Yes, you are right - the middle ear implant and CI are a bit different. Currently, people who qualify to be a CI patient have a hearing loss too severe for the MEI.
I'd like to point one thing out though...assuming the fully implantable CI is successful, both it and the MEI will be be able to benefit from the newest and updated processors when it's time to change the "battery." First generation MEI patients had theirs last about 3 to 5 years, and these new second generation processors are said to last 8 to 10 years. Who knows what the next generation will bring?
Believe me..I completely understand anyone's hesitation to become a guinea pig of sorts and take such a risk to be in this kind of study. It was a very hard decision for me, but I'm personally at a place in my life where I can really benefit from this. Plus, I hope this study will help open doors for my own HoH children years from now.
Thank you all for your good luck wishes, it's gonna be a long three weeks!!
