ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: syman on January 17, 2012, 10:00:22 pm
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Hi all. Retrosigmoid surgery in November and its looking like I am SSD. I have read posts about the Phonak CROS and it sounds promising. How much does it cost ? thanks.
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I have Phonak Audio Smart III hearing aid which cost $1640. I know this doesn't answer your specific question but might give you an idea. Also, I shopped around before I bought my hearing aid. The first quote was double what I ended up paying for it. ;)
Karen
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Shop around. Mark-up on hearing devices are huge. These aids are useless unless they are programed by a trained audiologist so buying one online is not a good idea. There are also some many combinations with the Cros. Check out Phonak America web site under "Cros".
Paul
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Have you looked into a BAHA?
I ask for two reasons: 1) my neurotologist highly recommended a BAHA and I was very impressed with the demo, and 2) insurance typically doesn't pay for conventional hearing aids, but chances are they will pay for a BAHA implant and processor (tiny hearing aid). The BAHA is "classified" as a prosthesis or an implant.
BAHAs aren't for everyone, but I've had mine for almost 4 years now and I've never regretted choosing it.
Jan
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I too am interested in the cost and ability of a CROS device, my Dr. is highly recommending it and claims that the device has been recently updated.
Regarding BAHA "costs"- Yes my insurance paid for the surgery, but so did I! After 3 years of surgeries (150k!) I paid a LOT in co-pays, Dr. visits, deductibles, drugs, etc. Got a 1k bill from the last "revision" and coming up for another.
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I just got my check from my insurance today for my Phonak Cros. My out of pocket expense was $480 or the $3,100 cost :)
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Hi;
Just wondering if the Phonak Cros isn't still the analogue Telex Cros? Phonak bought Telex. Or, is the Cros now digital using wi-fi? It used to use FM signal for transmission to the good ear.
Thanks, if anyone replies; And, how do you like it if you have one?
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I have no idea how it transmits to the good ear, but I do know it works pretty damm good and for an out of pocket cost of $480 how can I complain?
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It is digital and uses a FM signal. It doesn't use Wi-Fi but does have blue tooth capability. I really enjoy Phonak's new bi-cros system.
Paul
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I just checked with my audiologist and the cash pay cost of the Phonak CROS is $2,850. I am starting a 90-day trial this Friday. If I like it, I'll see if my insurance pays for any part of it.
Lee
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OK. So I had my audiologist appointment at 8am this morning and got my trial Phonak CROS aids. They were programmed and I went on to work and wore them the remainder of the day. Here are my observations after 9 hours of continuous use:
1. They are extremely small and light. I didn't even realize I had them in, and others didn't notice until I mentioned them.
2. The sound quality is excellent. It sounded like regular sound. No tinniness, no robotic sound, etc.
3. I went out to lunch with co-workers and didn't have to fret about which seat I got. I was able to hear the person seated immediately to my left without issue.
4. After work, my wife tried whispering in my deaf ear and she was amazed when I was able to repeat back what she said.
So far, I am extremely satisfied. I will continue to wear these almost non-stop during this free trial of several months and will continue to report back as time passes. For now I give them an A.
Lee
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Well, I find this thread interesting. I didn't realize there have been updates/improvements to the CROS. When I researched it more about 2 years ago I seem to read a lot of negative stuff and how people didn't like the little wire OR how you had to have something in BOTH ears.....leeclinton don't make it sound too bad..??...
SO leeclinton, are you saying the FULL charge if you pay cash is $2850? I have an appointment May 2nd with a new audiologist because I have had some changes with insurance & was thinking baha....hmmm?
Thanks!
Denise S
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I have just recently started checking into the CROS aids. Insurance has denied the BAHA option and I think the CROS may work for me. The estimates I received from the Audiologist I saw ranged from $2,200 to $4,500 for the “systemâ€.
The system consists of two units. One behind the good ear acts as an aid/receiver. It can be an aid for your hearing side if there is a hearing deficit which needs to be compensated for. If there is no hearing loss on the good side it will simply act as the receiver for the signal coming from the SSD device. The audiologist I talked with said there were three different levels of processing available in the good ear device if it needs to be an aid for the good side. Each progressive level of course, has more features or enhancements in the processor that makes it work better in more situations from a quiet room, to in the car, to attending a rock concert. Each level of processing comes with a different cost as well. The good side unit ranged in cost from $1,200 to $2,300, to $3,500.
Then the SSD device on the poor ear acts as a transmitter which gathers the sound on that side and transmits it via wi-fi to the receiver in the good ear without processing it at all. This unit priced at $1,000.
It seems the Phonak can be had in most any configuration. If you only want the good side aid you just buy that. If you want the CROS functions as well you buy both units and choose the level of processing you need or want. It is almost like buying a car with or without options.
Now mind you, this Audiologist is the first I have talked with about the CROS. Others may give different prices and services. I think someone here said the CROS needs adjustments and tweaking in order to work optimally for each user. The guy I was talking with was associated with a regional health care system and offered it all. That may come with some cost so there may be some cost savings with other vendors.
This is how I understood the CROS. I may have misunderstood some things but I believe this is pretty close. I hope it helps.
Rich
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The understanding I have from my audiologist is that the full cost of the system, if insurance does not pay, is $2,850. This includes both ear pieces and the configuration/set-up, warranty, and X-number of visits per year to get it tuned-up appropriately. My understanding is also that their are different features that can be used, such as bluetooth to a cell phone, and settings for varying environments. This is all included in the $2,850 I believe. I think it's all inside the earpieces; it's just a matter of the programming by the audiologist. I may be misinformed but that is my understanding.
Btw, there is another thread going about the CROS, titled CROS vs Soundbyte or something like that. I have detailed my experience and another member named Ross also detailed his experience within the last week or so as well.
Lee
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Lee & others, thanks for the info here & on other threads!! I wanted the baha so bad, but insurance don't want to help. What we'd pay for the New CROS is basically the same as what 20% of baha is after insurance (for those who have it).
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The understanding I have from my audiologist is that the full cost of the system, if insurance does not pay, is $2,850.
I'm going to have to shop around. Sounds like quite a deal to me.
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I'm going to have to shop around. Sounds like quite a deal to me.
I encourage you to contact the Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville, Missouri's Audiology Dept. 573.547.2536. That is where I got mine!
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I encourage you to contact the Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville, Missouri's Audiology Dept. 573.547.2536. That is where I got mine!
The audiologist I saw was located 150 miles from my home. He encouraged me to find a dealer closer to home if I went ahead. He said there would be a few trips to have the fine tuning done and follow ups. Being from North Dakota, I think I'll need to find someone closer than Missouri but I do appreciate the referral. ;)
This brings up the question of how often for how long do you need to go back to get the CROS all tuned up?
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I only had to go back once. The new software is really good and is programed using your hearing chart.
Paul
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My was tuned-up perfectly the first visit. I had an appt for the following week, but no further adjustments were needed.
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Those that already have the Phonak CROS...what is the name of your actual device? My audiologist ordered me the Cassia (I think petite size)
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Mine is the Audeo Model. My good ear works great, so I don't need any bells and whistles. It works great!
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Mine is also Audio S. I think that is Phonak's base hearing aid, nothing special but it works great.
Paul
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So these are not the Cros or the bi-Cros?
Dale
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Dale, the hearing aid side is what we are naming here. The Cros will work with many hearing aids. Yes, we are talking about the Bi-Cros. The Cros unit is always the same.
Paul
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So expensive isn't necessarily better. A scarf from the dollar store will work just as well as one from Gucci's
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Not really Mei Mei,
The reason for this is that the better hearing side may need help and its the amount of help which will determine which aid is best for that person. The nice thing about the Cros is that the software programs both units to work together no matter which aid you end up with. The aid can be a BTE or ITE as well. In my case, I had no choice in the combination since it was supplied by the VA so I ended up with just a basic class of aid, not a more expensive one. Works good for me.
Paul
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I am also interested in getting the Cros aid. I got a prescription today for the Audio Smart and got three different quotes. I found out that in Canada the Ontario government provides $500 towards the cost of the aid. This is separate of any other benefits from insurance coverage at work.
The prices I was quoted ranged from $1,670 to $2,600. Some quotes include a 3 year supply of batteries and some not.
I am trying to figure out if it is worthwhile to pay more to have a battery package included. For those of you who have been using the Cros, approximately what is your monthly (or yearly) cost in batteries?
Marianna
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I am trying to figure out if it is worthwhile to pay more to have a battery package included. For those of you who have been using the Cros, approximately what is your monthly (or yearly) cost in batteries?
Marianna - My audiologist provides batteries for 4 years, plus gave me the Zephyr store & dry machine. Here's how I calculate the costs: $.25/battery (Costco price-see link below). If you use your aids pretty regularly over the course of a day, the batteries will last around 2 days, 3 days, tops. The cost to replace both batteries is $.50 with a range of 2.3x-3.5x per week. Over 4 years that cost range is $245-$365. With the cost of the Zephyr, add another $80.
$1670 sounds incredibly cheap. My transmitter alone cost $1000. If it's the real deal Phonak equipment, I'd say that is a very good deal even without batteries! Wished I lived in Canada :-)
http://shop.costco.com/en/In-The-Warehouse/Hearing-Aid-Center/Batteries.aspx
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My batteries are supplied to me by the VA at no cost to me. Both my Cros and Hearing aid use the same size battery, the 312. I wish they had used a better choice because I only get 2 days out of them. That means I am going thru a battery a day which can be a pain, you always have to have a supply close by. That's about the only draw back I have on the Phonak Cros.
Paul
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My batteries are supplied to me by the VA at no cost to me. Both my Cros and Hearing aid use the same size battery, the 312. I wish they had used a better choice because I only get 2 days out of them. That means I am going thru a battery a day which can be a pain, you always have to have a supply close by. That's about the only draw back I have on the Phonak Cros.
Paul
Looks like you and I have a lot in common. I received my Phonak Audeo and Cros from the VA as well as my AN diagnosis, all within the last few months and found this site the other day.
So far, in reading the comments about the Phonak equipment, I don't believe anybody's mentioned using their remote control device.
I found that I was getting a lot of annoying background noise in restaurants and social settings. I read about the various features of the hearing aids that could be accessed by the remote (including volume control) and was able to have the audiologist at the VA order me a MyPilot remote. I got it this week and tried it in a restaurant yesterday with some positive results. Not perfect, but it did tone down the background noise a bit.
The other benefit is that I no longer have to keep poking the buttons to adjust the volume.
Do you have the remote?
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Thank you for the tip for the remote control device. How much it it cost? I will make sure to ask about it.
I have one more question: I have narrowed my choices to two suppliers: The public hospital-based supplier offers the Phonak Cross for $1,650, whereas a private supplier has quoted $2,470 (both costs are after the govenrment deduction of $500). This is a $820 difference. These are Canadian dollars, but let's assume a 1:1 conversion rate with the US dollar.
One of the differences in the pricing is that the cost of the private supplier includes 3 years of battery supply, which based on what I have read here would amount to about $300. So still more expensive. However upon reading the policy more carefully I also see that they provide a 3 year warranty (compared to 2 years from the first supplier), and 3 years supply of tubes, domes and O-BTE supplies (whatever that means), versus two years provided by the first supplier. Does anyone know if the one year difference in warranty and tube supply make a big difference in terms of cost?
Marianna
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I don't see where you are also comparing service. What is the hospital going to charge you to set up and program your unit? From an outside source, that would normally be included. Check it out, visits to audio's can get expensive.
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Thank you for the tip for the remote control device. How much it it cost? I will make sure to ask about it.
I think I've seen prices for the MyPilot of $400 to $500 online and some places offering it for $250 as part of the package with the hearing aids.
Phonak also has some cheaper remote controls.
http://www.phonak.com/us/b2c/en/products/accessories.html
You can get a lot of information from Phonak's website and then google the items for an idea of the prices.
I have one more question: I have narrowed my choices to two suppliers: The public hospital-based supplier offers the Phonak Cross for $1,650, whereas a private supplier has quoted $2,470 (both costs are after the govenrment deduction of $500). This is a $820 difference. These are Canadian dollars, but let's assume a 1:1 conversion rate with the US dollar.
One of the differences in the pricing is that the cost of the private supplier includes 3 years of battery supply, which based on what I have read here would amount to about $300. So still more expensive. However upon reading the policy more carefully I also see that they provide a 3 year warranty (compared to 2 years from the first supplier), and 3 years supply of tubes, domes and O-BTE supplies (whatever that means), versus two years provided by the first supplier. Does anyone know if the one year difference in warranty and tube supply make a big difference in terms of cost?
Find out the number of batteries that the dealer considers the 3 year's worth. You can get 60 batteries (P31) from Amazon for 18.44. That's .307 per battery. $300 worth is 977 batteries. But if you use 2 batteries say, every three days, that 729 batteries in 3 years. You get the idea.
Same with the supplies. You have to figure out the quantity and price them separately online to see which is a deal.
As for the longer warranty. Like anything else you pay more for the longer warranty.
Something else to keep in mind. If you buy from the lower price dealer and pay for your own supplies you spread your costs out over a long period and have a lower acquisition cost.
If you pay the higher cost is the dealer going to give you the whole 3 year's supplies at time of purchase or will it be order when you need it over the next 3 years and hope he stays in business.
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I don't see where you are also comparing service. What is the hospital going to charge you to set up and program your unit? From an outside source, that would normally be included. Check it out, visits to audio's can get expensive.
Thank you for the good points and the link.
As far as I can tell the service is comparable. It includes unlimited visits for adjustments during the trial period (90 days from both dealers). But I will check out again what happens after the trial period. The visits to the audiologist are covered by the provincial health plan.
I suppose it is best to ask about the remote as well - perhaps one of the dealers could offer a better price if they include it in the package. Or perhaps it might be better to wait and see first if I like the aid, before ordering anything additional. I will also ask about the cost of fittings etc.
Marianna
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I don't see where you are also comparing service. What is the hospital going to charge you to set up and program your unit? From an outside source, that would normally be included. Check it out, visits to audio's can get expensive.
Thank you for the good points and the link.
As far as I can tell the service is comparable. It includes unlimited visits for adjustments during the trial period (90 days from both dealers). But I will check out again what happens after the trial period. The visits to the audiologist are covered by the provincial health plan.
I suppose it is best to ask about the remote as well - perhaps one of the dealers could offer a better price if they include it in the package. Or perhaps it might be better to wait and see first if I like the aid, before ordering anything additional. I will also ask about the cost of fittings etc.
Marianna
If, by trial period, you mean you can return the equipment for a full refund within 90 days, then I would highly recommend you get the remote at the beginning.
I had the Audeo and the Cros for a couple of months and I was constantly reaching up to poke the volume buttons. The button on the right raised the volume and the button on the left lowered the volume.
With the remote control you don't have to do that. Plus you have a variety of features you can switch to for different hearing situations that you find yourself in.
The Phonak website has all the users' manuals for all the equipment. You can review them in advance and get an idea how things work.
http://www.phonak.com/us/b2c/en/products/hearing_instruments.html
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You can get 60 batteries (P31) from Amazon for 18.44. That's .307 per battery. $300 worth is 977 batteries. But if you use 2 batteries say, every three days, that 729 batteries in 3 years. You get the idea.
So I checked amazon.ca (the Canadian site) for battery prices. They charge $8.95 for a pack of 8 :o . As opposed to about $6.80 for a pack of 16 from amazon.com. Isn't this insane? I can't understand why retailers always charge so much more for everything in Canada >:D
I guess I can still order from amazon.com, I will check into this, and I also heard that Costco sells 30 batteries for $9.99. If I can find a supplier who sells batteries for a decent price, I guess it will make sense to choose the cheaper price for the aids. I also checked about the remote, and you were right, I can arrange to get it with the trial period.
Marianna
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I ordered the aids today. I was told that because my right ear is not "aidable" the remote is included in the system for free! I don't understand what is the significance of the ear not being aidable (isn't this true for all Phonak Cros users?). But anyway, I was so happy about this, thank you so much arizonajack for mentioning the remote, I would have never thought about it.
I have a few questions for people who are already using the system. Can you talk on the phone with your bad ear? Does sound feel altered in any way (for example in terms of volume) in your good ear because of the piece that goes inside the canal?
What is the cleaning process for the piece that goes inside the canal? I was told that it can be a bit of a problem if your ear produces a lot of wax (mine does). How often do you need to replace the tubes?
Marianna
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I ordered the aids today. I was told that because my right ear is not "aidable" the remote is included in the system for free! I don't understand what is the significance of the ear not being aidable (isn't this true for all Phonak Cros users?).
I don't understand it either. The whole idea for the Cros is for people with complete loss of hearing in one ear. Might just be some sort of marketing thing with your dealer or the manufacturer. I don't know. My remote didn't come as part of the package, I had to ask for it. I guess it's different through the VA.
Anyway, getting it free is wonderful.
But anyway, I was so happy about this, thank you so much arizonajack for mentioning the remote, I would have never thought about it.
Happy to help.
Can you talk on the phone with your bad ear?
You mean, holding the receiver to your bad year? Depends on how much residual hearing is left in the bad ear. Mine is practically none so what I hear is so faint that it's not worth the effort.
Does sound feel altered in any way (for example in terms of volume) in your good ear because of the piece that goes inside the canal?
You'll have to wait and see. I don't wear mine around the house so I haven't had the occasion to talk on the phone with it in the ear canal. I would guess, however, that there would have to be some muffling of the sound.
What is the cleaning process for the piece that goes inside the canal?
You'll probably get a little brush with your kit. I use that and Q-tips.
I was told that it can be a bit of a problem if your ear produces a lot of wax (mine does). How often do you need to replace the tubes?
I've replaced my wax traps twice in the few months that I've had the equipment. Your mileage may vary.
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I have been using the new Phonak Cros for about a year. I go thru 1 Battery in each unit every two days. That amounts to 1095 batteries over a three year time period. If Phonak would increase the battery to a 13 from the 312 it now uses, the system battery would last twice as long. Have made that suggestion to Phonak but I'm just an old cowboy in Oregon and not an engineer.
Paul
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Paul--they must have been listening to you. I'm starting later this week a 60-day trial period of the Phonak Cros H2O, which is water resistant and uses a size 13 battery. I think they released it in June 2012 or so.
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Paul--they must have been listening to you. I'm starting later this week a 60-day trial period of the Phonak Cros H2O, which is water resistant and uses a size 13 battery. I think they released it in June 2012 or so.
Did you get the My Pilot remote with all the programs? It's very versatile.
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I'm ready to upgrade but don't know if the VA is. Will have to try. Yes, the my pilot is kind of neat, it came with my Phonak Cros. I don't know if its part of a normal package or the VA just threw it in.
Paul
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I'm ready to upgrade but don't know if the VA is. Will have to try. Yes, the my pilot is kind of neat, it came with my Phonak Cros. I don't know if its part of a normal package or the VA just threw it in.
Paul
I guess it depends on which VA and which audiologist.
When I got mine, the audiologist just ordered the Audeo and Cros hearing aids. Wasn't until I started using them that I learned about the remotes and the features. I called up and asked if I could get one and she just said OK and ordered it. I was able to pick it up and start using it a couple of weeks later.
I've had mine for 11 months now. My only complaint is that it's not very good about noise reduction. I wouldn't mind upgrading to a better noise reduction system but I think I might be stuck for another year or so with what I've got.
Looks like Phonak has a bunch of new products and features that werent around last year:
http://www.phonak.com/us/b2c/en/products/hearing_instruments/features.html
Let me know if you succeed in getting your upgrade and how it works.
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I missed this post and question somehow:
"Did you get the My Pilot remote with all the programs? It's very versatile."
I did not get it yet. I want to wait and see if I'm going to keep it. I'm impressed with the sound but not yet used to having the tubes in my ears.
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@ Archer..my insurance denied my Baha surgery and processor too. Cochlear helped me, free of charge for an appeal. All I had to do was fill out Cochlears paperwork and write a personal letter to my insurance carrier of how SSD affected my life..the safety issues being SSD and how the Baha would greatly improve my quality of life--then fax all back to Cochlear and they did they rest. I was approved on the first appeal (I think prayers had a part in it as well ;D).
So if you are interested in the Baha..contact Cochlear and they WILL help you through the appeals process.
I love my Beamie Baha!!
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I missed this post and question somehow:
"Did you get the My Pilot remote with all the programs? It's very versatile."
I did not get it yet. I want to wait and see if I'm going to keep it. I'm impressed with the sound but not yet used to having the tubes in my ears.
You get used to the tubes soon enough.
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Yah! And the Phonak cros doesn't entail a wee hole in da back of your head. That was an issue with me, but others find it a non-issue.
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Yah! And the Phonak cros doesn't entail a wee hole in da back of your head.
That's how the Martians took over people's minds in Invaders From Mars.
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What is the difference between the My Pilot and the Com Pilot. Mine says Com Pilot on the back.
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What is the difference between the My Pilot and the Com Pilot. Mine says Com Pilot on the back.
From the Phonak website:
"Phonak ComPilot is your perfect all-in-one companion, offering true convenience, wireless freedom and the reassurance of VoiceAlerts, spoken messages. ComPilot provides easy wireless access to TVs, MP3 players and phones to name but a few. It guarantees stable connectivity, best voice quality for phoning and keeps hands free. The built-in remote control is designed for ease of use with convenient program and volume changes. ComPilot is the first accessory to offer the benefit of spoken messages, making it easier than ever to interact with your hearing aids."
The MyPilot (I think) is just limited to remote control of the hearing aids and the hearing aid programing and doesn't have the wireless receiver for other equipment.
I'm getting the ComPilot and the remote microphone next week.
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Thanks for the help. Guess I should have read the booklet or looked it up myself. All I know is it works great but allows for way too much tinkering with the buttons.
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Thanks for the help. Guess I should have read the booklet or looked it up myself. All I know is it works great but allows for way too much tinkering with the buttons.
I'll report on mine after I get a chance to try it out.
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My batteries are supplied to me by the VA at no cost to me. Both my Cros and Hearing aid use the same size battery, the 312. I wish they had used a better choice because I only get 2 days out of them. That means I am going thru a battery a day which can be a pain, you always have to have a supply close by. That's about the only draw back I have on the Phonak Cros.
Paul
Looks like you and I have a lot in common. I received my Phonak Audeo and Cros from the VA as well as my AN diagnosis, all within the last few months and found this site the other day.
So far, in reading the comments about the Phonak equipment, I don't believe anybody's mentioned using their remote control device.
I found that I was getting a lot of annoying background noise in restaurants and social settings. I read about the various features of the hearing aids that could be accessed by the remote (including volume control) and was able to have the audiologist at the VA order me a MyPilot remote. I got it this week and tried it in a restaurant yesterday with some positive results. Not perfect, but it did tone down the background noise a bit.
The other benefit is that I no longer have to keep poking the buttons to adjust the volume.
Do you have the remote?
@arizonajack & paul, can mypilot set the b-cros/cros volume differently with the hearing aid? my audi says that mypilot can only separately adjust volumes of two hearing aids and not cros instrument. would appreciate if you can give your actual experience on this because i am wearing phonak solana & cros h20. i am still thinking if mypilot is worth it with my current set-up. thanks.
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Yah! And the Phonak cros doesn't entail a wee hole in da back of your head. That was an issue with me, but others find it a non-issue.
My husband told me the way the Phonak BiCros works is they stick a wire in one ear that runs through your head and comes out the other ear to attach the two hearing aids together. Very funny!!!! :o
Did NOT believe him for a minute...
Karen
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My daughter is 12 and has SSD. She lost total hearing in one ear and 45% in the other when she was 6 years old. She has had the Phonak Audeo with Cros for almost 2 years and it is unbelievable what she can hear now. Her hearing "Dr." wanted her to have a BAHA and as we would do anything to help her, I did all the leg work to get as much coverage as we could. Two weeks before her initial surgery I contacted the BAHA manufacturers customer service... Imagine my surprise when they said she wasn't a candidate for the BAHA because her hearing was too poor! Now 2 doctors and 2 years later and she can hear cars coming on her deaf side! The cost was about $2000 which was a 12% discount because of her age. We had zero coverage for any hearing so it was all out of pocket... but totally worth every penny. It is also very good with battery life. I hope this helps someone.
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I was back to the audiologist to discuss hearing aid in my AN ear vs Phonak BiCROS. I decided to try the single hearing aid - a Phonak Bolero Q 70 M13 (BTE) unit since my good ear really doesn't need an aid. If I find word recognition to be significantly increased (currently 12% - 14%) then that will be it. If not, then I will get a CROS in Bolero housing (also M13 battery). I tested a BiCROS system with the Audeo Q 70 312. I was happy with it but I decided to try out all my options - this is Door #3. There are several different levels of all these models and the Q 70 is very automated/programmable, making the need for a remote unnecessary.
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where did you guys get the cros hearing aid? I live in LA, did anyone get it here? Im looking for a cheap place. If possible, i want to spend no more than 2,000.
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Yah! And the Phonak cros doesn't entail a wee hole in da back of your head. That was an issue with me, but others find it a non-issue.
The "hole in da back of your head" is a non-issue. Had mine for years now - and it's 100% worth it to be able to wear a BAHA.
BAHAs rock!
Jan
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where did you guys get the cros hearing aid? I live in LA, did anyone get it here? Im looking for a cheap place. If possible, i want to spend no more than 2,000.
Phonak's website can steer you to local dealers in your area:
http://www.phonak.com/us/b2c/en/hearing/experts_new.html
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where did you guys get the cros hearing aid? I live in LA, did anyone get it here? Im looking for a cheap place. If possible, i want to spend no more than 2,000.
$2000 for just the Cros? Way... too much. One Audiologist quoted $1000 the other which I am going with Quoted $800!
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I saw an audiologist today and decided to do a trial of the Phonak Cros.-Bolero Q70 M13. Cost is $3215.
I go back on the 16th to get it.
My audiologist said that it's not possible to mask tinnitus with a CROS hearing device. Masking tinnitus at night was one of my prime goals. :(
Cros will not restore directional hearing. I will hear the sound but will not know where it is coming from.
The color choices were weird. Nothing neutral/skin colored. All the finishes were metallic.
She said they require frequent battery changes, needing a new battery every 2-3 days. She said that some people turn off the transmitter unit at home, when it's not needed to conserve battery life.
I had given myself a pep talk to be open to what they had to offer. I will try to be objective when i get them to try on the 16th.
Just disappointed in the choices for those of us with intracochlear schwannomas.
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My audiologist said that it's not possible to mask tinnitus with a CROS hearing device.
True.
I've had mine for two years. Does nothing for my tinnitus.
Cros will not restore directional hearing. I will hear the sound but will not know where it is coming from.
Also true.
I rarely have people talking to me from behind so it's not an issue.
The color choices were weird. Nothing neutral/skin colored. All the finishes were metallic.
According to Phonak's website they come in traditional beige. My Audeos are that color. Seems to be as close as you get to flesh colored.
Here's the page with the color options.
http://www.phonak.com/us/b2c/en/products/hearing_instruments/bolero-q/hearing-aid/styles-m312.html
She said they require frequent battery changes, needing a new battery every 2-3 days. She said that some people turn off the transmitter unit at home, when it's not needed to conserve battery life.
Both true.
The M13 takes a size 13 battery. You can get good deals on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_19?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=hearing%20aid%20batteries%20size%2013&sprefix=hearing+aid+batteri%2Caps%2C226
I've been using Power One batteries for 2 years. There's no reason to spend more on Duracell. ICellTech is cheaper but the reviews don't seem to be as good as Power One.
You can also get your wax traps and domes on Amazon.
Although for the price you are paying, you oughta be able to get your vendor to throw in a good supply of batteries, wax traps, and domes.
Bottom line, there are no perfect hearing aids. I think the Bolero is a more recent technology than my Audeo, so you might have better results in noisy environments.
I suggest you consider buying the MyPilot remote control or talk your vendor into sweetening the deal by including it.
http://www.phonak.com/com/b2c/en/products/wireless-accessories/products/mypilot/hearing-aid-accessory.html
There's a search feature at the top right of this page. Type in mypilot and several discussions about it will reveal themselves.
Feel free to post again if you have more questions.
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Hi, Me again.
I got the Phonak Bolero/cros aids today. I don't know if my expectations were too high or what? There have been so many people in here that seem to like theirs. I was expecting similar results.
Issues:
1. Thing that goes in the AN ear is not comfortable. The ear already has a plugged/pressure feeling. Adding to this is not plesant.
2. My voice sounds both tinny and rain barrel like. I need to be able to use this in choir. I was disappointed to be told that "most singers don't use them when they sing. :( Why wasn't that mentioned beforehand.
3. The brochures and website said they mask background noise. I'm hoping this is a feature that still needs to be turned on.
4, Tinnitus is still there at the same volume.
5. Headache since early afternoon.
Benefits:
1. Turned the volume down on the TV.
2. Birds sing louder ::)
Trying to be patient.
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I was googling about the phonak Cros and came across this forum and I saw someone asking about the price. I live in New York but ordered my hearing aids from www.hearfine.com (http://www.hearfine.com) in Canada. Phonak Audeo Q70= $1,250 and the CROS was $850. Included pre-programming to my loss, warranty, loss and damage, and support. Like JeanneR and others said - it does not nothing for tinnitus or directionality.
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I heard that these are goods: http://www.deviceinformed.com/medical-devices-global-directory/primary-care/pediatrics/pediatric-hearing-aids/phonak-sky-v-ric (http://www.deviceinformed.com/medical-devices-global-directory/primary-care/pediatrics/pediatric-hearing-aids/phonak-sky-v-ric) Maybe someone know more information about these? ???
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Lee & others, thanks for the info here & on other threads!! I wanted the baha so bad, but insurance don't want to help. What we'd pay for the New CROS is basically the same as what 20% of baha is after insurance (for those who have it).
I would double check this. Most insurance companies cover BAHA. Often you can get someone at Cochlear or Oticon to help you navigate the insurance. I paid my out of pocket maximum for my Ponto ($2000). Upgrades will be 15% of the cost (~600)