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End of support for Nucleus 7

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Cochlear.com23 tells me in an email that after 1/1/26 I will no longer be able to buy microphone covers for my Nucleus 7. Since a Nucleus 8 would be on my nickel I will keep my Nucleus 7. Would microphone covers for the Nucleus 8 fit on my Nucleus 7?
Thanks

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@nelhop I’m not sure about the microphone covers. I know the N8 is slightly smaller than the N7, at a guess I’d say no…

I know this isn’t recommended but I washed my N7 & N8 microphone covers. Using a soft child’s toothbrush I gently cleaned the covers in warm water only, no detergent…Air dried them for a few hours then put them in my dry box for a full cycle, just to make sure they are properly dried. I check the non replaceable filters are still intact before putting them away for reuse. They work fine for me, I’ve not had a problem at all. As I said it’s not recommended though…

The rechargeable batteries on the N7/N8 work on both devices… Otherwise you will have to stock up on microphone covers before the 1/1/26.

@Deaf_piper said:

Air dried them for a few hours, then put them in my dry box for a full cycle, just to make sure they are properly dried.

If you must do that, I propose a final rinse with distilled water. This is because when tap water dries, calcium salts previously dissolved in the water may precipitate.

Distilled water contains no dissolved substances, so after evaporation, there should be no residue on the microphone membranes.

WARNING:
distilled water is not to be drunk! It may cause life-threatening acute hyponatremia.

@nelhop said:

Would microphone covers for the Nucleus 8 fit on my Nucleus 7?

They do not fit. I have an N7 & an N8 right now, having just fitted my N8 yesterday. The batteries seem interchangeable despite official Cochlear advice that they should not be used for the wrong device. If they really had different internal specs, they would have made the connectors incompatible.

Seems odd they wouldn’t continue with maintenance items like coils, magnets and mic covers.

I got the email and also the letter in postage about the N7 as well.

I like Sheryl’s idea about gently washing the mic covers. ’s comment about distilled water is good too. Actually using distilled water to wash them would clean them pretty good. The lack of ions in the distilled water is a magnet to things that get the mic covers dirty.

Thanks for the information from all of you. I will buy a few more microphone covers and clean them as needed per your instructions. It’s a shame Cochlear charges $40 for a couple of pieces of plastic that probably costs them less than a cent. But that’s business and there are no competitors.
Eva (Nelhop)

I have caught better prices on eBay but it’s rare.
As these parts get older they will get cheaper for awhile.
I have found K2 mic covers for about half price. Getting the right color is the challenge. Unless you don’t care which I have done. It is kind of fun sometimes.

In reply to @nelhop

Audiologist here. Try going through your insurance to get them. Historically, most insurances haven’t paid for mic covers, but I have seen many insurances start to cover them, as long as they are medically necessary (which they are). Your audiologist just needs to complete the form stating so, which gets automatically sent to them to sign after you order the parts. At least that’s how it works in our clinic. Good luck!

@Deaf_piper said:

, did you have success with your microphone covers after you washed them?

They function as new IMO.
I opened a new package of dark brown covers and installed them for a day while washing and drying the grey ones I that match the processors. When I put the grey ones back on I couldn’t tell any difference in sound. So I guess the cleaning did well.

RO water itself may not be enough to remove grease particles from mic covers…

I think it’s worth trying tap water with some detergent first, then rinsing that with clean tap water and finally rinsing with RO water…

I’ve cleaned my microphone covers in 1/4 part white vinegar 3/4 distilled water. I gently swish and alllowint about 2 min to soak. I dry in the Zephyr. This has worked perfectly for me.

I’m confused. Is the bottom line the N7s will be considered obsolete? I understood they wouldn’t be servicing any longer but maintenance devices would still be avlbl as it takes time to get patients moved to the N8.

There’s an person in panic how to find funds for their upgrade. That their Medicaid won’t allow it. It seems an audiologist would be able to overcome this obstacle should they be classified as obsolete.

I’ve read mixed msgs. Is it clear to anyone?

@AngelsofShannon My understanding is they aren’t supplying spare parts for the N7 after the end of 2025. I’m not sure about sending the N7 in for repairs though. You would need to check with your Aud to get that answer.

This is what I received from Cochlear.com6:
We hope this email finds you well. We are writing to inform you that we will be ending service and support for the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor, including yours, on January 31, 2026.

What does this mean?

  • If your Nucleus 7 Sound Processor is in good working order, you do not need to do anything at this time. You may continue to use your sound processor while it remains in good working order.
  • After January 31, 2026, Cochlear can no longer repair your sound processor. In addition, parts and accessories will no longer be available for purchase.
  • Our records indicate that the warranty on one or both of your sound processors has expired, or is set to expire, before January 31, 2026. If one of your sound processors remains under warranty after this date, Cochlear will continue to honor the warranty and repair that sound processor if needed.

Thanks.

That explains it better than I remembered.

This is a bad situation for many that don’t have back up processors or financial support for the upgrade.

This forum just might be a help to some of those people. I know I will have N7 stuff next year when I get the upgraded processors. The rechargeable batteries is a biggie. They don’t last and are expensive. Getting set up for disposable batteries should get people past the rechargeable issues

Here is the reply I got from Cochlear America about the N7 support.

Cochlear Banner Image

Dear Richard,

Thank you for contacting Cochlear regarding the Nucleus 7 Sound Processor.

The Nucleus 7 will no longer be supported by Cochlear, with the exception of recipients with the Nucleus 22 (N22) implant. Recipients may continue using their Nucleus 7 processor as long as it remains in good working condition. However, once the device is no longer functional, Cochlear will not be able to provide repairs or replacement components.

For those interested in upgrading, our Reimbursement and Insurance Services team is available to assist in reviewing insurance coverage options or to discuss self-pay alternatives for a new sound processor.

Please be assured that any existing warranties extending beyond the end-of-support date will still be honored in accordance with the warranty terms.

Please let us know if you need further assistance.

Sincerely,

Michelle
Recipient Support Team
Cochlear Americas

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