Meet the team who designed the Cochlear™ Baha® SoundArc, the new non-surgical bone conduction wearing option for pediatric patients. Learn how the engineers and designers drove innovation and filled the gap of a product that has never existed.
Lone Tree, Colo. (April 19, 2024) – Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH), the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, obtained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance to lower the age of the Cochlear™ Osia System from 12 years-old to 5 years-old for children with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss and single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD).
The Osia System is a new category of bone conduction hearing solutions that uses digital piezoelectric stimulation to bypass damaged areas of the natural hearing system to send sound vibrations directly to the inner ear (cochlea). It is the first and only active bone conduction system that allows patients to undergo MRI scans at both 1.5 T and 3.0 T without the need for surgery.1
Now children as young as 5 will be able to have full access to the Osia System’s unique technology that is optimized to deliver high power and clarity, especially in high-frequency sounds, which are important for hearing what others are saying.
“I love my Osia. It’s given me the confidence to succeed in school. I can hear everything my teacher and my friends say,” Adrian R., 8-year-old Osia System recipient said.
Adrian was diagnosed with hearing loss at age 4 and started with the Baha® Sound Processor with a Baha Softband before transitioning to the Osia System at age 6.
“It has been amazing to see the transformation in Adrian. She has been doing so well in school and is able to keep up with her friends both in school and out. She is even learning the piano now and I never thought I would be able to say that. It has truly been life changing,” Dea R., parent to 8-year-old Adrian said.
The Osia System has been shown to provide clinically significant improvements in high frequency hearing for children.2,3,4
“I choose the Osia System for my pediatric patients because it really made the difference in terms of the sound clarity. It is absolutely incredible,” Dr. Daniela Carvalho, Pediatric Otolaryngologist at Rady Children’s Hospital said.
“All of my patients with the Osia System have come back to my office saying it’s the first time they’ve heard the birds chirping or other high-frequency sounds.”
Cochlear’s product portfolio is inspired by meaningful innovation and a core belief that technology is only as useful as the benefit it provides.
“The Osia System is transformative technology, and we’re pleased that it’s now accessible for children as young as 5. This aligns with our commitment to empower people across all stages of life to stay connected and thrive,” Lisa Aubert, President, Cochlear North America said.
About Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)
People have always been Cochlear’s inspiration, ever since Professor Graeme Clark set out to create the first multi-channel cochlear implant after seeing his father struggle with hearing loss. Since 1981, Cochlear has provided more than 750,000 devices in more than 180 countries, helping people of all ages around the world to hear. As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, Cochlear connects people with life’s opportunities, and welcomes them to the world’s largest hearing implant community.
Cochlear has a global workforce of around 4,800 people, with a passion for progress, who strive to meet the needs of people living with hearing loss. The company continually innovates to anticipate future needs, investing more than AUD$2.7 billion to date in research and development to push the boundaries of technology and help more people hear.
For further information please contact:
Christy LaPlante – PR Manager Cochlear Americas
E: pr-cochlearamericas@cochlear.com
In the United States and Canada, the Osia System is indicated for ages 5 and older.
© Cochlear Limited 2024. All rights reserved.
The Baha® SoundArc is a brand new, discreet wearing option. Whether it is during the first demo or for long-term use, the Baha SoundArc helps patients to hear their best with the Baha® 5 portfolio of powerful sound processors.
The Baha SoundArc is designed to flow with the contours of the head, creating a discreet and modern look. SoundArc is the latest non-surgical alternative to SoftBand for pediatric patients under five years of age. Soft silicone grips offer solid retention with a snug and comfortable fit. Easily customizable with four different sizes, the Baha SoundArc offers several options of color tips and a flexible steel spring band that fits neatly around the head. The Connector disc is optimized for use with any of the Baha 5 Sound Processors and is movable, which allows the clinician to treat a wide variety of hearing loss and find the optimal position for sound transmission.
Above is a helpful, easy-to-reference guide to help during counseling about the exciting new features the Baha SoundArc has to offer.
