Nucleus® Implants
Cochlear provides a broad range of implants and electrodes to address your type of hearing loss, cochlea anatomy and surgeon preference.
What you will find on this page
- Learn how Cochlear™ Nucleus® Implants are designed
- Explore the Cochlear Nucleus Implant portfolio
- Discover the link between electrode design and hearing performance
- Learn about MRI considerations with Nucleus Implants
Cochlear’s Implant design philosophy
All our implants are designed to last a lifetime with performance and preservation of the cochlear structures in mind.* Our broad range of implants and electrodes allow your surgeon to choose the best one for you or your child's type of hearing loss, cochlea anatomy and the surgeon's preference. In addition, we design our implants with the future in mind by allowing for future advances in sound processor technology without the need for additional surgeries.
“I chose Cochlear because they have a very strong track record for making the newer technologies available to prior generation implants.”
- Oscar H. - Father of Nucleus® recipient
Industry-leading innovations in electrode design for optimal hearing performance
The anatomy of the cochlea can vary from person to person which is why we offer a range of electrode shapes and lengths. Your surgeon will decide on the best one to provide your best hearing performance. Unique features of Cochlear's electrode portfolio include:
- 22 active contacts** for maximum frequency coverage along the hearing nerve
- The Hybrid L24 Electrode+ that is specifically designed and approved to preserve hearing
- Perimodiolar electrodes that are inserted closest to the hearing nerve for your best hearing performance4,5
- Best long-term implant reliability record in the industry6-8
- Easy to remove magnet to ensure safety and comfort for MRIs
Electrode placement is critical to hearing performance
Cochlear's electrodes are placed where hearing nerve stimulation is most effective. In order to benefit from the full range of sound, the area closest to the hearing nerve tends to be stimulated.10-11 This area is known as the hearing zone.
Clinical research shows that deeper insertion beyond the hearing zone can be associated with deterioration in performance due to pitch confusion at the tip of the cochlea as well as damage to the delicate cochlear structures.11-12 Insertion depth along with the most active sequential contacts in the industry—22 electrodes**—help provide access to the full spectrum of sound and a richer hearing experience.
Nucleus Implants are designed for safe MRIs
An MRI can be an important diagnostic tool for many therapeutic areas. All manufacturers' current generations of cochlear implants are approved as MRI Conditional, which means that parameters need to be followed for a successful MRI scan.13-15 If you or your child needs an MRI, you can be assured that the procedure is possible with a Cochlear Nucleus Implant. Nucleus Profile and CI24RE Implants are approved for MRIs at 1.5 Tesla with the magnet in place using a Splint Kit and MRIs at 3.0T with the magnet removed.
It is important to recognize that there are alternative diagnostic imaging tools to replace an MRI, such as a CT scan. The most appropriate imaging tool should be discussed with your medical professional care team.
