Information about Nucleus Freedom

Q. What options do I have for my Freedom Upgrade?
The Freedom upgrade package is available in three different configurations. Each recipient can choose one of the three option packages listed below:


Q. WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON THE FREEDOM PROCESSOR?
All processor and controller options have a 3-year warranty.

Q. HOW DO I KNOW WHICH FREEDOM OPTION IS BEST FOR ME?
Freedom Standard 3 zinc air BTE: - Some Nucleus recipients may need to use accessories often. Therefore, they should order the Standard BTE, NOT the Mini BTE.

Freedom Mini BTE: This is a smaller, lighter weight option than the Standard BTE. It takes two batteries instead of three. Note: you can not use accessories with this option.

Freedom Bodyworn: This is worn on the body for active lifestyles. It has large buttons which make it good option for individuals with dexterity issues. It can be ideal for children. Larger buttons and LCD window make monitoring easier.

Issues to consider when choosing your controller option:
- Lifestyle and listening environments - If recipients are at school, play sports, etc.
- Dexterity - The rechargeable battery option may be a better option for suitable recipients with limited dexterity

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MINI BTE CONTROLLER

Q. WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF BUYING A MINI BTE?
The Mini is smaller and lighter. It fits comfortably behind the ear. It is more discreet than the regular BTE controller. The mini also offers the ability to use colorful, interchangeable covers (microphone cover + back panel).

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MINI BTE AND THE BTE CONTROLLER?
The Mini BTE controller, as the name suggests is smaller that the BTE controller. It is 6.2mm shorter (or 12%) and weighs 2 grams less (with batteries) than the standard BTE controller.

WHAT IS THE EXPECTED BATTERY LIFE OF THE MINI BTE CONTROLLER?
Battery life will be different for every user and will depend on many things such as skin thickness, MAP settings and the listening environment. Internal validation has shown that the average expected battery life for N24 recipients is approximately 4 days and for N22 recipients approximately 2 days.

DOES THE MINI HAVE A TELECOIL?
Yes. The telecoil is contained in the main processing unit so no matter which type of Controller is used, you will still have the telecoil options.

CAN THE RECHARGEABLE BATTERY BE USED WITH THE MINI BTE CONTROLLER?
No. The rechargeable battery is currently only configured to be used only in the BTE Controller (3Zinc Air).

WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON THE MINI BTE CONTROLLER?
The warranty on the Mini BTE controller is 3 years, the same as the regular BTE controller.

CAN YOU USE ACCESSORIES WITH THE MINI BTE?
The Mini BTE controller does not have an accessory port. There are no current plans to add an accessory port. The HATIS adaptor (available from Cochlear) provides a solution for Mini users to couple with cell phones and personal music sources, etc.

Q. WHAT COLOR OPTIONS DO I HAVE?
Processing Unit, BTE & Mini Controllers
Available in six basic colors - Beige, Brown, Black, Silver, Pink, Blue

Coil
Available in four colors Beige, Brown, Black, Silver

Bodyworn Controller Cable
Available in four colors Beige, Brown, Black, Silver

Microphone Covers used on the main processing unit
Microphone covers are available in the following colors: Beige, Brown, Black, Silver, Pink, Blue - Pack of 4. Assorted colors Z60840 (Pearl Colors - pink, blue, green, violet). Assorted colors Z60841 (Matte Colors - green, yellow, blue, red)

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH TWO OF THE FOUR ACCESSORIES I SHOULD CHOOSE?
Here is a brief description of the accessories available as part of your Upgrade package:
1. Freedom Personal Audio Cable is specially designed for use with battery operated audio components. Connect one end of the audio cable to the Freedom sound processor and plug the other end into the headphone jack on the audio component.

2. Freedom TV HiFi Cable can be used with audio / video components that operate on household electrical current or batteries. The surge protection built into this accessory allows safe use with TV sets, computers, home theatre systems or other components that are equipped with a headphone jack.

3. Freedom Lapel Microphone is one of the most versatile Nucleus accessories. It can be used when the source of sound is on the opposite side from the cochlear implant. This accessory can also be used for troubleshooting the sound processor microphone.

4. Freedom Monitor Earphones are essential for parents or caregivers of those who are unable to provide necessary feedback about sound quality or function of the processor. Use it to ensure that the processor microphone or, an attached accessory such as an FM system, is operating efficiently.

INFORMATION ABOUT RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

WHAT IS THE EXPECTED BATTERY LIFE OF THE RECHARGEABLE BATTERY?
Battery life will be different for every user and will depend on many things such as skin thickness, MAP settings and the listening environment. Generally, users should expect a battery life of between 45-50% of the battery life that they currently get from their disposable batteries.

HOW MANY TIMES CAN THE BATTERIES BE RECHARGED?
Batteries can be recharged either one at a time or up to four batteries at the same time. Freedom Rechargeable Batteries have no memory effect, so batteries can be recharged without completely discharging them. Rechargeable batteries can also be partially recharged and used without affecting their longterm performance. However, a fully charged battery will last longer than a partially charged one. Charge cycle is the number of times rechargeable batteries are charged. Each time a charge cycle is completed, battery capacity is slightly diminished. After the rechargeable battery is recharged 365 times, it will retain at least 80% of its original battery capacity. After 1,000 charge cycles, the rechargeable battery retains approximately 70% of its original battery capacity. Eventually, the rechargeable battery will need to be replaced.

Q. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CHARGE THE BATTERIES?
The rechargeable batteries can be charged within four hours using a lightweight charger.

Q. CAN ANY RECHARGEABLE 675 CELLS BE USED?
We do not recommend the use of rechargeable 675 cells. Recipients should use either the Freedom BTE Rechargeable cells or High Powered Varta Zinc Air cells available from Cochlear.

Q. IS THE RECHARGEABLE BATTERY WATER RESISTANT?
Yes. Just like the other parts of the Freedom system, the rechargeable battery meets IP44 of the international standard IEC60529.

Q. WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES?
Li Ion Rechargeable batteries - 1 year
Battery charger - 90 days

Q. IS THERE A TRADE IN PROGRAM FOR THIS UPGRADE?
Cochlear encourages you to explore reimbursement coverage before making any decisions with regard to trade ins. We are confident that most N22 recipients will be successful in getting your insurance (or Medicare/Medicaid) to pay for your upgrade so there should be no need to trade in a backup processor. However, since you own your processor, the decision about what to do with it is entirely yours.

Q. ARE THERE DIFFERENT TRADEIN PRICES FOR DIFFERENT PROCESSORS?
Tradein prices are two tiered:
ESPrit 3G and Sprint: (US) $3,000 trade in value
Spectra, ESPrit 22/24 and MSP: (US) $2000 trade in value.

Q. IF I DECIDE TO TRADE IN MY PROCESSOR, WHEN I SHOULD RETURN MY TRADE IN PROCESSOR, CAN YOU HELP CLARIFY?
If you have elected the trade in option when you receive your new Freedom you will also receive the necessary return material authorization (RMA) paperwork and instructions. If for some reason the paperwork is not included please call the upgrade team (800-587-6927). In order to avoid being charged full price for the upgrade, you must return your trade in to Cochlear.

Q. WHAT SHOULD I RETURN WITH MY PROCESSOR?
You are not required to return all of your processor accessories; however you may do so if you choose. You must return the same sound processor that you chose as your trade in return during your check out on the web.

Q. WHAT IS THE RETURN POLICY FOR MY FREEDOM UPGRADE?
All upgrade recipients will have 45 days from their initial fitting to return the product to Cochlear for a full refund of the cost of the upgrade. It should be noted that the refund is made to the entity that actually purchased the product (patient, insurance, carecredit etc).

Q. CAN I USE MY FLEXIBLE TECHONOLOGY EXCHANGE PROGRAM (FTEP) CERTIFICATE?
For individuals who received an FTEP certificate with a current processor, and it is still valid, you will be able to redeem the FTEP certificate for a Freedom free of charge. You can still use the upgrade website for this process.

WHEN SHOULD I MAKE MY APPOINTMENT WITH MY AUDIOLOGIST FOR PROGRAMMING (MAPPING):
We anticipate shipping processor between 6-8 weeks after receipt of your order. However, if you are pursuing reimbursement it is difficult to reliably estimate the time it will take to complete the process. Once your order is placed with Cochlear, your Freedom system will be shipped directly to you. You will need to contact your audiologist to schedule an appointment to have the Freedom Processor programmed. We recommend that you schedule your upgrade session at least 8 weeks after your order is placed with Cochlear.

Q. HOW DO I KNOW IF I WILL QUALIFY TO USE THE FINANCING PLAN?
For those users who are interested in exploring a monthly payment plan, we are excited to introduce a new finance program. This finance program will be offered via a 3rd party financing company who will have sole discretion to approve credit lines for this purchase. Cochlear will have no influence on the 3rd party financing company and all questions or complaints regarding the financing plan must be made directly to that company.

Information on Insurance Coverage/Reimbursement

I HAVE PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE, WHAT CAN COCHLEAR DO TO HELP ME THROUGH THE REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS?
To help you navigate the reimbursement process with your private insurance company, Cochlear has partnered with an outsourcing company who will provide you with free assistance in attempting to secure insurance reimbursement through your commercial insurance plan.

WHAT WILL THIS GROUP DO FOR ME?
This company will work with your insurance carrier to determine your benefits coverage and seek authorization from the carrier. Once authorization is received, they will purchase the N22 Upgrade from Cochlear, ship the N22 upgrade to you and bill the insurance company for the upgrade.

Medicare/Medicaid Information

Q. IF I AM A MEDICARE OR MEDICAID RECIPIENT CAN I STILL PLACE MY UPGRADE ORDER ON THE WEB?
Our upgrade website (www.cochlearupgrade.com) will allow you to configure a new processor, select a trade in etc. However when, in order to maximize the likelihood that you will receive insurance coverage, when you go to check out, you will be directed to contact our Freedom Upgrade Team to complete your order.

Questions regarding Obsolescence

Q. WHICH SOUND PROCESSORS HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED?
The WSP and the MSP have previously been discontinued. Cochlear has now announced the obsolescence of the ESPrit 22, Esprit 24 and the Spectra sound processors.

Q. WHY DID WE DISCONTINUE THE ESPrit 22, ESPrit 24 AND Spectra?
Certain manufacturers of ESPrit 22 components have ceased production with very limited notice. Electronics manufacturers are discontinuing certain components; especially those manufactured in low volumes, rather than comply with International Standards.

Questions about Service Contracts & Warranties

Q. I CURRENTLY HAVE TIME ON MY SERVICE CONTRACT WILL YOU APPLY IT TO MY FREEDOM PROCESSOR?
Yes, The amount refunded will be calculated once the returned product (ESPrit 3G, ESPrit 22/24, or Spectra) is received by Cochlear. The refund will be issued in the same manner it was purchased (for example if you used a credit card, credit will be issued to the same credit card) and is an entirely separate transaction from the upgrade itself.

Q. I STILL HAVE A SOUND PROCESSOR UNDER THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY, WILL I GET A REFUND?
No, if you have a sound processor that is currently covered under the original warranty, this warranty is nontransferable and nonrefundable. However, you will receive Cochlear's 3year warranty on your Freedom upgrade.