Author Archives: CochlearImplantHELP

OtoSense Identifies Sounds Using Your Smartphone

Posted on by

Otosense captureOtoSense is a new app for Android and iOS (coming soon) that can identify important sounds in your life. When the app is running, it continuously analyzes your environment to detect sounds such as a doorbell, smoke detector, or telephone.  When it finds a match, it notifies you via flash, vibration, or third-party notification.

A small library of sounds is included, and you can record your own important sounds to add to the list.

Because OtoSense continually analyzes the sound environment, it does increase the drain on your battery.  The app is nice enough to give you warnings when you open it, requiring you to confirm that you do want it to run.  It also keeps a small icon in the notification bar to remind you that it is running.

Otosense icon

 

The company is working on improving battery life, and also on adding to the library of sounds. Download OtoSense now to try it out for free!

Advanced Bionics Re-Launches The Listening Room Rehabilitation Resources

Posted on by

Advanced Bionics announces the launch of a completely redesigned and reimagined online resource, The Listening Room™, developed to help cochlear implant recipients get the maximum benefit from their devices.

Read more here!

Advanced Bionics AquaCase Available in the US

Posted on by

Advanced Bionics announces the US availability of the AquaCase for the Naída processor.

$100 discount introductory offer

From bath time, swimming and snorkeling, to skiing, trail hiking, mountain biking, mud running and rock climbing, the durable AquaCase offers Advanced Bionics recipients uncompromised hearing performance and peace of mind during even the most rugged adventures. To ensure it safeguards the Naída CI sound processor in any environment, the AquaCase features a security lock and special corrosion-resistant materials that stand up to water, dirt, mud, sand and other grime. Recipients can wear it just how they like it, with a compatible clothing clip, on an armband* or securely attached to a lanyard.

AquaCase 2The Naída CI Q70 processor is inserted into the AquaCase, with a waterproof connector plugged into the headpiece cable socket. And a T-mic or ear hook fits into the AquaCase so there is no need to remove them. The AquaMic waterproof headpiece microphone is connected to the external portion of the waterproof connector.  In order to minimize the size of the AquaCase, only the smallest rechargeable batteries, the PowerCel 110, will fit inside.

Over time the only part of the system that may occasionally need to be replaced  is the O-ring seal, which is easily accomplished without any tools.

AquaCase 3

Pricing for the AquaCase and accessories is $475, and if you don’t already have an AquaMic and AquaMic cable, the complete system is $950.  Until December 31st, 2014, Advanced Bionics is offering a $100 discount on either the AquaCase or the AquaCase & AquaMic in the United States. Contact customer service to order yours today!

*Purchased separately.

Should I Wear Medical ID?

Posted on by

Medic-Alert-02Cochlear implant recipients and candidates often ask whether they should wear some form of medical ID.  Cochlear Implant HELP has cut through the anecdotes, interviewed medical professionals, and has assembled the information to help you make your own decision.

Read more at Should I Wear Medical ID?

Cochlear Implant Recipient Malala Yousafzay Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

Posted on by

malala-yousafzai-wins-the-european-unions-annual-human-rights-award_101013083450Malala Yousafzay, the Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot in the head by the Taliban for expressing her views on promoting education for girls in the Swat Valley has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Starting at the age of 11 or 12, Malala began blogging about life under the Taliban. Despite the risks, she became more vocal and public, particularly about the right for girls to receive an education.

One of the many injuries suffered during her attack on October 9, 2012 was the loss of hearing in her left ear.  Malala received a cochlear implant, which was activated in October 2013.

And on October 10, 2014, almost exactly two years to the day after being shot, Malala became the youngest person ever to have received the Nobel Peace Prize.

Cochlear Wireless Accessories Delayed

Posted on by

Wireless-prod-group-shot
The wireless accessories for the Cochlear Nucleus 6 system have been delayed.  Shipments are now expected to start in February 2015, as opposed to the original shipment date of 1 December 2014.

New Rehabilitation Apps from Advanced Bionics and MED-EL

Posted on by

listening adventures

New from AB, AB Listening Adventures is an engaging rehAB app providing children with a fun way to practice listening for words in sentences. Download it now for $1.99 from the iTunes® app store. Learn about this and all AB’s apps here.
http://bit.ly/18qfEsS
MED-EL
Continents and Oceans
MED-EL USA announced today the launch of the game Continents & Oceans designed to test and improve listening skills for people with cochlear implants. The free app is the latest offering from MED-EL’s BRIDGE to Better Communication support program.

Continents & Oceans is a free app available through the App Store and Google play.  Links to download the game are also available through MED-EL’s website, www.medel.com.

MED-EL Adds New Processor Voucher to ‘2 Ways to Hear’ Program

Posted on by

SYNCHRONY-systemMED-EL’s ‘2 Ways to Hear’ program offers a free RONDO processor in addition to whatever you would normally receive.  The program has now been expanded to include an option for a voucher to receive a future audio processor when it becomes available. Read the press release here!

From MED-EL’s international web site, the SONNET processor seems to be a likely candidate.  This processor includes a 2.4GHz radio, which currently seems to be used only for remote control functions.  The radio is ‘future-ready‘ so it will be able to support developments that use wireless functions.

Patients who normally receive a MED-EL Cochlear Implant System with one audio processor will now be able to select an audio processor of their choice, plus either a free RONDO or a voucher for a free future audio processor. Patients who receive a two-processor MED-EL Cochlear Implant System will now be able to select two processors of their choice, plus either a free RONDO or a voucher for a free future audio processor.

 

FDA Approves Advanced Bionics AquaCase for Naída Processors

Posted on by

1103080971[1] The FDA has approved the AquaCase for the Naída CI Q70 processor.

Any Adventure, Any Environment

The robust AquaCase™ accessory has been developed to provide the same great hearing during even the most rugged activities.

  • All-day, every day, reusable accessory
  • Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, skiing, mountain biking, mud running, and other exciting adventures
  • Designed for dusty outdoor environments, including farms, workshops, playgrounds, and construction sites
  • Secure, off-ear, worry-free wearing for exceptional retention and peace of mind
  • Built Kid Tough™ providing protection and retention for an active lifestyle
  • IP 68 rating for the ultimate protection against water, sweat, sand, and grime

FDA Approves Cochlear Nucleus 6 Wireless Accessories

Posted on by

Wireless-prod-group-shot

The FDA has approved the wireless accessories for the Cochlear Nucleus 6 processors.

Effective November 18, 2014 the Nucleus 6 System configuration will allow candidates to choose up to four wireless accessories as part of their System Kit at no additional charge.

Current Nucleus 6 users with a Plus One option can redeem it for a wireless accessory beginning December 1, 2014. For all other Cochlear users with a Nucleus 6 Sound Processor, wireless accessories can be ordered from the Cochlear web store on December 1, 2014, as well.