Sneak Peek at New Processors from AB and Cochlear

Once again, CochlearImplantHELP.com has pulled through with a spy photo of new technology. Follow the link for a sneak peek of Cochlear's newest processor. I'm amazed at how tiny it seems to be, and I can't wait to see it in person. For those who are not familiar with the different cochlear implant manufacturers, Audrena has an Advanced Bionics implant, so this link is NOT a processor for her implant. It is for the new Cochlear brand implant processor. Med-El is the third manufacturer approved in the US. All three implant companies give excellent results, so it's really a matter of choice and preference for implant recipients or their parents.

CochlearImplantHELP.com Photo of New Cochlear Processor

And of course, I can't show off Cochlear's technology without also showcasing Advanced Bionics because that is what Audrena has! AB is now making the new processor available to anyone receiving an implant, even though it will be released this summer. This means that Audrena will be able to get this new technology for both ears once she has her bilateral surgery! We are beyond excited about it! She currently has two Neptune processors, and we intend to get her two of the new behind-the-ear processors. Then she will have the latest technology and the option of wearing the processor on her ear like a hearing aid, or off the ear as she does now with the body-worn Neptune. The technological capabilities of this new processor are amazing!

Advanced Bionics New Behind-The-Ear Processor 2013

Here is a link back to a blog post I wrote a few months ago when Med-El announced its new processor, the RONDO.

http://audrenasears.blogspot.com/2012/11/interesting-things-are-on-horizon.html

Interesting things are on the horizon!

Med-El has come out with a unit called the RONDO that combines the processor with the mic and headpiece. It eliminates the need for cords or anything worn on the ear. I have my questions. The first one being wouldn't a person need a stronger magnet, thus risking skin breakdown? I think it wouldn't be great for a toddler or child, as there is a greater risk of losing the entire processor. However, with that being said, I think great things are on the horizon for implant users. I could see this being a fantastic option for an adult. It's almost a complete "freedom." I foresee the other companies eventually following suit to develop a similar product, as they are always competing to give their patients the best technology. Here is a link from the Cochlear Implant HELP website to the information on the RONDO.

http://cochlearimplanthelp.com/2012/11/08/med-el-announces-the-rondo-single-unit-processor/