Alright, decision time. You or your family member has just
qualified for a cochlear implant, Now, your audiologist hands you several
brochures of the available cochlear implant manufacturers and asks you to
choose which one you want. Individuals and families will spend weeks agonizing
over this decision.
The good news is that all three cochlear implant manufacturers
make a good device that will provide you access to sound. Unfortunately, you
can’t test different brands like you can with hearing aids, so you will have to
do some research. This process can be confusing and cause more anxiety about
which cochlear implant brand to choose.
First, you should know that not all cochlear implant devices are
offered at every implant center, hospital, or clinic. Depending on the country,
insurance, and the doctor, you may have a limited choice. Some government
run health programs, as well as insurance companies, may have only negotiated
to offer one or two different cochlear implant brands at your center.
Then, you have doctors who have a surgical preference over which device they
will implant, as well as an audiologist who prefers working with one cochlear
implant processor over another. These factors can limit or dictate which cochlear
implant you can choose.
The internet can be a good source of information.
CochlearImplantHelp.com website has compiled the most up to date, accurate, and
complete side by side comparison of each available
cochlear implant device on the market. Be careful about Facebook groups
and blog stories. This is where you can find the most biased and in some
cases incorrect information about cochlear implants.
Most people will speak highly of their cochlear implant because
they are all good devices. Some people will say they wished their device
had similar features to another manufacturer’s device. Watch out for
those who disparage one brand over another. You don’t know their motives
or the full extent of the story behind their negative experience. This is how
misinformation gets propagated. If you search hard enough, you will find that each
of the three manufacturers’ has had a recall at some point in their history.
Not to mention, one manufacture being fined for kickbacks to doctors and
clinics.
Here are some tips to help you figure how to choose the right
cochlear implant for you or your family member.
1. Develop a list of
criteria most important to you, (i.e. Technology, upgrade capabilities, wearing
configurations, accessories, reliability, warranty, etc.). Download the side by side comparison chart from
CochlearImplantHelp.com.
2. Consider how each
cochlear implant manufacturers’ device meets your lifestyle needs. (i.e.
Wearing configuration and comfort during physical or sports activities,
programs for different listening environments, best for hearing music, swimming
or for work, etc.)
3. Call each manufacturer
and ask questions about their product. Get a feel for their customer
service. Find out delivery times for replacement parts to your location.
If you’re not treated well as a candidate, think about how it may be as a
customer.
4. See what each
manufacturer offers in the way of support for pre and post implantation. Do
they have materials for rehabilitation, support groups, or networks of
individuals that can help you along your hearing journey (i.e. mentors)?
5. If your cochlear
implant center or doctor is not offering you a choice between all three
cochlear implant manufacturers, find out why. If the reason is medical related,
you may want to seek or consider a second opinion. If the reasons are anything
other than medical, you have to determine what is important to you. Do you stay
with your doctor or implant center or do go to another facility that offers you
the cochlear implant brand you prefer.
6. Make sure the
audiologist who will be mapping the processors is competent in working with the
device you choose. Like most individuals, audiologists will gravitate
toward devices (i.e. software and equipment) they are most comfortable and
familiar working with. We travel almost 300 miles to see our audiologist for
mapping sessions. Other families will go as far as visiting other countries to
see their audiologist.
You may find this story helpful too Choosing a Cochlear Implant, Is Your Provider Giving You All the Info?
#cochlearimplant
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