Re: Bilateral CI - 2 diff brands?

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I was wondering if those of you who are bilateral, do any of you have different

brands on each side? Or do you have the same brand CI for both sides?

What are the pros and cons? Thanks for your help.

Walk

@...: nucleus24@...: Sat, 22 Nov 2008

21:55:04 -0500Subject: Re: Hello

Hi Kitty,Would you PLEASE tell us how you got Medicare to pay for 2

implants? has been banging his head against the wall, both

literallyand figuratively, trying to get a second implant paid for by Medicare.

did Medicare pay for BOTH implants, or were you implanted with anotherinsurance

first. And we are talking Medicare, NOT Medicaid (which isstate

funded).Thanks,Posted by: " Kitty S. " CharidaRose@... Thu Nov 20,

2008 8:11 pm (PST) - I had surgery R ear Sept 2006 and received 2

processors and then again L ear Sept 2008. I received 2 more processors. So now

I have a total of 4. So, I personal experiences says they do. I have straight

MediCare no supplement insurance.Yes, I'm bilateral.~ Kitty S. - Cochlear

Volunteer ~The Cat addicted to hearing,

Meow!!!__________________________________________________________Click here to

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[Guest guest]

Same brand both sides. Why confuse yourself, the audiologist, the

surgeon? You've got registration with the company and have

their " system " figured out. Why confuse yourself when you've already

fought through all the insurance issues?

Make the best choice for you and then trust yourself. That's my 2

cents.

[Guest guest]

You said the first CI didn't work...do you know why? Have you worked

diligently with your audiologist on all possible rehab

opportunities? If there is a medical reason, then I'd really quiz

the surgeon about whether a 2nd implant would work before going to

all of the expense and bother of doing a second surgery. I do know

someone in Canada who's first CI worked well and the 2nd didn't. Got

the 2nd re-implanted and it didn't work either. So, he's settling

for the 1st implant for now.

If the CI didn't work due to equipment malfunction, then the CI

company should be involved in replacing it. Have you been in contact

with them through your audiologist?

If it seems that the 2nd surgery has every medical possibility of

working, and you are dissatisfied with the first company, then I'd

contact the other two companies and get their materials. Most send

them out next day or 2nd day delivery. Do your research to find the

best option for you and maybe a different brand is the right answer.

Also, I was on two of the three company's on-line forums and asked

questions from other users there. CI Hear participants would be more

than happy to offer their experiences for your consideration as well,

but we avoid public brand support or bashing.

Hope this helps.