Why Cochlear

Cochlear is the world's first choice for hearing performance.

People who choose Cochlear join a family of over 250,000 recipients worldwide. 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.

 A range of solutions to help more people

Cochlear offers the largest variety of implantable hearing solutions for people with a range of different hearing losses.

Cochlear has the industry's largest investment in research and development

Along with the industry's largest investment in research and development, we continue to partner with leading international researchers and hearing professionals ensuring that we are at the forefront in the science of hearing. Currently, Cochlear is undertaking 73 research projects over 19 different countries.

World leading reliability 
When you choose Cochlear, you're choosing the world's most reliable cochlear implant manufacturer.1 Since the release of our first multi-channel implant in 1982, we have produced several generations of cochlear implants with each generation being more reliable than the last. For example, the electronics inside Cochlear Nucleus implants are encased in titanium, which is stronger and more impact resistant than alternatives like ceramic.

Our latest implant, the Nucleus 5 system cochlear implant, is the world's thinnest and our strongest cochlear implant and is 2 ½ times more impact resistant2than our previous generation implant, Nucleus Freedom.

The benchmark in hearing performance

Twenty five years of research has confirmed that Cochlear's Contour Advance Electrode as used in the Nucleus 5 system, is the correct length to stimulate the Hearing Zone3,4,5 - the most responsive area of the inner ear. Longer electrodes may end up being positioned beyond the hearing receptors 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.6

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.

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.

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, should you need it. The magnet in Cochlear's implant system can be left in place for scans up to 1.5 Tesla. And more importantly, the magnet is also removable for higher strength imaging. If you or your child needs to have a high strength MRI, your surgeon will be able to remove the magnet in a relatively minor procedure.7 Some other systems require complete implant removal- an expensive and traumatic procedure.

  1. Cochlear Nucleus Reliability Report, Vol 5, June 08.
  2. As measured by impact testing and compared with our previous generation Nucleus implant - Nucleus Freedom.
  3. Shepherd, R., et al. Electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve: The effect of electrode position on neural excitation. Hearing Research 1993; 66:108-22.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. MRI field strength approval varies by country, check your warnings and precautions document. MRI felid strength of 3 Tesla approved with magnet removed and 1.5 Tesla with magnet in place. Magnet must be removed before MRI procedure in Indonesia and Thailand.