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Regressing from Cochlear Implant User to Hearing Aid User

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Hello. I underwent cochlear implant surgery (Naida Q90) in February 2020, five years ago, and have been using the cochlear implant ever since. Before the surgery, I was only able to use low-cost hearing aids due to financial reasons. However, when the government announced a subsidy for one cochlear implant, I decided to go ahead with the procedure.

My hearing condition is such that I can hear sounds around 85 in my left ear, while in my right ear, I am unable to detect any sound at all, to the point that measurements are impossible.

I would like to share my dissatisfaction with the AB cochlear implant and my desire to return to using hearing aids for the following reasons:

  1. Delay in the release of new AB cochlear implants in the Korean market
    The AB Marvel has not yet been released in the Korean market. In today’s world, where artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into electronic devices, it doesn’t make sense to still be using the Naida Q90 model, which requires a separate device for Bluetooth functionality. I have not received a clear answer on when the AB Marvel CI will be available in Korea, and AB Korea’s passive approach has left me without proper guidance. Therefore, I prefer to use hearing aids, which tend to have more immediate incorporation of new technologies.
  2. Cochlear implant corrosion during exercise
    I tend to sweat a lot during exercise. When I wear my cochlear implant while exercising, sweat seeps into the device, causing internal components to corrode and resulting in frequent malfunctions. Since the cochlear implant is a modular device, it doesn’t seem to be fully resistant to water. In contrast, premium rechargeable hearing aids, such as those with an IP68 rating, offer excellent waterproofing, which would prevent component corrosion due to sweat.
  3. Doubts about AB Korea’s after-sales service expertise
    Since the implantation, I have intermittently experienced a 1-second interruption in sound, and the battery life of the large batteries lasts only a maximum of 8 hours (small ones last 3-4 hours, medium ones 5 hours). I visited the official AB Korea repair center, but they only told me they couldn’t identify the cause and took no further action. Additionally, during a checkup, an engineer accidentally erased my mapping records, and when I hadn’t mapped for a while, they claimed all my previous mapping data was lost, with no responsibility taken on their part. Despite having problems with the sound from my cochlear implant, they failed to offer solutions and showed a lack of responsibility. Because of their inadequate after-sales service, I no longer wish to use the cochlear implant.

Although there are other reasons, I will stop here as the message is getting too long.

The important point is that I would like to hear the experiences of unilateral hearing loss users who transitioned from a cochlear implant back to hearing aids. I would appreciate it if you could share any benefits or drawbacks of using hearing aids after cochlear implants.

Oci, sorry that there was not a more positive outcome. I was under the impression that once you have gone through the cochlear implant procedure, most, if not all residual hearing that you once had will be gone. Perhaps there have been improvements? Robots can assist the surgeon so maybe the implant can be reversed???

I’m sorry it hasn’t gone well for you. I have no idea how Korea works, if the delays are due to the government, , or some combination.

As far as corrosion: I exercise a LOT. I use hearing aid sweat bands, the company makes one for also. It is essential. Without it they get drenched in sweat. Using them, not even an issue. May I suggest you look into them.

@Oci said:

Cochlear implant corrosion during exercise
I tend to sweat a lot during exercise. When I wear my cochlear implant while exercising, sweat seeps into the device, causing internal components to corrode and resulting in frequent malfunctions. Since the cochlear implant is a modular device, it doesn’t seem to be fully resistant to water. In contrast, premium rechargeable hearing aids, such as those with an IP68 rating, offer excellent waterproofing, which would prevent component corrosion due to sweat.

My acquaintance has a similar problem with his Naida Q90; sweat leads to interruptions and decreased battery life. It improved completely after a mainboard change, but he had to pay the equivalent of $1100 (off warranty service). However, with the new mainboard, he gets only a 6-month warranty…

Marvel should be better at handling environmental challenges, and I think newer sound processors, which should be released soon, should have as robust immunity as Phonak Lumity Life and Sphere hearing aids (better than IP68).

@Oci said:

I visited the official AB Korea repair center, but they only told me they couldn’t identify the cause and took no further action. Additionally, during a checkup, an engineer accidentally erased my mapping records, and when I hadn’t mapped for a while, they claimed all my previous mapping data was lost, with no responsibility taken on their part. Despite having problems with the sound from my cochlear implant, they failed to offer solutions and showed a lack of responsibility. Because of their inadequate after-sales service, I no longer wish to use the cochlear implant.

I think you should write a very accurate complaint to Advanced Bionics headquarters in Stäfa, Switzerland or so.

Describe your experiences thoroughly, because a rookie mistake like losing your mappings and EVEN not setting them from scratch is unacceptable.

I would said more - not setting new map is HORRIFIC. What did he/she expect - that you would leave without any map on your Naida?

For the rest, it is strange that your map has been lost; I thought they were stored on servers, not only locally.

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