Would the NHS recomend CI or new HA ?

P

Phatjap

New Member
Joined
Oct 4, 2009
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Hello,
My brother is profoundly deaf and and has failing eyesight due to CRS.
He wears a BTE from the NHS in one ear and with this he can hear loud noises and detect my voice if I/one is close to him.

He has been turned down for CI in the past, probably 7 (roughly) years ago now, but why, I dont know,but I do know he was very disapointed so I don't want to mention anything just yet, I want to scope out some opinions firstly.

I was wondering if the audiologist would recomend new hearing aids as they come out, as I imagine new technological advancements in this area is moving forwards all the time, but I also wonder if the NHS would be pro-active in offering these advancements as they appear. This goes for CI too. Forgive me, I may be asking daft questions here, but as I am concerned for his future.He is also 46, does this have a bearing on the situation also?
I've read about the Phonak Naida, it seeems very sophisticated, and also expensive - I therefore make the assumption it is better than the NHS ones. Rightly or wrongly. Also, as I alluded to, would CI implant assesment criteria's change over a period of time? Is it worth me asking my brother to try again? I really want to talk to the audiologist myself, but I know I can't with out his permission.

Kind regards.
 
First have him try the best HAs, they may give him alot of benefit. CI is a last resort and I can't say if he will be a candidate for one or not. I can say that CI today is better than it was 7 years ago and candidacy requirements are more lax.
 
I would encourage your brother to do what ever he can for his hearing especially with his eyesight failing.

The criteria for Cochlear Implants has changed because it was found that those with profound losses were hearing better with cochlear implants than those with Severe losses with hearing aids. I would check with the NHS to see what criteria they have.

You should try to get your brother to try some new hearing. Naidas or Oticon SUMO would two I would recommend trying. If Hearing Aids do not help it would be worth it
to go for another CI evaluation.
 
Your brother would need to go to see an audiologist and ENT to talk about it. The NICE Guidelines (i would have put up an link but my Abode isn't working) had changed over the years now days most of all adults (of all ages) who is a candiate for cochlear implant could have one.
Go and see an audiologist, get best possible HA but also ask to be seen by ENT then go from there. The CI centres would expect that the patients to try the latest HA's first they need to see how we get on with HA's first before going through full Assessments anyway as there is criteria for CI candiady.
 
Back
Top