Cochlear, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, today launched the Cochlear™ Nucleus® Nexa™ System – the world’s first and only smart cochlear implant system.1+
Jan Janssen, Chief Technology Officer, explains that Cochlear has re-imagined the internal technology of the cochlear implant system: “The Nucleus Nexa System combines 40+ years of proven reliability of our trusted implants and technology leadership, with a new cutting-edge chipset called NEXOS, which is packed with innovative features. With onboard diagnostics that monitor system performance to ensure optimal hearing, it reduces the burden on users and carers, setting a new standard in implantable hearing technology,” explained Janssen. “The new chipset powers the implant, enabling the smart features of the system and it will serve as the platform for Cochlear’s future smart implant innovations. The technology advancements offered in the Nucleus Nexa System are built on more than 10 years of intensive research & development.”
The groundbreaking Nucleus Nexa System offers the world’s first hearing implant solution with upgradeable implant firmware, revolutionising the way people with hearing loss can access future technology. Conventional cochlear implants available today can only access future innovation by upgrading their sound processor. With the Nucleus Nexa System this limitation is removed. People with a Nucleus Nexa System can experience new features and advancements, via both updates to the firmware in their smart implant and upgrades to their sound processor over time.
“This is the first cochlear implant with its own firmware, so the device can be upgraded to new features and advancements throughout the user’s lifetime. Just like a smartphone receives a firmware update, now people with a Cochlear implant can stay connected to the latest technology updates today and well into the future,” said Janssen.
The Nucleus® Nexa™ System is the also the first implant with built-in memory, allowing the personalised hearing settings (MAPs) of the user to be securely stored directly in their Nexa implant.1 This innovation ensures users can seamlessly transfer their settings to a new Nucleus Nexa Sound Processor if their current one is lost or damaged.
“We designed the new System with the goal to deliver better solutions to our customers today and into the future. The Nucleus Nexa System comes with a distinct advantage, allowing user’s personalised hearing settings (MAPS) to be stored securely in the implant’s in-built memory. This advancement offers unmatched convenience and efficiency both for the user and the clinician,” said Janssen.
“Previously, if a user misplaced or damaged their sound processor, they would need to visit a clinic to obtain a replacement sound processor. This replacement device would need to be programmed with the user’s personalised hearing settings in the clinic by a cochlear implant professional, taking valuable time from both the professional and the user. With the brand-new ‘Smart Sync’ feature, the user simply needs to pick-up or receive a “blank” sound processor and the personalised settings are automatically copied to the replacement sound processor allowing a person to hear with their cochlear implant again in in a matter of seconds,” explained Janssen.
To make hearing easier, the Nucleus Nexa System intuitively responds to changing needs throughout each day.1, 6-9 It can automatically adjust listening to help people hear more clearly.1 The Nexa implant also features a new gold implant coil and new RF Link technology with dynamic power management. This facilitates more efficient power and data transfer between the sound processor and the implant and automatically maximises battery life for each user.#
Professor Robert Briggs, Director of the Cochlear Implant Program, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, explains why treating hearing loss is so beneficial: “Hearing loss affects so many areas of a person’s life from employment, social interaction, relationships and well-being. For Australians with hearing loss, it is important for you to speak to your hearing health professional to see what options are available to you,” said Prof Briggs.
Stu Sayers, President of Asia Pacific & Latin America at Cochlear, welcomed the availability of the new system: “We are driven by a passion for progress; to help people hear and be heard. This is why we have a proud history of being first to bring industry leading technology to people with hearing loss. Most importantly, we are excited by the potential of this next generation technology to improve the experience and outcomes for people living with hearing loss today and well into the future.”
One of the first people in the world with a Nucleus Nexa System is Melbourne based Stephen Dyt who has been living with hearing loss his whole life.
“My experience with hearing loss started with seeing both my grandmother and father struggle with hearing loss,” said Stephen. “It was something I have lived with my entire adult life. Since I was 17 years of age, I have worn hearing aids but in the last few years, I wasn’t getting the same benefit, and I was struggling to hear in settings I previously coped well in. My family and friends noticed this change and I decided it was time to explore a cochlear implant. When the opportunity came up to be one of the first people to receive this new cochlear implant, I was extremely nervous and excited. This new implant has dramatically changed things for me and most importantly, my family. I am now able to interact and live with confidence and life is a lot easier as I can now hear clearly,” explained Stephen.
Cochlear has provided more than 750,000 hearing implants to people around the world and the company’s implants are the most reliable in the industry which is one of many reasons people choose a Cochlear hearing solution more than any other brand.5-6 In 2024 Cochlear was named the number one most trustworthy company in the healthcare industry by Newsweek in its rankings of the World's Most Trustworthy Companies. This prestigious recognition underscores Cochlear's unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity.
