I went to my ear dr yesterday. He was talking about cochlear implants (I am hearing-impaired & wear a hearing aid behind the ear). I told him that I don't know too much about cochlear implants. I am suppose to let him know sometimes next year to discuss about this surgery. I would appreciate any informations about this cochlear implants or if you know anyone that had them (how did they feel about it?). Thank you! Marcie ( snipped-for-privacy@insightbb.com)
I don't know about the implants but about 6 yrs ago I had ear surgery to fix a hole in my eardrum from repeated tubes in my ears when I was younger. They cut the whole back of my ear and skin graphed over the hole. It brought my hearing up by 20% more then it was before the surgery. And the surgery was free so I didn't complain!....
I saw a PBS special on this a while back and it was just fascinating. One thing I took away from it was the controversey over the implants. I had no idea it was so controversial within the deaf community. Is there a newsgroup or yahoo group that you could lurk at for a while? Good luck.
I have a friend that teaches at Gallaudet... and she had it done.. and has never put it back on after a year of trying to use it... they tried for over a year to make it recognizable for her and she said it wasn't worth the hassle... I don't know if the whole prestige thing had anything to do with it but I'd recommend getting on a support group for those who already have the implants to see if going through it is really worth it....
Marcie, The department that I work for screens newborns for hearing loss. It's something relatively new that is now mandated by most states. Some new moms in the group might have gone thru it with their babies.
The newborn hearing screening helps detect deafness from an early age, so that audiologists can start working w/the child as early as possible.
Last year we had our first implant. One little girl was profoundly deaf in both ears. =( Doctors had to wait until she was at least 1 to have the cochlear implant. The local news had a story on her months after the surgery and she is doing great. Her mom said the baby was freaking out at first b/c she didnt know what to make out of all the noises =)
I know it's totally different with adults, but if a one-year-old can handle it, I'm sure it's safe enough for you as well.
I have a lot of information on hearing loss but it's mostly about newborns. I'll do some research and try to find you something.
Try searching google for more info on the implants. I found this site w/comments from people who had implants
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luck!
Angie in TX
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