Toolkit Idea Topic 13-Cochlear Implant

Hi Everyone. This is the 13th of 27 Idea Topics
I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas For People With A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

13 COCHLEAR IMPLANT:Is a device that is partially
implanted into the bone behind the ear to stimulate
remaining nerve fibers within the inner ear. It is
not a cure nor does it restore hearing to normal.
It is advanced technology that taps the retained
potential of the hearing pathway by enabling it to
respond to sound by bypassing damaged hair cells
to directly activate the auditory nerve fibers.
Many say they function as well as people who have
been effectively fitted with hearing aids.

1Surgery:Performed under general anesthesia is
relatively pain free, takes 2-3 hours and
complications are rare. The surgeon makes an
incision behind the ear, raises the skin flap
to expose part of the mastoid bone.
Drills a small depression in the bone to hold
the receiver/coil in place. the cochlear implant
is placed under the skin with stimulating arrays
consisting od electrical contacts inserted into
the cochlea through a small opening near the
round window. The skin flat is sutured and healing
takes about four weeks.

2 Costs:Cochlear implants cost fron $20,000-30,000.
This includes evaluation, surgery, hospital costs,
fitting the device and communications training.
Many health insurance carriers, including Medicare
in some states, provide full or partial coverage
for cochlear implant devices. If you think you are
a candidate talk to an ENT doctor who may refer you
to a specialist in this field.

3 Internal & External Parts:
a Internal Parts:Internal coil and electrodes are
inserted into the cochlea during surgery.
b External Parts:Microphone, speech processor and
external antenna are hooked together and linked
via magnet to the internal parts, after the incision
is healed. At this time the audiologist assesses
patients ability to listen to sounds and adjusts
controls in the speech processor. The processor is
the size of a small calculator or large BTE(behind
the ear) hearing aid and drives the implant.
The assessment takes several visits. With expeience
many implant people notice enhanced sound quality.

4 Strategies For Wearing An Implant:
a Be patient
b Use ALD's
c Shop Carefully
d Clean carefully
e Be aware of climate control
f Carry an identification card

A discussion of cochlear implants by users and those
of us who may be future candidates, would allow us to
benefit by your experiences.
Best Regards Paul in NJ