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Make sure you ask the following questions at the cochlear implant
center:
1. Ear level Processor
* Can the BTE (behind the ear) speech processor be used by all
patients or might I have to use a body worn processor?
* How long will the batteries last?
* Will the BTE be able to use the most advanced coding strategies?
* Do I have to use "special batteries" for my BTE?
* Do I have to use a slower rate or older coding strategy with the
BTE than the body worn?
* Can small children use a BTE or only adults?
* Does the BTE have indication lights or a test box for
troubleshooting?
*
Are there any special configurations that allow the device to be
attached to clothing for small children or active adults?
2. Implant
*
What is the stimulation rate (nonsimultaneous pulses per second -
don't compare apples to oranges)?
*
How reliable is the implant system?
*
Is the CIS in the implant system true CIS?
3. Electrodes
*
How much damage does the electrode do to the cochlea and how could
that influence the ability to use future CI or other technology?
*
How many electrode options does the implant offer for individual
variations in the cochlea?
*
How deep is the electrode insertion?
*
Does the electrode array have safety features (capacitive
coupling) that are designed to prevent damage to the cochlea over time?
*
Does the implant system have an adaptive input dynamic range up to
70dB?
*
Will performance levels of simultaneous analogue strategies ever
match those of pulsatile strategies?
Copyright, MED-EL Corporation, USA 2000.
Reprinted with permission.
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