Cochlear Implant Upgrades Needed

My name is Heather, and I am the mom of 3 amazing kids. My middle child was born Deaf, and at 20 months old he had his first Cochlear Implant surgery to give him access to sound. He is bi-laterally implanted, meaning he has a cochlear implant on both sides. He calls them his "ears" since they are how he hears. When he got his cochlear implants we had to argue with our insurance to get them to cover him having two "ears", and 7 months after his first implant he was able to have his second surgery and got his second cochlear implant. It has been the best decision because it has given him the ability to differentiate what direction sounds are coming from, and allowed his speech to develop faster and more clear.

Cochlear Implants are medical technology, and like all technology, over time things need to be upgraded. My son is now eight and a half, and his cochlear implant processors (the part he wears on his ear like a hearing aid) were eligible for upgrading over a year ago. However, like all technology, upgrades are expensive.

My husband and I are both teachers, and the medical insurance that we have through our school district does not fully cover the cost of upgrading his hearing devices and our part for upgrading his devices would be almost $10,000. Because of this we have waited and saved, hoping to be able to get his "ears" upgraded soon. Last school year we received a letter stating that as of March 31st, 2023 replacement parts (batteries, ear hooks, magnets, coils, aqua+ covers, etc.) for Nuclues 6 processors will no longer be available. Again, like all technology, as newer versions come out the older versions are no longer made. However, because his processors are over 7 years old they are starting to have issues. His batteries are no longer lasting through a full school day, and he is having to carry back up batteries with him wherever he goes in case he needs them. The coils that connect the magnets to his sound processors are showing wear and getting flimsy like an old iphone charging cord, and sometimes it takes 2-3 tries to get his left processor to turn on after changing the batteries.

We are asking for help covering the cost of two new Nucleus 8 Cochlear Implant processors (this includes new processors, magnets, ear hooks and coils) and two extra rechargeable batteries for my son so that he can hopefully start next school year off with new hearing devices and continue to have access to sound with the best technology available.

We are truly grateful for any help.