Replacement parts for a CI could be considered a downside if you don't have insurance, but if you do, most insurances cover CI equipment/replacement parts, while they do NOT cover hearing aid related equipment.
We have BCBS, and anything related to audiology is excluded. EXCEPT if it's for a CI, and then it is covered. If my daughter had a hearing aid instead of a CI, we'd be paying for everything out of pocket. So for us, in regards to expenses, the CI is a benefit...
