Cochlear or Advanced Bionics?

ladysolitary85

ladysolitary85

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Hey everyone! I finally went to a Cochlear Implant specialist and he gave me the run down to what to expect, process before and after surgery. He encouraged me to talk with anyone that has the implant done to learn from their experiences, brand they use. The brand choices I would have is Cochlear, AB and Med El.... I'm leaning towards more AB or Cochlear but still value stories and opinions
 
I went with AB myself, and have been pretty happy. Have had left ear implanted for more than 2.5 years, and the right one for one month now. I was more impressed with the technology and advances in technology from AB, and the fact that Sonova owns both AB and Phonak, and Phonak is sharing their technology with AB. I've worn Phonak hearing aids since I was a little kid, so that was a plus for me. Plus all the color choices AB has to offer is pretty neat too, as I like to use bright colors if possible. Cochlear has different color covers so there's that (and SkinIt.com does customized skins for both so there's always that option if you want to have fun with your processors).

You really can't go wrong with whichever device you choose for yourself. They all will help you hear, and that's the main point. Look at what each device has to offer (in terms of accessories and programming options); do any from AB or from Cochlear appeal to you more? They both have rechargeable and disposable battery options, and different programming options. I don't know how many programs Cochlear holds on their latest processor; but AB's Naida holds 5 programs (and if you're going bilateral, 10 as it can store programs for both ears, which is handy!) and 3 on the Neptune.
 
Thanks for your reply! There are two things I really like about AB. The fact their partners with Phonak and they seem like they have more to offer than Cochlear. When you get AB does the Nadia and Neptune in the same box when you first get it?
 
Nadia & Neptune are separate processors thus ordering one wouldn't require the other.
Nadia is a later model than Neptune or Harmony.

aside: I have used the Harmony since August 2007. I am quite satisfied with the Harmony to date. In due course will get the Nadia.

aside: I have mentioned before how it was chosen for me in 2007.
Cochlear had a "production problem" at the time and MedEl was not "approved" then but subsequently was. Thus the only choice was A B Harmony.
 
I was told by my audiologist that Cochlear offers a 5 year warranty and AB , a two or 3 year warranty.
 
shel90 said:
I was told by my audiologist that Cochlear offers a 5 year warranty and AB , a two or 3 year warranty.
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It's 3 years and the warranty refers to the external processor, the part that gets replaced every few years. In the absence of warranty coverage; insurance kicks in and the option for a new replacement is considered. Since AB has an aggressive release schedule for new processors, that would probably explain why the 3 year warranty versus the 5 year warranty.
 
Naida and Neptune are different, so they come in different packages/kits. Naida comes in its own kit with batteries, cords, charger, earhooks/T-mics, headpieces, color caps for the headpieces, etc.; Neptune in a bigger kit with its own batteries, charger, cords, covers, waterproof kit, etc.
 
BleedingPurist said:
It's 3 years and the warranty refers to the external processor, the part that gets replaced every few years. In the absence of warranty coverage; insurance kicks in and the option for a new replacement is considered. Since AB has an aggressive release schedule for new processors, that would probably explain why the 3 year warranty versus the 5 year warranty.
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Makes sense....:hmm:
 
I think if I went with AB my options would be Nadia or Neptune. I only have one friend who went with Cochlear but that's all I know on that. Those of you who have either brands are you happy with it?
 
ladysolitary85 said:
I think if I went with AB my options would be Nadia or Neptune. I only have one friend who went with Cochlear but that's all I know on that. Those of you who have either brands are you happy with it?
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You will probably be able to pick one of each processor. Many clinics in the U.S. offer a choice of two, with one intended as a back-up.

My experience with AB has been amazing! The sheer amount of choices and programming options ensures whatever I am not satisfied with can be changed to my needs. There have been many emotional moments over the gains experienced from my bionic hearing over the years. It's launched me from crawling along the floor with a super-powered hearing aid, struggling to lip read all day and unable to enjoy music anymore to using the phone and listening to music effortlessly.
 
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BleedingPurist said:
You will probably be able to pick one of each processor. Many clinics in the U.S. offer a choice of two, with one intended as a back-up.

My experience with AB has been amazing! The sheer amount of choices and programming options ensures whatever I am not satisfied with can be changed to my needs. There have been many emotional moments over the gains experienced from my bionic hearing over the years. It's launched me from crawling along the floor with a super-powered hearing aid, struggling to lip read all day and unable to enjoy music anymore to using the phone and listening to music effortlessly.
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That's definitely the outcome I am hoping for. Right now with my hearing aid I hear at 13%. Very discouraging and I constantly feel anxiety, depressed and isolated. I'm getting my first vaccine today and just waiting on the appointment for the CT scan.

Sent from my SM-G900T using AllDeaf App mobile app
 
I went with cochlear because the black blended with my hair. Now it seems this com pany went altruistic and artistic. They have... on my head... a grey piece and a black piece telecoil. Obviously the grey piece alludes to our grey matter miracle, the brain. The black is just slick man!!! A deeper thinking business model there ? Yes!! Definitely! MUCH MORE INTERESTING. Much more discreet compared to the AB clearance. Trust me they are listening. Their customers are first. Cochlear... will lead.
 
Update: CT scan as far as I know went good but I don't have the exact details on that. Psychological evaluation tomorrow! so nervous!

Sent from my SM-G900T using AllDeaf App mobile app
 
Cochlear is actually losing marketshare to AB and Med El because of a lack of true innovation with external processors and an internal implant that is nowhere near the technical capabilities of AB or Med El.

Med El has the Rondo all-in-one processor and AB has the only fully water and dust proof 24/7 processor that doesn't involve putting it in a bag or case. Both offer true off-ear processors wheras Cochlear does not. Both offer different processors where Cochlear offers only one (most Med El recipients choose one Rondo and one Opus while AB recipients choose one Neptune and one Naida. AB is the only one to offer a Tmic which offers natural sound quality resulting from the collection of sound by the pinna of the ear.

Then let's get into the internal processing. Only AB and Med El provide processing algorithms that seek to improve the quality of music beyond the parameters for speech. Cochlear offers music only within the limitations of their device. A 45 IDR is not suitable for music as both Med El and AB users know. They are capable of advanced strategies that Cochlear's internal is not capable of. Both Med El and AB are able to deliver anything Cochlear can, but the reverse is not true.

AB is partnered with Phonak which gives them access to technology and miniaturization that Cochlear cannot keep pace with ultimately.

Never choose a device based on the looks of the current processor offered. You will change processors many times in the course of your life. The internal device will stay the same.

As for low profiles; AB users can use a Neptune with a cap and have absolutely nothing visible.
 
BleedingPurist said:
Cochlear is actually losing marketshare to AB and Med El because of a lack of true innovation with external processors and an internal implant that is nowhere near the technical capabilities of AB or Med El.

Med El has the Rondo all-in-one processor and AB has the only fully water and dust proof 24/7 processor that doesn't involve putting it in a bag or case. Both offer true off-ear processors wheras Cochlear does not. Both offer different processors where Cochlear offers only one (most Med El recipients choose one Rondo and one Opus while AB recipients choose one Neptune and one Naida. AB is the only one to offer a Tmic which offers natural sound quality resulting from the collection of sound by the pinna of the ear.

Then let's get into the internal processing. Only AB and Med El provide processing algorithms that seek to improve the quality of music beyond the parameters for speech. Cochlear offers music only within the limitations of their device. A 45 IDR is not suitable for music as both Med El and AB users know. They are capable of advanced strategies that Cochlear's internal is not capable of. Both Med El and AB are able to deliver anything Cochlear can, but the reverse is not true.

AB is partnered with Phonak which gives them access to technology and miniaturization that Cochlear cannot keep pace with ultimately.

Never choose a device based on the looks of the current processor offered. You will change processors many times in the course of your life. The internal device will stay the same.

As for low profiles; AB users can use a Neptune with a cap and have absolutely nothing visible.
Click to expand...

AB also just came out with a way to allow you to swim with the Naida through a waterproof container which is pretty awesome :)
 
Advanced Bionics is heads and tails better than Cochlear. The technology is cutting edge and the results of the new processor/implant have far exceeded an other brand in sound quality and speech perception results. Cochlear has maxed out the available technology in their implants where AB has used only about 25% of the available upgrades. Given that your implant will be with you for life, you want the best chance to accept upgrades in the future. You just can't with Cochlear.
 
Cochlear Implant Update :

Psychological evaluation went good I think. Have to have a loaner hearing aid for the right (profound) ear for 5 days for documentation purposes..... this is going to be a interesting 5 days I've done all the steps I needed to do. Now just waiting for a appointment to be scheduled with the surgeon.

Sent from my SM-G900T using AllDeaf App mobile app
 
Advanced Bionics has the best technology. Multiple simultaneous stimulation points at the same time make hearing more natural (think a chord vs one note). Med El brags endlessly about their long electrode but what they don't mention is that their electrode is placed on the outer edge of the cochlea (think of a spiral staircase. The hand rail is much longer than the parts near the center pole). AB's mid-scala electrode hugs the inner portion of the cochlea so despite being shorter, it covers the same tonal range (and possibly more) than Med El's electrode PLUS, the hair cells are on the outer edge which means that any trauma to them will destroy any residual hearing.

Cochlear used to be a great company. Back in college I only considered getting a cochlear implant if I went with Cochlear but they haven't really come up with anything new in years.

AB has the Neptune (water proof processor) and the Naida (4 microphones!). Sound processing is excellent.
 
ecp said:
AB has the Neptune (water proof processor) and the Naida (4 microphones!). Sound processing is excellent.
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That's another big thing that sold me with AB, "surround sound" so to speak lol.

I wonder what it's like listening underwater!
 
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