Today seen my CI Audi for the final evaluation and I'm in there! Yay! I'm so excited!
But now the big question is, which one should I get? They gave me a huge packet with info for Nucleus Freedom, Med El and Advanced Bionics Harmony.
They all look amazing, I'm stuck... So I figured I'd ask the real pros...
Congrats!
Basically do all the research you can. Anyone that tells you which one is the best, and they have it is sort of biased. I'll try to give my best to make it a little bit unbiased, and I'll do the pros and cons
Cochlear
Been around for 20 years
Very good with backward compatibility
Freedom processor:
Has 4 programs
3 microphones for various directional sounds
Has Mini bte style if you want a more discreet look - doesn't accept external accessories (some people pick one mini BTE, and one Full)
Has rechargeable batteries
Can use disposable batteries (consider your lifestyle, if you tend to travel a lot, camping a lot, etc this is where it comes in handy.
Cochlear audiologist pretty much can be found all over the US and the World
(it's a bit harder to find Med El audiologist in America. AB has a lot, but not as much as Cochlear due to worldwide)
Has various colors of coil/processors/microphone covers
22 Electrodes (it doesn't mean more is better)
Soft tip, and curly array which can reduce the trauma on your cochlea, the other companies do not have that yet.
Splash proof and water resistant
Implant itself has titanium housing - strongest.
Cons
BTE can be a bit on the heavy side
There has been some issues with Customer Service
Replacing batteries can be expensive, BUT most insurance companies will pay for them. Medicare/Mediaid pays 100%
Advance Bionics
American company
More selection of colors and funky colors on the coil, has more of metallic look
Currently improving with backward compatibility (8 years old implants are unable to have the new Harmony)
16 electrodes
Titanium housing
Has T-mic (basically it is a microphone that rest near your ear canal, so theoretically you're getting sound "the natural" way), many users swear by this.
Rechargeable batteries - 8 hour and12-18 hours batteries
Good customer service
3 programs
2 microphones
Lighter than Freedom full BTE
Cons
American company - may be hard to find overseas, or audiologists overseas.
Slightly higher failure rate, not as much as it used to be
Med El
More popular in Europe
They just kind of changed their implant to titanium housing, it used to be ceramic (which can crack if hit hard enough)
Better for ears with ossification, but all three companies have different implant systems for ears with ossification, so don't take my word for this.
Smallest BTE and lightest
Has a "NIFFY REMOTE" as SouthFella says all the time
Hard to find in America
12 Electrodes
Cons
Higher failure rates of all three companies
I am not familiar with Med El, but I didn't like it because of what it looked like just a few months ago, hard to find audiologist in my area, and failure rate.
SO - having said this, no matter what company you choose, you will be happy with it, and I always felt that everyone gets the SAME benefit...they can hear again regardless what implant/processor system they use.
Just because i have Freedom implants and processors does not mean I can hear better than someone who has AB Harmony Model.
It pretty much goes down to your own preference, especially when it comes to accessories and features. Want a colorful one? Go for AB. Want battery options regards to rechargeable or disposables? Go for Cochlear. Want a niffy remote? Go for Med El.
I went for Cochlear because I really love my audiologist, and she only does that company. So I'm very happy with my choice.