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Text Box: Deafness, an invisible disability, is vastly misunderstood and underestimated. Helen Keller called it an “inhuman silence,” because it separated her from people. She explained that she found it a greater challenge than her blindness, which separated her from things. With the miracle of my cochlear implant, people are no longer obstacles but human beings again. The electrician, the bank teller, the supermarket cashier, the postman - they’re all people who have personalities and can be engaged in conversation – simple human contact that the veil of deafness denied me. And, it turns out that the people in my life were as eager to communicate with me as I was to understand them! Does the cochlear implant (CI) allow me to have “normal” hearing? No – it has its limitations. Background noise can present problems, as can hearing at a distance. But, fortunately, upgrades in both hardware and software have improved my functioning. My first CI speech processor was a body-worn style, the size of a large “beeper.” Three years ago, I upgraded to a miniaturized behind-the-ear model and, coupled with a small auxiliary microphone that fit into the ear, my functioning in noise and on the telephone improved. Daily living has become so much easier: Telephone - I can hear most people on the phone without any major problems. I prefer an amplified phone. Television – I can hear some programs without captioning, but not all, so I leave the captioning on. Movies – I prefer going to captioned movies because the background music and noise often drowns out the dialogue. Theatre – I use assistive listening devices in the theatre, but usually prefer to go to captioned performances so I am sure not to miss a word. Restaurants – noisy places are my most difficult environment. I can hear the person on my implanted side, but those further away usually pose a problem. Social situations - are never hopeless, as they had been without my CI. Simply moving closer to my CI microphone solves most communication problems. And music is once again a part of my life. Also, as the years go by – even with no changes in programming or hardware - my brain seems to be learning to do “better.” The medical profession calls this “brain plasticity” – the capacity to adapt on its own. I’m able to move from different environments more seamlessly, and think less about my hearing. I can’t say that I function as a hearing person, but there are more times now that I simply don’t think about my hearing as much. The fact remains, though, that I’m still a deaf person, sometimes masquerading as a hearing person, and sometimes functioning as someone with a mild to moderate hearing loss. Every night, though, when I remove my CI to go to sleep, I’m deaf again - and showers and swimming are also done in silence. I never take my hearing for granted - the miracle of being able to go from silence to sound. It’s a special joy and wonder that hearing people cannot fully appreciate, that I experience each and every day. -Story contributed by Arlene Romoff, cochlear implant user since 1997.

Text Box: Still of these benefits, they must be weighed against the potential risks. The device has a surgically implanted component, and there are inherent risks associated with any surgery. There are also possible potential risk complications with the body’s adjustment to and acceptance of a foreign device which may include fluid leakage, infections, attacks of vertigo, taste disturbance and even injury to the facial nerve. The FDA website listed in our Industry section explains the various risks as well as the possibilities for an ineffective result, including the potential link between cochlear implants and the increased risk of bacterial meningitis. Those Using Cochlear For those who have received a cochlear implant and actively use it report positive feedback. Med-El Corp., one of the manufacturers of the implants, surveyed 95 cochlear implant users in 2004. The results from that survey confirm the advancement of the technology has improved the quality of life for those users. In the study, users reported a greater benefit compared to that reported by users in a similar survey performed 9-13 years earlier. The advancements are experienced in the form of improved listening in noise, better understanding on the telephone and better speech perception. Where the Buck stops As with any medical device, the cochlear implant is not cheap and insurance coverage is important. The average device is about $23,000. Including surgery, recovery, and training time the total cost can reach upwards to $60,000. Not many can afford such a hefty medical bill. With this in mind, most companies that offer the implants also provide assistance for reimbursement from public and private health insurance. Prior to implantation, it’s best to talk with your physician, insurance company and device provider. The FDA reports that Medicare, Medicaid, the Veteran's Administration and other public health care plans cover cochlear implants, but each case should be evaluated individually. Plus, many commercial or private health plans cover cochlear implants, as well. This applies both to adults and to children as young as 12 months of age. To review the public insurance coverage visit www.cms.hhs.gov, go to Coverage and search for cochlear. The cochlear implant includes a long history of overcoming many obstacles over the years. It’s most recent challenge is a cultural aspect. The cochlear implant has lead to controversy in the deaf community particularly over children as young as 12 months who are now receiving implants. However to users who provide feedback, the implant is a rehabilitation and not a cure. The true test of the hearing device is the ability for a profoundly deaf person to hold a seemingly obvious telephone conversation. The technology is here for the hearing

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The Current