Re: how to choose between brands?

December 11, 2006

Dear Berti,

First of all, I wish you best luck in your quest for a cochlear implant...

You must remember, that no matter which implant you choose in the end, all

brands eventually achieve the same results. The main considerations that differ

among various users depend first and foremost on comfortability. I chose

Advanced Bionics because of the rechargeable batteries. For me it was more

comfortable to use them instead of the non-rechargeable batteries which cost

more. Also, Advanced Bionics' batteries cost a lot less than Nucleus' as far as

I've heard (from friends who want to upgrade). The difference is something like

$600 as far as I know, but I could be wrong.

Also, there're other parts that may differ, but it's mostly about

comfortability. Most important to remember is that no matter which brand you

pick up, it will help you roughly the same way the others do.

Hope it helps. Good luck in your quest!

Yours, Gilad

bertipeeters <Berti.Peeters@...> wrote:

though for me it is all just starting, I do already have an idea about

which brand implant I'd like.

BUT......now that I am getting more information, I get a bit confused

and start to doubt.

how do you choose between brands if you are allowed to choose?

what should you consider?

please help

berti

---------------------------------

Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business.

December 11, 2006

Berti,

What it really comes down to are the features. Actual performance

aside, look at the features. And read what others say about their devices.

Since this list is for all three brands, you can easily find out what others

have to say about their own devices. Keep in mind tho, results vary between

individuals.

I have the Nucleus, been inplanted 6 years, am about to get my 3rd

processor upgrade. While I think my current processor, the 3G, works ok, I

am still amazed at what I hear. I get thise little CI moments that reminds

me its really a fine deivce. And very soon, the newest processor, the

Freedom.

For the last 5 years, I have only used 20 of the 22 channels due to the

way the 3G is made. The Freedom will allow me to use all 22. Even with

only 20 in play, I love music and have actually enjoyed new genres such as

Celtic music. And to think what the Freedom will give me.

Amazing the technology. So, learn more about the features and ask

questions. Bottom line, you and you alone makes the choice...and you alone

lives with that choice. So once made, go for it.

*---* *---* *---* *---* *---*

Ordinarily he was insane, but he had lucid moments when he was merely

stupid.

--Heinrich Heine

& Dreamer Doll (Guide Dawggie)

Newport, Oregon

N24C 3G 8/2000 Hookup

rclark0276@...

http://webpages.charter.net/dog_guide/

December 11, 2006

Berti,

When you joined us at CI Hear, you automatically received a message

called Making the Choice. The reason this message was sent to you was

because the choice is very difficult and once a person has made a

choice, they are very loyal to that decision. It can be pretty

difficult to go thru this process but if you will just take the message

which I will attach to this one for you - follow the steps and then be

your own advocate and make the choice on you own, you will find that th

is will make you the happiest. A question like this one can be the

start of what is known as the brand wars. It just seems impossible for

CI users not to be very partial to their own brand. You are likely to

receive multiple personal messages as well telling you why it is not a

good idea to go with one brand or another. These personal messages

should not be sent but there is no way I, as the listowner, can stop

them. The only advice I can give you is to ignore them and as I said

earlier - take the steps you need to take personally to make your own

choice. You won't go wrong - no matter what you choose. Good Luck!

Here is the message: MAKING THE CHOICE

Many new members come to a group like ours looking for help in

comparing the different types of implants. Comparing or recommending

is not our place as users. Sharing our experience with what we know

is. Sharing the websites that site comparisons only creates a false

sense of what is true and what is not. Those sites are written by

opinionated individuals who are biased toward a particular type of

implant thus they are negative towards the others. Herein, we find the

very essence of the brand wars which CI Hear is very much opposed to.

These sites are not fair or worthy of mention and because of their

attemtps to insight the brand wars, we do not permit them here.

So how does a new implant investigator decide which implant is the one

they should chose? The answers are very straight forward. You will

realize that these points are my opinion but they are based on over 5

years of activity on various lists and chatrooms.

1. Each implant company provides a website with information which is

relative to their particular brand. You can find them at the following:

http://www.bionicear.com

http://www.cochlear.com

http://www.medel.com

There you will find everything you want to know about these implants.

They provide videos and CD Roms along with informational packets full

of what you want to know. You can e mail/call them with your questions

and concerns and they will be happy to respond. All of the

instructions on how to do this are found on each individual site.

2. If you have reached the state of making this decision, you have

likely been to a qualified CI Center where you have met with a surgeon

and an audiologist. If you have not done this, that is your next step.

Do not read on until you have done that. If you have, you need to

trust these individuals who now have your hearing health in their

hands. Go to them prepared to ask questions. Write down your concerns

if you must and don't leave the office until they have answered every

one of them. Most centers will not tell you which implant they feel is

best, but they will tell you which implant they have more experience

with and/or enjoy working with.

3. The implant centers have dummy models of the implants for you to

view and handle. Take these models and try them on. See how they

feel. Is this comfortable or does it feel uncomfortable? Make sure

that the model has the weight of the batteries in it so that you can

get a true feeling of what to expect. A cochlear implant is not

normally uncomfortable - in fact they are far more comfortable in my

opinion than any hearing aid. Still, having the opportunity to test

their comfort level for you should be considered as you should be

wearing this most of your waking hours once you are hooked up.

4. Ask the center to bring in individuals who have been implanted and

who would be willing to talk to you about their implant story. Always

keep in mind the majority of implant users are going to be very partial

to their implant type because it has given them the gift of sound. If

children are being considered for the implant - ask to speak to other

parents and their implanted child. Talking to a child who has been

implanted is a pure delight. It's important to weigh the length of

time a user has had his or her implant as this can have a bearing on

their hearing ability.

5. Read messages on these lists knowing that there is a trememdous

loyalty to the company the listmember has chosen and this is rightfully

so. Most of us have struggled with making the decision but once it was

made, we are happy because the results are life altering in a positive

way. Our quality of life is restored, which is a miracle. I cannot

honestly tell you whether I would have done better with another type of

implant. Since I am happy with mine, it's not important. Others

cannot honestly tell you either. Only a very small percentage of

implanted individuals are on these internet lists. Many more of them

take on full lives that don't leave them time to be active on the

internet. You may even find those who have had two implant types and

have found that one worked better for them than another. This is not a

normal occurance and very few of them share this with groups such as

ours. From what I've seen, the scores on this are quite even.

Not everyone is a star player with a cochlear implant. The goal is to

do the best you can with what you have. Practice and perserverance are

key words. Remembering what you don't have when the processor is off

helps you to appreciate how much the processor gives you.

6. Cochlear implants are speech processors. That is the intent of the

equipment. Since speech is the important element in life that we need

for communications, it is and should be on the top of the list of

things accomplished by your ci. Anything over that is just a blessing

to you and for you to enjoy. The sound is not normal..it is not normal

hearing. It is stimulated thru a series of electrodes that generate

energy to the auditory nerve which feeds the brain with electronic

sound. Over time, this electronic sound becomes more and more normal

as you use it daily for your listening needs. Eventually, people sound

much like you remember and this is very enjoyable. Always keep in mind

that understanding what is being said is the most important feature and

remembering that is extremely important - no matter how the sound comes

to you.

7. Everyone is different. You may experience understandable sound

when you go for your activation. It may take weeks, months and in some

cases years. Keeping your expectations low and your hopes in balance

will help you thru those days when you might feel as if you have made

the worst mistake of your life. It does get better. For some it's

faster than others, but very few people report no improvement at all.

Patience, patience, patience.

8. Your job is to make the decision of which type you want for

yourself or your child. To make this a little easier, after you have

been thru all the processes above, take a sheet of paper and write the

pros on one side and the cons on the other of each implant type. Be

sure that what you have written is what is most important to you. Once

this is done, you should have your decision and when you do - stick

with it - no matter what it is. Don't look back. Don't let others try

to tell you that your decision is wrong. It is your decision and if

they sway you in another direction and you end up disappointed, you are

going to feel the need to blame them. This is a very important

decision, a very happy decision, and a very meaningful decison. Enjoy

your right to make it.

No matter what you chose, I doubt you will go wrong.

Good Luck! There's a great big hearing world out there waiting for you.

Alice

CI Hear Listowner

http://www..com

>

> though for me it is all just starting, I do already have an idea

about

> which brand implant I'd like.

> BUT......now that I am getting more information, I get a bit confused

> and start to doubt.

>

> how do you choose between brands if you are allowed to choose?

> what should you consider?

>

> please help

> berti

>

December 11, 2006

Berti,

People choose a CI brand for a variety of reasons. You really can't go wrong

with any of the 3 implant brands.

I chose Cochlear for several reasons. Above anything else, I was impressed

the excellent customer service I received. Cochlear always answered my

e-mails promptly and professionally. Never once did I feel as if they

glossed over my questions or concerns. I also benefited from their program

which puts CI candidates in touch with experienced CI users. Thanks to that

program, I met several people in my area whom I still communicate with to

this day.

I also liked the fact that the 3G used disposable batteries. As a 20+ year

bilateral hearing aid user, I felt most comfortable using disposable

batteries given my lifestyle. Cost of disposables wasn't an issue since

insurance reimburses me and Cochlear assists with all of the associated

paperwork. If I run low on batteries, I never have to worry because

deposable batteries are available at any grocery store or drugstore. I can

also purchase them in bulk online.

So as you can see, there are many reasons why a person might choose one CI

brand over another. Each person is different. You might find it helpful to

write a list of the features you like/don't like about each CI brand and

base your decision on that information. Also, talk to other CI users to find

out what their experiences have been.

Good luck!

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE

Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

Deafblind/Postlingual

December 11, 2006

This is definitely a difference in technology but not necessarily better. No

one can predict who will benefit from higher stimulation or not although it

is good to give everyone as much choice as possible. I use the slowest ACE

there is and couldn't be happier.

In a message dated 12/11/2006 8:05:15 PM Eastern Standard Time,

hearmike@... writes:

one thing that truly sticks out on this chart is AB's 90,000 PPS

(Pulses Per Second) VS. Cochlear's 18,182 PPS. Am I missing

something here? This is truly a profound difference in technology folks!

Royer

Advanced Bionics CI

December 11, 2006

I had to choose which brand over 6 years ago. I've been on these

forums for just a bit longer than that and I can say without fluttering

an eyelash that i would choose Nucleus again if I had to it all over.

Things have certainly changed in the past 6 years...and dramatically!

Features have been added to all the company's processors due to healthy

competition. Processor shape and size have changed, etc. But in my

opnion, the one thing that has not changed one bit is the reliability

of the Nucleus product. No company is perfect and no technology is

perfect. But no matter what issues I have had with anything having to

do wtih my processors, Cochlear has taken care of it pronto! I have

been able to enjoy every upgrade since I was implanted and I have NEVER

had to worry about recalls of my internal device. I also have so many

software support strategies to choose from that there is hardly a

situation that I cannot adapt to using my processor.

Ultimately, you need to read all the literature, ask all the questions

you can, and then go with your gut feeling and never look back.

________________________________________________________________________

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and

security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from

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December 11, 2006

CI comparison chart, by Jim

http://dus28.grange.psu.edu/CIChoices/CIComparison.htm

December 11, 2006

It's been two years since I was activated with my Advanced Bionics Hi

Resolution 90K. Not once did I doubt the quality of the product; or

reliability. As with any important decision in life; thought,

research and consultation with the company, friends and family are

important components. During my search, I spoke with numerous AB

employees, I spoke with my audiologist and witnessed my mother get a

CI with another company (not AB). I wathced her progress, I

questioned her satisfaction, and I continued to consult with AB. I

ultimatley decided that the technology was only to improve leaps and

bounds, and that my internal device was upgradable without the need

for additional surgurey.

I've enjoyed immense success since activation; I've gone from 0%

speech comprehension with two hearing aids to 93% comprehension in

three months with my CI. I can speak to anyone on the telephone, ANY

telephone, at length. 70% of my job duties are now over the

telephone! I could go on

Royer

Advanced Bionics CI

>

> I had to choose which brand over 6 years ago. I've been on these

> forums for just a bit longer than that and I can say without fluttering

> an eyelash that i would choose Nucleus again if I had to it all over.

>

> Things have certainly changed in the past 6 years...and dramatically!

> Features have been added to all the company's processors due to healthy

> competition. Processor shape and size have changed, etc. But in my

> opnion, the one thing that has not changed one bit is the reliability

> of the Nucleus product. No company is perfect and no technology is

> perfect. But no matter what issues I have had with anything having to

> do wtih my processors, Cochlear has taken care of it pronto! I have

> been able to enjoy every upgrade since I was implanted and I have NEVER

> had to worry about recalls of my internal device. I also have so many

> software support strategies to choose from that there is hardly a

> situation that I cannot adapt to using my processor.

>

> Ultimately, you need to read all the literature, ask all the questions

> you can, and then go with your gut feeling and never look back.

>

> ________________________________________________________________________

> Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and

> security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from

> across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

>

December 11, 2006

I noticed there are areas of information that is not available for

Cochlear. In all fairness how can this be a " comparison chart " ? Or am

I missing something here?

>

> CI comparison chart, by Jim

>

> http://dus28.grange.psu.edu/CIChoices/CIComparison.htm

>

December 11, 2006

,

Me again

I just wanted to comment on the rechargeables for Freedom. I LOVE

having this " freedom " of not hearing those annoying " batteries

expiring soon " beeps.

Now I just pop in a newly charged battery in the morning and at night

stick it in the charger. I ordered the kit since it offered 2 batteries.

>

> Lydia,

>

> That definitely *is* a problem -- and something I had to deal with

just last

> week. I was on my way to the bus stop when I heard BOTH processors

beep. " Oh

> no, " I thought. " Now what do I do? " The only choice I had was to

stop and

> change batteries.

>

> My audi and I were discussing batteries today. She asked me if I was

using

> the rechargeables. I told her no since CI users who had surgery

around the

> time I was implanted didn't receive a battery charger. Once I'm able to

> afford it, I plan to purchase a battery charger so I can compare the

> difference between disposables and rechargeables.

>

> I couldn't help but smile at your story about your son choosing not

to open

> a package of batteries before they were purchased. Your son

obviously has

> more honor than some kids these days! Good for him *and* mom! <smile>

>

> Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE

> Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05

>

> Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

> Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

>

> Deafblind/Postlingual

>

December 11, 2006

one thing that truly sticks out on this chart is AB's 90,000 PPS

(Pulses Per Second) VS. Cochlear's 18,182 PPS. Am I missing

something here? This is truly a profound difference in technology folks!

Royer

Advanced Bionics CI

> > >

> > > CI comparison chart, by Jim

> > >

> > > http://dus28.grange.psu.edu/CIChoices/CIComparison.htm

> > >

> >

>

December 11, 2006

,

I'm glad you enjoy using the rechargeables! I've heard so many positive

comments about how convenient they are compared to disposables.

I'm glad Cochlear has this option! You probably saw the message I wrote

about my sister. This couldn't have come at a better time because thanks to

Cochlear's 15% off sale, I get a discount!

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with Freedom BTE

Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

Deafblind/Postlingual

December 11, 2006

I personally would not use this chart to make a decision between brands as

there are many gaps of information, misleading information and incorrect

information. However the fact that the N22 (Cochlear's earliest electrode

which includes people who have been implanted over 24 years) is listed with

the 3G shows that Cochlear provides the earliest users with the latest

processors and many of the advantages of those processors. This is one

thing I have been thankful for as I will never be obsolete from technology

advancements regardless of the length of time that I am implanted. I have

upgraded 6 out of 8 possible upgrades and 19 years into the CI process I am

still having awesome CI moments when I think things couldn't possible get

any better!

Ruth Fox

19 awesome years of CI hearing

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

MacPherson

Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 4:47 PM

Subject: RE: Re: how to choose between brands?

CI comparison chart, by Jim

http://dus28. <http://dus28.grange.psu.edu/CIChoices/CIComparison.htm>

grange.psu.edu/CIChoices/CIComparison.htm

December 11, 2006

, it might be easier for you if you carried another battery case in the

little blue keychain thingy that we got with our Freedoms. This would make it

much easier for you when you go out and know that you might have to change your

batteries.

Happy Hearing!