Being able to troubleshoot problems you’re experiencing with your sound processor at home is a simple way to help you stay on air. Yet, one of the most common problems causing customers to return their sound processor for service or repair can typically be solved at home.
Up to one in 10 sound processors returned to Cochlear for poor sound quality are working fine – they simply needed the microphone protector (or cover, depending on the model) to be changed*.
A quick and easy fix
Replacing microphone protectors can address poor sound quality and should be done routinely every three months.
You should replace the microphone protectors sooner than the recommended three months if you live in a climate with high humidity, you perspire frequently, your microphone protectors look dirty or you notice any loss in sound quality. And remember, if you wear a sound processor on both sides always replace both microphone protectors at the same time.
If you wear a Cochlear™ Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor, your microphone protectors are built into the Cochlear Microphone Cover, which is completely replaceable. Here is a simple two-step guide for Nucleus 7 Sound Processors:
Step 1: Remove the old microphone cover
Hold the coil cable grip and firmly pull it straight out of the processor. Do not tug on the flexible part of the coil cable and do not twist the coil cable when you pull it out of the processor. Using your fingernail, lift the microphone cover from the bottom edge, then lift it up to remove.
Step 2: Insert new microphone cover
Fit the replacement microphone cover onto the processor. Press down firmly with a finger on each end of the microphone cover until you feel a click. Push your coil cable into the processor until it clicks. Do not twist.
Tip: Set a reminder on your phone or make a note on your calendar to replace your microphone protectors every three months.
Helpful videos for Nucleus sound processors
These videos show how to replace the microphone protectors:
If you have a Cochlear Nucleus 7 Sound Processor, watch this video
If you have a Cochlear Nucleus 6 Sound Processor, watch this video
For more troubleshooting tips to help you maintain your device at home, click here.
*Data source: Cochlear Service Requests, Service Request report, May 2019- April 2020.
