Advanced Bionics Receives CE Mark Approval for Cochlear Implant

Advanced Bionics (AB) has received CE Mark approval for its HiRes 90K Advantage cochlear implant with the HiFocus 1J, HiFocus Helix, and HiFocus Mid-Scala electrodes. The is designed for patients with unilateral (asymmetric) hearing loss, also known as single-sided deafness (SSD).

Three recent study reviews show that SSD patients with cochlear implants have improved sound localization abilities and better perception of speech in noise, two areas of considerable difficulty for people with unilateral hearing. Studies also have shown that SSD patients who did not benefit from other implantable options received significant benefit from cochlear implants.

Advanced Bionics offers speech understanding solutions, including ClearVoice speech enhancement technology and UltraZoom, in the Naída CI family of sound processors. The combination of AB and Phonak technologies makes the Naída CI the most advanced sound processor available, offering high-performance hearing in all environments, 100 percent wireless connectivity to consumer electronics, and bimodal capabilities that allow streaming to the processor and a compatible Phonak hearing aid at the same time, the company claims in a news release.

“We are pleased that patients with single-sided deafness can now benefit from our cochlear implant technology,” said Hansjuerg Emch, president of Advanced Bionics and group vice president of the Sonova Medical Division within which AB resides.

The newest AB electrode array, the HiFocus Mid-Scala electrode, was designed for optimal placement in the cochlea with low insertion force to protect its delicate structures, and promotes the latest soft surgery approaches to suit surgeon preferences. As a result, the HiFocus Mid-Scala offers recipients the opportunity to hear the most pitches possible for enjoying music and improved speech understanding.