Let Them Hear Foundation

[vallee]

Would this foundation help me, as a HA user, get new HAs or digital HAs?

I don't know but have you asked this organization or any other organization for help?

Sometimes we find the assistance we need by going through the wrong door and they lead us to the right one.

 

[shel90]

I don't know but have you asked this organization or any other organization for help?

Sometimes we find the assistance we need by going through the wrong door and they lead us to the right one.

If their name is "Let Them Hear" then they should help HA users as well so that was the point of my question. If the answer is no that they dont serve HA users, then there has to be a valid point to Jillo's argument about financial gains.

 

[vallee]

Have u personally experienced being deaf and wearing HAs? I rely on my HAs heavily when I am around hearing people. They work for me. Maybe they dont work for some but HAs are still working for a lot of people espeically people with mild hearing losses. Dont they have a right to get their HAs covered?

I agree HA need to be covered by insurance. I had to make my last ones last 14 years because my insurance did not cover it. The last set 14 years ago was paid for my the army(hubby was in). My family and I paid for the other 5 sets of HA before that.

 

[shel90]

I agree HA need to be covered by insurance. I had to make my last ones last 14 years because my insurance did not cover it. The last set 14 years ago was paid for my the army(hubby was in). My family and I paid for the other 5 sets of HA before that.

I agree with u. I went 5 years without HAs cuz my old ones broke and I was a struggling, broke student. I had insurance at the time and they didnt cover them so I felt kinda discriminated against cuz they told me that if I get a CI, they will cover it. I felt like I was being manipulated by them in some way. Those 5 years without sound perspection (I dont need HAs for speech discrimination due to the severity of my hearing loss) were the hardest 5 years of my life but I managed since I wasnt in a spoken environment 24/7. I cant imagine if I was..I would probably resign myself to get the CI surgery.

 

[vallee]

I agree with u. I went 5 years without HAs cuz my old ones broke and I was a struggling, broke student. I had insurance at the time and they didnt cover them so I felt kinda discriminated against cuz they told me that if I get a CI, they will cover it. I felt like I was being manipulated by them in some way. Those 5 years without sound perspection (I dont need HAs for speech discrimination due to the severity of my hearing loss) were the hardest 5 years of my life but I managed since I wasnt in a spoken environment 24/7. I cant imagine if I was..I would probably resign myself to get the CI surgery.

Before my hubby and I decided on my CI surgery, we made a 5 year plan. We would be able in 5 years and able to afford new digital HAs. That would have been next month. We were willing to give up getting a car for me and a house to get HA for me. It is frustrating to not have the technology we need or want. I have questioned my insurance company and hoped they would cover it. Then the truth hit - even with digital HA, I would not get the assistance I needed from them. My hearing was just gone. I most likely went 5 years more than I could with my HA, but it took that long to accept being deaf.

 

[jillio]

Before my hubby and I decided on my CI surgery, we made a 5 year plan. We would be able in 5 years and able to afford new digital HAs. That would have been next month. We were willing to give up getting a car for me and a house to get HA for me. It is frustrating to not have the technology we need or want. I have questioned my insurance company and hoped they would cover it. Then the truth hit - even with digital HA, I would not get the assistance I needed from them. My hearing was just gone. I most likely went 5 years more than I could with my HA, but it took that long to accept being deaf.

But can't you see, vallee, that this places some people in the position of making a decision for CI that they would not otherwise make because it is the only way that they can receive assistance? I personally see that as very manipulative.

 

[vallee]

But can't you see, vallee, that this places some people in the position of making a decision for CI that they would not otherwise make because it is the only way that they can receive assistance? I personally see that as very manipulative.

I worked personally with these people, I don't see it. They didn't take my case until I have had 3 insurance denials already. I had already made my decision before they ever got involved. They were my last hope not my first resource.

 

[Cloggy]

"even those that are able to develp oral language skills" and what percentage would that be. Tell me Jillio, what percentage does NOT develop language skills?

"highest functioning are exposed to both sign language and spoken language"
so.... oral development would be a good thing...
oral language development does not exclude signlanguage

And "promoting the concept that parents must begin the implant procedure as soon as they receive the diagnosis" is a good thing. Actually, even before the diagnosis would be great, since you can always stop the procedure when it's not wanted.
Starting the procedure when you finally decided to go for CI would be waisting a lot of precious time. In the time that the procedure is running you can learn sign, cued speech, about the Deaf world and stop the procedure if wanted.

I knew this was coming, cloggy.

I know you knew.... just didn't want to disappoint you

 

[vallee]

I am more upset with the insurance companies for denial of coverage. If they covered CIs and HA, then foundations like let them hear or others would not be needed. If all insurances covered HA, would the cost be so high? If insurance companies representated the consumers than we would not need advocay groups and lawyers to assist us in getting the services we want.

 

[jillio]

I worked personally with these people, I don't see it. They didn't take my case until I have had 3 insurance denials already. I had already made my decision before they ever got involved. They were my last hope not my first resource.

I did not say you, personally, vallee, I said it could be that way for some people. The very fact that they give assistance to people seeking CI only in their insurance advocacy efforts only makes it so. If your purpose is to assist deaf individuals, then you assist all deaf indiviudal, not just CI users.

 

[jillio]

I am more upset with the insurance companies for denial of coverage. If they covered CIs and HA, then foundations like let them hear or others would not be needed. If all insurances covered HA, would the cost be so high? If insurance companies representated the consumers than we would not need advocay groups and lawyers to assist us in getting the services we want.

LTH does a lot more than just assist in insurance advocacy. And all of it is designed to promote CI.

 

[jillio]

I know you knew.... just didn't want to disappoint you

And, do you have a response to the research?

 

[Cloggy]

........
Abstract
The aim of the study was to explore patterns of communication between 22 children with cochlear implants (CI) and their parents, teachers and peers in natural interactions over a 2-year period.
The children, between 2 and 5 years old when implanted, had used the implant between 1 and 3.5 years at the end of the study. Analyses of videorecorded interactions showed that meaningful oral communication was more easily obtained in the home setting than in the preschool setting. Patterns in of communication between parent–child, content and complexity of dialogues, quality of peer interactions, communicative styles of adults, and the use of sign language in communication turned out to be important factors when explaining the result of the CI on the individual child’s development.The children with the best oral skills were also good signers.
Out of the 22 children, 10 receive their education in sign-language classes, mainly at the schools for the deaf. Eight children attend regular classes for hearing children supported by a personal assistant using sign language. When the data collection in the school study is terminated, the children will have used their implants for between 5 and 7.5 years. Thus, this study will give us more detailed information on the development of individual children with cochlear implants from a longitudinal perspective.

Analyses of the video recorded interactions showed that the children who had developed most oral language also had a well developed sign language. These children seemed to have an awareness of the function of language in communication and they were used to understand and be understood at home as well as in the preschool setting. When misunderstandings occurred, either because the children had not perceived the spoken words, or that the parents or teachers had not understood, the children tried to make repairs. They asked for repetitions or for more information, or they changed their own way of communicating to facilitate for the partner to establish a well functioning dialogue. Sign language in itself, however, was no guarantee for the development of spoken language. But children who had an insufficient command of sign language or whose sign-language development was discontinued also had very little or no spoken language. In three cases, we observed children who had very little sign language to begin with but, as their sign language increased, they also developed more spoken language.

The children in this study developed differently with their implants. There were no clear patterns registered regarding the effects of variables such as time for and cause of deafness, time with implant or age of operation, on the children’s ability to perceive and produce spoken language after 2 years of study.
But the group of children in this study is small and heterogenous and the conclusions of the results must be considered as tentative. Variables such as time for and cause of deafness, and time with implant or age of operation, are often used as important predictors of a successful effect on implant use (Miyamoto et al. 1993; Ganz et al. 1994; Walzman et al. 1994; 1995). But the results have not been unequivocal. According to Ganz et al. (1994), age when receiving the implant had a minor effect on the result concerning the prelingually deaf children.

The results of the present study indicate the importance of using a somewhat broader perspective on children’s development when discussing predictors of a successful result of the implant in terms of improving communicative skills.

Preisler, A., et.al. (2002). Psychosocial follow-up study of deaf preschool children using cochlear implants. Childcare, Health, & Development. 28-5. 403-418.

To used the words of Jillio.... "A small study with no statistical relevance."
Like I thought... CI helps in becoming strong in speech.

- just kidding... relax.....

Think about it.. why would a child have ASL in addition, or not have ASL.. Could it be parent-involvement (or the lack of it) because the parent allready knew ASL? Are the parent (or one of them) deaf. What is the underlying factor of teaching the child ASL.
I don't disagree that signs (ASL or cued speech) is a wonderful tool for any child. ASL however would mean the child would use two languages. (Cued speech would keep the child within the same language)
Now, from experiences I know that a child has no problems using two languages. Still, both languages have to be used consistently, for example one in the home, the other outside.

When research was done about the performance between children with CI, With CI&ASL and CI&CS (Cued Speech) I recall that the latter group came out best.
So you are right. It is very beneficial to have extra tool when learning to speak and read...

No we both need to find articles/research that are scientifically relevant...
I'm on my way!

 

[jillio]

Joseph B. Roberson, Jr., M.D.
President, Founder

Joseph Roberson, M.D. serves as Founder and President for The Let Them Hear Foundation, a medical organization passionate about bringing the gift of hearing to those living in silence in the U.S. and around the world.

Currently, Roberson also serves as CEO and Managing Partner at the California Ear Institute, where he oversees all business, clinical and surgical daily operations at several Northern California locations. Roberson serves as faculty member and is the former Chief of Otology-Neurotology-Skull Base surgery at Stanford University where he worked before launching LTHF. He serves as a consultant for several industry leaders, including Acclarent, Medtronic, Advanced Bionics Corporation and Cochlear Corporation. He maintains an active clinical and surgical practice, and functions as the Fellowship Director of CEI, a program responsible for training surgeons in Otology-Neurotology-Skull Base surgery.

As LTHF Founder and President, Roberson leads all daily operations and strategic planning efforts for the Foundation. His responsibilities as President include traveling to train surgeons and found cochlear implant programs overseas, program development and administration.
A widely published and featured speaker, Roberson has appeared on multiple national television programs, and serves as the Medical Director of the Adult and Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program at California Ear Institute and Children's Hospital Oakland.


Kirk Dunn
Kirk Dunn brings to the Foundation a diversified knowledge base of technology engineering, marketing, and sales and management experience and presently is the CEO at Powerfile. During his nearly 20-year career, Kirk has worked extensively with Fortune 200 accounts, successfully built strategic sales and product divisions, and led international expansions. Prior to coming to PowerFile, Kirk was CEO of Bang Networks where he devised and executed a market and product strategy that delivered the first real-time Web messaging appliance to Fortune 200 customers. He was also Vice President of North America Field Operations for Inktomi where he built and led a team from $3M to a $150M run rate, and was instrumental in new product planning as member of Inktomi's executive strategy council. Kirk came to Inktomi from Network Equipment Technologies, Inc. (NET) where he held executive positions in sales, marketing, and professional services. Prior to NET, Kirk worked for IBM, in senior sales positions. Kirk received a B.A. in Mathematics and Applied Sciences from the University of California, Los Angeles.


Les Koonce
Les was born in Raleigh, North Carolina where he attended school and received his B.B.A from Campbell College. Years of traveling brought him to the San Francisco area, where he now resides. Professionally, Les entered the insurance business and organized Koonce Financial Corporation in 1982. Presently, the firm provides insurance, investment and pension services to over 1,200 individual and corporate clients. In 1992, Les was appointed General Agent of Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company of Northern California and managed over 70 associates in three Bay Area offices. In 1993, the Peninsula Association of Life Underwriters honored him as the “Insurance Professional of the Year”. Les and his wife Suzanne, reside in Menlo Park, and enjoy golf, running marathons, and attending Menlo Park Presbyterian Church where Les is a Deacon.


Jim Pollock
Jim has grown up locally in the Bay Area and received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University. He founded and is President of Pollock Financial Group and its affiliates: Pollock Investment Advisory Corporation, Pollock Realty Corporation and Pollock Life Insurance Corporation. Since 1960, Pollock Financial Group and its affiliate corporations have provided various financial services for its corporate and personal clients. While away from work, Jim and his wife Guyla enjoy spending time with their five children and eight grandchildren. Jim resides locally in Portola Valley and is an active member in several professional associations. Personal favorite activities include playing the banjo, cycling, tennis, fly-fishing, and softball.

 

[jillio]

To used the words of Jillio.... "A small study with no statistical relevance."
Like I thought... CI helps in becoming strong in speech.

- just kidding... relax.....

Think about it.. why would a child have ASL in addition, or not have ASL.. Could it be parent-involvement (or the lack of it) because the parent allready knew ASL? Are the parent (or one of them) deaf. What is the underlying factor of teaching the child ASL.
I don't disagree that signs (ASL or cued speech) is a wonderful tool for any child. ASL however would mean the child would use two languages. (Cued speech would keep the child within the same language)
Now, from experiences I know that a child has no problems using two languages. Still, both languages have to be used consistently, for example one in the home, the other outside.

When research was done about the performance between children with CI, With CI&ASL and CI&CS (Cued Speech) I recall that the latter group came out best.
So you are right. It is very beneficial to have extra tool when learning to speak and read...

No we both need to find articles/research that are scientifically relevant...
I'm on my way!

This research is scientifically relevent, and replicates and has been replicated to produce similar results. You cannot deny, cloggy, that the children with the greatest oral skills are also those that are profiecient in sign. CS is not a topic in this thread, but in another thread.

 

[jillio]

To used the words of Jillio.... "A small study with no statistical relevance."
Like I thought... CI helps in becoming strong in speech.

- just kidding... relax.....

Think about it.. why would a child have ASL in addition, or not have ASL.. Could it be parent-involvement (or the lack of it) because the parent allready knew ASL? Are the parent (or one of them) deaf. What is the underlying factor of teaching the child ASL.
I don't disagree that signs (ASL or cued speech) is a wonderful tool for any child. ASL however would mean the child would use two languages. (Cued speech would keep the child within the same language)
Now, from experiences I know that a child has no problems using two languages. Still, both languages have to be used consistently, for example one in the home, the other outside.

When research was done about the performance between children with CI, With CI&ASL and CI&CS (Cued Speech) I recall that the latter group came out best.
So you are right. It is very beneficial to have extra tool when learning to speak and read...

No we both need to find articles/research that are scientifically relevant...
I'm on my way!

This research is scientifically relevent, and has replicates and has been replicated to produce similar results. You cannot deny, cloggy, that the children with the greatest oral skills are also those that are profiecient in sign. CS is not a topic in this thread, but in another thread.In fact,we are getting off topic completly. This thread relates to the LTH foundation. I will open another thread with additional research to support my position regarding the research findings of CI and sign.

 

[rick48]

If their name is "Let Them Hear" then they should help HA users as well so that was the point of my question. If the answer is no that they dont serve HA users, then there has to be a valid point to Jillo's argument about financial gains.

I know that you function as jilly's ever faithful sychophant agreeing with her no matter how absurd or ridiculous the argument du jour she makes is but that post is over the top even for a sycophant like you.

 

[Cloggy]

Have u personally experienced being deaf and wearing HAs? I rely on my HAs heavily when I am around hearing people. They work for me. Maybe they dont work for some but HAs are still working for a lot of people espeically people with mild hearing losses. Dont they have a right to get their HAs covered?

Personal experience. What does that have to do with it?
I have seen my daughter having absolutely no benefit of HA's. Are you telling me she should not have had CI?

Why do I need personal experience? Do you have personal experience with CI - no, Does Jillio have personal experience with HA's, CI....???
Without personal experience we cannot say anything any more.... or is the argument weakened coming from someone who can hear.

And where have I said that HA's should not be covered?
I never stated that anywhere

But that opens possibilities. You can start your own organisation like the "let the hear" cooperation, but then for HA's. Free services for anyone who wants to have a HA. But make sure you do not make any profit.... !!!!

 

[jillio]

Cloggy,
The research continues in the Sign Language and Oralism forum.

 

[jillio]

Personal experience. What does that have to do with it?
I have seen my daughter having absolutely no benefit of HA's. Are you telling me she should not have had CI?

Why do I need personal experience? Do you have personal experience with CI - no, Does Jillio have personal experience with HA's, CI....???
Without personal experience we cannot say anything any more.... or is the argument weakened coming from someone who can hear.

And where have I said that HA's should not be covered?
I never stated that anywhere

But that opens possibilities. You can start your own organisation like the "let the hear" cooperation, but then for HA's. Free services for anyone who wants to have a HA. But make sure you do not make any profit.... !!!!

Their services are not free, cloggy. And insurance advocacy is not their only endeavor. See post #54.