'Virtual' hearing checks for cochlear implant users

Cochlear implant patients* are now able to carry out a 'virtual' hearing check via the Nucleus Smart App for their cochlear implant(s) at home. 

*Please note that this remote hearing check will not be suitable for everyone as it requires the necessary cochlear implant technology and home technology.

Remote Check for users of Nucleus 7 and Kanso 2 sound processors

To try Remote Check for N7/K2 technology we require:

• Confirmation that you have the correct technology to use the App.  See list
• The name of a parent or guardian for children under 16 years of age
• Your current email address or the parent/guardian’s current email address for children under 16 years of age

If you are interested and have the necessary technology, this is what you will need to do:

Email RemoteCheck@nuh.nhs.uk from the email address you want to use, stating your name and indicating you are happy for us to communicate with you using that email address and that you would like to start doing Remote Checks. For children under 16 years of age please also provide your child's name and indicate the name of the parent who will hold the Cochlear Account and be the named guardian for the purpose of the remote checks.

Once we have received consent to use your email address and confirmation that you are happy to use Remote Check we will enrol you/your child onto “Remote Check”. Being on a Remote Check pathway means that some of your usual appointments would be replaced by remote checks.

If you do NOT have a Cochlear Account yet: We will give you a unique reference and explain how to set this up on the Cochlear website.

If you already have a Cochlear Account and are using the Nucleus Smart App on your smart phone or tablet: you will get a notification in your Nucleus Smart app once we have enrolled you and then you can start your first check.

Using the Nucleus Smart app, you/your child will need to complete the first “Remote Check” after enrolment and another Remote Check after 3 months. Using your smart phone or tablet, you/your child will be asked to take a photo of the implant site and answer some hearing performance questions. The App will also send some internal device data to your audiologist. If you or your child are able to do so, you will also be asked to perform a couple of hearing tests. We will then review this information and get back to you via the App and the Remote Check email address to provide reassurance or further advice.

Currently the Remote Check pathway is only available for certain cochlear implant patients, who have a N7 or K2 processor, the correct firmware on the processor and the correct internal device. They also need to be able to complete the Remote Check and be able to send it off for review. Therefore, it may not be suitable for everyone. You will be contacted by NAIP with more information if you are eligible.

If you/your child are following the Remote Check pathway, you will still be invited to attend the department for certain annual reviews and sound processor upgrades (New Replacement Processors) will remain available for you.

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch.               

NOTE: For people who have been invited and encounter issues in the App, please click here for information to guide you through the different steps.