Choosing a cochlear implant system can be a life-changing decision. So it’s important to have the right facts behind you:

1. Cochlear is the world’s first choice for hearing performance.

People who choose Cochlear join a family of over 120,000 cochlear implant recipients worldwide. In fact, 7 out of 10 parents and adult candidates worldwide choose Cochlear’s Nucleus Freedom implant system. Cochlear partners with more than 3,000 clinics in more than 100 countries globally, so you have the confidence of knowing you can seek support almost anywhere.

2. Nucleus Freedom is the benchmark for performance and reliability.

Cochlear’s design and manufacturing process and rigorous attention to quality makes the Nucleus Freedom the most reliable implant in the industry¹. For example, the electronics inside the implant are encased in titanium, which is stronger and more impact resistant than alternatives like ceramic. Cochlear reports strictly in accordance with industry best practice and is fully compliant with the EU reliability consensus. Twenty five years of research has confirmed that Cochlear’s Contour Advance™ electrode, as used in the Nucleus Freedom, is the correct length to stimulate the ‘Hearing Zone’ ^2,3,4 – the most responsive area of the inner ear. Longer electrodes may end up being positioned beyond the hearing receptors in this zone, and could potentially damage the delicate structures of the cochlea. Research confirms that Cochlear’s Contour Advance electrode with the correct surgical technique maximises hearing performance.⁵

3. Financial assistance may be available to help you.

In some countries there is financial assistance available to help you pay for cochlear implantation. This may be through government funding, private health insurance or other support groups. Please refer to your clinic or Cochlear for more information.

4. Cochlear has a broad range of implants to choose from.

Cochlear has a range of implants available for recipients in the Asia-Pacific region, helping hearing health professionals to choose the ideal implant for your needs⁶. You can feel confident that Cochlear offers an implant that suits your unique ‘hearing fingerprint’ – for the best possible results.

5. Cochlear meets everyday hearing challenges with intelligent technology.

Cochlear’s innovative SmartSound 2 technology is a unique and proven breakthrough. Delivered by four powerful mini computers, SmartSound 2 responds to your listening environment to deliver optimal hearing in challenging, noisy environments. The pre-programmed listening profiles are
Everyday, Noise, Focus and Music.

6. You can enjoy music with your Cochlear implant system.

Cochlear implants were primarily designed to help with speech comprehension and although speech and music share some acoustic characteristics, there are also some important differences. Factors like individual hearing biology, personal motivation, musical genre and listening environment can all affect your ability to hear and enjoy music. Cochlear’s SmartSound 2 Music program is intended to enhance your ability to hear and appreciate music.

Listening to music comes easily for some, and takes practice for others. But Cochlear will
certainly give you the potential to appreciate listening to music again.

7. Cochlear has the longest demonstrated history of upgrading speech processors.

Cochlear has always been firmly committed to making the latest advances available to all recipients, including the very first recipients of our technology. For example, recipients from 1983 have since had access to 5 upgrades in speech processor technology, and enjoyed the hearing improvements without further surgery. (Some recipients of other manufacturers’ cochlear implants have been waiting over 13 years for a speech processor upgrade.)

Choosing Cochlear ensures you will always have access to a lifetime of hearing advances.
It’s a decision for today and the future.

8. Cochlear’s system is more compatible with MRI imaging.

With the increased use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic tool, MRI compatibility is an important consideration when choosing a cochlear implant system.

The design of Cochlear’s implant system means that you or your child will be able to take
advantage of the most advanced MRI technology available. The magnet in Cochlear’s implant system can be left in place for scans up to 1.5 Tesla⁷. And more importantly, the magnet is also removable for higher strength imaging. If you or your child need to have a high strength MRI, your surgeon will be able to remove the magnet in a relatively minor procedure. Some other systems require complete implant removal– an expensive and traumatic procedure.

9. Hearing with both ears will help you feel more connected and confident.

Bilateral cochlear implants can provide a more natural hearing sensation, helping you feel connected, confident and relaxed. Cochlear has more experience with bilateral cochlear implantation than any other company – and sourcing both systems from Cochlear makes managing accessories and day-to-day operation much simpler for you. Our special programming software makes it easier to adjust dual speech processors so they function in harmony.
Plus, unique functionality reduces the risk of mixing up speech processors.

Want to know more?

For additional facts on why you should
choose Cochlear, please contact your clinic.

References

1. Cochlear Nucleus Reliability Report, Vol 5, June 08
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2. Shepherd, R., et al. Electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve: The effect of electrode position on neural excitation. Hearing Research 1993; 66:108-22.

3. A riyasu, L., Galey, F. R., Hilsinger, R., Jr., Byl, F. M. Computer-generated three dimensional reconstruction of the cochlea. Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery 1989, 100, 2; 87-91.

4. B lamey P, et al, Pitch Matching of Electric and Acoustic Stimuli, from Clark, Cowan, International Cochlear Implant Speech and Hearing Symposium, Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol Suppl. 1995, 166; 220-222.

5. Aschendorff A, Kromeier J, Klenzner T and Laszig R, Quality Control After Insertion of the Nucleus Contour and Contour Advance Electrode in Adults. Ear & Hearing, 28:755-795, 2007.

6. Not all implants are available in all markets. Please refer to your local Cochlear office or distributor for more information.

7. MRI approval varies by market. Please refer to your local clinic or Cochlear office for more information.