CI Select vs HearCare
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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: β’ N7 processor or newer: Use MiniMic 2+ with audio cable between iPhone and Mini-Mic 2+ line-in jack. β’ N6 processor or older: Connect iPhone via audio cable to speech processor. β’ 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: β’ Adjust iPhone volume to comfortable level using speech or continuous audio. β’ 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). β’ 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. β’ Test different FATs until finding best intelligibility and sound quality. App makes no permanent changesβshare preferred settings with audiologist for permanent map changes. Grid Searching Tips: β’ Tried FATs appear lighter green. Current FAT is red. β’ Click "Save Favorite" to mark promising FATs (yellow). Select multiple favorites. β’ "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: β’ Click "Extended Frequency Mode" (EFM) below LF edge bar β’ This gives access to full grid with LF edges (rows) and HF edges (columns) β’ Selected box shows LF & HF intersection β’ Toggle EFM switch to return to default view For non-standard settings, reference the full manual for detailed instructions.
HearCare
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With MED-ELβs HearCare app, you have the freedom to check your MED-EL cochlear implant and audio processor on your own without the need for a clinic appointment. You can easily share the results with your clinician so they can make any necessary adjustments. Plus, you can download and apply audio processor fitting configurations from your clinician whenever and wherever itβs convenient for you. The HearCare app can be used with supported MED-EL audio processors (SONNET 2 (EAS) and RONDO 3) in combination with supported MED-EL cochlear implants (SYNCHRONY series, CONCERTO series, SONATA series, and the PULSAR implant).
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: HearCare at every 4 months against CI Select's every 9 months. CI Select's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
CI Select ships an update every 9 months, HearCare every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on June 5, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CI Select | HearCare |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | β |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | Every 4 months β better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | β |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 β better | 15.0 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 41 MB | 157 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Mario Svirsky | MED-EL |
In-app purchases
CI Select
No in-app purchases
HearCare
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is CI Select free?
Is HearCare free?
Do CI Select or HearCare have ads?
Which is updated more often, CI Select or HearCare?
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