Category Archives: News

New Cochlear Wireless Accessories in US, Canada

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Cochlear’s Mini Microphone 2 and Mini Microphone 2+ from ReSound are now available in the US and Canada.

wireless-mini-mic2new-single-1

Key Features of the Mini Microphone 2:

  • Smallest True Wireless Microphone option available on the market
  • Range of over 80 feet with clear line of sight
  • 10 hours of talk time on a single battery charge
  • Directional microphone for improved one-to-one communications
  • Recharges in 3 hours with included charger
  • Private and secure connection
  • Reconnects automatically when signal is broken
  • Easy to use

Key Features of the Mini Microphone 2+ include:
All the features of the Mini Microphone 2 PLUS:

  • Omni-directional microphone for use in large groups
  • 11 hours of talk time on a single battery charge
  • FM connectivity
  • Built-in telecoil
  • Ability to connect with other personal electronics via plug-in
  • Pairing button status indicators
  • Low battery light indicator

For more information, see Cochlear’s marketing brochure.

Ears of a Child (video)

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World Hearing Day video highlights benefits of early treatment for childhood hearing loss

Global campaign to support World Hearing Day raises awareness of early intervention

Innsbruck, Austria – (March 3, 2016) – Today is World Hearing Day – an initiative led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise awareness about the impact of hearing loss. The WHO estimates that around 360 million people (or approximately 5% of the world’s population) live with disabling hearing loss; of these, nearly 32 million are children. This year’s theme ‘Childhood hearing loss: act now, here is how!’ will raise awareness about public health strategies that help to reduce the prevalence and impact of hearing loss in children.

MED-EL, a leading provider of hearing implant systems, is supporting World Hearing Day with the launch of a new video, Through the ears of a child. The video highlights the potential advantages of treating childhood deafness or hearing loss at an early age, when children are first exploring the world around them and learning to engage with their peers.

The video is also being backed by HEARRING, the global network of hearing implant experts: “This year’s World Hearing Day focus on children strongly supports our HEARRING vision that early identification and intervention through implantation can help children with severe hearing loss,” said Paul Van de Heyning, Chair of the Scientific Committee at HEARRING. “Treating children with hearing loss early gives them a better chance of reaching their full developmental potential. Together as health professionals, we must work globally to reach as many children as possible and restore the gift of hearing to them.”

The ‘Through the ears of a child’ video brings to life the different ways that young children experience the world when they are struggling with hearing loss, and how their life can be transformed when their hearing becomes restored.

Research shows that children, whose hearing is profoundly impaired before they learn to speak, are more likely to benefit from treatment with a hearing implant if it is given at a young age. These children start to receive auditory information at a time when their brain is especially ready to learn language. Therefore, their hearing and speech has an opportunity to develop in a manner similar to that of their normal hearing peers.

Visit www.earsofachild.com to view the video from MED-EL’s international headquarters and learn more about the ways in which childhood hearing loss may be prevented and treated.

Cochlear Introducing New Wireless Accessories

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Cochlear Mini Microphone 2+

Mini Microphone 2+

The new Cochlear Mini Microphone 2 and Mini Microphone 2+, by Resound, will be available for Cochlear Nucleus 6 users soon.

Starting March 8th all system and upgrade orders will automatically default to the Mini Microphone 2+ when the Mini Microphone is selected. Patients who ordered the first generation Mini Microphone between March 1 – March 8, 2016 as part of an upgrade or system order will be able to exchange it for a Mini Microphone 2+ at no additional cost if desired. For all other orders, Cochlear’s standard Return and Exchange policy applies. We anticipate shipping the Mini Microphone 2+ beginning March 21, 2016 and the Mini Microphone 2 will be available later in the spring.

Information on the Mini Microphone 2+ is available in the ReSound Multi Mic datasheet.

Cochlear Tests Single-Unit Processor

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Kanso

Cochlear is testing a single-unit external processor similar in form factor to the MED-EL RONDO.  With a code name, or perhaps eventual market name of Kanso, the processor operates on 2 675P high-power zinc-air batteries.  And like the RONDO, a tether is available to help retain the processor if it falls off.

Kanso safety line.PNG

Unlike the RONDO, the Kanso has a multi-function button which enables a small set of adjustments.   In child mode, the button is used to change programs.  To change volume or sensitivity, the audiologist must enable the features to be adjusted by the CR210 Remote Control or the CR230 Remote Assistant.

Combinations of long and short presses on the button allow the user to select external inputs, including a built-in telecoil and a sequence of any paired wireless accessories. The wireless capability is a substantial difference between the Kanso and the RONDO.

Kanso parts

The two microphone ports allude to some implementation of a zoom feature, which is helpful in noisy situations.  Like the RONDO, the processor sits directly over the implant magnet, which may not be the ideal location.  A zoom program is likely to be very useful.

The Kanso is programmed to work with only one implant, so it won’t work if you are bilateral and put it on the wrong side.  It does not seem to have the capability of recognizing which ear it is on and loading the appropriate programs.

To learn more about the Cochlear Kanso, read the draft User Guide.

Text-to-911 Calls (USA)

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Call if you can

In areas where text-to-911 is available, you may see a graphic such as this.

How to contact 911

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled and using a wireless phone or other type of mobile device, make sure to do the following in an emergency::

  • Always contact 911 by making a voice call, if you can.
  • If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled, and text-to-911 is not available, use a TTY or a telecommunications relay service, if possible.
  • Remember – in most cases now, you cannot reach 911 by sending a text message.

In some circumstances, you may be able to reach emergency services in the United States by sending a text from your cell phone.  This capability is only available in some areas.  If at all possible, you should make a voice call.  If you cannot make a voice call, a relay service or tty is the next choice.

Note that text-to-911 isn’t just for people who have difficulty using the telephone.  Texting may be quieter than a voice call, which may help in some unsafe situations.

Here are some quick facts and FAQs.

More information, including a signed and captioned video, is available here.

The FCC maintains an Excel spreadsheet of locations where text-to-911 is available, updated monthly.

The FCC has adopted an order requiring wireless carriers and other text services to provide text-to-911 service within 6 months of receiving a request.  The request must come from the emergency call center.

Naída CI Q90 Additional Information

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Naida CI Q90The Naída CI Q90 is shipping in North America now!  Newly implanted recipients and paid upgrades will receive them first.  Recipients who are participating in the free upgrade program, implanted after February 9th, 2015, will receive the Q90 between 4/1/2016-11/15/2016.

If you have a Q70, you can trade it in for $2500. If you have a Harmony or a Neptune, you may participate in the buy-back program, which will give you $1900 towards a complete Naída CI Q90 kit.

The Q90 is EAS (Electro-Acoustic Stimulation) ready.  When available, you may be able to use the built-in hearing aid component to augment the sound you get from the cochlear implant. EAS is approved in Europe, and is under development in the United States.

Power Cell MiniThe new PowerCel 110 Mini and the PowerCell 170 Mini can be used in the AquaCase. These batteries are also compatible with the Naída CI Q70 processor.

SoundRelax and WindBlock can be used on your primary program.  EchoBlock should be installed on a separate program.

The Phonak EasyCall can be used if you have 2 Naída CI Q90 or Q70 processors, one processor and one compatible Phonak hearing aid, or two compatible Phonak hearing aids.

The continuously-growing constellation of accessories includes, but may not be limited to:

  • EasyCall
  • DECT Phone
  • Roger Pen
  • Roger 17
  • Roger Clip-on mic
  • ComPilot
  • RemoteMic
  • TVLink

For Q70 users, the software to enable WindBlock, EchoBlock, and SoundRelax, as well as using the EasyCall, is already shipping to your audiologist.  Check with your center to see if they are using it yet.

In addition to being EAS-ready, the Q90 offers StereoZoom for bilateral recipients.  StereoZoom uses two microphones on each processor, a total of four microphones, to focus the sound more tightly than microphones on only one processor can accomplish.  The two processors communicate with each other wirelessly.

Pro tip for TVLink users – it’s for more than watching TV!  If you stream music through the TV, you can hear the music wirelessly with the TVLink.

Free Shipping on CiWear Shirts

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37ba4bb6d5-Ci-Wear-TM-logoCiWear and Cochlear Implant HELP are proud to offer free shipping on CiWear merchandise to the Continental US until 12/31/2015.  Use voucher code ‘cochlearimplanthelp’ at checkout.

The folks at CiWear who make the shirts that hold off-ear cochlear implant processors securely and manage cables now offer shirts in two different materials – one for swimming, and another for sports.

Ci Wear Swim

Ci WearTM teamed up with Victory KoreDryTM, a manufacturer with 30 years of experience in water sports gear, to manufacture our shirts in the USA. CiWear Swim

Key Features:

  • KoreDryTM fabric that is 80% nylon and 20% lycra
  • water-repellent
  • Breathable
  • Dries quickly so you stay warmer
  • Raglan sleeves and flatlock stitching for added comfort and flexibility
  • U.V. tested at UPF 50+ (equal to SPF 150+) factor both wet and dry giving it a rating you can depend on to protect your skin against the damaging rays of the sun when in or out of the water

Ci Wear Sport

Made with high performance premium quality Wicko active mesh for moisture management to keep skin cool and dry. Ideal for all your indoor and outdoor activities, including swimming. The lightweight, stretchable fabric combined with raglan sleeves, and flatlock stitching make for easy movement, flexibility and added comfort.

Key Features

  • Made of 100% Polyester
  • Quick drying
  • Breathable
  • Moisture management (wicking)
  • lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Ideal for putting under uniform or wearing as a exercise shirt
  • Pockets fit the Neptune, AquaCase and smartphones and digital music players upto the size of an IPhone 6

Advanced Bionics announces FDA approval of two new sound processors

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Naida CI Q90Stäfa (Switzerland), 18 August 2015 – Sonova Holding AG, the world’s leading provider of hearing solutions, announces today that its subsidiary Advanced Bionics (AB) has received FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval in the United States for its new Naída CI Q90 and Q30 sound processors. FDA approval follows Health Canada approval earlier this year. Distribution of the Naída CI Q90 sound processor is expected later this year in the United States and Canada. The Naída CI Q30 is designed to meet the needs of the global market and will be available in specific markets outside of North America.

The new Q90 is the top-of-the-line processor in the Naída CI Q Series from Advanced Bionics, following the previous release of the Q70. Offering new PowerCel innovations that reduce size and improve battery life as well as new microphone technology for focusing on speech, the Naída CI Q90 now raises the bar as the premium choice for recipients who want the full line of features in the most compact package. Some of the advanced Q Series features include industry leading automation with new innovations that block obtrusive sounds, such as wind and echoes, to improve hearing in challenging settings. Supporting the Naída CI Q Series, the latest version of AB’s signature fitting software, SoundWave 2.3, also received FDA approval.

And directly from Advanced Bionics:

The Naída CI Q90 is the top-of-the-line processor in the Naída CI Q Series from Advanced Bionics, following the previous release of the Naída CI Q70, which raised the bar for superior hearing. Offering new microphone technology for focusing on speech, the Naída CI Q90 now surpasses the bar as the premium choice for recipients who want the full line of features.

New and current Naída CI Q70 recipients** can also benefit from some of the advanced new Q Series features, including new innovations that automatically reduce obtrusive sounds, such as wind, echoes, and sudden loud noises to improve hearing in difficult environments.

The Naída CI Q30 sets the bar for the Q Series family, offering proven AB and Phonak technology that lead the industry for hearing in noise and the option of the smallest PowerCel battery to date, compatible with all Q Series processors.

Available for the Naída CI Q70 and Q90 sound processors, Phonak Binaural VoiceStream Technology™ gives two Naída CI processors the unique ability to work together for improved hearing in challenging situations. Sound from one side is transmitted to the other side so that recipients hear the sound in both ears at the same time while distracting noise is reduced. No other manufacturer can offer the extraordinary binaural benefits this technology provides for effortless communication.

The only sound processor family that delivers hearing as unique as you are, the Q Series provides state-of-the-art technology designed to help recipients communicate with confidence, enjoy music, and stay connected to the latest consumer electronics.

• Proven technologies for better speech understanding

• Automatic adjustments for any environment

• Superior advancements for hearing in noise, on the phone, and in water

• The broadest and most proven portfolio of wireless connectivity accessories, including the new Phonak EasyCall accessory and Phonak DECT Phone

• Groundbreaking innovations in maximizing hearing with two ears working together

The latest version of SoundWave, AB’s signature fitting software, will soon be available to clinicians for enabling the new features.

Advanced Bionics Announces TÜV Approval of Naída CI Q90 EAS

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— The World’s Newest, Most Advanced Electro Acoustic Stimulation (EAS) System Receives Regulatory Approval for Commercial Release in Europe —

VALENCIA, Calif., May 28, 2015 – Advanced Bionics (AB), a global leader in cochlear implant technology and a company of the Sonova Group, announced today that the new Naída CI Q90 EAS received TÜV approval for distribution in Europe. With the arrival of this new product, now more than ever, cochlear implant recipients have access to the combined technologies of AB and Phonak, the innovation leaders in cochlear implants and hearing instruments.

The Naída CI Q90 EAS offers a truly integrated electro acoustic hearing solution in addition to many of the popular features delivered with the Naída CI platform:

  • Powerful acoustic Phonak receiver attaches directly to the Naída CI Q90 sound processor
  • Available for use with the industry’s largest selection of wireless connectivity accessories for phone calls and media streaming from devices by Apple®, Samsung®, Nokia® and other leading brands
  • Compatible with AB ClearVoice™* and Phonak UltraZoom speech enhancement technologies for improved understanding in noise
  • Fast, easy programming within AB’s signature SoundWave™ fitting software
  • New AB-Phonak fitting feature designed to align sound from a hearing instrument and a cochlear implant

Read more

Advanced Bionics Discloses Combined CI/HA Capabilities

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Naida from annual reportAdvanced Bionics announces in the Sonova 2014/2015 Annual Report that the next generation Naída CI sound processor will include combined CI/HA capabilities, termed EAS (electro acoustic stimulation).  From page 27 of the report:

The next step-change innovation from Advanced Bionics will be the approval and launch of the Naída CI sound processor, ready for EAS (electro acoustic stimulation). This offers the full integration of Advanced Bionics and Phonak technology for recipients with some residual hearing who are seeking the most natural-sounding hearing experience. The processor combines the electric sound signal from an Advanced Bionics cochlear implant with acoustic sound from a Phonak hearing aid. The combination of electrical and acoustical stimulation should allow recipients to hear high and low frequencies for a more natural hearing experience and improved music enjoyment.