FDA Approves MED-EL’s RONDO 3 All-in-One Audio Processor

MED-EL USA announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the new slim and lightweight RONDO 3 Audio Processor for the SYNCHRONY Cochlear Implant System. MED-EL anticipates that RONDO 3 will be available later this year. New MED-EL recipients can swap out an unopened RONDO 2 Audio Processor for a RONDO 3 Audio Processor through the RONDO Swap Program.
 
RONDO 3 offers wireless streaming, wireless charging with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 24 hours, and compatibility with all hearing aids worn on the opposite side. This allows recipients to choose the best hearing aid for their needs—including the hearing aid that they are already wearing. Bidirectional microphones focused on speech allow for more comfortable and natural conversations, especially in noisy environments. RONDO 3 also includes automated settings for wind noise reduction for better hearing outdoors.
 
Paired with MED-EL’s AudioLink, RONDO 3 allows users to stream high-quality audio wirelessly from many external audio sources, make hands-free phone calls, and benefit from an additional remote microphone to hear more clearly.
 
“RONDO 3 is an exciting advance for our MED-EL recipients, in that it pairs the latest wireless and audio processing technology with even greater comfort, customization, and style,” said Raymond Gamble, president & CEO, MED-EL North America. “We look forward to bringing this innovation to market for all of our recipients, whether they just received a MED-EL implant, or have been a member of our MED-EL family for years. Our future-ready engineering enables recipients with any MED-EL internal implant to access the latest in sound processing advancements. We don’t leave anyone behind.”
 
In addition to wireless streaming, RONDO 3 features an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Users simply place their processor on the center of an inductive charging pad and the battery recharges without wires or other connections, saving money and the environmental toll of single-use batteries.
 
With a rating of IP68, RONDO 3 is water-resistant enough to survive dust, rain, sweat, an accidental spill or splash of water, or even a brief immersion in water. RONDO 3 can be kept completely waterproof with reusable WaterWear covers.
 
RONDO 3 was designed for comfort and style. It is worn completely off the ear, which is ideal for people who wear glasses, as well as for those who wear face masks with ear loops. MED-EL offers a range of wearing options to fit individual style, from blending in with one of 5 standard covers or 9 subtle and discreet hair-patterned design covers, to standing out with more than 30 colorful covers, ranging from art-inspired to animal prints, all which can be easily changed. Special Simplicity Covers help new users and caregivers locate the on/off button, and a Mini Cover can make RONDO 3 even lighter.