The Cochlear™ Nucleus® System Comparison
How the Nucleus System compares to other cochlear implantsHearing Performance | System Design | Safety and Confidence | Most Trusted | ||||
Hearing Performance | ||||
| Considerations in choosing a cochlear implant |
Cochlear Nucleus® System | AB Harmony™ | Med-El MAESTRO ® | What it means to a cochlear implant user |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest speech recognition scores in multi-center studies |
- | - | Designed to help individuals achieve their personal best speech performance. Multi-center clinic validation results show the Nucleus System has higher speech performance scores— higher than reported for other systems.1-6 | |
| Most precise digital sound processing pathway | - | - | Designed to deliver the clearest sound possible with minimal power so users can get days of use out of only two zinc air batteries. | |
| Exclusive features
to boost hearing performance in challenging situations. |
- | - | Designed with two microphones and the Noise Power option for enhanced directional hearing in noisy environments using zoom technology. | |
| EVERYDAY Program that automatically adjusts to different listening environments |
Designed to deliver improved hearing in typical, everyday situations, intelligently adjusting to balance loud and soft sounds for clarity and comfort. | |||
| Noise Program and Focus Program | - | - | Two advanced technologies to help in noisy environments, designed to improve speech performance in noise. | |
| Dedicated Music Power Program | - | - | Designed to enhance music experience while minimizing distracting noise. | |
| Automatic telecoil activation | - | - | Designed to make connecting over the phone easier, without the need to press any buttons. | |
| Most real electrodes | design, the most electrodes available from any manufacturer and the right length for maximum protection of the delicate structures within the cochlea7-9 |
16 | 12 | For precisely focused hearing nerve stimulation. Designed to provide a richer, true-to-life sound experience. The length of the electrode array is crucial for positioning the electrodes in the best location in the cochlea10 and for protecting the delicate structures within the cochlea.11 Our exclusive patented electrode array design12 offers the full range of sound10 and is designed to be the most appropriate length.7-9 |
| Average pitch perceptions demonstrated by research | Up to 120 reported 9 | Data not reported | The most pitch perceptions demonstrated by research; a better opportunity for a fuller listening experience, including music enjoyment. | |
| Most advanced internal microchip | - | - | Technology with future upgrade capacity. | |
System Design |
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| Considerations in choosing a cochlear implant |
Cochlear Nucleus® System | AB Harmony™ | Med-El MAESTRO ® | What it means to a cochlear implant user |
| Industry’s smallest processor featuring the only titanium foundation | - | - | Comfortable fit and discreet wearing options. Features a strong titanium foundation, engineered to stand up to an active lifestyle. | |
| Personalization | Allows users to be discreet or express themselves through a wide range of wearing configurations, colors and designs. | |||
| Flexible control | - | - | Flexiblity to access all essential processor functions directly through the sound processor or remote assistant. | |
Safety and Confidence |
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| Considerations in choosing a cochlear implant |
Cochlear Nucleus® System | AB Harmony™ | Med-El MAESTRO ® | What it means to a cochlear implant user |
| Two-way remote assistant | - | One-way remote control |
Two-way remote assistant featuring an interactive diagnostic guide, confirms that the processor is working and visually reinforces any changes made. | |
| Certified water resistance | - | - | Confidence that your processor is designed to keep water out with the industry’s only IP44 rating for water resistance. Allows users to keep up with an active lifestyle even in and around water. | |
| Bilateral control through one remote assistant | - | Bilateral users need only one remote assistant to quickly adjust and manage two sound processors. | ||
Most Trusted |
||||
| Considerations in choosing a cochlear implant |
Cochlear Nucleus® System | AB Harmony™ | Med-El MAESTRO ® | What it means to a cochlear implant user |
| From the company with the most reliable implants | - | - | Confidence that independent data confirms Nucleus Cochlear Implants are designed to last a lifetime without the need for additional surgery.16-18 | |
| Upgrades for all model implants | - | Assurance that users will have the option to upgrade to the latest processor technology as it becomes available without need for additional surgery. | ||
| #1 choice of hearing healthcare professionals for reliability18 | - | - | Peace of mind that the Nucleus Cochlear Implant is the choice of hearing healthcare professionals for implant reliability. | |
| #1 choice of users19 | - | - | Confidence that the Nucleus System is the most trusted by users worldwide. | |
| Most experienced multi-channel cochlear implant manufacturer | - | - | Count on a strong track record of innovation from the industry leader, now and in the future. | |
| Most comprehensive network of service and support for aftercare | - | - | Confidence of comprehensive support and rehabilitation now and throughout their lifetime. | |
Cochlear Implant System Components | ||||
| Cochlear Nucleus® System | AB Harmony™ | Med-El MAESTRO ® | ||
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** With compact rechargeable sound processor battery option. Not intended for swimming.
1. Multi-center validation data of the Nucleus 5 sound processor and remote assistant preliminary speech perception from the initial Fit (N=38). Data was gathered in a multi-center clinical validation evaluating the Nucleus 5 Sound Processor (CP810) and Remote Assistant (CR110). Interim results on experienced (5 months to 4 years, 9 months) Freedom recipients are reported.
2. Pijil S et al. North American Freedom trial: Preliminary results adults. Cochlear limited white paper 2006
3. Bassim MK et al. Med-EL Combi40+ cochlear implantation in adults. Laryngoscope 2005;115:1568-1573
4. Seguin C et al. Patient performance with the Advanced Bionics HiRes 90K Helix 1 device with HiFocus perimodiolar (Helix) electrode. Advanced Bionics white paper 2005
5. Balkany T et al. Nucleus Freedom North American clinical trial. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2007;136(5):757-762
6. Multi-center clinical study of patients using Cochlear Nucleus 5 with dual microphone zoom technology in noise. Presented at the 11th International Conference on Cochlear Implants. Participating Centers: Center for Hearing and Balance Disorders, St. Louis, MO, Denver Ear Associates, Denver, CO, Hearts for Hearing, Oklahoma City, OK, Houston Ear Research Foundation, Houston, TX, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA. July 2010 (N=34).
7. Sridhar D et al. A frequency-position function for the human cochlear spiral ganglion. Audiol Neurotol 2006;11 (Suppl 1):16-20
8. Adunka O et al. Preservation of basal inner ear structures in cochlear implantation. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec 2004;66(6):306-12
9. Advanced Bionics. The Real Story on Spectral Resolution. How does Spectral Resolution Impact Everyday Hearing? [Online] [Accessed: 10/24/2011] Available at: http://www.advancedbionics.com/com/en/products/sound_processing/hires_fi...
10. Stakhovskaya O et al. Frequency map for the human cochlear spiral ganglion: Implications for cochlear implants. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2007 Jun;8(2):220-33
11. Roland, JT Jr. A model for cochlear implant electrode insertion and force evaluation: Results with a new electrode design and insertion technique. Laryngoscope 2005;115(8):1325-39
12. US patent 7, 184, 843. [On file] 2007 Feb 27
13. Cochlear update March 2006. Pitch steering with sequential stimulation of intracochlear electrodes. Cochlear white paper 2006
14. Kwon J et al. Dual-electrode pitch discrimination with sequential interleaved stimulation by cochlear implant users. J Acoust Soc Am 2006 Jul;120(1):EL1-6
15. Seguin C et al. (2005). Patient performance with the Advanced Bionics HiRes 90K Helix 1 device with HiFocus perimodiolar (Helix) electrode. Advanced Bionics White Paper
16. Battmer RD et al. A multi-centre study of device failure in European cochlear implant centres. Ear Hear 2007 Apr;28(2 Suppl):95S-99S
17. Cullen RD et al. Revision cochlear implant surgery in children. Otol Neurotol 2008;29(2):214-20
18. Battmer RD et al. A review of device failure in more than 23 years of clinical experience of a cochlear implant program with more than 3,400 implantees. Otol Neurotol 2009 Jun;30(4):455-63
19. Based on Cochlear surgeons’ preference survey: Internal reliability preferences. Data on file.
