Initially (2012), when I was sitting down with the Cochlear Implant professional at the U of M, and looked at the equipment, I had my heart set on Advanced Bionics. 2010, I had my heart set on Cochlear Americas. I am not really liking the flip flopping in technology advances... this is making my decision very difficult. In 2010, AB had not yet come out with the completely swimmable processor (called the Neptune) and was pretty level with Cochlear. 2012, AB appears to have surpassed Cochlear technology. However, Cochlear has been around longer, and seems more reliable. There also comes the issue, that now that I have experienced Phonak's newest hearing aid (the Naida III), I have some idea what their technology is about and a little familiar with them.
At the U of M, they have a complete Cochlear package. They will provide two processors for each ear. Initially, I thought this is awesome! I can go with AB and get a regular Harmony processor, AND a waterproof processor!
But after I made the appointment for surgery, it hit me. This is not a decision to take lightly. I needed to find out more. I signed up for both CA and AB online communities, and signed up for their mailing lists, and joined facebook groups to talk to people about their experiences, to see the types of commonly asked questions, and the issues they are having.
On the first Wednesday of each month, the U of M has a Coffee and Chat group. I decided I needed to do this. I was nervous. I didn't want to do this. I still don't feel like I fit in with this group. I got there, and my anxiety was quickly replaced with a sudden burst from introvert to extrovert. There was three Cochlear Implant recipients (2 Cochlear America, 1 Advanced Bionic), and one other lady and I who were implant hopefuls. I got my coffee, I sat down, I listened, I asked questions.
Once again, I swayed back to Cochlear, for the slim and simplistic design of the processor. I like the remote option to be able to CONTROL my settings. And when I get both ears done, I can have one remote for BOTH sides.
The other day, I freaked out over the Cochlear Nucleus5 recall. I went straight to the forum to get advice and opinions about it. I was over reacting a little bit. It was the internal part that failed, and recalled. So what would happen is, if I went with Cochlear, and they havent put the part back on the market by november I would get the Freedom Internal part (previous model), and Nucleus5 outter processor (latest model). But then again, that kind of stinks... Even if they did put the Nucleus5 internal part back on the market, it would be months before anyone reported another failure to see if it worked properly.
On the days I am not being so LAZY, I am a pretty active person. When I am motivated, I like sports, and working out. I swim, and I like bootcamp fitness. For these activities, the AB Neptune is an awesome choice. To be able to wear the processor in your hair, on your goggles, on your arm, in your pocket. But on the other hand, cochlear is likely in the works of also coming out with this technology...
So what does it come down to? The inside technology. How do I gauge this? How CAN you compare this? AB advertises as being superior for music. But I haven't heard a complaint yet for Cochlear and music either.
When I learned that Cochlear Americas rechargeable batteries lasted a LOT longer, this appealed more to me. Those rechargeables are pretty darn expensive. One user said AB rechargeables were about $150 a piece! Ok, backing away from AB again.... yikes, my head is in a spin.
103 days to surgery.
Score:
Advanced Bionics: 2 - waterproof/active, updating processors faster
Cochlear: 3 - slimmer, longer battery life, remote
No comments:
Post a Comment