Services & Support
by Cochlear Guest Author

New Professional Resources to Support Sound Processor Upgrades

October 10, 2022
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Cochlear is committed to innovation, and we know one of the most exciting things about the technology is that it continues to evolve. Next-generation sound processors are designed to deliver improved hearing performance, new connectivity and capabilities, and work with a patient’s existing implant.  Historically, peer-reviewed publications demonstrate that upgrading to the latest sound processor technology has been beneficial for patients, clinics, and society.1-16

While Cochlear has comprehensive recipient-facing resources to help patients explore the benefits and process of upgrading their sound processor, as well as resources to help navigate payment and recipient testimonials about upgrading, we heard feedback from clinicians that the process of facilitating sound processor upgrades for patients can feel overwhelming and complex.  A sampling of the questions we’ve heard are: Who is eligible and how does one know?  What resources are available to clinicians and patients?  What is the current process?  To answer these questions and more, Cochlear is excited to announce a series of five professional-facing videos that provide an outline of the process, resources, and support available to you and your patients to make the upgrade process for a CochlearTM next-generation sound processor as seamless as possible.

Eligibility:

  • In this short video, we cover the first step, which is how to determine if a patient is eligible for a sound processor upgrade through their insurance, including how to use Custom Sound Pro to identify patients who have had their technology for more than five years.

Pre-Upgrade Counseling:

  • In the second video, we cover the multiple resources Cochlear has to support you and your upgrade eligible patients as they explore their options before placing an order.

Order Placement

  • In the third video, we cover we cover the options on how, where, and with whom patients can fill out and submit the sound processor upgrade order placement form.

Letter of Medical Necessity

  • In the fourth video, we cover a few key highlights about the Letter of Medical Necessity, which serves as the prescription allowing Cochlear to provide the specific products ordered and verifies that they are medically necessary for the patient’s cochlear implant to continuously function.

On-boarding

  • In this final video, we discuss the options available for onboarding after the patient receives their upgraded sound processor, typically 6-8 weeks after order placement.

We heard your feedback.  These videos are the first peek into of a comprehensive set of professional facing resources about sound processor upgrades that will be available over the coming months. 

References:

1. Hey M, Böhnke B, Mewes A, Munder P, Mauger SJ, Hocke T. Speech comprehension across multiple CI processor generations: Scene dependent signal processing. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. 2021 Aug;6(4):807-15.

2. Go­ -Gomez MV, Muniz L, Wiemes G, Onuki LC, Calonga L, Osterne FJ, Kós MI, Caldas FF, Cardoso C, Cagnacci B. Contribution of noise reduction pre-processing and microphone directionality strategies in the speech recognition in noise in adult cochlear implant users. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 2021 Aug;278(8):2823-8.

3. Mauger SJ, Warren CD, Knight MR, Goorevich M, Nel E. Clinical evaluation of the Nucleus® 6 cochlear implant system: Performance improvements with SmartSound iQ. International Journal of Audiology. 2014 Aug 1;53(8):564-76.

4. Mosnier I, Sterkers O, Nguyen Y, Lahlou G. Benefits in noise from sound processor upgrade in thirty-three cochlear implant users for more than 20 years. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 2021 Mar;278(3):827-31.

5. Pinheiro MM, Mancini PC, Soares AD, Ribas Â, Lima DP, Cavadas M, Banhara MR, da Silva Carvalho SA, Buzo BC. Comparison of Speech Recognition in Cochlear Implant Users with Different Speech Processors. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology. 2021 Jul;32(07):469-76.

6. Plasmans A, Rushbrooke E, Moran M, Spence C, Theuwis L, Zarowski A, Oeciers E, Atkinson B, McGovern J, Dornan D, Leigh J. A multi-center clinical evaluation of pediatric cochlear implant users upgrading to the Nucleus® 6 system. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 2016 Apr 1;83:193-9.

7. Biever A, Gilden J, Zwolan T, Mears M, Beiter A. Upgrade to Nucleus® 6 in Previous Generation Cochlear™ sound processor patients. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology. 2018 Oct;29(09):802-13.

8. Mauger SJ, Jones M, Nel E, Del Dot J. Clinical outcomes with the Kanso™ off-the-ear cochlear implant sound processor. International Journal of Audiology. 2017 Apr 3;56(4):267-76.

9. Mosnier I, Marx M, Venail F, Loundon N, Roux-Vaillard S, Sterkers O. Bene‑ ts from upgrade to the CP810™ sound processor for Nucleus® 24 cochlear implant patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 271:49–57.

10. Warren CD, Nel E, Boyd PJ. Controlled comparative clinical trial of hearing bene‑ t outcomes for users of the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor with mobile connectivity. Cochlear Implants International. 2019 May 4;20(3):116-26.

11. Maruthurkkara S, Allen A, Cullington H, MuJ, Arora K, Johnson S. Remote check test battery for cochlear implant patients: proof of concept study. International Journal of Audiology. 2021 Aug 24:1-0.

12. Maruthurkkara S, Case S, Rottier R. Evaluation of Remote Check: A Clinical Tool for Asynchronous Monitoring and Triage of Cochlear Implant Patients. Ear and Hearing. 2022 Mar 1;43(2):495-506.

13. Neve OM, Boerman JA, van den Hout WB, Briaire JJ, van Benthem PP, Frijns JH. Cost-bene‑ t analysis of cochlear implants: A societal perspective. Ear and Hearing. 2021 Sep;42(5):1338.

14. FoteC, Kennedy S, Milton AH, Deger M, Payk F, Sanderson G. Cost–utility analysis of cochlear implantation in Australian adults. Otology & Neurotology. 2016 Jun 1;37(5):454-61.

15. Cutler H, Gumbie M, Olin E, Parkinson B, Bowman R, Quadri H, Mann T. The cost-effectiveness of unilateral cochlear implants in UK adults. The European Journal of Health Economics. 2021 Nov 2:1-7.

16. Gumbie M, Olin E, Parkinson B, Bowman R, Cutler H. The cost-effectiveness of Cochlear implants in Swedish adults. BMC health services research. 2021 Dec;21(1):1-4.

Author

Cochlear Guest Author

In an effort to keep our content fresh and reflective of a diverse industry, Cochlear Americas features a mix of employees and professional partners to contribute to Cochlear ProNews as Guest Authors.

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Celebrating a Year of Impact and Innovation at Cochlear Americas | A Message from the President

June 13, 2024

To stay connected with not only our internal Cochlear team but also our amazing partners, I am starting a quarterly ‘Message from the President’ to reflect on all our achievements and to look ahead to some of the amazing work we have on the horizon. 

As we reflect on the past fiscal year, I am thrilled to share the remarkable advancements that have shaped our organization in FY24. Our mission is to help people hear and be heard, and in the last 12 months, we’ve helped over 40,000 individuals across the United States and Canada hear through new technology or through new systems. Thanks to our Cochlear North America team and professional partners, we have been able to make a profound impact in the lives of our recipients and their families.

Inspiring recipient stories in the news

Georgia Tech softball star Chandler Dennis overcame adversity to excel on the field, making significant contributions to her team. She credits her Cochlear™ Nucleus® 8 Sound Processor to helping her get to where she is today.  Click HERE to read more.

Kathy Greer, a Spokane Ironwoman triathlete, competed in her first full Ironman race while wearing a Kanso® 2 Sound Processor, which allowed her to hear all the encouragement throughout the race. Despite her hearing impairment, she trained diligently and conquered the impressive 140-mile race. Click HERE to read more.

Product innovation

In August we launched the next generation Cochlear™ Osia® System Implant – OSI300, an achievement that not only showcases our relentless pursuit of innovation but also our commitment to improving the lives of those with hearing loss. With its capacity for MRI scans up to 3.0 T, without the need for surgery, the OSI300 is a leap forward in our bone conduction system. 

Another key moment was the FDA’s approval to lower the age indication for the Osia System to 5-years-old, a decision that has unlocked doors to better access to the latest technology for our younger recipients. The Osia System has been shown to provide clinically significant improvements in high frequency hearing for children.1,2,3 This is a reminder of why we do what we do for our pediatric recipients who need to stay connected through those critical learning years.

Testament to our Values

Celebrating these technological achievements compels us to reflect on the core values that fuel our organization—inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.  This year, we have pursued significant strides in embedding these principles into every facet of our operations. By fostering an environment where every voice can be heard, where different perspectives are embraced, and where everyone feels safe to express themselves. We are not just building a better workplace for our employees but also driving progress that resonates throughout the communities we touch.

Celebration: Connecting Virtually

The return of Celebration was a highlight of the year. Nearly 1,000 recipients came together virtually to share their experiences, celebrate milestones, and forge lasting connections. It’s a testament to our wonderful community and the power of shared experiences. We look forward to more Celebrations in the years to come as we reflect on the success of this year.

Looking ahead

It is with a heart full of gratitude that I thank everyone connected to Cochlear – employees, professionals and recipients – for their trust and collaboration this year. Together, we’ve achieved so much and there’s a lot to look forward to in FY25.   

Sincerely,

Lisa Aubert

President, Cochlear Americas

References

  1. ClinicalTrials.Gov ID NCT 0500931
  2.  You, P., A. Choi, J. Drob, S. M. Hunsaker, Y. C. Liu, and R. Silva. 2022. ‘Early Outcomes of a New Active Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Implant in Pediatric Patients’, Otol Neurotol, 43: 212-18.
  3. Florentine, M. M., J. Virbalas, and D. K. Chan. 2022. ‘Early surgical and audiologic outcomes of active, transcutaneous, osseointegrated bone-conduction hearing device (Osia 2® system) placement’, International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 156.

What is Connected Care?

November 17, 2021

By Kyle Longwell, Product Manager – Software and Clinical Care

Today, patients expect care to be instantly available, personalized and easy to use. We also know how important your patients, their progress and hearing outcomes are to you. We understand that prioritizing quality patient care as you face increasing demands on your time can be a challenge.

With more patients being referred for hearing implants than ever before, how can we make hearing healthcare more patient centered, accessible and sustainable?

Introducing Cochlear™ Connected Care.

Connected Care

Connected Care is a transformational approach to hearing healthcare where patient data and insights seamlessly connect across different care settings – from the surgical suite, to the clinic and into a patient’s everyday life.

Through Surgical Care, patient outcomes can be enhanced through actionable intraoperative tools and insights. With increased confidence in device placement, you may optimize surgical outcomes as well as post-operative clinical performance.

In-Clinic Care solutions use measurements from surgery – as well as Cochlear’s extensive fitting and performance data – to streamline patient management and care giving you the time and flexibility to optimize every clinic appointment to ensure every visit delivers the best result for your patients.

With Remote Care solutions you can provide virtual care to more patients, even as your practice and caseload grows. You can have the flexibility to deliver quality, consistent care without your patients making a trip to the clinic. Remote Care solutions allow the convenience of fitting into your patient’s lives and into your schedule to ensure ongoing care is received.

Using Self-Managed Care solutions, you can empower your patients to actively manage their hearing experience in partnership with you, using the latest in digital technology. Keep patients engaged on their hearing journey as they proactively manage their hearing and build listening and communication skills to optimize their hearing outcomes.

As the global leader in implantable hearing, with more than 650,000 devices implanted, our Connected Care solutions are built on extensive programming data and patient insights. By bringing together our evidence-based solutions and your expertise, Connected Care helps you optimize hearing outcomes for each patient at every stage of their hearing journey.

Connected Care solutions can help you:

  • Stay connected to your patients and better monitor their performance in the clinic and the real world
  • Increase clinic efficiency, enabling you to provide quality, convenient care to an increasing patient base
  • Empower patients to manage their devices and hearing experience

Join us in connecting people with hearing care. To learn more about how Connected Care solutions can help your program, contact your local Cochlear representative so they can discuss your goals and which technologies or services could help achieve them.

For further details about Cochlear’s Connected Care portfolio read our annual Service Report or visit www.cochlear.us/ConnectedCare.

SmartNav offers a variety of measurements. These insights are one source of information and do not guarantee clinical outcomes.

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