[NFB-DB] Cochlear Implant Advise

[Eric V]

Dear Division Members,

We are considering a cochlear implant for our youngest son & would really
appreciate your input & insights.

A bit of background: He attends our local high school where he is a
sophomore. He is totally blind without light perception, a fluent braille
reader, super-techie, & loves to swim & sing in our church choir.

We first noticed his hearing was not as good on the left around 4th or 5th
grade, & by 6th grade he got hearing aids on both sides. He has been using
the FM system in school for some classes & doesn’t find it helpful for
others.

His hearing had been stable for about 2 years. The last 2-3 months however
he has seemed to have had more difficulty hearing on & off at school & home
too, but it was somewhat inconsistent & he had a few colds, but the last 4
weeks or so, we have been having to repeat things more & talk louder. His
recent audiologist appointment confirmed the significant & definite
reduction. MRI is normal. We saw a neurotologist who is recommending a
cochlear implant on the left. On the right, he has moderate hearing loss &
has been getting by with the hearing aids. In a quieter environment outside
of school he often prefers not to use even the right hearing aid.

Questions:

Are there any special considerations given the total blindness & partial,
though poor, hearing on the 1 “good” side?

>From a independent travel, mobility standpoint how good/accurate is
localization with a cochlear implant?

There are several cochlear implant systems on the market; any thoughts on
which is best, or best for a teenage techie?

Is there something newer & better in the near horizon that might be worth
waiting a year or 2 for?

Following a cochlear implant is there any residual hearing in the ear the
procedure was performed on?

Our son enjoys swimming – does that affect choice of cochlear implant
systems?

Are there other questions we should be asking or things we need to consider?

We live in Los Angeles, but are very willing to travel if that is what is
best. Any thoughts on who is best to perform the procedure?

Thank you very much for your thoughts & advice in advance.

All the best,

Eric
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