I found out in 1974 or 1975 ( I was 5) that my hearing was severely damaged. I had to have a surgery to remove an ear infection that could have killed me.
Since then I attend my ENT doctor on a regular basis. We have come to the conclusion that a normal hearing aid will not benefit me as I am not able to hear through my ear.
I hear from behind it. Even wearing a pair of headphones listening to music, I am not able to hear on in left ear.
Swimming; that's out of the equation, as well. I tried submitting the surgery through my insurance 3 times. No luck what so ever. I was turned down each time.
The device and surgical procedure is pretty expensive. More expensive than a hearing aid, the total cost of a cochlear implant, including evaluation, surgery, device, and rehabilitation can cost as much as $100,000. (Certianly more expensive then a BMW)
What is a cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is a device that provides stimulation directly to the auditory nerve, bypassing damaged hair cells in the cochlea that prevent sound from reaching the nerve. An implant does not result in "restored" hearing for the recipient, but does allow him or her to perceive sounds.
What results can be expected from a cochlear implant?
As with any medical procedure, the results of implantation cannot be predicted prior to surgery and recipients may experience a wide range of outcomes. For individuals who lost their hearing after learning to speak, the perception of speech and sounds after implantation may initially seem quite different from what they remember. After using the cochlear implant for several months or more, these individuals often report that they perceive speech to be more natural or closer to their memory of familiar sounds.
While many factors affect outcomes for both children and adults, typically, the younger a child who was born deaf is implanted, the greater the benefit achieved in the areas of speech perception and speech and language development. A predictive factor for implant performance for adults who are deaf is the length of time between the onset of deafness and implantation; those with the shortest duration of deafness tend to experience better outcomes.
Phase 1 is complete
My Upgrade Cochlear device for my right ear has been ordered and I should get the new device in 6 to 8 weeks. (Video's & Updates Soon for Donors)
Read About Phase 2 For The Cochlear Buddies Campaign
Phase 2 ( Now in Effect)
I need to get a cochlear implant surgery and device for my left ear for bilateral hearing which cost $60,000 plus.
I only get my cochlear implant if you get the funds you want! Please let me HELP YOU!
See What Coop CrowdFund is
