Tag Archives: cochlear implant

Cochlear Implant Engineers Receive 2015 Russ Prize

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Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize

Areas of Interest: Honoring Engineers
Project Type: NAE Program, Contest/Award
Latest Update: January 7, 2015

description for russ medal revised 2010The Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize, established in October 1999, is named after Fritz Russ, an esteemed engineer and founder of Systems Research Laboratories, and his wife Dolores Russ, a long-time supporter and benefactor of the engineering industry.

The NAE established the prize at the request of Ohio University to honor the Russes for their dedication to education and the field of engineering. Fritz Russ graduated from Ohio University in 1942 with a B.S. in electrical engineering.

The Russ Prize recognizes an outstanding bioengineering achievement in widespread use that improves the human condition. This achievement should help the public better understand and appreciate the contributions of engineers to our health, well-being and quality of life.  An auxiliary purpose of the Russ Prize is to encourage collaboration between the engineering and medical/biological professions to work closely together.

Awarded biennially (odd number years), the recipient receives a $500,000 cash award and a commemorative medallion. NAE members and non-members worldwide are eligible to receive the Russ Prize.

Professor Graeme M. Clark AC

Professor Graeme M. Clarke
Laureate Professor Emeritus, University of Melbourne; Otolaryngologist Emeritus, Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital; Founder & Director Emeritus, Bionic Ear Institute;
Honorary Professor Centre for Neural Engineering, University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne; Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital
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Erwin Hochmair

Dr. Erwin Hochmair
Professor Emeritus and Co-Founder of MED-EL
MED-EL Medical Electronics GmbH
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Dr. Ingeborg J. Hochmair-Desoyer

Dr. Ingeborg J. Hochmair
CEO and CTO
MED-EL Medical Electronics GmbH
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Dr. Michael M. Merzenich
Dr. Michael M. Merzenich
Francis Sooy Professor Emeritus
University of California, San Francisco
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Professor Blake S. WilsonProfessor Blake S. Wilson
Adjunct Professor of Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering
Duke University

Advanced Bionics Naída Warranty Restart – Recipient Letter

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Last week Cochlear Implant HELP reported that Naída users in the US and Canada will enjoy a restart of the warranty for the processor and accessories to January 1st, 2015.  Every eligible recipient will receive a copy of this letter with details on the program.

FDA Approves MED-EL SONNET Processor

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SONNET_Dcoil_silo (2)
MED-EL has received FDA approval for the latest generation BTE cochlear implant processor – the SONNET. The processor will be available in the spring of 2015.

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.

Read the announcement here.

FDA Approves MED-EL WaterWear

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WaterWearMED-EL has received FDA approval for the WaterWear waterproof cover for the RONDO processor.  Grab your swim trunks and dive in! WaterWear should be available in early 2015.

Read more here.

Advanced Bionics Implements Naída Improvements, Restarts Warranty Period

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Advanced Bionics will restart the warranty period for Naída CI Q70 processors and accessories – including batteries – to January 1st, 2015.  This letter applies to users in the US and Canada. Read the letter to clinicians here.

If history is any guide, current Naída users will hear from Advanced Bionics directly with details.  Stay tuned to CochlearImplantHELP.com for updates.

Cochlear Receives FDA Approval for New Algorithms

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Cochlear has received approval for some new algorithms for the Nucleus 6 processor.  The approval is for the Nucleus Hybrid L24 system, but it wouldn’t be surprising if users of Nucleus 6 processors without the Acoustic Component will also be able to take advantage of them.  The algorithms are:

Wind Noise Reduction

Signal to Noise ratio-based noise reduction (possibly similar to ClearVoice)

SCAN (scene classifier function, which can be used to automatically switch between different programs for different environments)

OtoSense Identifies Sounds Using Your Smartphone

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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

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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

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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?

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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?