I'm considering a MED-EL cochlear implant. What is best hearing aid to wear with it?

While the MED-EL cochlear implant is a good product, it does not currently have a partner hearing aid company that is compatible.  If having compatibility between technology is something that is important to you, you may want to consider the other implant companies that are out there.  Both Cochlear Americas and Advanced Bionics have partner companies, Resound & Phonak respectively, that make compatible hearing aids that allow for the use of assistive listening devices in both ears at the same time.  Advanced Bionics has taken it a step further by developing a hearing aid (the Naida Link) that allows for communication between the devices to provide additional benefits aside from assistive listening devices.

If you choose to stay with your MED-EL decision, wearing a hearing aid in the opposite ear will still be beneficial, but you will give up some of the additional benefits of the other assistive devices that can have a dramatic improvement in a variety of situations including background noise and telephone.

 

I am not familiar with the Med-El implants. Saw a terrific presentation from a representative from Advanced Bionics and I believe they have a partnership with Phonak, I looked on the Med-El website and it mentions the ROGER pen microphone. While it is compatible with other manufacturers, I would have to say that Phonak would be the best option. Best of luck to you!