How to find audiologists knowledgeable about Single Sided Deafness (SSD)?

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Tommy Data

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Just starting my journey.
25+ years ago I used a CROS hearing aid for a short time, not much help.
Now my good ear is not up to the task of also covering my bad side, let alone my "good" side. Probably mild hearing loss there.
(See thread under Introduce Yourself "Choosing from Single Sided Deafness SSD hearing aid options", if interested)

The audiologist working with the most convenient ENT (as in close by), pretty much just said to get an aid for my good ear, other options don't work very well.
I had an appointment with ENT/audiologist at the University of Minnesota to look into BAHA aids. But my insurance won't cover it. Looking for other insurance for next year if possible. In 4 years, Medicare might cover me.

There is one Twin Cities ear clinic that is listed with the Soundbite web site.

Seems like there is too much specialization.

I think though I would like to find an audiologist knowledgeable about SSD who can discuss what are the good options without bias.

Any hints?

Thanks in advance
 
I was told Medicare does not cover HA by two audiologists. If you're working or in school maybe rehab will help with the cost
 
My understanding is that Medicare does NOT cover hearing aids - but DOES cover Cochlear Implants and Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA), because they are considered "prosthetic devices". Even though they are much more expensive. This info seemed reliable, but you never know until you try to get it paid for I guess.
Note my insurance is exactly backwards from Medicare, they actually do cover hearing aids - a little bit.
 
I was thinking BAHA could potentially be covered by Medicare because there's surgery involved and would be considered a prosthetic device; while general hearing aids (BTE's and the likes) are not covered.

I don't know much of anything about SSD or BAHAs or solutions for SSD myself. Can only hope you find an audiologist that can help you out.
 
cdmeggers said:
I was thinking BAHA could potentially be covered by Medicare because there's surgery involved and would be considered a prosthetic device; while general hearing aids (BTE's and the likes) are not covered.

I don't know much of anything about SSD or BAHAs or solutions for SSD myself. Can only hope you find an audiologist that can help you out.
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I hope Medicare will cover it for you. I can't wear a HA in my right ear anymore . I had a horrible accident and my ear got messed up and it now hurt to wear an ear mold for too long. My audi said I am going to lose more hearing if I do not wear a HA in my right ear. I have gotten use to wearing
only one HA .
 
whatdidyousay! said:
I hope Medicare will cover it for you. I can't wear a HA in my right ear anymore . I had a horrible accident and my ear got messed up and it now hurt to wear an ear mold for too long. My audi said I am going to lose more hearing if I do not wear a HA in my right ear. I have gotten use to wearing
only one HA .
Click to expand...

LOL sometimes I can wear one hearing aid when mine craps out or my earmold allergy is showing up!
 
An update: none of the insurance at my work will cover a BAHA.
I did make an appointment with audiologist and ENT at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
They did my partial mastoidectomy in the late 1950s (boy, am I old ;-).
I haven't been there since the early 1970s.

Hoping they have good ideas, but expecting to get a BiCROS after that visit.
 
I found an ENT in St. Paul that I really liked, he treated me best he could when I stated to lose my hearing. It started as SDD, then progressed to bilateral loss. I then went to Mayo for a second opinion. I will say that I have not been impressed with Mayo's ENT department at all, exception of the surgeon who did my Cochlear Implant and the Cochlear implant team has been great.

At the end of the day, there aren't much options for SDD. Cros aid or BAHA/Soundbite and their is a new one that uses a magnet to attached the sound processor instead of an abutment like the baha, can't think of the name right now.

Prior to my bilateral loss I tried the cros aid from Phonak with a hearing aid, I wish my hearing would have been good enough to continue on that route.
 
Paullys50, hanks for your perspective. I have been wondering if it is worth going to Mayo. My appt is with someone who I think is pretty new. One of the MD rating services says he has 4 years experience.
Can you tell me the name of your ENT in St. Paul? That is very easy for me to get to.
 
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