[NFB-DB] Cochlear Implant Advise

[Jaye Marie Brown]

I'm totally Deaf myself and rapidly going totally Blind.  What's wrong with the hearing aide?  O you want to risk the possibility of a cochlear implant causing further trouble?  It is ALWAYS possible with such surgery.


Jaye Marie Brown




-----Original Message-----
From: Eric V via NFB-DB <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
To: nfb-db <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Eric V <icdxvfamily at gmail.com>
Sent: Sun, Apr 8, 2018 10:16 pm
Subject: [NFB-DB] Cochlear Implant Advise



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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