End of support information for the Nucleus® 6, Baha® 5, and Baha 5 Power Sound Processors

What does it mean to retire/end service and support?

Nucleus® 6 Sound Processor

After March 31, 2023, you will no longer be able to purchase parts and accessories for all Nucleus 6 Sound Processors and Cochlear will no longer be able to repair them.

Starting March 1, 2023, if your sound processor is out of warranty, you may be eligible to upgrade.

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Baha® 5 and Baha 5 Power Sound Processors

As of September 30, 2022, you are no longer able to purchase parts and accessories for all Baha® 5 and Baha 5 Power Sound Processors and Cochlear will no longer be able to repair them.

Please be assured that Cochlear’s decision to phase out aging technology is made carefully, considering multiple factors. Cochlear has updated sound processor technology available that is compatible with your current implant so that you can continue to hear without the need for additional surgery.*

Tips to help you prepare

Contact your insurance provider: Contact your insurance provider to determine if you have coverage and if so, when a replacement sound processor would be covered. Insurance coverage criteria varies widely based on the type of insurance plan. Many insurance providers will cover 70-80% of the cost of a replacement sound processor when medically necessary and when the processor has reached the end of its “useful life,” (usually five years), or when the sound processor is retired and not repairable.

You may want to consider reviewing the different plans offered through your employer to determine which option provides the best coverage for you during your next open enrollment period.

Call Member Services on the back of your insurance card and provide this code:

• Nucleus Sound Processor Replacement = HCPCS Code - L8619
• Baha Sound Processor Replacement = HCPCS Codes - L8691 and L8694

When you might be eligible to upgrade:

• End of useful life - usually 5 years of continuous use
• Lost
• Demonstrated improvement in hearing performance
• Retired/Obsolete

Cochlear™ sound processor upgrade insurance cost estimator tool: Use our cost estimator tool to learn more about your potential out-of-pocket cost.

Re-establish care with your clinician: If it’s been more than 1-2 years since you’ve seen your clinician, you may need to re-establish care before you decide to purchase a replacement sound processor sometime within the next 12 months.

CareCredit®: We partner with CareCredit to offer interest-free financing plans that can spread payments over 6, 12, 18 or 24 months to help fund any out-of-pocket costs and coinsurance.**

HSA/FSA: Consider starting an HSA/FSA savings account to prepare for any out-of-pocket expenses. These pre-tax savings accounts help reduce the total amount you pay out-of-pocket on medical expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Cochlear ending support for my sound processor?

One way Cochlear continues to innovate is by developing new products designed to help you hear and live confidently. Advancements in sound processor technology have led to improved reliability, functionality, and hearing outcomes, meaning the technology used in our older sound processors (i.e. Nucleus 6, Baha 5, Baha 5 Power Sound Processors, and early generation devices) have reached the end of their useful life, so we will begin the gradual process of winding down support.

My Nucleus 6, Baha 5 or Baha 5 Power Sound Processor will still be under warranty after the retirement/end of support date. What options do I have?

Cochlear will honor all warranties that run past the retirement date. You can confirm your warranty status by logging into your Cochlear Family member account and clicking on the “My Equipment” tab on the left-hand side menu. It will display the current equipment you have as well as its warranty status. Don’t have a Cochlear Family membership activated? Activate your FREE Cochlear Family membership at www.Cochlear.com/US/Family.

What happens if I keep my Nucleus 6, Baha 5 or Baha 5 Power Sound Processor after it is retired and it is not under warranty?

You may continue to safely use your sound processor in accordance with the instructions for use or instructions provided by your health care provider. However, if your sound processor stops working or if a part or accessory is lost, Cochlear cannot repair or replace it.

We want to make sure you stay on the air and are not left without sound, so another option is to consider a sound processor replacement.

To learn more about the Nucleus 8 and Kanso 2 Sound Processors, visit www.cochlear.com/us/nucleusupgrade.

To place your Nucleus 8 or Kanso 2 Sound Processors order online, visit the online Cochlear store at www.cochlearstore.com.

To learn more about the Baha 6 Max Sound Processor, visit www.cochlear.com/us/bahaupgrade.

To place your Baha 6 Max Sound Processor order online, visit the online Cochlear store at www.cochlearstore.com.

When is your next-generation sound processor technology coming out?

At Cochlear we are continually investing in research and future innovations to provide our recipients the best listening experience. Join the Cochlear Family to receive the most up-to-date information.