Don shares his experience upgrading to the off-the-ear Cochlear™ Kanso® 2 Sound Processors and why his favorite feature is easily and directly connecting to his phone.
“I started to lose my hearing in my 50s. There was no direct cause for it, just that loud sounds in life were catching up with me. Hearing aids helped for a bit, but then I started to lose large chunks of hearing overnight. I was at a wedding when the bride’s friend, who happened to be an audiologist, recommended I consider cochlear implants.
I started with the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 5 Sound Processors. It was a life changing experience for me. I was able to have conversations more easily with my wife, kids and grandkids. I then went on to upgrade to the Nucleus 6 Sound Processors, and most recently the Kanso® 2 Sound Processors1.
Comfortable and secure
Upgrading to the Kanso 2 Sound Processors made a tremendous difference in my life and hearing. I love the off-the-ear sound processors. Wearing them is so much more comfortable with my glasses. I love to bike and can even wear them with my helmet so I can hear and feel safe while on the road. I also practice yoga and tai chi. I find the sound processors attach very securely to my head, and I wear the safety line as reassurance to myself when I am active.
Using the phone
My favorite feature is the ability to connect directly to the phone without any cables2. I simply accept an incoming call, connect automatically and start having a conversation. I talk on the phone with family and friends more often now instead of just texting. I also participate in many Zoom meetings and listen to music. Not only is it easier to listen to music, it sounds richer and clearer to me with my Kanso 2 Sound Processors. This is a big deal for me that after 20 years music is sounding better and clearer. Additionally, with the Nucleus Smart App, I can use my phone as a remote control to make adjustments, change volume and stream to my True Wireless™ devices3. Having the remote control on my phone is more versatile yet simpler to use than my previous remote controls.
True Wireless accessories
I also use the True Wireless accessories. I enjoy the TV streamer. When I am watching basketball and my wife is doing something different, I simply stream the sound to my processors. When my wife and I are watching a show together, I can easily manipulate my settings so I can hear the tv show and have a conversation with my wife at the same time. I find the Mini Mic 2+ is versatile and great with directionality. I use it occasionally when driving with my wife in the car or walking outside with people.
Cochlear’s support team
Throughout the years, I have felt security knowing I can reach out to Cochlear for support. After I received my Kanso 2 Sound Processors, Cochlear was there to walk me through the new functionality. I set up a virtual appointment with my Cochlear Recipient Solutions Manager Colin. He took the time to waIk me through the new Kanso 2 Sound Processor features and answer my questions. I learned how to fully use the direct connectivity feature with my phone, when to continue to use True Wireless accessories and how to use my Kanso 2 Sound Processors to best fit my life.
The Kanso 2 Sound Processors are comfortable, convenient and fit easily into my everyday life. I really enjoy the sound quality, and I can’t say enough about the Made for iPhone® 4 functionality and how easy it is to wirelessly connect with my phone. My wife, kids and friends notice that I am reaching out and connecting more too. I’m a retired elementary school teacher who struggled with hearing loss during my career. I am looking forward to substitute teaching with my Kanso 2 Sound Processors. It will be easier for me to hear those little voices. I have a large family and friend clan, and I look forward to visiting my grandnieces and grandnephews. It really has been an improvement in my hearing experience and life.”
For more information on the Kanso 2 Sound Processor upgrade, visit here.
- The Kanso 2 Sound Processor is compatible with the Nucleus Profile Plus, Nucleus Profile Series, CI500 Series, CI24RE (Freedom) Series, CI24R and CI24M implants. The Kanso 2 Sound Processor will not be compatible with the Nucleus® 22 (N22) Implant due to the Kanso 2 Sound Processor’s size and coil type.
- The Cochlear Kanso 2 Sound Processor is compatible with Apple and Android devices. For compatibility information visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility.
- The Cochlear Nucleus Smart App is compatible with Apple and Android devices, for compatibility information visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility.
- Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Watch, FaceTime, Made for iPad logo, Made for iPhone logo, Made for iPod logo, iPhone, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
