Re: Possible CI Candidate? - Continued

[Guest guest]

Jeff,

Only an evaluation done at a CI clinic can determine this. And yes,

generally, insurance will pay for a CI.

Tinnitus is a whole different animal. There is no way to predict the

outcome.

*---* *---* *---* *---* *---*

Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit

there.

& Dreamer Doll (Guide Dawggie)

Newport, Oregon

N24C 3G 8/2000 Hookup

rclark0276@...

http://webpages.charter.net/dog_guide/

[Guest guest]

Jeff,

It would depend on how well this person can hear on the phone. How much does

he struggle? Does he only miss a word or two -- or 50% or more of the

conversation? Does he have more difficulty hearing female voices as opposed

to male or does he have difficulty hearing no matter whom he is talking to?

Is he using an amplified phone? I'm sorry if these questions sound obvious.

I've talked to a few people considering CI who were either unaware of the

existence of amplified phones and/or had moderate loss in both ears.

As for insurance, most insurance companies will cover a CI as long as the

candidacy criteria are met. The CI surgeon and audiologist will send a

letter of medical necessity which will emphasize the need for an implant.

If for some reason insurance does not grant approval, each of the 3 CI

companies (Advanced Bionics, Med-El and Cochlear) have staff who work

with you to appeal insurance denials.

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE

Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

Deafblind/Postlingual