Nucleus Freedom BTE Cochlear Implant Speech Processor
Brendan uses bilateral cochlear implants to hear. We have now had about half a year of experience with the new Freedom BTE. As I discuss on the in-depth Cochlear Implants page, I'm very please with the results. His hearing on the new (left) side is excellent -- he can even talk on the phone with just the new processor, and is beginning to show some localization abilities.
Adults I've spoken to about this processor report that it's physically more comfortable to wear than the "old" 3G processor, which is great. As a parent responsible for the day to day operation of the device, I do feel that the "UI" of the basic functions has taken a step backward. By far the most common thing Brendan does with the processor is turn it on or off -- typically four times a day -- everything else is a far distant second. On the 3G, there's a physical switch that can be operated by feel.
One the Freedom, however, one must first push the top button, and then observe the tiny LCD to be sure to have cleared the H3 (coil off) error code. Then you push and hold the same button until the device turns off. If you push and hold for too short of a time, you've just changed the default program, and then have to cycle through the three other programs to get back. If you push and hold before you clear the H3 error code, then nothing happens and you've wasted your time. It's impossible to do by feel alone.
The 3G switch might have been less reliable (don't know), and probably physically harder to integrate into a small package, but it's sure easy to use.
Categories: cochlear_implants
