Advanced Bionics Extends Portfolio of Solutions for Cochlear Implant Users

Advanced Bionics (AB) and Phonak announced an industry first for cochlear implant users. The Phonak Naída Link CROS, a wireless audio transmitter, was introduced to provide full access to sounds for unilateral cochlear implant candidates with no hearing in their opposite ear. Approximately 30 percent to 45 percent of cochlear implant recipients¹ are single-sided listeners who are at a significant disadvantage when positioned with their “hearing ear” away from the speaker, as might happen in automobiles or at meetings or group dinners. A second cochlear implant would be beneficial but access may be limited due to medical indications or cost. The Naida Link CROS is a tiny, ear-level device that picks up signals presented to the “non-hearing” ear and instantaneously transmits them to the cochlear implant system on the “hearing ear.” A recent study demonstrated that the Naída Link CROS provided immediate improvement in speech understanding in quiet and noise and a better overall hearing experience.²
 
The Naida Link CROS device extends the Naida family of hearing solutions from AB and Phonak for severe-to-profound individuals. Utilizing the proprietary Binaural VoiceStream Technology, an automatic wireless network is established between the Naida CI sound processor and a Naida Link CROS transmitter, Naida Link hearing aid or second Naida CI sound processor. This wireless network enables the sharing of control signals, and full-bandwidth audio streaming so that all cochlear implant recipients can benefit from hearing from both ears. The Naida Link CROS allows unilateral cochlear implant recipients to hear from wherever they want and walk into any listening situation with more confidence. It is so discreet and easy to use that they can just switch it on to enjoy hearing from both sides and wear it without being noticed.
 
“We are excited to bring CROS technology to cochlear implant users. This technology has been life-changing for individuals with single-sided deafness. We expect the same benefits for those individuals who hear from a single cochlear implant,” said Stefan Launer, vice president of science and technology, Group Research & Development.

The Phonak Naída Link CROS is available in the United States and Canada starting today and in Europe starting this summer.

Tony Spahr, director of Audiology and Product Management at Advanced Bionics, said, “I’m genuinely excited about the difference this will make. Listening with one ear presents great challenges for communication. For individuals relying on a single cochlear implant, the Naída Link CROS is the best way to gain complete access to the sounds of the world.”
 
Advanced Bionics develops hearing solutions for individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss who no longer benefit from hearing aids. Founded in 1993 and a subsidiary of the Sonova group since 2009, AB develops cutting-edge cochlear implant technology that allows recipients to hear their best. AB offers a sophisticated cochlear implant system, the HiResolution Bionic Ear System, with five times more sound resolution than its competitors. It’s designed to help recipients hear in noisy settings and enjoy the full dimensions of music and tonal languages.
 
In 2017, Phonak, a member of the Sonova Group, proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary. Headquartered near Zurich, Switzerland, Phonak was born in 1947 out of a passion for taking on the most difficult hearing challenges. As the industry’s leading provider, the company offers the broadest portfolio of life-changing hearing solutions. From pediatric to profound hearing loss, Phonak is committed to creating hearing solutions that change people’s lives to thrive socially and emotionally.

References
1. Siburt, H., & Holmes, A. (2015). Bimodal Programming: A Survey of Current Clinical Practice. American Journal of Audiology,24(2), 243-9.
2. Mosnier, Use of a Contralateral Routing of Signals (CROS) System in Bilaterally Deaf Recipients with Unilateral Cochlear Implant, presented at the 13th European Symposium on Paediatric Cochlear Implantation, Lisbon, May 25th 2017