- Improved hearing in noise and quiet from the processor's CD-quality processing
- Support for the latest breakthrough in sound processing, HiRes Fidelity 120™*, designed to enhance music appreciation and further improve hearing in noise
- Longer average battery life (>50%), enabling a full listening day on a single charge
- Convenient visual confirmation of system function and battery life with a new integrated multi-color LED (alerting light)
- Easy, wireless access to hearing-aid-compatible telephones and inductive loop systems with a new built-in Telecoil.
Click here for details on the features, benefits, and compatibility of the new Harmony system.
Click here for details on the Harmony BTE trade-in, batteries, accessories, and warranties.
Click here for details on insurance reimbursement for purchasing the Harmony BTE.
Click here for details on our Harmony BTE Free Exchange and Purchase Programs.
Click here for details about our Harmony Specialist Team and how to get help.
Click here if you want to begin the ordering process for the Harmony BTE Processor.
This new system is the latest technological advancement in cochlear implants. It consists of the new Harmony Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Sound Processor, HiRes 90K® Implant and new options* for HiResolution® Sound Processing.The new Harmony BTE was designed to meet the most requested enhancements to the currently available ear-level sound processor including:
- Convenience of a full work or school day on a single battery charge
- Easy access to loop system through a built-in Telecoil
- Recipient and caregiver-friendly LED (alerting light) to monitor device status even during use
- Enhanced comfort with optional small earhooks to fit children and adult ears
- Supports the new option for HiResolution Sound, HiRes Fidelity 120TM*
The new Harmony BTE is approved in North America and Europe for all CII Bionic Ear® and HiRes 90K recipients and was designed to meet the unique needs of both adults and children. The Harmony BTE is available to all existing CII Bionic Ear and HiRes 90K implant recipients.
HiRes Fidelity 120 is a new sound processing option designed to improve hearing in the most challenging listening environments such as in noisy restaurants or on telephones and to enhance your appreciation of music!
HiRes 120* is supported on both the new Harmony BTE as well as the body-worn Platinum SeriesTM Sound Processor (PSP). HiRes 120 is not supported on any other sound processors.
The new Harmony BTE and HiRes 120 are compatible with the CII (released in April 2001) and HiRes 90K implants (released September 2003). The Harmony BTE is approved in North America and Europe for both adults and children. The HiRes 120 fitting mode is approved in all markets for all recipients except children in the United States. Children in the U.S. are approved for the Harmony BTE with all other sound processing strategies.
The Harmony BTE Processor is now available
HiRes 120 is now available.
The release date is not available at this time.
Today's HiResolution Sound is the most advanced sound coding strategy available, delivering the widest dynamic range and fastest stimulation rates designed to preserve signal fidelity. In clinical trials, over 90% of recipients preferred to hear in HiResolution over conventional strategies. Studies with HiResolution compared to conventional sound strategies have repeatedly shown significant performance differences on all measures and faster progress in children. Patients have reported improved music perception and appreciation with the current HiResolution over conventional processing. HiResolution technology is unmatched and not possible with other cochlear implants.
Yes, clinical trial subjects reported an overwhelming preference of the new Harmony BTE even without HiRes 120. Some of the reasons for this preference include:
- Improved battery life—a full work or school day on a single battery charge.
- Easy access to an induction loop system through a built-in telecoil.
- Recipient- and caregiver-friendly LED (alerting light) to monitor device status even during use.
- Improved sound clarity due to the Harmony Processor's CD-quality processing.
No, the Harmony BTE is not compatible with your implant. We will continue to investigate options for C1 recipients to better meet your needs for an ear-level processor.
If you have web access, please address your Harmony purchase-specific questions to the Harmony Specialist Team: upgrade@advancedbionics.com. For those without Internet access, you can reach a live Harmony Specialist at the toll-free number (877) HEAR120.
In the United States, only adults (with postlingual onset of severe or profound hearing loss with at least three months experience with HiResolution and who have the cognitive ability to choose the sound processing options) can be provided with the HiRes Fidelity 120. All the other patients are to be fit with HiRes (HiRes-S or HiRes-P) programs only.
For patients who already have Auria accessories: Cochlear implant recipients will receive the new Harmony Processor and can use most of the Auria accessories and PowerCel™ Batteries with the new processor. Refer to the Compatibility Chart for a complete list of accessories compatible with the Harmony Processor.
The Harmony Processor and accessories are available in three base metallic colors: Beige, Dark Sienna, and Silver.
All Harmony processors come with a three-year warranty.
If you have a CII BTE, Auria BTE, or Platinum Series Sound Processor (PSP) that is currently covered under the original warranty, this warranty is non-transferable and non-refundable. The Harmony comes with its own three-year warranty.
If you have purchased an additional Service Contract on your trade-in processor, the time remaining on that service contract will be applied to your Harmony Processor in addition to the three-year warranty.
If you have web access, please address your Harmony purchase-specific questions to the Harmony Specialist Team: upgrade@advancedbionics.com. For those without Internet access, you can reach a live Harmony Specialist toll-free (877) HEAR120.
Disclaimer: Please note that while Advanced Bionics provides assistance upon request to obtain benefits information and secure prior authorization, we cannot guarantee coverage or payment for any item or service. Advanced Bionics makes no express or implied warranty that a quote of benefits, predetermination, and/or preauthorization will result in guaranteed reimbursement. Actual benefits are calculated when the health plan receives a claim and are determined by many factors, not all of which can be anticipated or resolved by Advanced Bionics. If you have further questions, please contact our Harmony Specialists at (877) HEAR120.
Yes, Advanced Bionics will assist you in determining your health plan’s coverage criteria for the Harmony Sound Processor upon request. If your plan requires preauthorization, our Reimbursement Services Specialists will coordinate with your provider to obtain the information required for approval, but we make no guarantee of coverage or payment by your health plan. Medicare does not consider an upgrade to “a new-generation speech processor” to be medically necessary if the existing one is still functional or it has been less than five years since it was acquired, unless your audiologist or physician certifies that a new processor is medically necessary due to a physiological change in your condition or an irreparable change in the condition of your current sound processor. Your health plan may use different criteria to evaluate the medical necessity of a new sound processor.
Advanced Bionics does not currently accept insurance assignment on the Harmony Sound Processor for any insurance plans except Medicaid, so payment at the time of purchase will be required. We will submit a courtesy claim to your health plan or Medicare carrier, which means we will submit the claim on your behalf. The health plan or carrier will notify you of its coverage determination on the explanation of benefits (EOB) form and will reimburse you accordingly.
When a supplier “accepts assignment” for a claim, it means that the supplier has agreed to accept the health plan’s determination of the allowable cost of the equipment or supplies as full payment, even if the allowable amount is less than the supplier’s charge. The patient is responsible for any applicable deductible or co-insurance, and the patient’s benefits are assigned to the supplier. If your plan requires you to pay a coinsurance percentage, that amount is calculated based on the allowable cost. For assigned claims, the supplier cannot bill you for the difference between their charge and the health plan’s allowance.
A supplier may accept assignment on a case-by-case basis, always accept assignment, or never accept assignment. If the supplier does not accept assignment for a claim, it means that the patient is responsible for submitting a claim and obtaining reimbursement directly from the health plan. This also means that the patient is responsible for any balance of the supplier’s charge beyond the health plan payment amount. When suppliers or providers do not accept assignment, the patient is typically required to pay the entire charge at the time of order by check, credit card, or other financing plan.
For Medicare and Tricare claims, the “limiting charge” does not apply to medical equipment suppliers. The limiting charge refers to the highest amount non-participating providers can charge patients for an item or service when they do not accept assignment.
Advanced Bionics does not currently accept assignment on the Harmony Sound Processor for any health plans (Medicare, Tricare, PPOs, HMOs, etc.), with the exception of state Medicaid programs in which we are participating providers. However, Advanced Bionics will assist you by submitting a courtesy claim when you purchase a new Harmony Sound Processor.
Sound processors for cochlear implants generally are considered to be Durable Medical Equipment (DME) or implantable prosthetic supplies for the purpose of health plan coverage and benefits. For commercial insurance, coverage varies by health plan and payer, so it is essential to contact the health plan to determine whether the upgrade will be a covered benefit. Generally, health plans will cover DME or implantable prosthetic supplies if the item is damaged beyond repair, no longer functional, or at least five years old. However, Advanced Bionics makes no guarantee of coverage or payment by your health plan. If you have Medicaid coverage, the replacement policy for sound processors is determined by your state’s Medicaid program.
As stated above, Medicare does not consider an upgrade to a new-generation speech processor to be medically necessary if the existing processor is still functional or less than five years old, unless your audiologist or physician can document medical necessity due to a physiological change in your condition or an irreparable change in the condition of your current sound processor.
As you plan ahead for your upgrade to the new Harmony Sound Processor, you may decide to consider your employer's flexible healthcare spending plan. If you participate in this type of plan (also known as a section 125(c) or cafeteria plan), you may be able to use pre-tax money from your account to pay for a Harmony Processor upgrade. Check with your plan's administrator regarding this possibility, since plans may adopt different rules regarding what expenses are acceptable or excluded and the timeframe within which expenses can be submitted.
You have the option to pursue reimbursement directly from your health plan. We will provide you with the manufacturer's invoice stating the list price of the Harmony, the credit you received from the trade-in, and the difference that you paid. However, we will not submit a claim to your health plan on your behalf and cannot guarantee reimbursement. It will be your responsibility to report any discounts or credits relating to the trade-in program to your health plan.
Medicare: If you have traditional Medicare coverage, you must complete an Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) in order for us to complete your order for the Harmony sound processor. (Please click on the Advanced Beneficiary Notice link and fax the completed form to attn: Harmony Reimbursement Team at (877) 833-6318.) The ABN is required because your Harmony Sound Processor may not be covered under Medicare. Medicare's National Coverage policies recommend a reasonable useful lifetime of five years from the date the equipment is delivered to the beneficiary, unless your audiologist or physician certifies that a new processor is medically necessary due to a physiological change in your condition or an irreparable change in the condition of your current sound processor. The local carrier may make exceptions to the national policy based on medical necessity and local coverage criteria. If you are a member of a Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO, your health plan must approve any sound processor order.
Medicaid and Medicaid HMO Plans: Advanced Bionics is a participating provider for many state Medicaid programs. Please call Advanced Bionics' Upgrade Specialist at (877) HEAR120 to determine if we are a participating provider in your state. Medicaid will require prior authorization before you can place your order. If you are a member of a Medicaid HMO, you must obtain approval from your health plan before ordering your sound processor. A Reimbursement Services Specialist will assist you in requesting approval. This process will require consultation with your cochlear implant provider to document the medical necessity of the new sound processor. Once we have communicated with your provider and received the required information (i.e., Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN), and applicable clinical information), we will submit the request to Medicaid or to your health plan. This process usually takes 30 days, depending on Medicaid’s requirements.
If we do not participate with your state Medicaid program, you should contact your implant center to determine if they are participating Medicaid providers. If so, they will work with you to get pre-approval for the Harmony Sound Processor.
The table below summarizes the answers to many common questions on the services we offer to patients in navigating the health plan process.
You can supply Advanced Bionics with a completed Insurance Authorization form, as well as a copy of the front and back of your most recent insurance card. Please fax to (877) 833-6318 ATTN: Harmony Reimbursement Team or scan and attach via email and send to upgrade@advancedbionics.com.
Disclaimer: Please note that while Advanced Bionics provides assistance upon request to obtain benefits information and secure prior authorization, we cannot guarantee coverage or payment for any item or service. Advanced Bionics makes no express or implied warranty that a quote of benefits, predetermination, and/or preauthorization will result in guaranteed reimbursement. Actual benefits are calculated when the health plan receives a claim and are determined by many factors, not all of which can be anticipated or resolved by Advanced Bionics. If you have further questions, please contact our Harmony Specialists at (877) HEAR120.
Auria Harmony Processor (processor only)
Auria Harmony Processor Kit (including batteries and accessories)
HiRes 90K and CII Bionic Ear patients will be able to trade in an Auria Sound Processor for a Harmony Processor according to the Trade-In Schedule below.
| Unopened Aurias only with initial stimulation on or after Jan. 3, 2006. |
$7,000 |
$6,150 |
$850 |
| Opened Aurias with initial stimulation on or after Jan. 3, 2006 |
$7,000 |
$5,100 |
$1,900 |
| Unopened or opened Aurias from November 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005 |
$7,000 |
$5,100 |
$1,900 |
| Unopened or opened Aurias from January 1, 2005 to October 31, 2005 |
$7,000 |
$4,300 |
$2,700 |
| Unopened or opened Aurias during 2004 |
$7,000 |
$3,500 |
$3,500 |
| Unopened or opened Aurias during 2003 or before |
$7,000 |
$3,500 |
$3,500 |
| NOTES: List prices subject to change without notice. Above prices do not include applicable taxes or shipping. The trade-in values presented above are only valid for trade-in purposes against a new Harmony processor. This program expires on December 31, 2008. |
Unopened Auria Processors under the Pediatric Warranty Extension Plan will be replaced with Harmony Processors at no cost.
3. HiRes 90K or CII patients Trading-In Processors Other Than the Auria Processor
All patients who have processors other than Auria processors may trade-in their processors for Harmony Processors based on the following Trade-In Schedule (unchanged from 2007):
| CII BTE |
$8,000 Harmony Kit |
$3,500 |
$4,500 |
| PSP (processor only) |
$7,000 Harmony Processor |
$3,000 |
$4,000 |
| PSP (full Harmony kit) |
$8,000 Harmony Kit |
$3,000 |
$5,000 |
| Platinum BTE |
$8,000 Harmony Kit |
$7,150 (Limited time offer) |
$850 (Limited time offer) |
| |
| NOTES: List prices subject to change without notice. Above prices do not include applicable taxes or shipping. The trade-in values presented above are only valid for trade-in purposes against a Harmony processor. This program expires on December 31, 2008. |
