Cochlear Announces FDA Approval of the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 5 Rechargeable Battery System

Yay! Now an environmentally friendly option for the US. Granted these batteries have been available in non-USA markets, but FDA finally approved the Rechargeable Batteries.

Source: http://www.cochlearamericas.com/News/2468.asp

Also, I mentioned about my experience with the pool earlier this week... The is an email I received from cochlear announcing the batteries and then also takes about the flexibility of being water resistant.

Rechargeable Batteries Approved for Nucleus® 5 Sound Processor
We are happy to announce that the rechargeable batteries for the Nucleus 5 Sound Processor recently received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This news regarding rechargeable batteries for Nucleus 5 is especially exciting because in addition to saving money and being more environmentally friendly, our engineers have achieved an exciting industry breakthrough - when using rechargeable batteries, the Nucleus 5 Sound Processor is the world's ONLY submergible sound processor. So you can be confident around water!

What does submergible sound processor mean?
When using rechargeable batteries, you can play by the pool, take a bath, or sing in the rain. And if the sound processor gets wet, no problem!

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, Cochlear™ recommends that you avoid any swimming that involves going under water, showering under a high pressure nozzle, putting soap or shampoo on the sound processor, or exposing the sound processor to moisture without microphone protectors in place.

What about underwater swimming?
No underwater swimming is recommended. But if the Nucleus 5 Sound Processor with rechargeable batteries falls in the pool or bathtub, just pick it up and wipe it off. Pool and bath time just means keeping your head above water.

If I already have the Nucleus 5, when will I receive my batteries?
The priority for these shipments has been determined based upon the original order date. This method helps to ensure that those who have been waiting the longest for their batteries receive them earliest. We anticipate the rechargeable batteries to be shipped over the next 12 weeks.

As part of the shipping process, Cochlear has been making phone calls to verify shipping addresses. You may have already received this type of call. If so, there is no need to do anything else at this time.

However, if you have not verified your shipping address and are eligible for rechargeable batteries, please contact customer service at (877) 523-5798. This will not change your shipping priority, but it will allow Cochlear to release your order when it is ready.