When to upgrade
Learn about when you may be eligible to upgrade to a new sound processor.
What you will find on this page
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Identify when it’s time to upgrade your sound processor
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How insurance companies view replacement sound processors
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How to start the upgrade process
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.
Bella P.'s Baha 5 upgrade experience
Watch Kenneth G. describe his Nucleus® 7 upgrade experience.
Kenneth G.’s Nucleus 7 upgrade story
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
If you're ready to upgrade—or just beginning to explore next-generation technology, choose your device type here to learn more.
