Discussions

Hello fellow eBrandonites,  
 
I am wondering if anyone has any experience or knows anyone with a cochlear implant. I have been wearing hearing aids my whole life for 22 years now, but recently my left ear suddenly went to severe deafness as of beginning of February. It''s frustrating when there''s no answer as to what caused this sudden deafness, but my family, friends, and college instructors support me if I am a qualified candidate for the surgery. If medical technology has allowed us to have artificial hearts, kidneys, and face transplants, then I hope someone out there can someday develop an artificial ear. I just want to hear and enjoy the sounds of my life again.  
 
Edited by TheAdmiral937, 2017-02-26 19:26:27

Have you talked to your audiologist about your interest in a CI? They would be able to provide you with a lot of information and provide info on who to talk to.  
 
There is a list of on-line community support groups on the Central Speech and Hearing Clinic's website http://www.centralspeech.ca/support/adult-resources  
 
I also recommend hearingjourney.com "HearingJourney is the place to learn, chat, laugh, and share stories about cochlear implants and hearing loss."  
 
There's also frequent informal meet and greet type events at Central Speech and Hearing in Winnipeg where CI candadates can talk to individuals that have a CI. I'm not sure if you have to be a candidate to be invited to those events, though.  
 
You'd have to talk to your audiologist to start the process to find out if you are a candidate for a CI. They will send a referral to Central Speech for you to be able to get an appointment for an information session. The audiologist at Central Speech will be able to answer so many of your questions.  
 
Hopefully some of the links I provided will be able to help you. I will also send you a PM with more information.