#1

Hi want to inquire about the life of disposable batteries while using cochlear implant. Kindly share your experience . I have been thinking about getting cochlear implant for my right ear. So want to compare pros and cons of rechargeable and disposable batteries. Your input will be appreciated.

#2

Throw away batteries can’t be used with the Cochlear N7 Aqua Kit so you would need rechargeable batteries to use the kit.

Not 100% but I think that’s also the case with AB Naida M CI.

Have no idea with Med El.

#3

Advanced Bionics processors - at least the Q90 and the latest M90 Marvel - have rechargeable batteries, but also offer as an accessory a battery case which holds two disposable 675P batteries. I am currently using the Q90, as a new implantee, as I wait for the M90 to finally get approval for distribution in Canada. I have the battery case, which looks just like a rechargeable battery. However, I have not had the need to use it yet, so I am also curious to know how long the zinc air batteries last, the cost, etc. I do know that they are not regular hearing aid batteries, and you can’t just pop into the pharmacy and grab a card of them - at least not in Canada. They are more powerful than a regular 675.

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#4

The Cochlear Nucleus 7 can be used with rechargeable or disposable batteries.
The Kanso 2 is rechargeable only.

I can not help you about how long the disposable batteries last with the Nucleus 7 because I have never used anything but the rechargeable batteries. Maybe @Deaf_piper or @pathurley could help with this question.

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#5

@susanmarylynn I have a N7 but I use disposables when I go away. I have a compact rechargeable battery which lasts me around 14 hours.
The disposable 675P last me for 2 days. I’m 2.9 yrs post implant and don’t do very much nowadays in rehab/streaming.

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#6

When I got my kit from Cochlear I got both compact batteries and rechargeable in the bad. But you get a choice of either standard or compact batteries. I chose compact and get a full day out of mine. But I’m retired and don’t do a lot of hearing type work other than conversation, and the odd phone call.

#7

Utilising a Nucleus 7 here. I use the standard rechargable battery as the main power source. These get recharged every two days and I have the processor on all day, listening and streaming.
I think the battery life decreases a little when my hair gets long and I’m finding they need to be recharged earlier on at the end of two days.

On occasion, I do use the disposable batteries. From memory these lasted about 3 days. At two disposable batteries a pop in the cassette, that’s a lot of batteries being used up if it were the sole power source.

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#8

Thanks, @Deaf_piper . That’s good to know that a 675P can last a couple of days. There has been the occasional time that our power has been knocked out for lengthy periods due to inclement weather, and I wondered how long I could expect to get out of disposable batteries. When our world rights itself, I would like to resume travel before I am too old, and disposables would be useful should I find myself sitting overlong in an airport. Interestingly, I have discovered that I use far less power in my rechargeable batteries when I stream, than when I listen to music, podcasts etc. acoustically. My audiologist confirmed that this is true. However, being bimodal, I like the balance that my hearing aid provides and I also like to keep that ear stimulated. Having received my implant during Covid, I am living a very quiet life as well, and also getting about 14 hours from a medium rechargeable. It will be interesting to see how long they will last when I resume a more active social life outside the confines of my home! Cheers!

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#9

Susan the only thing I was told when I used disposable batteries was not to put them in my dry box. And make sure I disconnect properly at night so they will last longer.

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#10

Thanks, Sheryl! I will make sure to remember that! Good to know.