Device choices

[Guest guest]

When I was implanted 6 1/2 years ago, I was given a choice between

Nucleus and Clarion. Med-el was not offered at the clinic I used.

The reason some clinics only offer one type is the expense of the

software and hardware, and having to train audiologists in how to use

them, and how to map. It is expensive and more than one device means

being trained in using more than one software and hardware program.

There was no pressure on me to choose either device. It was left totally

up to me. I chose to go with the Nucleus 24 device even though it was in

clinical trials at the time. My reason was because they had a behind the

ear speech processor available at the time. I was told that Clarion

would come out with their BTE processor " at any moment " . I've learned

from experience to base a decision on what is available TODAY, not what

is being promised, or being promoted as " just around the corner " . I

had the N24 implanted in August of 1997, and had the Esprit BTE processor

6 months later. When the 3G processor came out, I upgraded to that one.

So I've had 6 years of wearing a BTE processor and the freedom it offers.

Still good advice, go with the implant that has the features you want on

it NOW, not what is being developed, or what can happen in the future.

Nucleus Volunteer

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