Tag Archives: SONNET

MED-EL SONNET Rechargeable Battery Announcement

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SONNET Rechargeable Batteries Image

As reported earlier on cochlear implant HELP, MED-EL announces FDA approval of rechargeable batteries for the SONNET processor, and also approval of the Mini Battery Pack for SONNET.

The rechargeable batteries will be available in a standard size with up to 10 hours of listening, or micro size, battery life not reported. The rechargeable batteries are compatible with WaterWear.

The Mini Battery Pack will house a single AAA battery in an off-ear configuration, with up to 37 hours of battery life.

MED-EL WaterWear for OPUS 2 and SONNET Coming Soon

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WaterWear_BTE

MED-EL announced that WaterWear covers for the OPUS 2 and SONNET processors will be available late summer 2016 in the United States. Note that Zinc-Air batteries do not work in an airtight environment, so most likely 675 LR44 button cells will need to be used in conjunction with WaterWear.

In related news, MED-EL also received FDA approval for a rechargeable battery for the SONNET processor, which may work in conjunction with the WaterWear, making 675 LR44 batteries unnecessary. Also, a Mini Battery Pack and Cable have been approved for the SONNET, which may be an off-ear power solution unrelated to WaterWear.

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.

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

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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.

 

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.

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!