The “Countdown to New Ears” sign now says 25 days.

Last week, I received a phone call and subsequent emails that it is time to finalize my decision on which device I want implanted. So tomorrow, I’ll be down at Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center taking one more tour.

I have a choice of three devices. These are Advanced Bionics, Med El, and Cochlear. All three have been approved by the FDA. Neither one is more superior than the other. Even the surgeon who is performing the implant will not recommend one over the other but I am sure he is doing this for ethic reasons. I do have a few questions that could not be answered by the websites. These are:

What accessories are available and what are their costs?
Which one does the audiologist feel most comfortable working with and setting maps for?
Which one is the least/most problematic or requires least/most repairs?
What are the upgrade/replacement options?
Which one is less suspectible to water/sweat? (Don’t forget, my passion is running!)
Insurance coverage (for repair/replacement)

Thus far, I am leaning towards Advanced Bionics because the last I heard, they were the only ones with a rechargable power pack.

Bionics because the last I heard, they were the only ones with a rechargable power pack. Bionics because the last I heard, they were the only ones with a rechargable power pack. The other thing I did was scheduled a haircut for January 11th, the day before the surgery. I think I would look silly walking around with a half of a Mohawk. So, I’ve decided to go bald! More later…