CENTENNIAL, Colo., Sept. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cochlear
Limited (ASX: COH), the global leader in implantable hearing
solutions, announced today the commercial availability of the
Nucleus® 6 Sound Processor in the United
States.
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Nucleus 6, the next generation cochlear implant sound processor
for Cochlear, is built on a completely new microchip platform with
five times the processing power of the market-leading Nucleus 5
System. It features synchronized microphones, advanced SmartSound®
technology, the industry's first data logging capability, and with
a future software upgrade*, it will provide access to wireless
technology without the need for wires or additional neck-worn
accessories.
"The US launch of the Nucleus 6 Sound Processor underscores our
commitment to providing recipients with the opportunity to hear
their best throughout their lifetime," said Chris Smith, President of Cochlear Americas.
"With Nucleus 6, recipients will not only have access to the most
powerful sound processor available, but the most reliable implant
on the market today. Over the last 30 years, we have delivered the
best in hearing technology and we will continue to do so as we
introduce future upgrades to the system."
With the introduction of Nucleus 6, recipients will benefit from
a wide range of new design features that are easy to use and
designed to fit each person's lifestyle. Two sound processor
options will be available – one with direct audio input and one
without – in addition to enhanced tactical controls, an improved
coil profile, auto-on, wireless auto-FM and new LED indicators. Two
wireless remote control options will also be available that can be
paired to the same sound processor – one for those who prefer
advanced monitoring and the other for those who would rather carry
a small, discrete version with simple one-touch buttons.
In addition to exciting new design features, the powerful new
microchip included within the Nucleus 6 Sound Processor allows for
the industry's only comprehensive data logging capability. Data
logging provides audiologists with key information about how the
sound processor is being used every day. It fills in all the gaps,
so audiologists can get a more complete picture of a patient's
hearing experiences and can then make the necessary adjustments so
they can hear their best. This is especially important for parents
so they can feel confident that their child is receiving optimal
hearing performance even when they are at school or daycare.
Cochlear will continue its history of breakthroughs in
innovation with future upgrades to the Nucleus 6 Sound Processor.
The new chip is designed for the next generation SmartSound
processing, which leverages new algorithms that focus on speech and
reduce background noise, as well as third generation wireless
accessories that do not require any neck worn loops.
Nucleus 6 was built on the same principles that have allowed
Cochlear to remain the company of choice for implantable hearing
solutions for over 30 years. In addition to the latest in sound
processor technology, each new Nucleus 6 recipient will also be
receiving the most reliable implant in the industry. In fact, it is
up to three times more reliable than any other implant available
today.1-3
The Nucleus 6 Sound Processor is currently compatible with all
Nucleus CI24RE, Nucleus CI422 and Nucleus CI500 Implants. Cochlear
is working to ensure that recipients with previous generation
implants will soon be able to access this new technology.
About Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are a proven
medical option for infants as young as 12 months old with profound
hearing loss in both ears, children aged two and older with
severe-to-profound hearing loss, and adults with
moderate-to-profound hearing loss in both ears. They are electronic
devices, which bypass damaged hair cells in the inner ear, or
cochlea, and stimulate the hearing nerve directly.
About Cochlear
Cochlear is the global leader in
implantable hearing solutions. It has a dedicated global team of
more than 2,700 people who deliver the gift of sound to those with
hearing loss in over 100 countries. Its vision is to connect
people, young and old, to a world of sound by offering life
enhancing hearing solutions.
The Cochlear promise of "Hear now. And always" embodies the
company's commitment to providing its recipients with their best
possible hearing performance today and for the rest of their lives.
For over 30 years Cochlear has helped hundreds of thousands of
people either hear for the first time or reconnect them to their
families, friends, workplaces and communities.
For more information, visit Cochlear.com.
*Not yet approved by FDA
References
1 Publication: Nucleus
Reliability Report, Vol.11, February
2013.
2 Publication: Advanced Bionics 2012 Reliability
Update, HiRes 90K Supplier A Post-2005 modifications, as of
May 1st 2012. 028-M107-03-Rev B.
3 MED-EL Website: www.medel.com/reliability.
Concert, June 2013.
SOURCE Cochlear Americas