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Hear Again

Hear Again

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Hi everyone,

I just experienced a moment of panic. I was changing the batteries in my right Freedom BTE when it fell off the dining room table and onto the floor. I spent a good 15 minutes feeling the floor and just when I was about to give up, I found it. (Searching for dropped objects is one of the things I hate most about being blind.:pissed:) I've had both of my Freedom BTEs since March of 2006, so I don't know if Cochlear would have offered a replacement had I not been able to find it. Does anyone know how long the warranty period is? One thing is for sure -- the next time I change batteries, I'm going to make certain that I place my processors in the middle of the table so they don't accidentally fall onto the floor. In regards to insuring speech processors, is that something any of you would consider?
 
Glad you found it. It is a scary situation. I have a set place to place my CIs, as I did my hearing aids. I change my batteries anywhere and I'm always worried about losing it.

Can you place a magnet on the table so it is attached to it? that might help as you get the batteries out to change.
 
I have the Advanced Bionics CI, and I know that their warranty only covers manufacturer's defect. To cover things such as losing your CI or accidental damage, then you will need to purchase another coverage like ESCO.

Ask Cochlear about your concern.

Sometimes the coverage like ESCO may not be worth it if you can purchase a refurbished processor cheaper for those who don't have ESCO or manufacturer's defect warranties. The thing is that you have to pay ESCO like yearly along with manufacturer's defect warranty, so you have to weight out the pro and con about it.

Manufacturer's defect warranties comes only with brand new processor, and refurbished comes with a limited warranty.

I would check with your audiologist or Cochlear for your best option.
 
vallee said:
Glad you found it. It is a scary situation. I have a set place to place my CIs, as I did my hearing aids. I change my batteries anywhere and I'm always worried about losing it.

Can you place a magnet on the table so it is attached to it? that might help as you get the batteries out to change.
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That's a good idea. I always change my batteries in the same place; it was just a matter of finding the dropped processor on the floor. I've thought about placing my processors in my Dry and Store when I change batteries, but since the D&S is located on the headboard of my bed, that means I also have a good chance of dropping them onto the floor. Thanks for the suggestion! :) I'm going to give that a try.
 
ClearSky said:
I have the Advanced Bionics CI, and I know that their warranty only covers manufacturer's defect. To cover things such as losing your CI or accidental damage, then you will need to purchase another coverage like ESCO.

Ask Cochlear about your concern.

Sometimes the coverage like ESCO may not be worth it if you can purchase a refurbished processor cheaper for those who don't have ESCO or manufacturer's defect warranties. The thing is that you have to pay ESCO like yearly along with manufacturer's defect warranty, so you have to weight out the pro and con about it.

Manufacturer's defect warranties comes only with brand new processor, and refurbished comes with a limited warranty.

I would check with your audiologist or Cochlear for your best option.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply, ClearSky. I was thinking about ESCO, but if I remember correctly, they charge $800/year for coverage. :shock: I'm going to e-mail Cochlear and my CI audi to ask them how I would go about getting a refurbished speech processor through insurance should this ever happen again.
 
Hear Again said:
Thanks for your reply, ClearSky. I was thinking about ESCO, but if I remember correctly, they charge $800/year for coverage. :shock: I'm going to e-mail Cochlear and my CI audi to ask them how I would go about getting a refurbished speech processor through insurance should this ever happen again.
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$800 sounds a bit too high. I would think it's more of in the 400 or less range for both processors BWP and BTE.

I don't know if private insurance will help pay for it, but I would ask anyway. That's the thing with insurance is that they want you to pay your deductible first before they cover your processors if it exceeds your deductible, which is so pathetic about private insurance.

Same with your supplies like batteries. The thing with refurbished is that it's cheaper and more affordable for out of pocket expense, so it's a good idea to consider making savings aside should you need it.

Just make sure you find out all of your options.

Good luck!
 
ClearSky said:
$800 sounds a bit too high. I would think it's more of in the 400 or less range for both processors BWP and BTE.

I don't know if private insurance will help pay for it, but I would ask anyway. That's the thing with insurance is that they want you to pay your deductible first before they cover your processors if it exceeds your deductible, which is so pathetic about private insurance.

Same with your supplies like batteries. The thing with refurbished is that it's cheaper and more affordable for out of pocket expense, so it's a good idea to consider making savings aside should you need it.

Just make sure you find out all of your options.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

If ESCO charges $400/year, that I can afford. As for setting aside money for a refurbished processor, I'm on disability and am only allowed to have a certain amount of money in the bank. I'll have to ask Cochlear and my CI audi about possible insurance coverage, otherwise I'll go the ESCO route. Thanks for your help! :)
 
Hear Again said:
Hi everyone,

I just experienced a moment of panic. I was changing the batteries in my right Freedom BTE when it fell off the dining room table and onto the floor. I spent a good 15 minutes feeling the floor and just when I was about to give up, I found it. (Searching for dropped objects is one of the things I hate most about being blind.:pissed:) I've had both of my Freedom BTEs since March of 2006, so I don't know if Cochlear would have offered a replacement had I not been able to find it. Does anyone know how long the warranty period is? One thing is for sure -- the next time I change batteries, I'm going to make certain that I place my processors in the middle of the table so they don't accidentally fall onto the floor. In regards to insuring speech processors, is that something any of you would consider?
Click to expand...

I believe that Cochlear warranty is three years and you will get a card in the mail from Cochlear just before the warranty expires. I also believe that you will have a one time lost or damage replacement. This statement also came from my audie.
 
My AB has a one time replacement card too. My extended warrenty is 195 per CI.
 
john57 said:
I believe that Cochlear warranty is three years and you will get a card in the mail from Cochlear just before the warranty expires. I also believe that you will have a one time lost or damage replacement. This statement also came from my audie.
Click to expand...

John,

Thanks for that information! I thought the warranty was about 2 years or so, but I couldn't remember exactly.
 
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