Cochlear announces the Nucleus

Cochlear Limited, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, has announced CE mark approval for Nucleus 6, its next generation cochlear implant sound processor. (CE mark approval covers European markets. Nucleus 6 is not currently available in all markets. Contact your local Cochlear office for more information.)

Nucleus 6 delivers industry first innovations designed to provide superior outcomes in a way that makes hearing a lot easier for the recipient – in the smallest sound processor on the market.

Built on a completely new microchip platform with five times the processing power of the market-leading Nucleus® 5 sound processor, Nucleus 6 delivers:
• SmartSound iQ advanced sound processing to optimise performance in every hearing situation

• True automation with industry’s only scene classifier, which analyses the sound environment and automatically applies the best sound processing technology

• Direct wireless connectivity to the sound processor linking customers to a wide range of Bluetooth and audio devices

• Fully integrated hearing aid functionality in every sound processor to boost residual hearing through acoustic stimulation

• Comprehensive data logging capability providing a rich source of information for the clinician to help optimise individual performance

• Smallest sound processor on the market

Optimising hearing performance in every hearing situation
With Nucleus 6, Cochlear introduces its third generation of input processing – SmartSound iQ. Different listening situations require specifically designed sound processing technologies to optimise hearing performance. SmartSound iQ delivers the broadest range of input processing capabilities available including new background noise and wind noise solutions.

‘Simply smarter’ with performance that adapts automatically
Nucleus 6 introduces the industry’s first scene classifier, SCAN, which analyses the sound environment then applies the best sound processing solutions to optimise hearing performance.In the past, recipients had to manually change programs for different sound environments.With Nucleus 6 this happens automatically, so they don’t have to think about it.
“With Nucleus 6, we have built on our long history of innovation in sound processing to give our recipients the best technology available so they can hear their best in real world hearing situations,” said Dr Chris Roberts, Cochlear CEO/President.

Truly wireless connectivity
Nucleus 6 delivers truly wireless capabilities. Unlike other wireless solutions, sound can be streamed directly to the sound processor wirelessly from a wide range of Bluetooth and audio sources without the need for intermediary body worn devices. A range of new Cochlear wireless audio accessories including a TV streamer, remote microphone and phone clip will follow shortly after launch.

Bimodal wireless connectivity
The Cochlear wireless accessories can also simultaneously stream sound from Bluetooth and audio devices direct to GN ReSound hearing aids (which include ReSound, Beltone and Interton brands) as well as the Nucleus 6 sound processor. This provides an integrated, bimodal solution for those people who have both a cochlear implant and GN ReSound hearing aid.

Hybrid capability to enrich residual hearing
For customers who have residual hearing in their implanted ear, their hearing experience may be significantly improved if this residual hearing can also be amplified. Unique to Nucleus 6, every sound processor has the capability to operate as an all-in-one hearing aid plus cochlear implant sound processor, which delivers both electrical and acoustic stimulation simultaneously.

New clinical insights with comprehensive data logging capability
The Nucleus 6 System also includes a range of new innovations specifically designed for the clinician.Of major benefit is the industry’s only comprehensive data logging capability, which monitors and records how the sound processor is being used and the types of sound environments experienced. Data logging provides rich information for the clinician to help them have better discussions with their patients to enable even better hearing outcomes.

Smallest sound processor on market
Despite the wide range of new features in Nucleus 6, all have been delivered in the smallest BTE (behind the ear) worn sound processor on the market. Water resistance is important for both lifestyle and reliability. With an IP57 rating, no BTE sound processor is more water-resistant. And now each sound processor has an advanced water-resistant nano-coating, making it more reliable around water than ever before.

The leading choice
The Nucleus 6 System has been built on the same principles that have seen Cochlear remain the company of choice for implantable hearing solutions for over thirty years. Today when choosing a cochlear implant, seven out of ten people globally choose Nucleus from Cochlear due to its leading technology, superior reliability and lifetime commitment to customers.
“Cochlear remains committed to providing its recipients with the opportunity to hear their best throughout their lifetime, no matter when they received their implant,” said Dr Roberts. “Nucleus 6 is currently compatible with all Nucleus CI24RE and Nucleus CI500 implants and Cochlear is working hard to ensure that recipients with earlier implants will soon be able to access this new technology.”

The Nucleus 6 experience
We have created a video called Molly’s Day to help people see and appreciate the benefits of Nucleus 6. To see the video, visit www.cochlear.com/mollysday.

Media contacts
Corporate
Mr Piers Shervington, Senior Corporate Communications Manager
Tel: +61 (0)2 9428 6555
Email: pshervington [at] cochlear [dot] com

European, Middle East and Africa
Ms Heike Grahlow, Communications Manager EMEA
Tel: +41 61 205 04 69
Email: hgrahlow [at] cochlear [dot] com