I heard I can get a new CI after five years

[runner6771]

Has any one ever heard that the insurance company will pay for a new external processor CI. There have been improvements and I was wondering if they allow for upgrades.
Another question I have is Do other CI users find that if they don't wear their CI for a day or two they have trouble hearing when they do. It seems like my brain in a day can forget to pay attention to that ear.

 

[cdmeggers]

It will depend on your specific insurance coverage. Some will cover upgrades/new processors every 5 years, while others are at 7 years or never. You would have to check with your insurance to find out if they will cover an upgrade, and get your CI clinic involved as well.

 

[HOH-ME]

Most insurance companies won't cover "upgrades" but they cover new processors that will positively impact your ability to hear better . Yes, work with your clinic and your CI manufacturer to get the paperwork sent in correctly to get new equipment.

As for not hearing well after not wearing my processors for a day, I haven't really noticed that I have any drop off when I wear my processor after not wearing it for a day.

 

[Hockey94]

I'm not sure about your case or what you're referring to exactly, but when I got my first implant, I was told it'd be 5 years till they would consider me for a second implant. And 7 years before I was allowed to upgrade my freedom to a N6.

 

[soutthpaw]

Medicare is 5 years for upgrade. I believe Kaiser is also. If you have Cochlear brand, call their insurance department and they can give you the exact details based on your specific device. A 3G would automatically qualify for upgrade as it is obsolete and no longer supported by the manufacturer