lulu2608 Posted June 16 Report Share Posted June 16 Hello, I'm in my final days of device decision making to get on the waiting list for a CI. I've had tinnitus for over 20 years increasing in volume until about 6 years ago I had my first hearing test. I was described as a 20 year artillery veteran with significant high frequency loss in my right ear (I'm not! š¶). Everything I've done since then to prevent the tinnitus getting worse has made it worse along with my hearing (mainly high frequency/speech) then I had a significant hearing loss last July out of the blue.Ā I've had no further tests and given no cause.Ā I've never been able to get on with hearing aids, initially due to occlusion but now because they block out what's left that I can hear, don't enhance what I can't hear and add too much snap, crackle and pop to what is already going on in my head. š So, I've had all my tests and a CI is definitely on the cards as I'm too young to just exist like I am now until the lights turn out on their own (I'm 51). I have the best part of 20 years left to work and whilst everyone at work has been great I'm missing too much. I've been told all devices will work for me so any advice anyone can offer on why they chose Med-El over Cochlear or AB would be gratefully received as I need to confirm asap. Thanks Louise Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/21596-hello-newbie-here/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Beth Posted June 16 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted June 16 @lulu2608 CIs have been life changing tech for me. Just amazing. I had the option of all 3 FDA approved brands as well. Ā I researched all of them and also looked at the recall history for each brand. In the end, I chose Med-El for their internal implant, specifically their electrode array options. I love my hearing and the return of music has been an unexpected gift. This captioned video tells my story if you are interested. Wishing you the very best! Ā Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/21596-hello-newbie-here/#findComment-80583 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lauren Posted June 17 Report Share Posted June 17 @lulu2608 Welcome to HearPeers Like @Mary BethĀ I had the option of all three brands as well. I focused mainly on the companies (as a whole) and the internals. All three companies have an upgrade program for the external processors so (for me) that wasnāt terribly high on the list as the tech will change/improve. Deciding factor boiled down to the internal implant and Med-Elās customer support after surgery/implant and ongoing. I live in a remote area where none of the companies have a local office so having support after was very important to me. Med-El has been fantastic for me and goes above and beyond when Iāve had issues, and most of those have been of my own making. AB: I never even considered them as they donāt have an off ear processor like Med-El (Rondo 3) and Cochlear (Kanso 2) has. This is the one company I donāt really know much about as I never looked into them. Cochlear: I was actually strongly considering at the beginning them but they failed the customer support part of my āmust havesā, so it was a hard pass. Whichever you choose as best for you, you will be happy with. Just do research and feel free to ask any questions.Ā Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/21596-hello-newbie-here/#findComment-80618 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave in Pittsburgh Posted June 17 Report Share Posted June 17 Hello,Iām bilateral first surgery 2016 and second 2018 I was given a choice of MedEL or Cochlear I contacted MedEl for more information their representative was in in touch we me the next day I was impressed with the information that was presented to me. Cochlear never contacted me either. Iām well pleased with MEDEL good luck Ā Ā Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/21596-hello-newbie-here/#findComment-80619 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanne Posted June 22 Report Share Posted June 22 Hi, I was implanted in January. I also had the option of all 3 brands. I looked into all three, gave myself a deadline and it wasn't until the very end that a decision was made. It's a decision that only you can make based on your lifestyle and desired outcome. I looked at the specs of each, asked questions of the reps and based on their responses, how quickly they responded and what I wanted came down to my choice..MedEl. Your journey will be different from others because it is yours. I was lucky, could hear words from activation. Many don't right away. I went into surgery hoping for the best but expecting little. What I got has been outstanding! I am still working to get more, probably always will be. I am bimodal at this point, who knows what the future will be. I am thrilled with my MedEl journeyĀ Mary Beth 1 Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/21596-hello-newbie-here/#findComment-80784 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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