Son's CI surgery

[Victorias mom]

3 kids with implant..... that must be some changing of batteries.... recharging.... etc.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I meant Frags, Lillys Dad and my daughter. I was typing too fast and didn't re-read what I wrote! Could you imagine having that many children with implants!! The cost of batteries alone would kill you!!

 

[Cloggy]

LOL.....
Yep, 3 children going to go bi-lateral...

Lotte allready has two... how many CI's is that totally in this messageboard??

 

[sr171soars]

...Could you imagine having that many children with implants!! The cost of batteries alone would kill you!!

Ain't that the truth! Not just batteries but all the rest of it. Everytime I look at the price list for Freedom parts...:jaw:

 

[Victorias mom]

Ain't that the truth! Not just batteries but all the rest of it. Everytime I look at the price list for Freedom parts...:jaw:

What is the average cost of batteries for a year? I heard that the Freedom battery life is about 48 hours? Is that true? Does the implant come with a temporary supply of batteries? Is there anything extra that we may have to purchase? Sorry for the questions, but I think you get more information from users that you do the manufacturer!

Thanks

 

[sr171soars]

What is the average cost of batteries for a year? I heard that the Freedom battery life is about 48 hours? Is that true? Does the implant come with a temporary supply of batteries? Is there anything extra that we may have to purchase? Sorry for the questions, but I think you get more information from users that you do the manufacturer!

Thanks

You can shop around for the batteries as you are not restricted to what Cochlear sells. Try Zenipower batteries and get 300 batteries for about $85 bucks (the best deal around). As for battery life itself, it really is directly proportional to the "speed" of the CI settings. The higher the setting say 1800 you might get a day and 1/2 whereas 1200 you can get three days which is what I get like clockwork. I have heard of people getting over a week (with a simple program and 900) but that is very uncommon.

The other stuff is things like microphone covers, battery holders that slide into the processor, the "hook" to hold the BTE on your ear, the transmitter from the processor to the implant. None of this stuff is cheap and you are at the "mercy" of the manufacturer. I suppose as more people get CIs you will probably see price improvements over time.

 

[Hear Again]

Ain't that the truth! Not just batteries but all the rest of it. Everytime I look at the price list for Freedom parts...:jaw:

You're not kidding! When I looked at the price of an audio cable (to purchase as a spare), I couldn't believe the price -- $130!

For the best deal on batteries (Zenipower), visit Microbattery.com:

Watch Batteries, Hearing Aid Batteries, Cochlear Implant Batteries, Lithium and Sealed Lead Acid batteries, Battery Chargers

In your Freedom Welcome Kit you will receive 2 processors with controllers, 2 boxes of disposable batteries, 2 rechargeable batteries, charger, several battery cages, 2 coils/cables with magnet, 4 microphone protectors, assorted ear hooks, monitor headphones, audio cable (for use with battery powered devices such as iPod, portable CD player, etc.), TV/Hi-Fi cable (longer cord for use with electrical devices such as TV, stereo, computer), key ring battery holder, Global Dry & Store unit and instructional materials.

 

[Victorias mom]

You can shop around for the batteries as you are not restricted to what Cochlear sells. Try Zenipower batteries and get 300 batteries for about $85 bucks (the best deal around). As for battery life itself, it really is directly proportional to the "speed" of the CI settings. The higher the setting say 1800 you might get a day and 1/2 whereas 1200 you can get three days which is what I get like clockwork. I have heard of people getting over a week (with a simple program and 900) but that is very uncommon.

The other stuff is things like microphone covers, battery holders that slide into the processor, the "hook" to hold the BTE on your ear, the transmitter from the processor to the implant. None of this stuff is cheap and you are at the "mercy" of the manufacturer. I suppose as more people get CIs you will probably see price improvements over time.

Thanks, this is all good to know. I assume in the beginning when she is first activated, she will have a simple program since she really has never heard anything before. Wow, I still feel I have so much to learn about the actual device. I guess it will be my time to learn soon enough.

Thanks!

 

[Victorias mom]

You're not kidding! When I looked at the price of an audio cable (to purchase as a spare), I couldn't believe the price -- $130!

For the best deal on batteries (Zenipower), visit Microbattery.com:

Watch Batteries, Hearing Aid Batteries, Cochlear Implant Batteries, Lithium and Sealed Lead Acid batteries, Battery Chargers

In your Freedom Welcome Kit you will receive 2 processors with controllers, 2 boxes of disposable batteries, 2 rechargeable batteries, charger, several battery cages, 2 coils/cables with magnet, 4 microphone protectors, assorted ear hooks, monitor headphones, audio cable (for use with battery powered devices such as iPod, portable CD player, etc.), TV/Hi-Fi cable (longer cord for use with electrical devices such as TV, stereo, computer), key ring battery holder, Global Dry & Store unit and instructional materials.

It actually comes with a lot! I am also going to bookmark that site for the future! Thanks for letting me know.

 

[Hear Again]

Victorias mom,

I should mention that not all CI centers provide 2 processors. It might be a good idea to check with your CI center to find out what their policy is.

 

[sr171soars]

Victorias mom,

I should mention that not all CI centers provide 2 processors. It might be a good idea to check with your CI center to find out what their policy is.

Yea, I heard about that. Here in NC, it is a state requirement they provide two. A very nice thing especially if one breaks and you got the other one. I rotate them every six months to stretch out their lifetime. Gives me a chance to show off my blue one...

 

[Cloggy]

Lotte's batteries last about 3 day's. A bit more in the deaf kindergarten (before august 2006) aand now (in a hearing KG) it's a bit less.

It all depends on the amount of sound/noise around. No noise/sound then there's less processing, so less battery-consumption.

But you can allways use the bodyworn battery-pack and charge the batteries every day.

(Still, we use the BTE's... see Lotte's blog, here)

 

[LuciaDisturbed]

You're not kidding! When I looked at the price of an audio cable (to purchase as a spare), I couldn't believe the price -- $130!

For the best deal on batteries (Zenipower), visit Microbattery.com:

Watch Batteries, Hearing Aid Batteries, Cochlear Implant Batteries, Lithium and Sealed Lead Acid batteries, Battery Chargers

In your Freedom Welcome Kit you will receive 2 processors with controllers, 2 boxes of disposable batteries, 2 rechargeable batteries, charger, several battery cages, 2 coils/cables with magnet, 4 microphone protectors, assorted ear hooks, monitor headphones, audio cable (for use with battery powered devices such as iPod, portable CD player, etc.), TV/Hi-Fi cable (longer cord for use with electrical devices such as TV, stereo, computer), key ring battery holder, Global Dry & Store unit and instructional materials.

I got all that, but I got 4 boxes of disposable batteries (240 batteries total) and no rechargeables...I was given a choice between disposables only or rechargeables only in the welcome kit. I asked for disposables as I like not having to change out my batteries every night, I get 5 1/2 days with the disposables. Also, I am not sure if Medicare/Medicaid would pay for batteries and if I end up having to buy the batteries myself I can get 300 batteries for only $85 from microbatteries.com: The Leading Micro Batteries Site on the Net, which is something I definitely can afford. Since being activated on Oct 11, I've only used up 6 blister packs of batteries! I do not think I will run out of batteries for quite a long time if I stay at the current speed that my map is at.

 

[Cloggy]

Victorias mom,

I should mention that not all CI centers provide 2 processors. It might be a good idea to check with your CI center to find out what their policy is.

I don't get this. When one has bi-lateral CI, and do not have 2 processors, there would not be a benefit. A second Ci means a second processor.

I know you will not get an additional processor. I thought of buying one myself, as a spare, and since this does not need to be the Freedom, I asked what the old version would cost....
I very quickly lost interest when I heared the price...!!!

 

[LuciaDisturbed]

I don't get this. When one has bi-lateral CI, and do not have 2 processors, there would not be a benefit. A second Ci means a second processor.

What she meant is that some CI centers will provide a back-up processor for each CI...I have 1 CI and I was provided with 2 processors, meaning I have a back-up processor if the one I am wearing right now breaks. Those with bilaterial CIs, some centers will provide them with 4 processors (2 for each CI ear). Hope that is clear...

 

[Cloggy]

What she meant is that some CI centers will provide a back-up processor for each CI........

WOW, luxary... and very good service....
Nope, we didn't get anything extra. But then, Lotte allways has one left.
Still, now for example one of the displays is broken (processor still works) so a spare would have been good. We are now waiting for a spare from our supplier. (They are provided free of charge..)

 

[Hear Again]

Lucia: Thanks for clarifying what I meant.

Cloggy: My apologies for the confusion!

Since I'm bilateral, I have 4 processors (two Freedoms which I'm currently using and two 3Gs for backup).

 

[Hear Again]

I got all that, but I got 4 boxes of disposable batteries (240 batteries total) and no rechargeables...I was given a choice between disposables only or rechargeables only in the welcome kit. I asked for disposables as I like not having to change out my batteries every night, I get 5 1/2 days with the disposables. Also, I am not sure if Medicare/Medicaid would pay for batteries and if I end up having to buy the batteries myself I can get 300 batteries for only $85 from microbatteries.com: The Leading Micro Batteries Site on the Net, which is something I definitely can afford. Since being activated on Oct 11, I've only used up 6 blister packs of batteries! I do not think I will run out of batteries for quite a long time if I stay at the current speed that my map is at.

I didn't receive rechargeables either. I also wasn't given a choice of disposeable or rechargeables. Someone at Cochlear told me that those who were implanted before June of 2005 (if I remember the date correctly) did not receive the rechargeable battery package.

As for batteries, I tend to use mine up pretty quickly. (My audi said this is due to high power maps) My Freedom processors used to give me 5 days of battery life using the Zenipower, but ever since my mapping last month, I'm now down to only 3 days. My audi recommended that I use Cochlear's Power One Plus batteries instead. I know some CI users have said they receive longer battery life using Zenipower or Power Ones, but I haven't had the chance to compare. I still have 3 boxes of Power One Plus batteries from my second CI and 3 1/2 boxes of Zenipower batteries that I ordered from microbatteries.com: The Leading Micro Batteries Site on the Net back in October. (My former audi forgot to give me my Welcome Kit due to my hospitalization in February/March of last year. My current audi gave me the Welcome Kit last month.) So...it will be awhile before I purchase more.

 

[Lillys dad]

Victorias mom, COnggrats on the surgery date! We are all gonna be busy stopping our kids from bumping their heads. I want to just tape a pillow to her head and be doen with it!


As far as CI stuff, we have been using the body worn unit. It came with rechargeable AAA batteries. You only use 2 at a time. But they come with four of them, and the charger. SO you always have a fresh pair.
Also, We got the extra processor as a back up also. We never opened it. It is still in the original package. This is important for one reason. The three year warranty on the processor starts as soon as you open the pack. So, if we go 5 years (for example) and never have to open the back up, and the original breaks, we can open the bacl up, get it mapped, and use it from that point onward, with a 3 year warranty.
We will also get teh back up processor fir the other implant. So we will have two spares. I want to get one programmed, and use the other as a spare. My wife wants to keep them both as back ups. My logic is, I dont want her to have to rely on anly one ear if the second should break. We could use the one back up for both. When you go in for a remap, use programs 1 and 2 for one ear, and 3 and 4 for the other. That way, at least you might be able to use it on either ear.
My wifes logic (wow those two words side by side, go figure....just kidding) is the 2 extras should not be opened until they are needed. AS I said above, if we go 5 years on the first, then open the second, we will get a new warranty with the second one. Then if that one breaks, we can use the third and get the new warranty with it. Just take em in for the maps. If either in use processor breaks, Lilly can get by with one until we get the other fixed.

Opinions?

 

[Cloggy]

Victorias mom, COnggrats on the surgery date! We are all gonna be busy stopping our kids from bumping their heads. I want to just tape a pillow to her head and be doen with it!

When Lotte was operated.. they had a tricycle in the playroom. Can you imagine. Just operated on two sides and the only thing she wants is go on the trycicle..... Just picture us taking turns making sure she's not bumping in stuff or falling off.

........Also, We got the extra processor as a back up also. We never opened it. It is still in the original package. This is important for one reason. The three year warranty on the processor starts as soon as you open the pack. So, if we go 5 years (for example) and never have to open the back up, and the original breaks, we can open the bacl up, get it mapped, and use it from that point onward, with a 3 year warranty.
We will also get teh back up processor fir the other implant. So we will have two spares. I want to get one programmed, and use the other as a spare. My wife wants to keep them both as back ups. My logic is, I dont want her to have to rely on anly one ear if the second should break. We could use the one back up for both. When you go in for a remap, use programs 1 and 2 for one ear, and 3 and 4 for the other. That way, at least you might be able to use it on either ear.
My wifes logic (wow those two words side by side, go figure....just kidding) is the 2 extras should not be opened until they are needed. AS I said above, if we go 5 years on the first, then open the second, we will get a new warranty with the second one. Then if that one breaks, we can use the third and get the new warranty with it. Just take em in for the maps. If either in use processor breaks, Lilly can get by with one until we get the other fixed.

Opinions?

The freedom has 4 programs to choose from. With Lotte, the mapping of both ears is the same, so the processors can be exchanged. (we do not have backups).
But in your case, with different programs for each ear, you could have the backup programmed the way that 2 programs are for the left ear, and 2 programs for the right.
This way, the second backup can stay in the box... or also programmed like the first backup. (a backup for the backup.... can I buy if from you ??)

 

[Lillys dad]

besides the warranty isssue being a reason to not open the back up, when a newer better nucleus CI repplaces the freedom, if the back up has not been opened, you can trade it on for the upgrade. I know it will be years from now, but hey, we're not using it now/yet. Ya never know, may come in handy down the road.