Category Archives: News

MED-EL SYNCHRONY Cochlear Implant System FAQ

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SYNCHRONY-systemHere are some FAQs about the new MED-EL SONNET processor, SYNCHRONY implant, and WaterWear accessory for RONDO.

Some interesting new details are included:

  • The SYNCHRONY implant achieves its high 3.0T MRI rating (in currently approved countries) by the use of an internal magnet that can rotate due to the magnetic field of the MRI.
  • The WaterWear accessory is intended to be used with rechargeable 675 batteries.
  • In the ‘truth in advertising’ department, the FAQs says that the processor is the ‘smallest and lightest audio processor for cochlear implants.’ The thickness of the SONNET processor is listed at 5.9 mm.  While the narrow ends of the bevel around the edge of the processor are indeed 5.9 mm, the body is 9.3 mm thick.  Both the 9.3 mm thickness and the 56.7 mm height are greater than the corresponding dimensions of the  competition.  Dimensions are specified in this MED-EL document.

WaterWear Accessory for RONDO

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MED-EL joins the pool party with a waterproof cover for the RONDO processor!  It looks like a two-piece conforming bag with a sticky seal. Thanks to Bob MacPherson for pointing out that the IP68 rating implies a truly waterproof seal, which means the zinc-air batteries would likely need to be replaced by 675 LR44 button cells.

A small hole is provided for a tether.  We will have to wait and see if MED-EL will provide the tether, or if is up to the user.

The Nammu Swim Hat looks like a great option for keeping the RONDO in place while using the WaterWear accessory!

 

MED-EL Announces New SONNET Processor

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SONNET Processor for Cochlear Implants

MED-EL announces the Sonnet BTE processor!  SONNET features two microphones, enabling directional hearing.  New software includes wind noise reduction and automatic volume control.

The processor has one battery option – two zinc-air cells, providing up to 60 hours of battery life.  The battery cover accepts 3-pin FM connectors, and also features a direct audio input port.

In addition to a built-in telecoil, a 2.4GHz radio is included for future connectivity options.

SONNET is water-resistant, with an IP54 rating.  With only a zinc-air battery option available at the moment, a fully waterproof system seems like it needs to wait for a rechargeable battery option.

Learn more about the SONNET processor!

New Nammu Hat with Visor

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blue-nammu-visor-both-300x300Nammu Hats has just released a new version of the famous Nammu Hat with a sun visor.  Now you can clip your a Neptune processor to the hat, or tuck a processor in a waterproof bag beneath it, and be secure in protecting your processor and your vision at the same time!

Here’s how to swim with your processor using a Nammu hat.

And for our readers, enter discount code CochlearImplantHELP when placing an order with Nammu Hats until June 20th to receive a 25% discount!

Cochlear Aqua+ Demonstration and Review

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Aqua+Cochlear’s new Aqua+ waterproof sleeve for the Nucleus 5 and Nucleus 6 processors hits the water park just in time for summer! Ben Borhegyi demonstrates how to assemble the Aqua+, and gives us his first impressions and recommendations.

Ben says:

“I tried the Aqua+ from Cochlear with my N5 processors. I think the Aqua+ is an improvement over the Aqua accessory because it’s reusable, more comfortable, and more secure. It’s easy to put on over the N5 processor and to attach the coil. It’s more comfortable and can sit on my ear without needing anything to secure it. I could wear it all day, but it is noticeable. Overall I like the product and I look forward to using it this summer.”

What you get

BoxesBoxes with some Mic Lock-Stirrups,  one Aqua+ Coil, a magnet for the coil, and two Aqua+ sleeves.

Safety line

You also get a safety line, which clips onto your clothing, swim cap, or goggle strap to retain the Aqua+ and your processor if it comes off of your ear.

Waterproof box

You can use this waterproof box to store and protect your headpiece and ear hook while you are swimming.

Aqua+ Instructions

Advanced Bionics Grows over 30% Year-Year for FY2013/2014

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Transparent NaidaSonova, the parent company of Advanced Bionics, reports that AB’s annual growth was over 30% in both Swiss Francs and local currencies.  The company says:

“Cochlear implants segment – Drawing from a complete portfolio

The performance of the cochlear implants segment was another highlight in the year under review. The segment achieved sales of CHF 195.3 million, an increase of 33.1% in Swiss francs and 36.0% in local currencies. Supported in particular by the launch of the Naída CI Q70 sound processor in summer 2013, sales accelerated over the course of the year, exceeding a year-on-year growth of 50% in the second half of 2013/14. Europe and North America in particular responded very well to the new sound processor that incorporates many industry-first innovations shared with Phonak hearing aids. The balanced portfolio of electrodes and Advanced Bionics’ swimmable processor also supported growth, which reflected both the addition of new customer clinics and increased penetration at existing accounts. As in the previous year, cochlear implants sales included the fulfillment of a central government tender in China.

Profit from the cochlear implants segment improved strongly during financial year 2013/14, in line with our business plan, despite significant expenses from the launch of new products, particularly the new Naída CI Q70 sound processor. EBITA for the segment reached 12.8 million, representing an operating margin of 6.6%. This is an important step towards our goal of bringing the EBITA margin of the cochlear implants business closer to the corporate average. Normalized for one-off costs, principally the increased product liability provision related to Advanced Bionics’ Vendor B product recall in 2006, the cochlear implants segment had achieved an EBITA of CHF 1.8 million in the previous financial year. In 2013/14 the relevant parameters for the said product liability provision developed fully in line with the assumptions considered in the accounts of the previous financial year. Thus no releases or additions with P&L effect were booked to the provision in the year under review.”

Read the full financial report. Information specific to Advanced Bionics is on pages 26 and 27.

AB also plans to continue the rapid pace of new product introduction. Slide 27 of the investor presentation shows a rough timelines of new electrodes, implants, and processors  through fiscal year 2016.

AB development plan FY2014

Advanced Bionics Announces AquaCase for Naida in Europe and Canada

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Aqua Case   Advanced Bionics introduces the AquaCase for the Naida CI Q70 processor, just in time for summer!

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

Advanced Bionics Neptune Sound Processor Gains Japanese Approval

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AB_Neptune_ProcessorsNeptune, the world’s first and only swimmable sound processor for cochlear implant recipients, is now approved in Japan.

— Read more here.

 

Cochlear Nucleus 6 for N22, N24 Schedule Update

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N6 for N22 N24 scheduleThe Nucleus 6 processor from Cochlear will be available for CI24M and CI24R implants by summer 2014, at least in the UK.  The company is working on N22 compatibility, and hopes to submit the update to regulatory agencies by the end of 2014 for approval.

Read the update here.