Congratulations to both you and Chris for successful surgeries. I’m happy that writing this had a chance to bring together something wonderful. It’s great to hear the news that all is well and you look to be healing fast.

My test was for the fully implantable implant. I’m not sure if they had different qualifications, but it looks as if yours was as well from the photos?

My speech discrimination for my left ear was between 60-40% but they were firm that they could not accept me unless my scores were better. I wonder if that’s because there was a high demand in our area? I will have to call the clinic and ask and see where they are on testing candidates.

By no means am I finished trying to get them to accept me but it seems as it’s going to be a bit more difficult than I imagined it would be to make it happen.

I can only say that I know the future holds many changes and do not thing of this as my last chance to have the surgery.

As I’m reading your journal I’m realizing I’m not sure how I would feel only have one ear implanted either. Much to think about.

Thanks for letting me know and keep me posted!

Chel

If you don’t mind my asking, do you know what your speech discrimination scores were? The reason I ask is because of the latest information I obtained. While Envoy requires sd scores of 60% and above, they allowed 8 to 10 people with scores between 40 and 60% to be tested (I was one of these). If the results are promising, it’s very possible that Envoy will accept more patients for a full study within that category. Those with scores below 40% qualify for the cochlear implant. While some people are wary of the cochlear implant’s bulky outer components, I found out that Envoy will soon begin clinical trials for a fully implantable cochlear implant!

I just wanted to pass this on to you, because I know firsthand how devastating it is to get your hopes up, only to find out you don’t qualify. I listed my LiveJournal link where I keep a full account of my experience as a patient, if anyone would like to see the pictures and learn more.

Take care, Chel, and have faith that one day, when the time is right, your day will come!

Thanks. I’m not thrilled by the outcome but can certainly handle it until things change. I’m still hopeful that the requirements will keep changing and that as the testing moves forward will put me in the category of them calling me in.

Thanks for sharing your story and encouragement.

I’ll email Chris and see if he’s okay with me sharing his address and give him yours. Hope the two of you can connect.

I am so sorry you did not initially qualify for the Envoy Esteem implant. Don’t give up hope just yet. I was in the program in 2005, but I was forced to drop out two days before surgery thanks to testing very poorly on my baseline speech discrimination testing. I was truly devastated.

Since then, the requirements have changed and the trials allow lower sd scores, so after a phone call two days ago, I found that I am once again up for surgery, in mid June. I am cautiously optimistic, and I am so excited that people with sensorineural hearing loss will one day have this advanced technology available to them. This includes my own children, who are also HoH. Don’t give up just yet!

By the way, I noticed the last comment, from Chris, mentions that he will be having surgery the day after I am scheduled to do so, by the same doctor. Since his email address is hidden, would it be possible for you to put him in touch with me? It would be most appreciated!

Thank you for your comment. I’m glad that someone who is having the implants has commented and I wish you luck with process. I’d be interested in hearing how it goes for you.

I found out last week that I actually didn’t qualify due to my word discrimination percentage. I’m a little disappointed by this but realizing that it’s only a matter of time before it’s available to the majority of people. The cost is alarming and I’m concerned how it will be treated by insurance.

I did blog about the results last week and also will be sharing more thoughts on my situation but also some thoughts about how I’m feeling lately in social situations.

Please feel free to contact me via email at chel (at) chelpixie (dot) com.

My name is Chris and I am going to have the Esteem
implant on June 19th, 2008 by Dr. Kraus in N.C.. I
was wondering if you qualified or had the surgery?
Let me know how your experience went. I enjoyed
reading your aticle about hou you found out about the
Esteem trial. I felt the same way.

Best regards – Chris

Scott, technology is a miraculous thing. I called my mom to tell her as well. I don’t think either of us believed that there would ever be anything like this! It could do so much for my life that I’m so in between feeling excited about the possibilities and scared for not being able to turn the sound off! I didn’t know that you suffered from hearing loss as well.

Cathryn, most often on the phone I hear better without my aids to be honest. I’m very cautious about where I speak on the phone, I keep the volume levels pretty high and wing it.

Mostly my issues occur in crowded rooms during conversation both with and without my aids. In a room with a couple of people and no background noise I do fine but better with the aids, obviously.

One thing that’s bugged me forever is that I can’t hear my music on my iPod normally. I turn the sound up and I’m damanging my hearing further. Being able to listen to that normally would make me EXTREMELY happy.

Another is that after loud environments (bars) or after concerts, voices sound very warbly. Very distorted sound through a mic. Hence the reason I’m so quiet usually after hearing Matthew play!