Comparison

CI Select vs AB Remote

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

CI Select

This app helps cochlear implant users compare different frequency allocation tables (FATs) to find the best sound quality and speech intelligibility. It allows users to test various settings and save their preferred configurations to share with their audiologist for permanent map changes.

Highlights
  • Compare different frequency allocation tables (FATs)
  • Adjust LF edge slider for sound settings
  • Save favorite FAT settings
  • Extended Frequency Mode for advanced control
  • Test sound quality and speech intelligibility
  • Share preferred settings with audiologist
Features
Read full description

For cochlear implant users. Request manual at CISelect.questions@gmail.com or https://med.nyu.edu/research/translational-auditory-research-lab/sites/default/files/ci-select-manual.pdf NOTE: Instructions for users of Cochlear devices with 22 active electrodes and default frequency allocation table (188-7938Hz). Users with deactivated electrodes or non-default FAT should consult the manual. 1) Audio link to iPhone: • N7 processor or newer: Use MiniMic 2+ with audio cable between iPhone and Mini-Mic 2+ line-in jack. • N6 processor or older: Connect iPhone via audio cable to speech processor. • Deactivate microphone input by: o Using accessory-only map (consult audiologist) o Using remote to set 100% accessory/0% microphone mix ratio NOTE: Current version may not work well with Bluetooth connection between the iPhone and the speech processor. Use wired connection only. Using CI Select: • Adjust iPhone volume to comfortable level using speech or continuous audio. • Select grid boxes (each one represents a different FAT) to compare sound quality and speech intelligibility. Use "LF edge" slider or click boxes to change settings. Red square shows current setting. Default is 188Hz (standard FAT). • Note: Slight audio delay may occur. If bothersome, minimize acoustic input by removing acoustic component, hearing device in other ear, or using ear plug in opposite ear. • Test different FATs until finding best intelligibility and sound quality. App makes no permanent changes—share preferred settings with audiologist for permanent map changes. Grid Searching Tips: • Tried FATs appear lighter green. Current FAT is red. • Click "Save Favorite" to mark promising FATs (yellow). Select multiple favorites. • "Delete last" removes most recent favorite. Repeat to reset grid. Advanced Option - Extended Frequency Mode: Default grid adjusts LF edge only (sufficient for most users). For full control: • Click "Extended Frequency Mode" (EFM) below LF edge bar • This gives access to full grid with LF edges (rows) and HF edges (columns) • Selected box shows LF & HF intersection • Toggle EFM switch to return to default view For non-standard settings, reference the full manual for detailed instructions.

About

AB Remote

Control volume and program settings for specific hearing devices. Access helpful information directly through your smartphone.

Highlights
  • Volume control
  • Program changes
  • Access help information
  • Direct connectivity
  • Sound processor control
Read full description

The AB Remote is a smartphone app that is designed to provide user control over volume and program changes as well as provide access to help information. The AB Remote app provides direct connectivity and control of Advanced Bionics Naída CI M and Sky CI M sound processors and Phonak Naída Link M and Sky Link M hearing instruments.

Screenshots

CI Select3 screens
AB Remote3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: CI Select at every 5 months against AB Remote's every 29 months. AB Remote's advantage is review sentiment (13% vs 0%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CI Select ships an update every 5 months, AB Remote every 29 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
CI Select versus AB Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCI SelectAB Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating—3.0 (74 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews12.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings—74 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 months — betterEvery 29 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size33 MB44 MB
Age rating17+12+
DeveloperMario SvirskyAdvanced Bionics, LLC

Customer experience

CI Select

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

AB Remote

All ratings74 ratings
Positive39.2%
Neutral14.9%
Negative45.9%
Written reviews47 reviews
Positive12.8%
Neutral23.4%
Negative63.8%

Bugs and requests

CI Select

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

AB Remote

Reported bugs

36 issues
  • Unpairs from device
  • Doesn't remember settings
  • Bluetooth disconnects intermittently
  • Needs rebooting speech processor
  • Disconnects when one battery dies
Show 31 more
  • Loses connection frequently
  • Needs app reinstallation to reconnect
  • Loses connection weekly
  • Resets volume on calls/streaming
  • Times out and disconnects
  • Aggressively connects to TV streamer
  • No way to mute TV streamer
  • Crackling noises with iPhone 15 Pro
  • Doesn't connect to left cochlear implant
  • Voice alerts stopped playing over Marvel M90 after iOS 17
  • Loses volume setting every time phone is used
  • Split volume changes to match loudest setting
  • Setting changes when opening other apps
  • Normal hearing aid shuts down and won't connect
  • App times out and disconnects
  • Connects to AirPlay every time phone sleeps
  • Impossible to keep connected
  • Doesn't connect to Bluetooth devices
  • Can't get app to connect to processors
  • No pairing
  • App times out and disconnects
  • Volume reverts to default
  • Split volume function useless
  • Volume resets on calls
  • App disconnects from iPhone intermittently
  • Battery percentage display is primitive
  • Cannot adjust bass and treble
  • Cannot do tone equalization
  • Cannot control ambient sound override
  • Cannot pair more than one device
  • Bluetooth connection is hard

Requested features

17 requests
  • Apple Watch app
  • Tone equalization/treble boost
  • Active Noise Cancellation
  • Sensitivity slider
  • Push alerts for disconnects
Show 12 more
  • Lock devices to same program
  • More intuitive UI for program assignment and volume
  • Save volume preferences
  • Fix phone call volume issues
  • Bass and treble controls
  • Ambient sound override control
  • Compatibility with i-phone hearing aid devices
  • Update app 3 times a year
  • Show remaining battery percentage for bilateral implants
  • Fix split volume not maintaining
  • Fix crackling noises on iPhone 15 Pro
  • Fix Voiceover accessibility for volume sliders

In-app purchases

None

CI Select

No in-app purchases

None

AB Remote

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is CI Select free?
CI Select is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is AB Remote free?
AB Remote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do CI Select or AB Remote have ads?
Neither CI Select nor AB Remote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CI Select or AB Remote?
CI Select ships an update every 5 months, and AB Remote every 29 months. Most recently, CI Select was updated on October 1, 2026 and AB Remote on October 5, 2026.

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