New Cochlear BAHA processor

[leapyrtwins]

Copped this from the Cochlear Community -

"Just in from Cochlear Americas: New Baha Sound Processor!
July 15, 2011
posted by  Lisa Wolfe

Greetings all!  Here is some exciting news from Cochlear!

We have some exciting news to share, and we want you to be the first to know!  Cochlearâ„¢ is adding a new Baha®Sound Processor to the Baha 3 System -- the Cochlear Baha 3 Power!

Introducing the new Cochlearâ„¢ Baha® 3 Power Sound Processor -   
The Most Powerful Head-Worn Baha Sound Processor

The Cochlear Baha 3 System* set the standard for advanced bone conduction hearing solutions. Now we introduce the new Cochlear Baha 3 Power Sound Processor!  When compared with previous generations of sound processors, Baha 3 Power is designed to provide better speech understanding and superior sound quality.   

Designed for Performance
·        World’s Thinnest Programmable Sound Processor
Maximum clearance with minimal projection.

·        Excellent Sound Clarity
Advanced automatic signal processing helps to ensure you benefit from the best signal across a variety of sound environments.

·        Better Speech Understanding
Most powerful Baha transducer provides more amplification where you need it most - in the high frequencies.

·        Better Sound Quality
Uses Dynamic Output Stabilizer technology designed to provide better sound quality with less distortion.

·        Customizable Options
Available in 6 attractive colors to match your hair or customize to your unique style.  Accessories give you another option to connect to the telephone, audio listening device, or assistive listening systems.   
 
Who should consider the Baha 3 Power?
If you or your child have been informed by a clinician that you qualify for a Baha 3 Power Sound Processor, or you are an Intensoâ„¢ user interested in upgrading, you should consider the Baha 3 Power.   

Stay tuned for the latest updates on the new Baha 3 Power at our Upgrades Website!

If you have questions about the Baha 3 Power Sound Processor or upgrading, visit the Baha Message Board!"

[dalern]

As soon as this processor arrives in my audiologist's office, it is earmarked for me to demo.  Can't wait!  It should be very soon.
~Dale

[ombrerose4]

With my husband being such a gadget person, he'll be upset to find out I no longer have the newest model, lol!

[Denise S]

I wonder if Cochlears came after the Oticon company went to a POWER one also for their Ponto Pro?

Nice of you to share with everyone Jan...thanks!!  I am hoping to get on by next summer!!

Denise

[CHD63]

Yes, Oticon did already come out with their Ponto Pro Power in June.  Sounds very similar.

FWIW:  I talked with the Oticon rep about exchanging my Ponto Pro since I have not unsealed the package yet (turn on day is August 4th).  She said the Power was more designed for people who have some hearing loss in their good ear, as well.  Since I have perfectly normal hearing in my good ear, she did not think I would need the extra "power."  Therefore, I am staying with the Ponto Pro.

Clarice

[dalern]

My hearing is also good in one ear, but I have had some issues with not having enough power.  That is why it might work for me.
~Dale

[ombrerose4]

On my way to John Hopkins to have my Baha BP100/BP3 reprogrammed since I haven't been able to find anyone in New york who knows what they are doing and are affordable. Five hundred dollars to program my Baha is ridiculous.  Hopkins will take my insurance and even if my insurance doesn't cover it all, their total fee is only $150, which is reasonable. Her's hoping for a better programmed device within the next few hours:)

(Although what I really want is the new BP power Baha, oh well!)

[CHD63]

Good luck, Lauren!!  Let us know how it goes.

I have to drive 3 hours to Lexington, KY to have mine programmed ..... no one in the state has been trained yet.  Kind of exciting to be on the "cutting edge" of something. 

Clarice

[ombrerose4]

I had an amazing experience here at John Hopkins. Krista, Dr. Niparko's audiologist reprogrammed my BAHA. Well, actually she ended up reprogramming a lender for me because mine had a crack in the case and then the first one she gave me had a crack and then she found an uncracked one,lol! Anyway she will send it back to Cochlear and reprogram it when she gets it back and then send it to me.  What she did to reprogram it was to measure the density of my bone and then set the Baha accordingly, with before and after hearing tests. What a difference. And when you think of it it makes so much sense because everyone's bone density is different.  It all comes down to experience with the product. She said it was a significant adjustment. They have their own Cochlear rep there and they are so well informed. It's said that I couldn't get this dome in NY without spending hundreds of dollars. Now I really love my Baha! Yaya!!

[dalern]

Yikes...I guess I'm lucky.  I got my BAHA from UCSD where I had my surgery.  I can go to the audiologist as much as I need for adjustments and there is no cost at all.  It was part of the surgery package.  Even when I leave San Diego, I will be able to come back down and see her any time at no charge for anything related to my BAHA.
~Dale

[leapyrtwins]

My doc's office doesn't charge for BAHA programming either - not even the initial one. 

Jan

[Jeanlea]

These are starting to look so good I may end up getting one some day! But I want the one that will allow me to trade my old one in for whatever newer model they come up with in the future. :-)

Jean

[Kencutus]

But I want the one that will allow me to trade my old one in for whatever newer model they come up with in the future. :-)

I doubt it if they let you trade in your old ones.  You're better off hanging on to your old one in case the new one breaks down so you have something to wear while the new one is being repaired. 

[leapyrtwins]

Ken's right.

They typically don't do trade ins - at least Cochlear doesn't; I can't speak for Oticon.

Cochlear offers a discount on upgrades, but it's usually not a very big discount.

I still have my Divino, although I've only worn it a week since I got my BP100.  That was when my BP100 was in for repairs soon after I got it.

I'm a little PO'd that Cochlear has already upgraded the BP100.  I just got mine in April 2010 and can't see purchasing an upgrade already; not to mention I can't afford to.  They need to slow down with upgrades! 

Jan

[ombrerose4]

I agree with you Jan. With Cochlear coming out with upgrades so quickly I feel like my Baha is already behind the times:(