Today I tested the new Cochlear BP100 and the new Oticon Ponto Pro in a blind test comparison (I didn't know which was which until after the testing).
In my opinion, the biggest difference between them are the features. I wish I could take parts of each and combine them into one "Jan" processor
The sound quality and amplification on them are pretty much identical. I tested them in an exam room with just an audiologist and in a sound booth. In the exam room I had my back to the audiologist and had to tell her if I could hear beeps @ different frequencies. In the booth, she asked me to repeat words and listen for beeps both with and without background noise. In the exam room, I heard no difference. In the sound booth, the Oticon tested
very slightly higher on the beeps - but I think that was because the volume on the BP100 wasn't turned up as high.
So it really comes down to what you are used to (in my case from wearing the Divino for the past 16 months) or what you'd prefer as far as features go.
I preferred the on/off and volume buttons at the top of the BP100. I didn't like the volume button on the Ponto Pro - too small and hard to adjust. The Ponto Pro has a delayed on button, but you basically attach and detach it from your head while it is on - which causes it to squeal (feedback) and I don't like that at all. I currently attach and detach my Divino when it is turned off to avoid the squeals. I often detach my Divino, replace the battery and reattach it without anyone knowing what I'm doing. With the Ponto there would be two large squeals to alert everyone to look at me. Not my idea of a good thing
but something I could live with.
I preferred the battery access on the Ponto Pro - easier to get to than the BP100. I preferred the attachment on the BP100 - snaps onto the abutment like the Divino; the Ponto Pro attachment goes around the abutment. I don't think either attachment is a problem - but I'd have to learn how attach the Ponto Pro because it's different than the Divino. In all fairness, though, not a huge learning curve.
The BP100 has 12 channels as opposed to 10 channels on the Ponto Pro. The audiologist told me that's pretty relative (the Divino only has 2) but in my opinion why have 10 channels when you can have 12. Channels are what help the processor deal with noisy and/or crowded rooms. More channels mean better hearing in these types of situations - which is why Cochlear moved from 2 to 12 channels.
The one thing I didn't like on the BP100 was the replaceable Gore-Tex cover - and only because it's an additional ongoing cost. The audiologist said Cochlear suggests you replace it every six months. I was told that the initial device comes with 2 covers and then you have to order (and pay for) additional covers. I'm not wild about having to pay additional money each year I wear the BP100. The audiologist was going to check into the cost and get back to me.
In the meantime, I emailed Mike Corso (mikjul1) to ask about the covers. Mike reports that his BP100 came with 6 "covers" - 3 years worth - and that covers cost about $80 for 6. Not too huge a cost. Plus I wonder if you really have to replace the cover every 6 months. My Divino came with a little jar of beads to take the moisture out of it and 16 months later, I've never used it.
At this point, I'm leaning towards the BP100. Cochlear has a history of 30 years behind their BAHA devices (tried and true) and I'm a Cochlear volunteer so I have a big loyalty to the brand. I've also had absolutely no problems with my Divino, which in my mind speaks volumes.
Oticon has a very good reputation as a maker of conventional hearing aids (per my neurotolgist) but the Ponto Pro is their first entry into the BAHA market.
So to sum it up, I don't think you can wrong with either processor. I'd look at the features of each and see what you think would be best for you. Some of my preferences definitely have to do with the fact that I'm already wearing a processor; those who don't already have one might not care about my preferences.
Happy hearing!
Jan
