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Cochlear Upgrade Requirements

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Interested in upgrading to the Kanso 3. My N7 is over 5 years old and now out of warranty, my Kanso 2 will be 5 years old on 10/18 and will be out of warranty.

A week ago I tried to order the Kanso 3 and filled out all the paperwork only to find out last week that Cochlear doesn’t have it. Strange because I received a confirmation e-mail.

Now I was under the understanding that at 5 years one could upgrade their processor in the USA, but am now receiving some conflicting info. Does my current sound processor have to have to have an issue or be non-operational before I can upgrade? The CS rep from Cochlear has also stated I need a reason to upgrade. Before I go through completing the paperwork again, has anyone upgraded or been able to upgrade after 5 years in the USA? I have insurance so I’m going to do this under my medical. What hoops do I need to jump through?

@debbie_o from memory I think @Raudrive mentioned the N3 would be readily available in the US until later this year or early next year. Your should be able to give you more information on K3 availability.

I got an email from Cochlear in May talking about the K3 arrival.

The availability issue reminds me of when I got my K2 processors. Only new implants got the early processors. Those wanting to upgrade had to wait a few months if I remember correctly.

I’m not concerned with availability of the K3. You can place an order for one on the Cochlear website. I’m talking about the process of upgrading. My N7 is out of warranty and my K2 will be on 10/15. Shouldn’t I be able to upgrade at the 5 year mark?

Here is what the customer service rep at Cochlear stated:

“The Kanso 2 on your account shows that its under warranty until October 15,2025. There is no set date for this device to be deemed obsolete. Understanding your reason for the upgrade and comparing it to your insurance can ensure for smooth processing of the equipment.” Um what about my N7 that expired in August?

Cochlear is stating that there my processor needs to have an issue or be non-functional and I have to have a reason to upgrade. I thought we are able to upgrade after 5 years when the processors are no longer covered under warranty.

I received something in the mail this summer about upgrading early. Why would I want to do that when the warranty is up on obe processor and the othe one will be in a couple of weeks? So is it difficult to get an upgrade or are we not upgradable at 5 years? I understand the insurance part.

Here is what my sound processor audi said:

“Insurance will approve an upgrade as long as the device is over 5 years old and there is something wrong with your current device.” Really, there has to be something wrong with my current device? I’m confused. You mean if I want to upgrade, but my K2 still works (I use the N7 as my back-up) insurance won’t approve an upgrade?

I find that strange because I have an insulin pump that goes out of warranty at 4 years, I can upgrade my pump every 4 years.

By the way you can only get one processor upgrade. You only get two at implantation so you have a back-up.

Yeah, the processor upgrade can be different in different countries and different insurances. It’s confusing.

I use Medicare that is similar to what you described from your insurance. When a company stops repairing a processor also comes into play here. Like the Kanso and N7 for example. Dates have been set to not repair them anymore and this can be different in different countries.

Like you I have to make a decision about what I will upgrade to, N8 or K3.

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