Advanced Bionics recently announced the FDA approval of its swimmable Neptune cochlear implant processor. The processor has an IP (ingress protection) rating of 68, which means that it is dust-tight (6) and can be immersed continuously in water even greater than one meter (8). The warranty states that the “waterproof” guarantee is for sweat, bathwater,and swimming. Note that oceans/lakes are not included, as it is impossible to test for the types of water in all of those varied bodies (HINT: if something happens to your processor in such a body of water, you can just say it “got wet” when you call for a replacement). Last week, I had the opportunity to get my hands on a Neptune processor. Here are my impressions*:
Advanced Bionics Neptune processor users in the pool. (www.advancedbionics.com)
The processor includes two headpieces. One is the UHP, or Universal Head Piece. This headpiece, which will soon be used not only for the Neptune, but also for all of AB’s other processors, goes back to the original design of having the cable/cord separate from the magnet portion. Currently, the headpiece magnet and cable are one connected piece, and the feedback I’ve heard from AB users is that it can be a “weak link” requiring lots of replacement, so it seems that this is a positive change to move back to the 2-piece design. The UHP also brings changes in magnet strength, providing a greater range with options that are both much weaker and much stronger than the AB headpiece magnet strengths available with previous processors. Like previous AB headpieces, the magnet strengths will only be adjustable by your audiologist. For the “swimmable” aspect of the Neptune, users will switch to the AquaMic, which is slightly thicker than the UHP. The cords come in a variety of lengths to accomodate various wearing styles (discussed more below). Like the Advanced Bionics Platinum Sound Processor (PSP, their current bodyworn unit), the microphone is located in the headpiece for both versions (UHP and AquaMic).
The processor itself can best be understood in three parts (or, at least, that’s how I can conceive of it most easily). The “processor” that actually does the work is just like any other CI system. It contains an on/off button that also has an LED light. The battery compartment holds one AAA disposable or rechargeable battery. The “controller” portion snaps on and off of the processor to make adjustments, and it is not to be worn in the water. One nice aspect of the controller, for schools and therapy centers, is that it can be synced to any Neptune system, so facilities only need to purchase one if they plan on making adjustments to multiple clients’ devices. The controller includes slots for three programs as well as a mic test slot (which is a good change, because previously, AB users had to “give up” a program slot if they wanted space for a mic test), and dials (like on the PSP) for volume and sensitivity. One of the others in my group trying out the Neptune noted that the dials are not labeled, and labeling them in some way would be a big improvement.
Two configurations of the Neptune processor: with the controller (R), and without the controller/ready for swimming (L). (from www.advancedbionics.com)
For me, this “three part” processor was the downfall of the system. While I appreciate that to make it water- and dust-tight, the processor has to be, well, tight, they are not kidding — it is TIGHT. Though the very helpful AB rep patiently instructed me how to separate the “controller” portion to change the processor into swimmable configuration, it took me about fifteen minutes to separate the pieces, pulling with all my strength and getting callouses on my fingers — not something I’d be able to do quickly or multiple times in a day. While I’m not the most dextrous person in the world, I certainly have mobility within normal limits, and I was not the only one in our group who experienced difficulty with this. I cannot imagine a child being able to do this on his own, which for me is a detriment because we always want to be encouraging self-advocacy skills and giving the child as much responsibility over his/her device(s) as possible. It was tremendously difficult. Apparently, an adaptation of this piece for people with mobility challenges (or… me) is in the works, and I am excited to try it.
A Neptune recipient uses both the armbands and acoustically transparent swim cap. (www.advancedbionics.com)
The Neptune is billed as a “freestyle” processor, meaning that it can be worn in many different ways and in many different configurations. AB offers an armband, lanyard, goggle clip (but this clip can also be used to clip to clothes or anything else), and an acoustically transparent swim cap. This acoustically transparent swim cap may also be appealing to users of other brands of processors who swim using other waterproofing methods. While the foodsaver or aloksak bags are not acoustically transparent, an acoustically transparent swim cap to keep them on would certainly be an improvement over a traditional swim cap, which adds yet another layer of sound-muffling material. When on dry land, Neptune users can put the processor in a pocket, or even clip in into their hair. There is no on-the-ear option. The Neptune is available in a variety of colors, and there will also be a pattern available if you would like to decorate it with Skin-Its (HERE is AB’s Skin-It page, as of this posting 12/17/2011, Neptune templates were not available). Skin-Its’ website offers no information about how their skins hold up in the pool.
In terms of mapping and functionality, as mentioned before, the Neptune has slots for three programs and a mic test. It will run HiResFidelity120 (not FDA approved for pediatric users), AutoSound, and ClearVoice (pending FDA approval for both pediatric and adult users). The Neptune will be compatible with an FM boot in the controller (non-swimmable) configuration. For audiologists, the programming software will remain the same as the AB Harmony. It is also compatible with personal audio connection cables for MP3 players or other devices.
Are you and AB user looking to upgrade to the Neptune processor? Check out our sample letter to insurance companies HERE. Have you tried out the Neptune? Please let us know your thoughts!
*As stated in the disclaimer on the right side of the homepage of Cochlear Implant Online, neither CIO nor its contributors are paid, or endorsed, by any cochlear implant manufacturer. I did not receive payment from Advanced Bionics for this review, nor am I affiliated with Advanced Bionics in any way. The views expressed here are solely my own.
I am certain children will have no problem managing the 3 pieces of the Neptune. It takes about 15 seconds to do it all. You may want to edit out that it took you 15 minutes to do as more and more people will be exposed to the Neptune and find how easy it is to manage.
Comment by Brad — February 13, 2012 @ 8:56 pm
Did it really take you 15 minutes? It took me 15 seconds and because it is completely waterproof, I chose it. I am really looking forward to hearing all the laughing that goes on in my hot tub.
Comment by Charlie Beamon — February 13, 2012 @ 11:17 pm
Charlie — This review is a truthful account of my experiences with the Neptune. It truly did take me 15 minutes to assemble/disassemble the processor. Each person’s experience may vary. Regardless, I am happy that you are on your way to better hearing. I hope you enjoy every minute of it!
Comment by Elizabeth — February 15, 2012 @ 3:18 am
Brad — Thank you for your comment, but I will not edit my post, because this review is a truthful account of my experiences with the Neptune. It truly did take me 15 minutes to assemble/disassemble the processor. I am quite frankly a little taken aback by your demand that a) my experience is not truthful or valid as judged by your standards (my experience is just that — mine, and only mine, to report) and b) that any information different from how you experience the world should be edited out. Each person’s experience may vary, however, my obligation to our readers is to report my experiences as they happen, which I did in this post.
Comment by Elizabeth — February 15, 2012 @ 3:21 am
Some of this information is inaccurate:
“Like previous AB headpieces, the magnet strengths will only be adjustable by your audiologist. ”
You most certainly CAN adjust magnet strength yourself, I did so yesterday with our Neptune and have always done it with our PSP head piece as well.
also innaccurate: ” The controller includes slots for three programs as well as a mic test slot (which is a good change, because previously, AB users had to “give up” a program slot if they wanted space for a mic test), and dials (like on the PSP) for volume and sensitivity. One of the others in my group trying out the Neptune noted that the dials are not labeled, and labeling them in some way would be a big improvement.”
The PSP has three program slots and the mic test slot so this is the same.
With only two dials on the Connect, we don’t find it at all hard to keep them straight. This was also the same set up as with the PSP.
Your complaint about difficulty assembling and disassembling is valid. It is pretty tight and being used to the ease of the PSP this is a bit of a hassle. However there is a learning curve with it and we’ve now figured out how to get the caps and connect on and off with relative ease. It takes me only a couple of minutes now. It’s a trade off to be able to get the processor size down to that of a chapstick and to have the waterproof feature. For us it’s a good and worthwhile trade off.
Comment by Heather — March 10, 2012 @ 8:23 pm
Thank you for sharing your perspective on the Neptune, Heather! It is my understanding that the magnet disks inside the AB headpiece must be purchased via your audiologist. Is there a way to adjust them at home? Thank you for the clarification in terms of program vs. mic test slots on the Neptune and PSP. I know that the controls are not labeled on either processor — the observation that labeling would help came from another person in my demo group, and I happen to agree with her. Is it impossible to keep them straight? Of course not. But labels would help new users, caregivers unfamiliar with the device, etc. Ultimately, as you said, CI users/parents have to weigh the pros and cons of each device and make the choice that is best for them/their family. Success with a CI depends far more on rehabilitation than on brand! Enjoy your Neptune!
Comment by Elizabeth — March 11, 2012 @ 1:38 am
My headpieces have all come with extra magnets so far. In 6 years of CI use I have never purchased a magnet. I actually have about 20 PSP magnets on my fridge (Doesn’t everyone use CI magnets for holding items onto the fridge? LOL)
They’re really easy to change. My son tends to put his head piece in his mouth if he’s frustrated, so we go through head pieces fairly frequently. I adjust the magnet strength to what he uses with each one and end up with extra magnets each time. Easy peasy.
My complaint about the Neptune so far is that it’s set up so that if you hold the ON button an extra second or two it will switch itself to program 1 (this is when you have the Connect controller off which we usually do) . I didn’t realize this at first and then had to really pay attention to making sure I didn’t do that since we wanted program 3 at that point. Now I have the program he uses most as program 1 and know better how long to hold down the button so I don’t accidentally change the program. I am hoping maybe at some point we can disable that feature. It seems to me to be something that sounded like a good idea in theory but I don’t like it in practice
I also don’t get as long a battery life with the Neptune’s AAA rechargeables as I’m used to with the PSP but they are generally lasting from morning til bedtime so it’s fine (6am -9pm). Alkalines (disposable) seem to last a bit longer.
The other thing I’m not thrilled about is that the wires/cables cost triple what the PSP wires cost. I don’t have any coverage for cables and at $100 each for a young child who is hard on equipment it adds up. For my friends who’s insurance cover wires it’s no big deal. AB says they have improved the wires for the Neptune and they do seem better, so I’m hoping that they will actually last longer.
I rarely use the connect/ controller for the Neptune of PSP at all. “Auto Sound” and “ClearVoice” mean we don’t really adjust things much at all. That’s part of what has been good for my family’s situation with a non-verbal child who can’t adjust his own settings.
I don’t send the controller/connect to school with the Neptune. All the school has is an extra wire, an extra battery and my phone number. They shouldn’t need to be making adjustments, we send him with the program I want him to be on. For us it’s actually nice that I can set it and take the controls off knowing it can’t be bumped and changed accidentally like with the PSP.
It’s pretty cool to use in the swimming pool and the aqua mic is also nice for kids who will sometimes put their head piece in their mouth. We’re also enjoying all the wearing options and cute colors that we didn’t have with the PSP.
I would say that there is a certainly a learning curve to the features Neptune. I have looked at the user guide a handful of times and I don’t remember doing that with the PSP although that was so long ago I may have forgotten.
As you can tell we’ve only used body worn processors and are NOT your typical CI family, but that’s my take on things so far after maybe 6 weeks of using the Neptune, 6 years with a PSP ( soon to be bilateral Neptunes. )
Oh- the other thing that is kind of nice is not having to have anything at all hanging on the ear. With little soft ears that was a big selling feature for us. Adult users often seem to really prefer a T-mic and when the T-mic comes out for the Neptune we’ll probably try it but I’m not optimistic about anything that needs to hang on his ears at this point.
Comment by Heather — March 13, 2012 @ 6:06 am
an update to my previous comment-
The cables/wires now have a one year warranty so my concerns about my son’s tendency to be hard on his equipment is alleviated somewhat. $100 a year is certainly more affordable than $100 each month or two.
I looked into the magnet issue and you can purchase extra magnets if need be, but my Neptune head pieces have each come with one more than we needed. I will offer up my extras to my audiologist in case any of her patients need extras.
I’m not sure what the situation is with Fidelity 120 in the USA but we’ve been using it for 6 years or so for my son and started with Clear Voice a couple of months ago. Both have made a huge difference in ben’s enjoyment of his CI.
Comment by Heather — April 6, 2012 @ 9:54 pm
Hi,
My baby is 1.5 years old and about to get a cochlear implant, possibly two.
We are debating between ourselves about the size issue, vs. water resistant options and nothing on the ear.
Having 2 neptune processors on a small child on a day to day basis – is that practical? any tips on how to use it comfortably? pictures will be appreciated too.
Why not use the aqua mic all the time? what is the downside for this?
Thanks
Libi
Comment by Libi — April 8, 2012 @ 9:22 am
Libi, congratulations on starting the CI journey with your little one. There are many things to consider when choosing a CI brand. HERE is our comparison chart with updated information on all three FDA approved brands in the United States. As for size and water resistance, while these are important things to consider, you should also know that many of the processors offer multiple wearing options (e.g. different configurations that can change as your child grows) and that all three brands are constantly improving both their size and waterproof features (as well as other features). You can ask your audiologist to show you models of all three processors to try on your baby to get an idea of the sizes. In the past, families who have used body worn processors have put them in a kind of “harness.” You can see examples HERE. It is my understanding that there is a difference in sound quality between the aqua mic and the universal headpiece, and the aqua mic is also slightly larger. Keeping hearing equipment on a small child (hearing aids or CIs) can be challenging, but the auditory experience is so valuable, and every second counts. HERE are some tips for keeping hearing equipment on small ears. I hope that helps. Please feel free to ask any questions, either here or on our facebook fan page. Best wishes as you prepare for your baby’s journey into the world of sound!
Comment by Elizabeth — April 11, 2012 @ 4:19 am