We are in process of getting a 2nd implant for Brooke. I didn't keep a record the first time since it was so new and scary for us. I plan to record the journey to an implant this time.
For us, the first step is to have an audiogram and a word perception test by our audiologist. On the report below, the "X" represents her left ear. She has a moderate to profound to moderate loss in the left ear. The "O" is her right ear without wearing the cochlear implant. The "C" is how she hears with the implant and processor on! As you can see, the implant is her best hearing.
Next, the audiologist did a word perception test. She read 25 words, on at a time, to Brooke through a microphone. Brooke could not see the audiologists lips. Brooke has to repeat the word. She did this with 28% accuracy. To qualify for an implant, it must be 30% or below. We are close to the threshold. If this was the first implant, we probably would not do it yet. But, since it is the second implant and she prefers her implant over her hearing aid, we decided to go ahead with the surgery and implantation.
Then we went to the hospital to meet with the surgeon. He had to talk with Brooke and me to determine if she was a good candidate for implantation. It was a quick 5 minute appointment but necessary for filing the insurance. The surgeon, Dr. Buckman, gave us the go ahead.
Now, we wait for the insurance to approve the surgery and device. Once that happens we can schedule the surgery. Last time, it was about a 2 month wait for surgery so we will see what is available when they call.
Brooke is so excited to get another implant! It is so much easier this time around since we already know what to expect and we will use the same brand and implant as the first time. Choosing an implant is an overwhelmingly decision and it is nice we don't have to do that again!
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