Waterproof Cochlear Implant Sound Processor Receives Approval in China

Advanced Bionics (AB), developer of cochlear implant technology and a company of the Sonova Group, has received approval by the China State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) for the Neptune sound processor, a device billed as the world’s first and only swimmable, waterproof cochlear implant sound processor.

Warranted for use in oceans, lakes and rivers in addition to pools, baths and showers, Neptune is designed to help cochlear implant recipients hear both in and out of the water. Recipients using other products on the market must enclose their processor in a bag or remove their processor when they swim or bathe, which means they can miss out on important safety instructions and opportunities for language development because they are not hearing at that time.

Designed after the styling of popular consumer electronics, the lightweight Neptune processor also features the industry’s first freestyle design, allowing recipients to hear with nothing on the ear, the company claims. AB bigwigs note the Neptune has received a Red Dot Award for Product Design from the German-based Red Dot Institute for Advanced Design Studies, and a Silver Shaggie award in recognition of excellence in product design from the Industrial Designers Society of America. Neptune also was awarded a Gold Stevie Award for Best New Product or Service of the Year, Health & Pharmaceuticals at the Ninth Annual International Business Awards.

The Neptune freestyle wearing category is new for the cochlear implant industry, giving recipients the ability to choose their wearing style. With the variety of accessories, recipients can wear the Neptune processor anywhere and any way they choose, such as in the hair, on an arm, under a collar, in a pocket—a high level of flexibility not available in the market until now. Neptune also comes in a range of colors, and it also can be easily tucked away. In addition, the device includes features such as removable controls that make it tamper-proof for children, the company claims.

“Neptune is the world’s first fully submergible sound processor. Along with the AquaMic headpiece, the only waterproof microphone in the world for cochlear implants, it will be appreciated by recipients who would like to enjoy hearing while they bathe, swim or take part in any water-based activity,” said Robert Gulock, vice president of Asia-Pacific, Advanced Bionics.

Developed for all weather, terrain, ages and lifestyles, Neptune allows for hearing during robust water and sports activities thanks to its waterproof design.

“Neptune is unique for the China CI market,” said Fei Liu, General Manager of AB China. “This is the first truly swimmable CI processor in China which means the ability to hear in the pool, shower, and bath. More importantly, there is no longer a need to worry if you are caught in the rain or during the humid China summer season. AB also offers the AquaMic that allows you to hear in water without the need for plastic baggies that are costly and inhibit sound.”

Neptune is fully compatible with ClearVoice, AutoSound, and HiRes Fidelity 120 (the latter is designed to allow recipients to hear 120 channels for improved music and tonal language perception).

Founded in 1993 and a subsidiary of the Sonova Group since 2009, AB develops cochlear implant technology. Its U.S. headquarters is located in Valencia, Calif.