Cochlear Implants
by Michaela Coon

3 articles on new sound processor technology and why it can matter to your patients

March 23, 2021
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Cochlear sound processor technology has significantly evolved over the years, improving  hearing performance and quality of life for cochlear implant recipients. Here are three research articles to support starting the conversation with your eligible patients:

1. Benefits in noise from sound processor upgrade in thirty-three cochlear implant users for more than 20 years

Mosnier et al., 2020

Authors explore how upgrading cochlear implant recipients who were implanted more than 20 years ago with recent compatible and new technological sound processors provide benefit in speech recognition in noise.

2. Association of Speech Processor Technology and Speech Recognition Outcomes in Adult Cochlear Implant Users

Dixon et al., 2019

This article highlights how newer speech processors are associated with improved CNC scores independent of the year of device implantation and expanding candidacy criteria.

3. Controlled comparative clinical trial of hearing benefit outcomes for users of the Cochlear™ Nucleus ® 7 Sound Processor with mobile connectivity

Warren et al., 2019

Authors conclude that the incremental refinements provided by the Nucleus 7 Sound Processor provide real-world benefits in key areas such as upgraded wireless connectivity.

Read more about upgrade technology here and watch this AudiologyOnline course!

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The benefits of upgrading to new technology

November 5, 2020

By Allison Biever, AuD, Rocky Mountain Ear Center

Why upgrade to newer technology? Dr. Biever shares her experience working with cochlear implant recipients to maximize hearing outcomes.

Next to the joy of sharing a recipient’s first moments of hearing with their cochlear implant is the wonder of watching a recipient experience upgraded technology as they frequently exhibit emotions of gratitude, disbelief, giddiness and utter delight.

Upgraded technology helps provide recipients with better hearing and new freedoms. When recipients get upgraded to technology that allows them to stream music and phone calls wirelessly, I often hear, “You mean you can’t hear what I am hearing?”  Bilateral recipients have often had to use speaker phone on their cell phones to enjoy a call or listen to music with both ears. The expectation is that everyone is privy to their phone calls and hearing their music.

Moreover, patients tend to report that sound quality is also better when streaming phone calls, and it’s easier to understand the caller and look more relaxed talking to the caller. One of my adult recipients reported that after getting upgraded to new processors, he decided to create his first playlist because for the first time in his life – music sounded so good!

Upgraded technology can demonstrate additional benefits with regard to wearability. For example, some of my recipients are excited to now make it through the day on a single battery charge. Patients have also reported benefits due to the improved size and weight of the processor. Previously, playing sports, dancing or even doing yoga could be difficult because the size and weight of the processors prevented the processor from sitting securely on their ear. 

One unexpected benefit of upgraded technology is that recipients may now make important processor adjustments which can improve their hearing ability or comfort with sound. Historically, if recipients needed significantly more volume or less treble for example, they needed to come back to the implant program so adjustments could be made.  With current upgraded technology and use of the Nucleus® Smart App, patients can have increased volume capabilities.

From an audiologist’s perspective, it has been amazing to see the improvements in technology that have taken place over the past 20 years. The future looks bright and undoubtedly, sounds better than ever!

To learn more about upgraded technology, visit our website!

This article expresses the experience and opinions of Allison Biever.

The Cochlear Nucleus 7 Sound Processor is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Apple, the Apple logo, FaceTime, Made for iPad logo, Made for iPhone logo, Made for iPod logo, iPhone, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Cochlear Nucleus Smart App is available on App Store and Google Play. For complete smartphone compatibility information, please visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility.

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Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor: the smallest and lightest cochlear implant sound processor coil

May 9, 2018

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The Nucleus® 7 is the world’s only Made for iPhone1 cochlear implant sound processor. In fact, it is 25 percent smaller and 24 percent lighter than the previous generation Nucleus 6 Sound Processor.2 Making the Nucleus 7 the smallest and lightest cochlear implant sound processor available. In many cases, a smaller device can have a negative impact on battery life; however, we have incorporated a more power efficient chip so the smaller than ever Nucleus 7 actually improves battery life by up to 50%.3

N7 smallest and lightest CI coilThe Nucleus 7 Sound Processor features the Cochlear Slimline™ Coil, a new ultra-compact all-in-one coil and cable. This coil is lighter and offers a lower profile than previous sound processors, which is designed to provide greater comfort – especially when wearing a hat or helmet. In a recent clinical trial, 86 percent of users rated the Nucleus 7 Sound Processor more comfortable than their previous or current sound processor.4

 

Download the Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor User Guide .

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References:
  1. Apple Inc. Use Made for iPhone hearing aids [Internet]. Apple support. 2017 [cited 24 February 2017]. Available from: https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201466 (Subject to change at time of launch).
  2. Cochlear Limited. D1190805. CP1000 Processor Size Comparison. 2017, Mar; Data on file.
  3. Cochlear Limited. D1140877. Battery Life and Power Consumption Comparison between CP1000, CP900 Series and CP810 Sound Processors. 2017, Mar; Data on file.
  4. Cochlear Limited. D1182081. CLTD 5620 Clinical Evaluation of Nucleus 7 Cochlear Implant System. 2017, Mar; Data on file.
Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone,and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
The Nucleus 7 Sound Processor is compatible with iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPad Pro (12.9-inch), iPad Pro (9.7-inch), iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, iPad mini, iPad (4th generation) and iPod touch (6th generation) using iOS 10.0 or later.

 

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This material is intended for health professionals. If you are a consumer, please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

 

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