When to upgrade

Better hearing for life

One of the most exciting things about Cochlear technology is that it continues to evolve. Next-generation sound processors are designed to deliver clearer sound, new connections and capabilities, and work with most existing cochlear implant or bone-anchored auditory implant.

When is it time to upgrade your sound processor?

Deciding when to replace your sound processor is a personal decision that can be supported by facts.

Reasons to replace your sound processor include:

End of useful life: Many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, may authorize the replacement of a sound processor when it has reached or passed a stated period of "useful life," usually five years. 

Loss or irreparable damage: Should you or a loved one lose or irreparably damage your sound processor, your insurance company may permit an upgrade to the latest generation sound processor as a viable replacement.

Better performance: A demonstrated improvement in technology and hearing performance may offer sufficient medical reason for a new sound processor. A replacement sound processor is considered medically necessary to achieve functional improvement in auditory performance, minimize safety risk concerns, and improve quality of life.

Watch Bella P.'s family describe their Baha^® 5 upgrade experience.

Watch Kenneth G. describe his Nucleus^® 7 upgrade experience.

Navigating insurance coverage for replacements and upgrades

A cochlear implant is a lifelong hearing solution for sensorineural hearing loss that relies on advanced microphone and sound processing technology for treating severe to profound sensorineural deafness. Unlike hearing aids, this technology is considered a medical necessity and has been covered by Medicaid, Medicare, the Veteran’s Administration, and many private insurance companies since 2004.

Cochlear now uses Baha® as a brand name, and “bone-anchored auditory device” or “bone-anchored auditory implant” to describe the Baha hearing solution. This terminology was instrumental in persuading insurance companies that this technology is different from a hearing aid and gaining coverage from Medicare, some Medicaid programs and many major insurance plans for the Baha hearing solution. Use “bone-anchored auditory implant” and “bone-anchored auditory device” when speaking to your insurance company representative.

"The Nucleus upgrade changed my life. I spend less effort trying to understand people. I just hear better.”

- Jack B. - Nucleus 7 upgrade recipient

Learn more about upgrading your device

As a part of our lifetime commitment you can gain access to new Baha^®, Osia^® and Nucleus^® technology when it becomes available without the need for additional surgery. If you are ready to upgrade, or just beginning to explore next-generation technology, choose your device type below to learn more.