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Second implant of a different brand?

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Edited

Hello Everyone,

Is there anyone using different brands of ? My daughter was implanted with Cochlear (Nucleus 8). And now I’m considering going with for the second ear. I’m aware the idea is somehow controversial. Still, it seems it’s not that stupid if going into details. I kind of regret choosing Cochlear as on paper AB is more ready for future developments in CI world. Especially once better battiers are available so audiologist can try more advance seetings.

I’m happy to go into more details if anyone is interested. I’m also happy to know your insight.

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Welcome to the forum.

As far as going with a different brand for the second ear, I would not even consider that. A simple example is the use of a smart phone.

All three CI brands are good. Each has small differences that really don’t mean much. The important thing is the person wearing them. That person will make the CI better or not.

Another thought is support. Pending on where you live, some brands have better support. This is probably the most important thing to consider, not the white paper.

Like so many things, advertising can sure be difficult to understand. Hearing aids are a great example. Each brand touts theirs is the best. Information is twisted and contorted to the point it makes no sense.

In reply to @aps23f

My initial reaction is to be extremely cautious. I would want to consult with several professionals before considering this idea. It’s a very long-term decision and I’d want to fully understand the consequences of it.

I don’t know if you have access to English closed captions. There is an engineer telling about implants from different manufacturers. He works for Medicus, a company that represents Cochlear in Poland.

TL;DR: It’s not a good idea, mainly because there are different coding strategies by electrical stimulation from different manufacturers. These impulses are conducted to the brain, and we do not know if they would interfere in a negative way.

Having two different manufacturers’ sound processors is very bothersome, especially if it will concern your child, not you.

I know someone who is using 2 different brands as the first brand would not work on the second side for medical reasons. I believe they had quite some trouble getting used to it. My thinking is that if you are trying to get them to sound the same, then you are likely not going to be using many if any features. Likely will be a very basic map for both which wouldn’t be helpful for your child. I considered switching when one of mine failed but decided to stay with the original brand for multiple reasons. Happy to talk further in pm’s.

Learning language as a child with a is difficult enough. IMO choosing a different brand for the 2nd ear you would be introducing a different sound to your child. Therefore the child is trying to learn with 2 different sounds in each ear. Why would you want to make it more difficult for your daughter to learn language and all her education as well. It just doesn’t make sense to me.

Edited

@aps23f , I have been a Phonak user for approximately 10 years, so I also considered for my second (right) ear if my hearing were to deteriorate. In my opinion, the design of AB after Sonova acquired it is outstanding; it is a work of art, comparable to jewelry (YMMV) compared to Med-El and Cochlear.

Additionally, I am impressed by the T-mic and communication features.

However, I would still choose Cochlear because it is possible that Cochlear is also working on this technology, as suggested by the engineer in the YouTube video above.

I’m not sure about the width of the beam in the N8, but I think it’s great, despite using only one sound processor with only 2 microphones.

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