Yesterday I was approved and some questions

Sorry- the processor. Not the implant!

Hope you have clearance to use a robot to perform skull drilling for CI. You’ll find that using a robot will offer more precise surgery and possibly do less damage to your existing residual hearing. Kaiser Permanente and Blue Cross plans don’t always offer the latest medical technology and equipment to complete the CI properly.

Joan,

Thanks for clarification.

Bailey. Not robotic as far as I know, but I will check with surgeon. Robotics more accurate and surgeons do not do things correctly? Or just potentially more accurate?

I have BlueCross. HMO and the way they work is they work through a medical group. In Illinois, mine is Endeavor , who really funnels all of their medical approvals to a third party company called Guidehealth -they are the is your treatment really necessary company. So, Blue Cross is really nothing than a marketing company, and really make no decisions, they just write checks when Guidehealth tells Endeavor then tells Blue Cross it is OK. Very screwed up system that I have spent hours and hours on hold to get the next person on the phone who has you wait and the phone disconnects. I, actually just want to get this done before the next new-hire that replaced the person that gave the approval, who left the company and gave me a wrong answer, and we really deny your claim…..done babbling.

Peace

Robots are way more accurate, which does two things positive things. Smaller incisions reduce risks and improve recovery times. And with less surgery required, you possibly might retain more of your residual hearing, which many times is lost during a CI operation.

@Baileyhere I had my CI in 2019, they used a form of robotic assistance to insert my electrode array way back then.

I’m not sure what you’re trying to prove with this article from 2024.

Did you read MDB post?

1. Yes, I wear eyeglasses. Honestly, I cannot remember, but I must have made it work because I cannot see without my glasses. I do remember that post operation, there was a bowl shaped cup on the operated ear with a head strap to hold it in place.
2. I have the Nucleus series, so I cannot answer any questions regarding Phonak.
3. 4. I have no knowledge for question 3 & 4. I did not know there are other brand options besides Med El.
   5. MRI (slower) are generally preferred for head scans while CT (faster) scans are preferred for body scans. However, they can be used differently depending on the circumstances. I have experience with one, but I cannot remember if it was a MRI or CT. I was very nervous, but my family was very supportive, and I was rewarded with ice cream and sleepover at my grandmother’s house. So, see it as a victory, and reward yourself afterwards!

Yup, Raudrive. My understanding was that the Nexa (N8?) was the implant itself and K3 was one of the exterior processors, m bad. But that is indeed what I am doing. For those exact reasons. Sending you a PM if that is OK.

@smeltjr the Nexa electrode array is what’s implanted. The K3 & N8 Nexa are both external processors. You have made a wise choice choosing Cochlear.

I’ve been implanted now for nearly 7 years with N8, I’ve never used the remote once, it’s still in its packaging. You are wise not choosing any of the others until you know if you need them. Keep them as vouchers, so you can come back and get them later or get extra batteries.

Some people find rehab a chore, others find it enjoyable. The important thing is to find your own way that you enjoy doing. Whether it’s watching captioned movies, reading audiobooks or something else. Your success lies in your own hands. We are here to help you should you need help

Good luck to you on the 22nd and your new hearing journey.

@smeltjr everyone concentrates on speech. Something to keep in mind, music for recipients is a very tough gig. Some do gain appreciation and a lot don’t.

I had retired when I had my surgery for N7, so I had the time for speech and music rehab. What I did for music was I had a speaker, I used Spotify chose, a heap of music from the 50’s-70’s. Then put them into a loop on Spotify. I had music going most of the day just listening aurally not streaming. At first it was just a whole lot of horrid scratching noise, but as the months passed music started to sound like it should. I now have a great appreciation of music. It wasn’t easy but so worth the long term outcome. Good luck to you.

@smeltjr i apologize to you for the way your thread has been hijacked by some members totally going off topic, and totally unnecessary. This doesn’t help you at all.