ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: james e on August 03, 2011, 03:28:15 pm
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I started wearing my BP100 in July 2010, so it has been a year. It has gone in 3 times for repair, twice for a cracked case, and once for the teflon seal that was peeling off the post that plugs into the abutment. It is going in for the 4th time.
First repair was for the cracked case. They removed the processor and put it in a new case. Next time, the seal started peeling off, and they put a new seal on. The last time, the case cracked again, and they sent the entire unit to the manufacturer for examination and replaced the entire unit with a new BP100.
Today I noticed the the seal is peeling away on this unit. I will call Cochlear, and they will be more than willing to fix it... again...top notch service people out there in Colorado, but I'm pretty sick about the quality of their product. Yes, it is great when it works, but it looks like this a continuing problem, and once the warranty is expired, their accountant will list me on their balance sheet as an asset. I had a 1960 Austin Healey and had to go to a machine shop to have parts made, because there were no parts on the shelf. The owner of the shop loved me and my wallet. It was easy to solve the problem, I sold the car. But now, I have a screw buried in my head, with no hair around it, and only one place to go to get it fixed, and I'm sure no one wants to buy a used abutment and BP100.
I don't want to buy an extended warranty because they are very expensive. Shouldn't have to because they make a faulty product.
If you are thinking about a BP100, give it a lot of thought. This is not like buying glasses...if you don't like your frames you can just get new ones. They don't bolt your glasses into your skull. Of course, the BAHA is!
James
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I just talked to Cochlear, and the service tech was nicer than nice. I am sending the BAHA in for repair...again. It is under warranty and will be repaired. If it was not under warranty, this repair is $395.00 and you get a 6 month warranty. Such a deal! This is the second time for the same repair...how about $790.00 in repair this year! Like my wife said, "sell the Healey!"
If this continues as a problem, the FDA might be interested. This product requires surgery, and is not like a hearing aid that is a passive installation. Like I said, the service tech was nice, but that does not solve the problem.
James
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James ~
While I don't usually favor getting government agencies involved in my business, in your case, it may be the right thing to do. But first, I would consider writing a letter to the company outlining the continuing problems and their dire need for improved quality control then see how they respond. Frankly their good customer service is only a Band-Aid on the underlying problem and Cochlear should be made aware of that. The poor quality you're finding with your BAHA unit is definitely disquieting and frankly, does not inspire confidence in this expensive product. However, you're doing our members a service by making the problems known to potential BAHA users and that is appreciated.
Jim
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First of allthe Cochlear BAHA comes with a 2 year warranty, not a 6 month warranty. Secondly, it sounds like they just need to replace the whole thing again, or maybe "trade you up" to the Power model. Instead of dealing with Cochlear directly, why don't you consider having your audiologist do it for you? I found that the Cochlear techs, though nice, don't always know as much as I think they should. There is one audiologist on the West Coast who has been the liaison for my audiologist and he really knows how to get things done. I stopped calling Cochlear a while ago, because it only frustrated me. I'm getting further by letting my audiologist be the liaison.
~Dale
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I know that it has a 2 year warranty. In my first year it has broken 4 times. At the end of 2 years your can get an extended warranty for around $55 a month. It appears they have problems and cannot solve them. Without the extended warranty, if you pay for a repair out of pocket, you get a 6 month warranty with the repair. I don't know if that just covers the repair, or the entire unit.
Out of warranty,having this repair done, replacing the seal, cost $395.00. This will be the second time this year, more than 6 months apart, for a cost of $790.00. The entire unit was replaced at the end of June 2011. It is a sink hole with no bottom.
I don't get someone else to fight my battles. This is my problem and I will get it solved without an audiologist going to bat for me. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, and they will hear me squeak. I am out of town for about a week, and when I get back, I will start working on this. I'll keep you updated.
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James -
go to the top when you talk to Cochlear. Insist on a manager or someone else in charge.
Tell them about all the repairs you've had - even though their records show this - and insist that because of all the problems you've had, you want a brand new BP100. It's not unheard of - in fact it's very common - for Cochlear to give out new processors when they have to. They may even offer you their latest processor.
It's unfortunate that you are among what appears to be many who've had problems with the BP100. I've had mine since April 2010 and it's only been in for repairs twice - once when it was stuck in the 3rd (music) setting and once when the low battery warning kept beeping despite the battery not being low. This was in the early months and I haven't had any issues since.
Processors can be like cars; sometimes you just get a lemon.
I hope you get this issue resolved with Cochear. As you say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Give 'em hell.
Jan
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They sent me a new one June 29, 2011. It is one month old. They rebuilt my first one with the new uncrackable case, and it cracked. Then they sent me the new one.
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James I have the same problem with my BP100. I had the same problems as you, we even sent them in about the same time. Now the plastic barrier is peeling again after about two weeks of wear. Because of this I use my dehydrator every night to make sure it is nice and dry. The thing is even though Cochlear is more then willing to make a repair it is a pain to keep sending it back every six weeks or so not to mention not having the unit. If they can't fix it maybe we should be offered a lifetime warranty as compensation for a defective product. Going to the FDA might not be such a bad idea. I just looked at it and it is cracked AGAIN @#%&&%@.
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Mine went in twice...Second time it was for a crack case...At this point so far so good...but keeping an eye on these post...
JO
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When I first got my Divino in 7/05, it was stuck in low volume and I didn't realize something was wrong until I tried someone else's. They replaced it and this one has worked fine for 6 years now. I was thinking of upgrading, but not after hearing about all the problems with the newer models.
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Keith -
you should check w/your audiologist. Some have loaners they can give you when your processor is in for repairs.
Jan
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Well, I'm back from my annual disfunctional family reunion in Georgia...all my cousins think we should all get married to each other...does this happen at your reunions?
I am sending in my unit tomorrow and will call Cochlear on Wed or Thursday to follow up with a supervisor. I will keep you advised.
James
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I received my repaired BAHA on Monday AM...3 repairs on the old one, and this is the first one on a one month old new BAHA. I love the way it works, but I am very disappointed in the reliability. I contacted Cochlear yesterday, after I checked on some consumer protection laws, and I discussed their poor reliability and the ability we have as consumers.
They could have not been nicer on the phone. We discussed my point of view, and I was offered an additional year of warranty on my now 2 month old BAHA. I thought this was an excellent offer. Now I have two more years of warranty since June 2010.
The reliability is still a question in my mind, but I believe in the ability of this product to improve my life, and I hope this new BAHA is a good one.
I told The rep on the phone that I have an old Sony TV, never repaired, that is 15 years old, and it still works like new. I have a 13 year old boat and motor, and it has never had to be repaired. That is what I want out of a BAHA. If this one continues to be a problem, then I will have to take another action, but I really just want this to work in a flawless manner for lots of years, just like my TV and boat.
At this time, Cochlear is acting responsibly and I know that they want US to be happy consumers. They are very easy to work with, and they are responsive. Thumbs up to their customer service.
James
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It seems to me that no one takes pride in building things like they used to. They don't build them to last anymore. I bet most companies tell them to make it break down more or use cheaper materials so people either have to pay to get it fixed or buy a new item. It's the way of the world and greedy. The other problem is the FDA is holding Cochlear back on approving new replacement parts. A lot of red tape just to get something simple fix is a bunch of bull.
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James ~
Even though I'm not a BAHA user I've been following your 'adventures' with your BP100 unit and I'm glad to learn that you finally have the (repaired) unit back. I hope it holds up better than previously. Although good customer service is a great company attribute and has been helpful for you, it doesn't obviate the need for better quality in Cochlear's product.
Jim
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It seems to me that no one takes pride in building things like they used to. They don't build them to last anymore. I bet most companies tell them to make it break down more or use cheaper materials so people either have to pay to get it fixed or buy a new item. It's the way of the world and greedy. The other problem is the FDA is holding Cochlear back on approving new replacement parts. A lot of red tape just to get something simple fix is a bunch of bull.
Ken ~
I agree. Government agencies, while they do serve a purpose, too often amount to bureaucratic labyrinths that stall innovations and ultimately do consumers more harm than good.
The lack of quality in manufacturing is becoming legend. It permeates far too many areas of manufacturing. Although I have no doubt that greed is a factor, a company must make a profit to survive in the marketplace and pay it's investors/owners. Sometimes, skimping on quality is a reaction to increased costs of manufacturing, e.g. U.S. firms relocating to foreign countries to obtain cheaper labor or moving to a different state due to a lower tax rate - and cheaper labor.
Fortunately, I've been able to find major-purchase products of value that do last (in most cases) but it's always a bit of a gamble. Too bad.
Jim
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James -
if nothing else, I'm glad that Cochlear is still providing stellar customer service to you - it's one of the foundations the company is built on.
It's unfortunate that you've had so many problems with the BP100; you're not alone in this. It seems that there are two groups of BP100 wearers - those who've had minor problems that were fixed easily and those who've had nothing but problems.
I'm thankful I'm in the former category, but sorry you're in the latter.
I hope that this will be your last repair for a long, long time.
Best,
Jan
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My understanding is that this is not a REAL Cochlear product. It is manufactured in Sweden, and Cochlear purchased the company or maybe just the product, and puts the Cochlear name on it. Maybe Jan knows more about this.
I am aware that injection molding...probably like the case is made, can leave small ridges on the final product when the two halves of the dies meet. This can become a weak point and because the BAHA vibrates, it can cause these lines to fracture. Ken's and my units have both fractured at the same point, and I believe it is along one of these lines that the fracture is happening. If you take the battery cover off, there are two small screw on either side of the battery holder. My cracks have been next to these screws. Ken believes they over torqued the screws during assembly...and he may be correct. Either way, both of these can be corrected easily.
The seal is another problem. I believe it is just a water proofing seal to keep sweat and other moisture out of the BAHA. It looks like the edges of the seal are glued to the back of the BAHA, and the seal begins to separate from the case. It needs to be re-engineered, or they need to hire 3M to get a new adhesive.
Little things, like using less force to tighten a screw, or polishing the raised manufacturing line from injection molding to be flat could solve the cracking problem.
I am looking on the bright side, and hoping they correct these issues.
James
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My BAHA is going in tomorrow for the 3rd time. It is also being escalated, who knows if that helps. This is the last time it is going in for repair. The next time I will force the issue about a replacement.
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I have my BAHA back for 7 days and the plastic shield if coming off already.
I have lost all confidence in the BP100 and I am going to demand a replacement.
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WOW!! just read through this thread, Sorry your having so much trouble James. I am glad I did not decide to have the bolt installed. I tried a Transear instead. After 6 months of fooling around with it, having it remade 4x, I gave up, but at least I'm not left with a bolt in my head. (Well, actually I do have screws, plates etc ;))
anyway, Hope you get it all worked out james, ....now, lets get back to that post about the disfunctional reunion marring cousins...sounds like more fun than a bad BAHA ;D LOL
patti ut
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Yikes, James!!!
You have a "bolt" in your head ??? I was not aware of that!
Jan ::)
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I know that you don't think I have a "bolt" in my head, but it does drive me kind of "nuts" at times. It does bother me that the BAHA is not a passive system like a hearing aid that just slips over your ear. You have to have a minor but expensive surgery and then you are stuck with the Cochlear BAHA. I love the function of the product, but the reliability for me has been poor, and other posters here are having the same problem.
There are thousands of SSD people that can benefit from this product, and I have to believe that they are working on answers to these problems. They are in business to make money, and having their product receive poor ratings is not good for their business...see Patti UT's post.
By the way Patti, we have decided against the marriages. There are 14 cousins, and we all grew up together, but now live thousands of miles apart. We see each other one day each year, but we do like hugging each other, love each other dearly, and probably flirt with each other a lot...but all in fun. Well, some of the girls are still pretty cute....
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James .....
I do not remember when Cochlear changed their posts, but if you happen to be fortunate enough to have the original post they made, to my knowledge, it is interchangeable with the Oticon Medical Ponto abutments.
Admittedly I have only been able to use my Ponto Pro for a few weeks, but I have had no problems with it.
The catch, of course, is money. Your insurance company might fight paying for another company's similar product this soon after getting the Cochlear product.
Just my thoughts. Clarice
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Yes, James, I know you don't have a bolt. Just a little tongue in cheek humor on my part ;D
The fact that I have a titanium rod sunk into my skull isn't something that I think about on a day to day basis; in fact I haven't thought about it much at all since it was implanted. It's just that the word "bolt" reminds me of Frankenstein and his neck bolts and I don't want people to think that the BAHA is somehow similar because it definitely is not!
As far as Cochlear goes, I had excellent results with my Divino - it's never been repaired and although I don't wear it since I got my BP100 I can say with 100% confidence that it still works as well as the day I got it.
I've been one of the fortunate ones with the BP100 - there are SO many who have had issues with theirs; I'm thankful every day.
I'm sorely disappointed in Cochlear - even though I love them as a company and value their incredible customer service - but that doesn't mean I'm sorry that I chose a Cochlear product over an Oticon product. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Like choosing surgery over radiation for treatment of my AN, it was the right choice for me.
Jan