Older Clarion BTE

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ClearSky

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I wanted to express some of my disappointment with the older BTE version and its short battery life. It lasts only 3-4 hours. I have the Platinum BTE of Clarion which was 5 years ago that it came out. They had a problem with battery life at that time which took them longer than Nucleus to make them available to people. I thought they would come out with longer lasting battery life in no time. It's been 5 long years, and all I am seeing are new technologies for the new CII implant. They had this motto that they wouldn't change the inner implant, but the external part. Now, I know that's not realistic as it's necessary sometimes, but I feel that the company's priority of Platinum BTE Clarion users are at the bottom of their list because I see new inventions that only can be used for CII users. I feel they doing this to keep up with competition with Nucleus. It's very frustrating to deal with 3-4 hours battery use at a time. I hate to change batteries throughout the day. I have never liked it, and their battery is too long that it clicks with my earring making this stupid sound when I shake my head. That may sound funny I know (I do believe some people hear it too :Oops: )...I have e-mailed the company my frustration, but all they keep saying is that they are working very hard. I am not sure I find that easy to believe as they came out with the CII a few months after I was implanted. If someone told me about it, I'd have waited to get that one and the nice longer lasting batteries. I guess I am not used to it since when I had hearing aids, I'd know it was time to change it by how the sound was getting softer and softer. The BTE doesn't even have a warning sound that I can hear to warn me that the battery needs changing. The Body Worn Processor does have that feature. Well, *groan* it's frustrating, and I don't know if there's someone at all deaf with this device who may have the same frustration to share.
 
My sympathies to you. I'd go crazy if I had to change batteries every 3-4 hours. I remember when I was using a faster program on my CI than currently I used to get a bit annoyed at having to change every 1.5 days let alone 3-4 hours.

I hope that they do come up with a solution for pre CII users soon. I didn't realise that the older clarion implant users couldn't benefit from the newer software. It does sound like they are working on it though?
 
3 to 4 hours?! I'd go crazy!

I give you tons of respect for helping the companies to get their act together so they could come up with better technologies. I wish you didn't have to suffer...

I have no idea about your CI but I would seriously look into just switching out the interal device that "should" last longer for "future external technologies".

I'm sorry you have to put up with the short battery lives and the clunky BTE but I hope you know that you are helping the future so much!

I'm interested in how your problem is addressed. Please do come back!
 
bummer Clearsky, but they are definitely working on it to give the pre-CII users the newer technology and newer software. I am CII implant user. I was told I should wait for 90K but I contacted the guy who deal with hardware they said same technology but different casing design. I am like oh why wait.. so I got CII but I am like "I could have waited" so I can have that thinner implant but that's okay.. Although I could get 90K as 2nd CI when I am given a green light to go bilateral.

Are you using the newer rechargeable battery for pre-CII BTE now? (well I mean 'latest') as shown on this page?
HiResolution Bionic Ear Cochlear Implant System -- with the AURIA BTE if not then get in touch with AB to get some via your insurance and all.
 
HI! I hadn't been here in a few days. I have been working! Anyway, well...I e-mail the company like once a year to ask what's up, but all they say is that they are working on it. An audiologist staff just said that she can assure me that they are working on it, but they don't have a date or anything to say. Isn't that so....well...sigh....I think we deserve to know where they are at at this point...not reassuring us that they are 'working on it.' That's not enough!

Anyway, Boult, I am wearing the Platinum BTE and HiFocus implant. It's old. I mean, we are like ancient people. Our implant became ancient like in a few months. Our implant is barely mentioned on their website, so I sorta feel left out. Your implant is the most talked about.

I had suggested to them that maybe they should allow us to use regular 675 batteries for awhile until they come up with a much better rechargable batteries. Today, they can last a few days. 3-4 hours is so ancient! lol

Fragmenter, I had thought about that, but I really don't know about having another surgery. I don't want two different implant brands in two ears. That'd drive me crazy asking for different supplies. No. I guess it's not the best time to investigate. My mom's gonna be nervous, but she'd understand though. I'd like to get an update lol. Gosh, I like to hear, but I am sick of it going off in the middle of talking to customers or co-workers or anyone. Blah! I hate to have to change in front of them. I mean, people understand, but I don't like it! I also change ahead of time, but still sometimes I forget.
 
ClearSky said:
HI! I hadn't been here in a few days. I have been working! Anyway, well...I e-mail the company like once a year to ask what's up, but all they say is that they are working on it. An audiologist staff just said that she can assure me that they are working on it, but they don't have a date or anything to say. Isn't that so....well...sigh....I think we deserve to know where they are at at this point...not reassuring us that they are 'working on it.' That's not enough!

Anyway, Boult, I am wearing the Platinum BTE and HiFocus implant. It's old. I mean, we are like ancient people. Our implant became ancient like in a few months. Our implant is barely mentioned on their website, so I sorta feel left out. Your implant is the most talked about.

I had suggested to them that maybe they should allow us to use regular 675 batteries for awhile until they come up with a much better rechargable batteries. Today, they can last a few days. 3-4 hours is so ancient! lol

Fragmenter, I had thought about that, but I really don't know about having another surgery. I don't want two different implant brands in two ears. That'd drive me crazy asking for different supplies. No. I guess it's not the best time to investigate. My mom's gonna be nervous, but she'd understand though. I'd like to get an update lol. Gosh, I like to hear, but I am sick of it going off in the middle of talking to customers or co-workers or anyone. Blah! I hate to have to change in front of them. I mean, people understand, but I don't like it! I also change ahead of time, but still sometimes I forget.
Click to expand...
i would like to give sympathy.. however hope they get something fixed for you


at least i feel like i'm not the only one. however i have the freedom brand they last average 4 to 5 days of battery life.. however many times i forgot when or how soon i will need to replace it.. and its embarrased when its shut off in middle of nowhere.. and i agree with you.. i hate changing the batteries front of people. i go and hide in bathroom and change batteries or go elsewhere where no one's watching. at least i feel like i'm not the only one :D
 
Clearsky,

Man, what a bummer! I was mumbling in the beginning with my CI about having to change my batteries every 3 days and here you are switching every 4hrs or so. I used to get about a week's worth with my old HA.

I hope they can finally address your power-life issues soon. You have my sympathy.
 
No reason to feel embarassed to change batteries in front of other people. People are already impressed by you and shouldn't look down on you changing the batteries in front of them.
 
Fragmenter said:
No reason to feel embarassed to change batteries in front of other people. People are already impressed by you and shouldn't look down on you changing the batteries in front of them.
Click to expand...

Yep, Frag is correct. You should never be embarrassed about changing batteries in front of others. Having the ability to hear is always more important than certain inconveniences in life.
 
ClearSky said:
HI! I hadn't been here in a few days. I have been working! Anyway, well...I e-mail the company like once a year to ask what's up, but all they say is that they are working on it. An audiologist staff just said that she can assure me that they are working on it, but they don't have a date or anything to say. Isn't that so....well...sigh....I think we deserve to know where they are at at this point...not reassuring us that they are 'working on it.' That's not enough!

Anyway, Boult, I am wearing the Platinum BTE and HiFocus implant. It's old. I mean, we are like ancient people. Our implant became ancient like in a few months. Our implant is barely mentioned on their website, so I sorta feel left out. Your implant is the most talked about.

I had suggested to them that maybe they should allow us to use regular 675 batteries for awhile until they come up with a much better rechargable batteries. Today, they can last a few days. 3-4 hours is so ancient! lol

Fragmenter, I had thought about that, but I really don't know about having another surgery. I don't want two different implant brands in two ears. That'd drive me crazy asking for different supplies. No. I guess it's not the best time to investigate. My mom's gonna be nervous, but she'd understand though. I'd like to get an update lol. Gosh, I like to hear, but I am sick of it going off in the middle of talking to customers or co-workers or anyone. Blah! I hate to have to change in front of them. I mean, people understand, but I don't like it! I also change ahead of time, but still sometimes I forget.
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Hi, you haven't answered my question in my previous post. hmm? Since you are using Platinum BTE and are you using the latest rechargeable battery as shown via the link I provided in my previous post?
 
My friend had the old clarion bte for years till few yrs ago, she had N-22 speech processor and its much better for her. She loves it very much. She told me that it works and help her to hear alot than Clarion. Plus she didnt have to worry abt change the battery every 2 to 4 hrs a day! Now she can change 3 to 5 days a week with N-22.
 
New Ear Level Processor
HiResolution Bionic Ear Cochlear Implant System -- with the AURIA BTE

We've been listening to users of CII BTE and Platinum BTE processors, who have asked for improved battery life, more attractive styling, and easier usability of their ear-level processor. We are currently gathering input from audiologists and implant users to determine which features are most important for a new ear-level processor. Some of the features that have been noted include :

Low-Profile Headpiece
The new headpiece will have a substantially smaller diameter and significantly lower profile than the current headpiece used with the CII BTE and Platinum BTE. It will also be significantly lighter and less noticeable.


Direct Connect Audio Input
The new audio input will make interfacing with assistive listening technology a snap. Removing your earhook from your processor will be very convenient.


New PowerCel Technology
The new PowerCel technology will use improved chemistry to deliver a 28% increase in operating time and provide longer overall life. You can also see how this improvement is being integrated into a new PowerCel for the CII BTE and Platinum BTE by continuing on to the next page.
 
Boult, Yes, I have those batteries, but they are longer lengthwise which makes the BTE look bigger, and that's the reason for it clicking some of my long earrings that I like to use when I shake my head. I wouldn't say that the improvement was that great. It seems the same. They just made it slimmer to make it look more 'normal' than the other one which was wider, but they couldn't make it smaller, just make it different to make it look more normal. The older ones were wider than the BTE where the programmable electronic parts are.

ephesians2_8, I buy new batteries yearly--but they are still 3-4 hours a day. They decrease in power slowly overtime. The Auria New BTE level processor will not work with my internal implant. It works for the new internal implant available right now.

Generally, I don't hide to change my batteries anymore. Sometimes I do, but I still don't like to do it in front of people. People don't say anything. They just understand, but I hate it. Blah!

To change every 3-5 days would be a relief. I just want it to last long enough not to interrupt in a single day, you know?

There's really no choice for me at this point. I have to deal with it until Advanced Bionics come up with a new battery or BTE that allows batteries to last a full day or more.

Funny, I had my rechargable batteries in my purse, and I was at the airport through the security scanner. The lady was checking my purse in front of me. She took out my batteries, and I could see she was wondering to ask someone else. I said, they are my hearing aid batteries, then I showed her my BTE. Never happened before lol.
 
well my slim batteries went from 9 to 6 hrs which I believe was because of my mapping changes. but now I have the Plus for Auria which gave me about 16 hours. So mapping can affect the length of power from the rechargeable battery.

Of course using BWP would let you wear it longer than your BTE. I don't know if you have one or not. but just mentioning that it does last longer thou.

cheers
 
I know the BWP last about 9 hours for me. It will last me through my whole work shift. The thing is that I have gotten so used to the freedom of the cable and BWP on my belt. If I wear certain clothing--a BWP is not ideal.

Also, there's a big difference between the BWP and the BTE mappings. They never came to sound the same. The BTE is so much better and clearer in quality, and the BWP hasn't come near the BTE quality. The company claimed the BWP would be the same as the BTE, but it never was true. I still have twitching with the BWP and the quality is just not as clear as the BTE. I went to Wal-Mart with my mom once, and hearing my mom and myselfwas strange and difficult with the BWP. I didn't like the way it sounded.

The new generation Clarion users have nothing much to worry about, but the older ones like me do. Heck, there's really not much to do. I expressed my concern to the company already, but that's never going to do much except them tell me that they are working on it leaving us wondering when it will come out.
 
it is time to track down other users of the prossor that you have and start sending more emails 3-4 hours of battary life is lame. i would also call once a week to get info on this a battary is not ment to stick out the way you discribe and that may be part of the problem. but you have to get on them and get others to do the same.
 
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