ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => Insurance => Topic started by: keithk on October 22, 2010, 01:01:35 pm

Title: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: keithk on October 22, 2010, 01:01:35 pm: Today I received the authorization letter approving my BAHA. This has been a very good week for my wife and myself. Our daughter had her twins and now approval. Life couldn't get much better.
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: Jim Scott on October 22, 2010, 01:24:09 pm: Keith ~

Congratulations! Grandchildren and a BAHA - life is good! :)
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: ksiwek on October 22, 2010, 02:37:46 pm: Congrats on your blessings! Here's to more good things coming your way! I just had BAHA surgery 2 weeks ago...so far so good!

When will you be scheduling your BAHA surgery? Keep us posted!

Best,
Kris
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: lori67 on October 22, 2010, 02:38:39 pm: Yay, Keith!

This has been a good week for you! Maybe you should go buy a lottery ticket! ;)

Just think, soon you'll be able to hear your twin grandchildren loud and clear!

Congratulations!
Lori
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: tenai98 on October 22, 2010, 02:52:20 pm: Congrats...
JO
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: Kaybo on October 22, 2010, 03:49:07 pm: YIPEEEEEEEE!!!

K ;D
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: CHD63 on October 22, 2010, 04:30:48 pm: Good news, indeed ..... you deserve it!

Clarice
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: leapyrtwins on October 22, 2010, 08:16:43 pm: Wow! How exciting! I can SO relate to this - twins and a BAHA, two things near and dear to my heart ;D

Enjoy the twins - they grow so fast; mine will be 15 at the end of February.

When you get a date for your BAHA implant surgery, drop Lori (lori67) or me a PM with your mailing address and we'll send you one of our complimentary Official BAHA Recovery Kits.

Best,

Jan
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: Lizard on October 23, 2010, 01:23:56 pm: Fantastic news and congrats on the birth of your grandchildren! ;D
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: Mei Mei on November 05, 2010, 09:06:48 pm: That's great news! I'm thrilled for you. You'll be able to hear your new grandchildren on both sides now and with twins...all the better! ;D
Mei Mei
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: jaylogs on November 05, 2010, 11:08:35 pm: Congrats!! I'll bet you are ready to start being able to tell what direction some sound is coming from, huh? :)
Jay
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: leapyrtwins on November 06, 2010, 12:00:14 pm: Quote from: jaylogs on November 05, 2010, 11:08:35 pm
Congrats!! I'll bet you are ready to start being able to tell what direction some sound is coming from, huh? :)

Actually most people who wear a BAHA don't gain directionality.

I believe that I have over time - I've worn my BAHA for 2 1/2+ years now - but I'm not sure if I'm right about that or not.

My neurotologist and another doctor from his practice are currently doing a research study on this (I was a participant) and I'm anxious to see what the results are, but in the meantime, Keith, don't get your hopes up about directionality. You may or may not acquire it.

Regardless, BAHAs rock!

Jan
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: keithk on November 06, 2010, 03:32:24 pm: I know that I will not have directonal hearing, but at least I will be able to hear people on my left side. Right now I tell friends and family to stand on or near my right side so I can hear them. I also tell them if I tell them to stand on my left side that means I don't want to talk or listen to them.
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: leapyrtwins on November 07, 2010, 10:47:47 am: Guess I misinterpreted Jay's post a little bit, Keith. Sorry ::)

You will definitely be able to hear people who are on your "bad" side once you start wearing your BAHA processor. It's one of the great things about the BAHA.

Jan
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: keithk on November 09, 2010, 10:19:36 am: I just got off the phone with Dr. Harvey's office. My surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday, November 17th. ;D

What is the typical time frame from surgery to being fitted with the BAHA?
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: Jim Scott on November 09, 2010, 01:56:39 pm: Quote from: keithk on November 09, 2010, 10:19:36 am
I just got off the phone with Dr. Harvey's office. My surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday, November 17th. ;D

What is the typical time frame from surgery to being fitted with the BAHA?

Not a BAHA wearer but I believe the average is three months. To the best of my knowledge, your doctor will make that decision.

Jim
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: keithk on November 11, 2010, 02:33:46 pm: Jan

I just received the BAHA recovery kit.

Thank you very much.

Keith
Title: Re: I was just approved for a BAHA
Post by: leapyrtwins on November 12, 2010, 08:15:44 am: Keith - you are welcome ;D

To answer your question about how soon you'll be able to wear your processor that all depends on two things - your doctor and the implant "equipment" you choose.

Most docs make you wait 90 days for the titanium rod to calcify into your skull so it's strong enough to hold the processor without "compromising" the position of the rod. My doc gave me a long explanation about "torque" and why it needed to be avoided; thus the waiting period.

Cochlear just came out with new equipment (mostly the titanium rod) in September that is based on dental implants and it's supposed to calcify quicker than the old equipment. They are saying that patients only need to wait 30 to 45 days before calcification occurs. However, some doctors aren't convinced that this is a good idea - since it's a new "theory" - and they are sticking with the 90 days.

To my knowledge, Oticion equipment still requires a 90 day waiting period. Someone please correct me if I am wrong on this.

These days implant "equipment" doesn't allow for interchangeable processors. In other words, you can no longer wear an Oticon processor (Ponto Pro or Ponto) with Cochlear equipment and vice verse. So it's important to choose your processor wisely.

Jan