ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: anissa on October 19, 2010, 09:21:53 pm

Title: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: anissa on October 19, 2010, 09:21:53 pm
The last posts I've found regarding Transear were from the beginning of the year so I'm hoping those of you using it will check in here.  I am starting to think about getting Transear and researching a little.  Found the website (www.transear.com) and it looks great but I have to hear it from the people who really know.  YOU!

I called my ENT's office today and spoke with the audiologist who'd never heard of it.  She's looked through the website and is going to call the company tomorrow to see what she can find out.  Her concern is that the oscillator will not have the power to get the vibrations to the bone and also worried about frequency.  I'm sure she used more technical words but that is what I remember, ha ha.

The things I've read here about Transear, especially the newest version, have been good.  I imagine it's not as, oh what's the word, on the same level as the BAHA because the BAHA is connected to the bone but I'm interested in the least invasive option (and cheapest?) so it looks good to me.  Is it as great as the brochure makes it sound? It mentions directional hearing but I have no expectations on that. How about insurance, anybody have insurance pay for it/towards it?

I'm a stay-at-home-mom who'd like to sit at a table in a restaurant with friends and hear the whole conversation, go to church/store and hear someone say 'hi' to me on my deaf side.  Even if I don't know where it comes from at least I'll hear it! Oh! For those of you who have it, can you talk on the phone on your deaf side?

I know this is scattered but I'd love to hear any reviews/suggestions/input.  Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: leapyrtwins on October 19, 2010, 10:01:32 pm
Anissa -

as you know, I'm a BAHA wearer so I can't give you any firsthand experience about the TransEar.

However, I can tell you that I've talked to my neurotologist (who did my AN surgery and my BAHA implant) about it and he tells me that it's a great option for those who are SSD.  His patients who wear TransEars are very happy with them and like what they hear.  He said that in the past there were some wiring issues with the TransEar - which gave it a "bad" reputation for a while - but it's been greatly improved for some time now.

Hope this helps,

Jan
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: anissa on October 19, 2010, 10:20:24 pm
That is encouraging, thanks for telling me that! It's always nice to hear good comments from a doctor, they hear all the stories!
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: 6pick on October 20, 2010, 05:11:22 pm
Anissa,

I'm glad you posted, considering what to do about my nearly SSD is exactly what I need to do next.

I had CK last week at Stanford U and now I think it's a good time to begin considering what to do about my nearly SSD. The BAHA seems to get lots of good press, but since I of the balding persuasion, wearing my hair long enough to cover the box (at least my perception is that the external component of the BAHA has a box like shape) wouldn't work without me looking like a 60s throwback wannabe.

Have you looked at the SoundBite? it looks like Arasha began a thread on October 15, 2009 called "GOOD NEWS...NEW INVENTION FOR SSD... Sounds good for us!!!!" in this same category (Hearing Issues). I stumbled upon it one day while "surfing" but I haven't been back because I had other bridges to cross first. I believe she is/was involved in the testing of the product. The last posts indicates that FDA approval is next with marketing in 2011. What do you think?

http://www.wsoctv.com/health/24285680/detail.html

http://www.sonitusmedical.com/product/

http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/05/24/soundbite-a-hearing-aid-that-transmits-sound-through-teeth-and-bones/


Mark
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Goldie on October 20, 2010, 08:35:53 pm
If I remember correctly, when I first visited with my audiologist, she said TransEar is not covered by insurance because it doesn't involve a surgical procedure, whereas the first BAHA is because it's considered surgical (replacements down the road are not covered).  I have no idea on the cost of TransEar, but I think I would start by checking on coverage with the insurance company.  I hope some others who have experience with it will chime in.

Denise D.
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: leapyrtwins on October 20, 2010, 08:51:17 pm
Denise -

if an insurance policy doesn't cover hearing aids - and the majority of them don't - the TransEar isn't covered, since it's classified as a hearing aid.

The BAHA is not a hearing aid, it's an implant or a prosthesis, which is why insurance companies do cover it.  Sometimes it takes a little convincing on the patient's and the doctor's part, but Cochlear has a new division (called OMS) that helps BAHA candidates get the surgery and the processor paid for.

As far as replacement processors or upgrades go, I've heard that many people have an insurance policy that will pay for a new processor every 5 years.  Although I upgraded in April to the BP100, my Divino was only 2 years old at the time, so I didn't ask my insurance company to pay for it.  I paid for it myself out of my flexible spending account at work.  But next time, if it's been 5 years since I got my first BAHA (my Divino), I'm going to see what my insurance policy says about coverage.

Pick -

BAHAs are not for everyone - for lots of reasons - but I wouldn't worry too much about having a "box" on your head if you think the BAHA might be right for you.  Obviously it's a personal choice, but I've seen many men with BAHAs and CI's (Cochlear Implants) on their heads and they all wore them proudly.  Lots of times in life you have to do what you feel is best for you and if you choose to get a "box" on your head that bothers other people, that's not really your issue, it's theirs.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Jan
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Brewers7 on October 21, 2010, 12:44:52 pm
I just received word yesterday that my insurance will cover the transear!  (I previously considered a BAHA but because of my previous surgical complications, the otologist suggested that I consider a nonsurgical option such as Tranear.)
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: 6pick on October 21, 2010, 01:50:41 pm
You're absolutely right Jan, I have to do what I feel is best for me and if I choose to get a "box" on my head then it's my business. I have a lot yet to learn about all the options available to me so be ready for questions  :D 
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Jeanlea on October 21, 2010, 08:06:20 pm
I've had the TransEar for 3 1/2 years now.  I started with an older version and got upgraded to the newest version about a year ago.  There were problems with the wires in the past, but my new version has not had any wire problems.  While nothing will be the same as your old hearing, the TransEar does help.  I tend to notice it the most when I don't have the TransEar in.  It does give me some hearing on my deaf side.  I miss much less of any conversation while I'm wearing it.  It does not help much in a very noisy environment though.  I have not found any help with directionality either.  I get my directionality by turning my head to see where the sound is the loudest. 

The transear is very comfortable for me to wear.  I don't even notice it's in my ear during the day.  The newest version is much better at distinguishing conversation too.  I found an audiologist willing to work with me and the TransEar company.  The audiologist had not done one before but got a lot of help from the company.  One important thing to remember is to get a "deep impression" when making the mold for your TransEar. 

All in all, I'm very happy with my TransEar.  I wasn't interested in having something permanently attached to my head although many people don't mind it at all. 

If you have more questions I'd be happy to answer them on here or through a PM.

Jean
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Cynaburst on October 21, 2010, 09:44:28 pm
I also have a Transear.  I had the old version for a year or two (it broke ALOT) and then I upgraded to the newest version last year.  To be honest, it broke recently too, although it wasn't the wire this time.  I finally got them to give me an extra wire so I could change it out myself since it broke so many times.

Anyway, it definitely helps my hearing.  I am not sure that it really gives me any directional sound, but it certainly helps with conversations and the dead side effect.  My speech discrimination in my deaf ear really improved with the new version.  I am unwilling to get a screw put in my skull, so this is as far as I can go due to some other health issues.

I find it pretty comfortable, though I have to take it out to let my ear rest a bit when I wear it all day.  It was not covered by my insurance, and it cost me about $2800 or so.
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: bre2you on October 26, 2010, 05:50:56 pm
Hi Annissa,

I got my transear two weeks ago today.  The first day I wore it for over 8 hours and I had a horrible headache when I took it out.  I was ready to give it back, but I decided to try it again in moderation and gradually migrate to all day wear.  While wearing it the other day, I decided to put my cell phone up to my deaf ear while listening to voice mail messages.  I could actually hear the message (although it was low).  While sitting in a meeting a work, I was able to hear the person on my deaf side without turning my head towards them.  There is a 30 day FREE trial period.  The transear can be returned with no cost to you within that time period if it does not work for you.  My insurance will cover 80% of the cost after I meet my deductible.

Good Luck!
Bridget
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: anissa on November 01, 2010, 10:47:38 am
Bridget, glad to hear it's working out for you, that is so encouraging to me! Especially being able to hear anything on the deaf side without having to look there, cool! 

My audiologist is getting info from the company, they've never done one although they do AN surgeries often.  They do the BAHA and that's it. She's very skeptical of the Transear having the power to push the vibrations to the bone. I like hearing from you all though because you actually know! I hope they are willing to give it a shot.  I also need to call my insurance to see what if any they would cover.  I do really like the money back guarantee.

I'm also now starting to think of the BAHA and I still need to check out the soundbyte technology.

Thanks for all your replies!
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Kaybo on November 01, 2010, 12:36:56 pm
Anissa~
I don't have either but I went to my 1st support group meeting here Saturday and they had an audiologist there - she was mainly supposed to speak about the TransEar but did talk about everything.  One thing that I did not know (& you probably do) is HOW DEEP the TransEar goes into your ear - OH MY GOODNESS - I'm aftraid it will protrude out my belly button!!  WOW!  It was LONG - they even offer lubrication if you need it to get it in!  One thing that she stressed was if you have a super curvy canal, it MIGHT not be as comfortable.  Again, I am NOT a Dr. or a wearer so I can't tell you expert advice or from experience...just passing along what I heard!

Good Luck!
K   ;D
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: anissa on November 01, 2010, 12:45:46 pm
Oh wow, I didn't know that and I doubt my audiologist realizes that.  That far down (farther than the outer ear but not quite to the belly button ;) ) certainly would reach the bone!  I'm so anxious to try it! Thanks for telling me!
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: bre2you on November 01, 2010, 01:24:58 pm
It goes DEEP into the ear canal ... my audiologist said it goes to jaw bone.  You do get non-oily gel lubricant to put on it and it helps to hold your ear lobe down while putting it in.  I always feel that it's in my ear, but it does not hurt.  There is a 30-day trail period, so I would definitely recomend giving it a try. 
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: 6pick on November 02, 2010, 04:15:34 pm
I called my insurance yesterday to see if BAHA or TransEar are covered. After many "I'm not sure . . . it depends . . . " I asked if my phone inquiry would be better made by my doctor. The customer service lady perked right up and said yes because they have all the information needed.

At this point, rather than confuse things with the blow-by-blow, I'll just say that so far it appears that the follow-up appointments made for me for MRI, Audiogram and consult in April will breach the subject of hearing device. If this is the case, it would have been nice for someone to have informed me. But I'm not complaining. I'm truly grateful for everything: the doctors, the insurance, the forum, the fact that there are hearing "aids" out there that can help, that my "alien" is benign - everything.

So, I guess the question is, "is that how & when I'm supposed to find out?"

Mark
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: bre2you on November 03, 2010, 06:29:49 pm
6pick,

I was told by my Audiologist to ask my insurance company specifically if I had "hearing aid" coverage.  I also looked up my benenfits online by going to the website listed on the back of my insurance card.  What I have found is that most people have never heard of Acoustic Neuroma (myself included until I was diagnosed) and don't know what BAHA or TransEar are.

Bridget
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: leapyrtwins on November 03, 2010, 08:33:51 pm
Mark -

if you to want to know if your insurance company will cover a BAHA, contact Cochlear.  They have an insurance division - referred to as OMS (I can never remember what that stands for) - and they will contact your insurance company for you.  I've heard OMS works wonders.

It's very common for insurance companies to tell you BAHAs aren't covered because lots of insurance reps think a BAHA is a hearing aid.  It's not.  It's classified as an implant or a prosthesis, which generally makes all the difference in the world when it comes to determining if insurance pays for it or not.

You'll find information on Cochlear's main website www.cochlearamericas.com

Good luck,

Jan
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Patti UT on November 13, 2010, 02:35:37 pm
Anissa,
   You know, your audiologist is my aduiologist. We both happened to call her the sdame week about Transear.  She demo'd me the BAHA Tuesday.  AMAZING!!!!!  she had all the info she got from Transear and was ready to make the mold right then. But after checking out the BAHA.  I don't know.  Lots to think about.  If insurance won't pay, She quoted about 20k for BAHA including the surgery. Some companies will pay for the surgery but not the device.  transear is only $2400 with the 30 day trial, your out $100 for the fitting if you send it back.  And YES, it does go very deep into the ear canal. It has to get down to the bony part in order to conduct.   In looking at the Soundbite, it looks similar to the Transear with a piece behind the ear and a peice into the ear canal, just not at deep. but then there is the mouth peice too.  Seems like more peices to mess with and more batteries to be changing. ALso, it's new, so they will ahve to work out the bugs same as Transear just spent  the last coupld years doing.  I'm not sure about the cost of Soundbite.  ANyone know??

patti ut
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: leapyrtwins on November 13, 2010, 07:20:46 pm
I was told by my Audiologist to ask my insurance company specifically if I had "hearing aid" coverage. 

Bridget -

whether or not your insurance company covers hearing aids is only relevant if you are looking into a TransEar or a conventional hearing aid.  The BAHA does not qualify as a hearing aid, which is why insurance typically covers it.  The BAHA is technically an implant or a prosthesis and that is the distinction that is very important when approaching your insurance company. 

If your policy covers Cochlear Implants (CIs) it has to cover BAHAs or you can claim that you are being discriminated against.  CIs are for people who are bilaterally deaf (deaf in both ears) while BAHAs are for those of use who are unilaterally or SSD (single sided deaf). 

As I mentioned to Mark, if you are thinking about a BAHA contact Cochlear and let them deal with your insurance company.  They typically get quicker and better results in requesting coverage than patients do when they ask directly.

Jan
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Mei Mei on November 15, 2010, 04:53:16 pm
"Goes all the way to the jawbone"  ... does it hurt to get it in that far?  Do they give you a lot of practice putting it in and out before they send you home with it?

Anissa, I would write to Angelia at TransEar to get the names of TransEar audiologists in your area.  Being the first one to be fitted at that practice is not such a good idea as the good fit is critical to the success or failure of the TransEar for your individual case.

If you PM (Private Message) me, I'll give you her email address so she can get you the contact list for your zip code.   She gave me about 5 in our area and one of them was highly recommended by the local consumer's group so I'm going with him.

Take care,
Mei Mei
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Patti UT on November 16, 2010, 03:44:10 pm
Mei mei,
  I had already consulted with transear, The next closest  for me is around 1 1/2 hours away and they have only done 5 of them over the last couple years.  Annissa is in Idaho, she might be ale to find one closer to her than the sudiologist where we both had our surgeries in utah.  I will be her first fitting but she is a good audiologist.  I am anticipating it neeeding to be tweeked a few times to get it to fit right. I guess they give you some lubrication to use for inserting it.  Hopefully it won'r be too uncomfortable
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: bre2you on November 16, 2010, 07:40:07 pm
Everyone's ear canal is different, but the part of the TransEar that gqoes into my ear canal is an inch long.  There is lubricant that you put on it before inserting it.  It does not hurt, but is a bit uncomfortable going in.  Once it is in place, I feel like I have an ear plug in my ear---I always know its there but it does not hurt.  I have about two weeks left on my trial and haven't decided if i wil keep it. I haven't noticed a significant enough change in my hearing to justify it just yet.  Right now I have to drive over an hour to get to theaudiologist so it is not so convenient to pop in for an adjustment.  The BAHA is not a viable option for me as I do not want another hole drilled in my head.

Bridget 
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Mei Mei on November 16, 2010, 09:16:27 pm
Hi again,
This is all very disheartening and maybe I should get used to SSD until the technology gets better.  Things seem to be moving quickly and I'm willing to wait and watch the action on this Forum for a couple of years.

Jeanlea on page 1 of this thread expressed that she is very comfortable with the Transear and has been using it for 3 1/2 years.  and doesn't feel it.  The fitting is really critical in the success of all the aids we get.  If you have confidence in you audiologist then go for it.  I wonder if Jeanlea's audiologist had any experience before fitting her with the TransEar or how much experience she had.

I hope you find a good solution.  Please let us all know what you finally decide on and what works for you and I will do the same.
Sincerely,
Mei Mei
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: bre2you on November 17, 2010, 06:21:52 pm
Mei Mei,

I would encourage you to try thr transear for yourself. Every case is diiferent.  It may work well for you. I had lived with 85% hearing loss for  almost a year before I was diagnosed with an AN tumor. So when I lostthe remaining 15%, the impact was not that great. I primarily work from home and use a speaker phone, so the transear would only be useful to me when I leave home. There is a 30 day free trial, so you really have nothing to lose by trying it.

Bridget
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: meganlynn on November 18, 2010, 01:28:39 am
Hello everyone ... I'm totally new to this forum, and have been very interested in all of your TransEar comments.  My daughter is six years old and in the first grade.  She has ssd and a TransEar.  As we live in TN, in October we made the trip to 'TransEar' itself.  WOW!  They fitted her that day, and the change was remarkable.  She never complained of pain, and only used the 'gel' the first day.  Sarah (daughter of inventor) tested her in the sound proof booth with her good ear plugged and covered, and with the TransEar she had 98 percent word recognition!!!  Then she took out the TransEar (keeping the good ear plugged and covered) and only had 62 percent word recognition.  Amazing!

The depth of the fit has not seemed to bother her at all.  She takes it out in gymnastics, but not in dance class.  It's hard to get exact information from her since she's so young, but it seems to be working very well.  We are still experimenting with certain aspects... direction, telephone, etc.

The company itself has won my trust.  They are so very patient friendly, and have been wonderful to work with.... :)
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: 6pick on November 18, 2010, 12:21:34 pm
Quote
Hi again,
This is all very disheartening and maybe I should get used to SSD until the technology gets better.  Things seem to be moving quickly and I'm willing to wait and watch the action on this Forum for a couple of years.

For my money, I don't want to "get used to SSD" for any length of time if I don't have to. It's as irritating for me as for my wife to have to ask her to repeat things all the time. I figure that when the technology improves, I'll upgrade then if I want to. I can't argue that technology is improving all the time and I have to ask myself at exactly what point in time or at what point in the improvement in technology do I say, "It's better"? What should be my cutoff point?

So I guess the point, Mei Mei, is you are worth doing something about it now, after all, you could wait forever for the technology to "be there", you know?

Mark
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Mei Mei on November 18, 2010, 08:02:42 pm
You're right, Mark.   I am really worth it and being in a restaurant today in a large crowded room was very frustrating.   I know with you I don't have to explain the frustration.    Reading about the length of the Trans Ear the other day concerned me.  T reports of the device not fitting well was also a concern.  I want to make sure I have the best possible person to do this fitting that have had lots of experience with TrnsEar.   Maybe I should make the trip to Tennessee.   It's not that far from me   I'll check it out.

Thanks for your comments!
Mei Mei
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: 6pick on November 19, 2010, 10:43:58 am
You go, girl!   ;) :D
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Mei Mei on November 19, 2010, 04:49:46 pm
Thanks, Mark.   You're a good friend!  I needed that!
Mei Mei
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: meganlynn on November 19, 2010, 10:05:41 pm
We took our daughter, 6 years old, to the actual "TransEar office" and I would say it was WELL worth the trip.  Although we live here in the Nashville area, and have been in the care of Vanderbilt (Bill Wilderson Clinic), we felt since we were just 5 hours away it was a given to go to the source.  I can't tell you how glad we are for that decision!  They were able to tweak things right then and there.  None of the visit was traumatic for our daughter... even the making of the mold.  She has had her TransEar for a few weeks now, and wears it 8-10 hours a day.  She has never complained of discomfort.  I'm sold! :) :)
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: 6pick on November 19, 2010, 10:06:18 pm
 ;D (For Mei Mei)
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Mei Mei on November 21, 2010, 07:26:30 am
And to you, too!   ;D  I hope you are recovering well.   I saw that you just had your surgery.  When do you think you'll get the TransEar?  I'll make my appointment after Thanksgiving.  Was thinking of going to Tennessee to get a good fitting like MeganLynn.

Have a great Sunday!
Mei Mei
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: 6pick on November 21, 2010, 12:51:43 pm
Oops, no, I didn't have surgery, I had CK (I think you were referring to me  ???).

The jury's out for me on TransEar or BAHA or SoundBite. TransEar gets mixed reviews so far, Jan's pretty strong on BAHA and so are many other users. SoundBite isn't on the market yet, I think. The truth is I haven't tried any of them yet, and that, plus insurance coverage, is probably going to be the deciding factor. I'm inclined to wait until my follow-up MRI / Audiogram / consultation-with-the-doctors to take the next "action" step, but I want to know what's out there when I go to that consultation. I don't know, does that seem like a wise plan?
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Mei Mei on November 22, 2010, 02:42:28 pm
A very wise plan, indeed.   I still am working on my Post Operative Headaches which get in the way of my following up on the hearing problem which is minimal compared to my hearing since I retired on disability because of all this.  I can't get the BAHA because of my headaches and tenderness on the scalp, I just don't want any more surgery there even though the BAHA is a small surgery, I just don't want to upset the apple cart with all the headache problems I have.  It turned off my ENT who specializes in BAHA and Cochlear Implants, as he was eager to schedule me last June, but that's the way I feel.  I've suffered too much to take any more surgery.

I am a personal friend of one of the developers of the Sonnitus.  He's a dentist out in Calif. and I send him comments from the threads on Sonnitus.  They should know how we feel about it in order to make a better product and from what I read recently on that thread I don't want to go for it in spite of the personal aquaintance.   You live in the Bay area and you could have been a study protocol participant.   Why didn't you go for it?  I guess it was too late since you were recently operated on.

That leaves me with TransEar and the woman from Michigan really likes it.   She got a good fitting probably and that must be the key to success or failure of the TransEar working.  I'd like to give it a try and might even go to the office in Tennessee to get it fitted since the audiologist locally that was highly rated didn't even return my call asking for procedure codes to file with insurance. 

The people at TransEar respond within a few hours and I like that.

You come from the Bay Area.   I used to go there a lot because of my father's connection to Stanford and my daughter being in school at Stanford.   Lately I am tied down to Maryland and DC because my 96 year old father moved in with me and I responsible for his 24 hour care.  Loved California and all the wonderful things you can do there.   You're lucky to live there.
Take care,   ;)

Mei Mei
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: keithk on November 22, 2010, 04:25:37 pm
I was seriously considering the Transear prior to my AN surgery. I even talked with my ENT about it. I was willing to put up with all the all the side problems just to solve my SSD. Then I found out that y insurance would pay for it because it is an implant and not a hearing aid. I had my implant last  Wednesday and am now waiting the 3 months before I get switched on.
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Mei Mei on November 22, 2010, 06:30:47 pm
You got your insurance company to say it is an implant?   That's great.   I believe that as well.   What insurance company is it?   

My insurance company said they needed the procedure code before they could tell me whether or not they could pay for it.   Can you share that here?

I would greatly appreciate that information.

Sincerely,
Mei Mei
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: meganlynn on November 22, 2010, 07:12:42 pm
We're still waiting to hear from our insurance.  I think another way to file is as a prosthetic device (TransEar).  Technically, it seems, it is not a 'hearing aid' ... and if your insurance covers prosthetics, there's an arguement to be had for it!  I'll let you know when we know something.... Megan (mom of a TransEar user :)

Thanks everyone for letting me join this discussion.  We have felt VERY alone in the area of SSD ... it's wonderful to find others who understand....
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Mei Mei on November 22, 2010, 07:32:42 pm
Dear Megan's Mom,
No need to thank us.   You're always welcome and valued as a wonderful contributor.   Keep those posts coming and good luck with Megan.    You're a great Mom!
Mei Mei
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: keithk on November 22, 2010, 08:01:25 pm
We have Aetna insurance. Here is the link from the insurance company defining the requirements for the BAHA. They consider it an implant rather then a hearing aid.  Go to your company's web site and see what you can find.


http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/400_499/0403.html
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: leapyrtwins on November 22, 2010, 10:23:03 pm
Folks -

somewhere along the way this thread got off course.

A TransEar is NOT a prosthesis - because it it not an implant.  It fits in the ear and can be removed - it's not a permanent attachment.  It is a hearing aid.

A BAHA, on the other hand, is a prosthesis or implant - NOT a hearing aid.  The BAHA - at least the implant part of it - is a permanent piece drilled into the skull; that part of it is not removable (except by a surgeon).

Implants or prosthetics are typically covered by insurance; hearing aids typically are not.  There are exceptions to this "rule".

Keithk does not have a TransEar, he just had implant surgery for a BAHA.

Hope this clears things up  ;D

Jan
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: meganlynn on November 23, 2010, 06:35:12 am

TransEar ... Tell Me About It!!!


It seems to me that this wonderful conversation has been all about the topic...   TransEar   ... I simply stated that sometimes INSURANCE will cover it as a prosthetic device.  I was so excited to read this thread ... the conversations of people helping people ... I simply was adding what I have experienced to be true.  Although a TransEar is not surgically implanted, it is a bone conduction device and operates completely different from a standard hearing aid.  I may not have been a part of your community for long, but I have definitely done my research on this topic.

Obviously you know and have experience with Baha, and it is valuable information.  My experience with TransEar is valuable as well and I am so excited to be able to share it with others.  Emma (I'm Megan/Mom) has both the basic TransEar and the more current Clik.  Her life has been radically changed.  As a six year old, it is obvious her daily frustration level has been lowered.  She understands conversations significantly better ... "What did you say?"  has become much less frequent.  The doctor/company has been more customer friendly than any practice I've ever dealt with.  They are reliable and true to their word. 

Could it be that one reason TransEar hasn't taken over the industry is that doctors don't make nearly as much money off of it as they do a surgical procedure?  It may be taking off slowly, but it is an area of technology that will not stop.  The sky is the limit for TransEar ...  (and this is not a paid endorsement!  teeheehee.  I'm just a mom who is so excited about the possibilities!)  :)
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: meganlynn on November 23, 2010, 06:39:40 am
.... also .... many, if not most, prosthetics are removable. 
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Mei Mei on November 23, 2010, 07:17:39 am
Very true, both of you.   Thank you for your input and support of TransEar.   My friend at Sonnitus (a dentist that helped develop is in LA)  said that when insurance companies realize that there are alternatives to having surgery that is much less expensive, they will fully endorse these alternatives.   There are more ways to Rome and BAHA.   Some people just can't do BAHA because of inability to have more surgery, lack of willingness to have more surgery or finances.

I'm glad to find out that this can be counted as a prosthetic device.   My neighbor had to have arms and legs cut off and the prosthetic devices are taken off daily.  They were paid for by insurance.

Mei Mei
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: meganlynn on November 23, 2010, 07:27:07 am
I am so excited about Sonnitus as well!  Actually, we were 'investigating' it when we descovered TransEar.  With Emma's age, TransEar is the only non-surgical option.  In the future (with permanent teeth!) she might prefer Sonnitus.  Thankfully both TransEar and Sonnitus will continue to hone their techniques and things will only get better....  Competition is a good thing  ;)
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Kaybo on November 23, 2010, 07:28:45 am
I am considering the BAHA ONLY because it is covered by insurance and nothing else is...I am certainly not in the position in my life that I am able to drop that kind of mondy on myself - my kids...YES...but not me!  I figure if I have gone this long (15 years) without anything, I don't need to spend all that money now!   ::)  Plus, I don't want to have stuff in my ear - especially something that I have to use lubricant to get there!   :o

K   ;D
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Brewers7 on November 29, 2010, 12:07:06 pm
Getting mold for Transear tomorrow.  I am excited.  Although we thought there might be insurance coverage, BCBS would not cover BAHA or Transear.
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: dalern on November 29, 2010, 02:52:41 pm
Many Blue Shield policies that were covering BAHAs are no longer doing so.  It's a shame.
~Dale
So far, Blue shield paid my surgeon, the anesthesiologist who gave me the IV Sedation, my pre-op and post op appointments, but they have not paid the hospital.  The hospital has also not billed me.  Evidently the insurance asked the hospital for more information and it was never sent.  As long as they don't bill me, I am fine.  I did pay a deposit when I arrived there.
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: leapyrtwins on November 29, 2010, 10:51:59 pm
BCBS is one of those providers that need a little "push" when it comes to BAHA coverage.

Recently there was a case with BCBS of Illinois where they denied coverage to a teenage girl. 

Once the local news got involved, BCBS of Illinois changed their ruling and granted her coverage.

Jan
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Patti UT on December 08, 2010, 10:52:37 pm
How did the fitting go Brewers7???  I'm so curious to know.  YOu should get your Transear in what, 2 weeks or so?  I had to postpone my fitting.  My dad was having diabetes complications, hospitalized and ended up haveing the leg amputated.  Beem running back & forth from utah to Washington to help.  Figured I wanted to be near my sudiologist during my 30 day trial for tweaking and getting used to it at home rather than in an airport & hospital.  Things should settle down after the holidays and I can go in and get the mold done.  In the emantime,  PLEASE keep us informed how it goes. 

Patti UT
Title: Re: Transear - tell me about it!
Post by: Brewers7 on December 09, 2010, 09:36:23 am
Had to go back for a second fitting.  I have a very small ear canal.  I am suppose to get it Tuesday (Dec 14)!