STEPS TO GETTING COCHLEAR IMPLANTS OR HEARING SOLUTIONS
Be Part of the Conversation Again
Did you miss the punchline of that last joke? Is listening to the TV getting ridiculously hard? Hearing aids and hearing systems work well if your hearing loss doesn’t interfere with communication. But if you’re feeling alone in a crowded room because you’re unable to make out conversation even with hearing aids, it’s time to get evaluated for Cochlear Implants.
#1: Come in for a hearing test and evaluation
We not only evaluate the extent of your hearing loss, but which frequencies you can’t hear, and how bad the hearing is in noisy environments. We may even demo a hearing aid to see if it helps your hearing.
We’ll also review your full history, where you’re having difficulty hearing, and your goals and answer any questions you have.
#2: Check insurance coverage
Unlike many other hearing devices, Cochlear Implant systems are often covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. (Every plan is different. See here for more information.) Even better, Cochlear offers a service to help you get through the insurance red tape successfully. This process usually begins at your surgeon’s office.
#3: Discover what people who have had the surgery say about their experience
What would it be like to hear again? Here’s what patients say about the experience.
#4: Meet with a specialist and schedule surgery
We’ll refer you to a specialist who will evaluate which hearing solution is best for you. If you decide to proceed, they’ll walk you through the next steps including: Scheduling surgery, choosing the colors and features you’d like, and preparing for the big day.
#5: Have the procedure
Relax. Your surgeon will guide you through this process. It usually takes about 90 minutes, and most patients are back to their normal routine in a few days.
#6: Come back to our office to turn the device on
After a few weeks, you’ll come into an appointment where we will turn on your device, program it, and teach you how to start your hearing therapy.
#7: Schedule your hearing therapy
Retraining your brain to interpret sounds into recognizable words takes practice and is a gradual process. Getting the most out of your implants requires training and rehabilitation therapy where you train your brain and ear to decipher the sounds and electrical impulses from your device into words. We’ll use these appointments to fine-tune the programming of your device to your preferences. You’ll also learn how to care for your device. Don’t worry, we will help you through this process until you are comfortable with your new hearing system.