North Texas
Cochlear Implant Program
Cochlear Implant Information Index -
General Information -
Internal Components -
External Components
Speech Processing -
Warranty/Loss Information -
Other Resources
External Components
A. Speech Processor and Headpiece
Advanced Bionics Corp.- Clarion
. Body worn speech processor = Platinum series
speech processor
This cochlear implant headpiece does not look like a
behind-the-ear hearing aid. Instead,
this headpiece looks like a button about the size of a quarter and about as
thick as two stacked quarters. The
headpiece is placed on the side of the head over the internal
receiver/stimulator.
The headset contains an omni-directional microphone
An
ear level speech processor has an anticipated release date of Fall, 2000
Cochlear Corp. - Nucleus 24
Cochlear offers both a body-worn and an ear-level speech
processor to prospective patients:
The body worn speech processor (SPrint) has a headset (behind the
ear microphone + magnetic coil) that is connected to the speech processor with
a cable
The ear-level speech processor (ESPrit) is the size of a large
behind-the-ear hearing aid.
Both speech processors contain a directional (front-facing) microphone
MED-EL - Combi 40+
The body worn speech processor (CIS-PRO+) has a behind-the-ear
headset (microphone and magnetic coil). The headset is connected to the speech
processor with a cable.
The ear-level speech processor (TEMPO+) can be worn several
ways. It has a removable battery pack
which allows this flexibility
The headset microphone contains an omni-directional microphone.
B. Batteries
Advanced Bionics Corp. - Clarion
comes with SMART lithium ion batteries and a rechargeable battery
pack. In addition, it also has a
battery pack thats compatible with alkaline AA batteries (average battery life
of 12-14 hours)
Cochlear Corp. - Nucleus 24
the body-worn speech processor requires one or two rechargeable
battery packs (the use of the single battery pack will have life of approx:
12-14 hours; the use of double battery pack approx twice that long)
the ear-level speech processor requires two 675 zinc-air
high-power batteries (average battery life of 40-80 hours)
MED-EL - Combi 40+
the body-worn speech processor requires two AA-type batteries
(either Alkaline cells or rechargeable batteries may be used). A set of rechargeable 1200 mA NiMH batteries
lasts for an average of 10-13 hours. A
set of disposable Alkaline batteries will last for approximately 12-14 hours.
the ear-level (BTE) speech processor requires three 675 zinc-air
batteries (average battery life of 40 hours)
C. Accessory Equipment
All speech processors are compatible
with most assistive devices, including FM systems, infrared systems, battery
powered personal radios and others.
Advanced Bionics Corp.- Clarion
auxiliary microphone
telephone adapter
monitor earphones
belt clip for adults; harness or fanny pack for children
leather (speech processor) carrying case and sport carrying case
battery chargers and rechargeable battery packs
spare cable in an assortment of lengths to help match users
height, and different colors to match skin and hair color (beige and brown)
Cochlear Corp. - Nucleus 24
telephone adapter
FM
cable
personal audio cable
lapel microphone and clip
TV/HiFi cable to plug speech processor into TV or stereo
monitor earphones
battery charger
padded pouch or harness for children
spare cables in assortment of lengths and colors (beige
and brown)
MED-EL - Combi 40+
2 battery chargers/batteries
spare cable (1 long and 1 short) in variety of colors (gray,
beige, black)
2 belt clip options
leather pouch
harness and a variety of pouches available for children