income, medicaid, and government assisted services around the world more than the other brands. This is like saying Ford Motor Company is best because they sell more cars [which happens to be to rentals, government agencies, and transportation fleets] Although they were the first to reach out to me, I have not been sold on their technology and what really matters for me in my head. AB seems to have the most bells and whistles, and the virtual electrodes which seem to be interesting. I am looking into that as well. MedEl has most of my attention with their customized electrode length, wavy electrode wires to enhance cochlear curve over the others, but they have fewer electrodes and noise of virtual electrodes, but I have yet to research that. So, I am still in the research phase . . . . more to follow . . .
I've had hearing aids for 18 years, now I've regressed in my left ear to profound and severe on my right, so I qualify for at least one implantation. I've been researching since October about the three companies and their technology. I've focused on the internal electrode technology most as it is what is least able to change out of the whole setup. I am working with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. My insurance so far has basically given me a reasonable blank check to get what I need and what best matches my life. I am grateful there; however, the manufacturers have certainly made the choices difficult.
Right now Cochlear is out - from their first impression, all they talked about was IPhone compatibility. No technical information, nothing else. Total turn off. After researching, I see how they are the biggest company with the most users, because they cater more to the low income, medicaid, and government assisted services around the world more than the other brands. This is like saying Ford Motor Company is best because they sell more cars [which happens to be to rentals, government agencies, and transportation fleets] Although they were the first to reach out to me, I have not been sold on their technology and what really matters for me in my head. AB seems to have the most bells and whistles, and the virtual electrodes which seem to be interesting. I am looking into that as well. MedEl has most of my attention with their customized electrode length, wavy electrode wires to enhance cochlear curve over the others, but they have fewer electrodes and noise of virtual electrodes, but I have yet to research that. So, I am still in the research phase . . . . more to follow . . .
