Significant hearing loss considerably affects the ability to communicate with friends, family, coworkers and those in the community. For those who suffer from significant hearing loss and hearing aids are unable to effectively assist with hearing, a cochlear implant may be a valuable option.
A cochlear implant is an implantable device that takes the place of the damaged hearing organ and stimulates the auditory (hearing) nerve directly. It requires a surgical procedure to insert the internal cochlear implant component. Following surgery, an external processing unit must be worn on the ear to access sound. A cochlear implant does not restore hearing to normal; however, it provides clear access to all the sounds of speech. The process of learning to listen with the new input provided by a cochlear implant takes time, patience and extensive practice.
The Food and Drug Administration has created guidelines regarding the candidacy for cochlear implantation. An extensive medical evaluation, Ear Nose and Throat evaluation and audiological evaluation are necessary to determine candidacy. Candidacy must be determined in order to proceed with cochlear implantation and is required by insurance companies to ensure coverage. Please contact this office should you have any further questions.
Services: Ear, Nose & Throat Services, Head and Neck Surgery, Allergy Testing and Treatment, Audiological Testing, Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implant Services
I am 4th generation of 6 generations in Durango. I live in Farmington. I have had bad hearing all my life and the hearing aids do not clearly distinguish what people are saying. I have Medicare and supplemental Blue Cross/BH. I have had hearing tests here in Farmington in the last 20 years. Could I use those records. What is the total cost for one ear with the implant without the insurance. I am informed by the Cochlear Implant people that Medicare covers 80 %. That is satisfactory. I had bulbar polio when I was 7 years of age and because of that I have NO hearing in my left ear. So, I would have nothing to lose by implanting the device in that ear. I will appreciate your response. Thank you. Leo McCormick
Leo,
Thank you for reaching out. We would love to help you!
We do accept Medicare, but are currently out of network with BCBS. Which means that you will pay the 20% that Medicare does not cover and we will give you documentation to seek reimbursement from BCBS.
We are absolutely able to work with outside hearing exams if they are recent.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with our office, please call 970-385-7272.
We will schedule an appointment for you to meet with our audiologist and Dr. Cain to review your recent hearing exam and discuss your treatment options.
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your health and hearing wellness.
Regards,
Nikki