For decades, cochlear implants have delivered life-changing outcomes for people with severe to profound hearing loss. Yet, traditional implants have one inherent limitation: they are hardwired. Once implanted, their capabilities remain fixed, even as technology advances and patient needs evolve.
The Cochlear™ Nucleus® Nexa® System changes that paradigm. It introduces the world’s first and only smart cochlear implant system1,* – a solution designed to evolve with your patients’ hearing journey.
What Makes the Nucleus Nexa System Different?
At the heart of the Nucleus Nexa System is the CI1000 implant, powered by the Cochlear NEXOS chipset. This innovation brings two critical capabilities:
- Upgradeable Firmware
Unlike conventional implants, the Nucleus Nexa System can receive firmware updates after implantation. This means the implant can be updated to include new features, improved algorithms and optimized performance, without replacing the implant^. Traditional cochlear implants can only add features and improve performance through sound processor technology. - Onboard Memory and Diagnostics
The implant stores MAPs and provides onboard diagnostics, offering clinicians extra reassurance of optimal performance and reducing reliance on patient-reported issues.
Clinical Advantages for Audiologists
- Faster Activation and Reduced Programming Time
Smart Sync technology allows MAPs to transfer directly from the implant to a new sound processor, minimizing downtime and simplifying processor replacement. - Enhanced Fitting Experience
Updates to Custom Sound® Pro 7.1 and SmartNav improve ease of fitting, maximize battery life and provide additional diagnostic insights. - Confidence Through Reliability
Built on the proven Profile™ and Profile™ Plus Series platform, the CI1000 implant maintains the same body, magnet and electrode design trusted by clinicians worldwide.
Patient-Centered Benefits
- Future-Proof Hearing
Patients gain access to future innovations, such as new stimulation modes, advanced coding strategies and precision diagnostics – without surgical intervention. - Smaller, Lighter Sound Processors
The Nucleus Nexa System supports the world’s smallest behind-the-ear and off-the-ear processors, delivering all-day battery life and comfort2,#. - Dynamic Power Management
Optimized energy efficiency ensures reliable performance throughout the day. - SmartSync
Replacing or upgrading a sound processor is easy with SmartSync. Patients simply need to connect the new processor to the implant as usual and SmartSync will automatically retrieve the MAP settings from the implant – no manual input or clinic appointment is required.
Evidence from Clinical Experience
During a controlled market release across 14 global sites, more than 550 Nucleus Nexa System implants were fitted, supported by 1,000+ programming sessions. Clinicians reported3:
- “It’s a new standard for the industry.”
- “Fast and easy switch-on for recipients.”
- “I won’t waste any more time sending MAPs.”
These results underscore the Nucleus Nexa System’s potential to set a new standard in cochlear implant care.
Looking Ahead
Firmware upgradeability is more than a technical feature, it’s a commitment to lifelong hearing performance. As science advances, the Nucleus Nexa System ensures your patients can benefit from future innovations without additional surgery.
Are you ready to deliver the future of hearing care today?
Visit our website for more details.
1 Cochlear Limited. FUN5261. FDA Approval Letter for CI1000 Series Implant System. 2025.
2 Cochlear Limited. D1190805 Processor Size Comparison. 2024, May.
3 D2335683 Pre-M9 CMR Closure Report, May 2025 2.Cochlear OBIEE Data
* The only cochlear implant having onboard memory with upgradeable firmware.
^ As future advancements or technology become available for the CI1000 series implant, a firmware update may be required in order to take advantage of newer features.
# Battery life varies for every user, according to the age of the battery, the programs used each day, your implant type, the thickness of skin covering your implant, and the size and type of battery used. Streaming from compatible devices, True Wireless devices or FM may decrease sound processor battery life depending on how often and for how long streaming is engaged. Typical expected battery life is calculated using default map settings used with a CI1000 series implant. All day hearing is defined as 16 hours.
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.
This blog is intended to serve as a resource for clinicians to help keep up to date with current clinical literature and is intended for professionals only. Clinical literature is based on research, which may include the experimental use of new or currently available products and technologies. Therefore, literature presented on this blog may represent use of Cochlear products that does not align with the intended use or indications approved by regulatory bodies, also known as off-label use. Cochlear does not condone any off-label use of its products, and it is not Cochlear’s intent to promote off-label use by providing this blog as a resource for healthcare professionals.
©Cochlear Limited 2025. All rights reserved. ACE, Advance Off-Stylet, AOS, Ardium, AutoNRT, Autosensitivity, Baha, Baha SoftWear, BCDrive, Beam, Bring Back the Beat, Button, Carina, Cochlear, 科利耳, コクレア, 코클리어, Cochlear SoftWear, Contour, コントゥア, Contour Advance, Custom Sound, DermaLock, Freedom, Hear now. And always, Hugfit, Human Design, Hybrid, Invisible Hearing, Kanso, LowPro, MET, MP3000, myCochlear, mySmartSound, NRT, Nucleus, Osia, Outcome Focused Fitting, Off-Stylet, Piezo Power, Profile, Slimline, SmartSound, Softip, SoundArc, SoundBand, True Wireless, the elliptical logo, Vistafix, Whisper, WindShield and Xidium are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the Cochlear group of companies.
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