cochlear implant brand comparison latest models only 2

8/3/2019 Cochlear Implant Brand Comparison Latest Models Only 2

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COCHLEAR IMPLANTBRAND

COCHLEAR (NUCLEUS)

Current Model:Nucleus N5 CI512(Released September2009)

ADVANCED BIONICS

Current ModelHiResolution 90k BionicEar(Released July 2003)

MED-EL

Current ModelMAESTRO System -includes PULSARci100(Released August 2005)and SONATAti100(Released June 2007)

implantsCOMPANYINFORMATION

Website http://www.cochlear.com http://www.advancedbionics.com

http://www.medel.com/

Location ofHeadquarters

Main Headquarters:14 Mars RoadPO Box 629Lane Cove NSW 2066AUSTRALIA

North America:13059 E. Peakview Ave.Centennial, CO 80111

European Region(including Saudia Arabiaand the Middle East)Cochlear AGPeter Merian-Weg 44052 Basel

Switzerland

Seehttp://www.cochlearamericas.com/Support/405.aspfor complete list

Main Headquarters:Advanced Bionics, LLC12740 San Fernando RoadSylmar, CA 91342 USA

Europe:76 rue de Battenheim68170 Rixheim, France

Asia Pacific:Suite 4203, 42/F, TowerOneLippo Centre, 89QueenswayHong Kong

Latin America:Mann Biomedical Park25129 Rye Canyon LoopValencia, CA 91355, USA

Seehttp://www.advancedbionics.com/About_Us/Locations/index.cfm?langid=1for complete list

Main Headquarters:Frstenweg 77aA-6020 InnsbruckAustria

USA:2511 Old Cornwallis Rd.Suite 100Durham, North Carolina27713

Seehttp://www.medel.com/us/show2/index/id/294/titel/MED-EL+Offices+Worldwide

for complete list

Year Started

in Business

1984 1993 1989

PERFORMANCE

Number ofElectrodes

22 intracochlearelectrodes +2 grounding

16 + 2 grounding 24 contacts + 2 grounding

Internal ImplantMaterials

Titanium and silicone Titanium and silicone PULSAR: Ceramic andsiliconeSONATA: Titanium and


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silicone

ProcessingStrategies

Hi-Ace (Freedom and N5)Ace (N24 and Freedom)

HiRes Fidelity 120 soundprocessing

ClearVoice (Not yet FDAapproved in the US.)

FSP (Fine StructureProcessing) and HDCIS(High DefinitionContinuous InterleavedSampling. FSP is not

indicated for use inprelingual children.

Stimulation type(s)and Rate

Sequential stimulation32,000 hertz

HiRes-P w/ Fidelity 120(paired), HiRes-Sw/Fidelity 120(sequential)

HiRes-P (paired), HiRes-S(sequential)

CIS and MPS modes

- Up to 83,000Stimulation Pulses PerSecond- Up to 120 Bands ofSpectral Information

Sequential stimulation ata maximum rate of 50,704pps.

Possible Number ofPitch Percepts

Averageaggregate # discriminablepitches across the entirearray: 16135,36

When intensity was rovedto eliminateloudness cues: 127discriminable pitchesacross the entire array. 3

Based on the assumptionthat the number of pitchpercepts on these threeelectrode pairs wasrepresentative of theentire array, the totalpotential number of pitchpercepts for theseindividual subjects wasestimated to range from 8

Scientific studies havedemonstrated thatFineHearing enableshearing implant recipientsto detect smalldifferences in pitch forexample, between twoneighboring piano notes.Fine Structure Processingallows better pitch


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to 466, with an average of93. 37

perception, especially inthe low frequencies.18

Speech PerceptionScores

87%, Nucleus 5, CNCwords at 60dBA4

69%, AB Words at 70 dBSPL27 (Freedom Sound

Processors PreviousGeneration)

96%, CUNY Sentences at70 dB SPL27 (FreedomSound Processors Previous Generation)

79%, Harmony, CNCwords at 60dBA4

59%, AB Words at 70 dBSPL27

87%, CUNY Sentences at70 dB SPL27

71%, AB Words at 70 dBSPL27

98%, CUNY Sentences at70 dB SPL27

Hearing in Noise Set it and Go programintelligently adjusts to fitlistening environment inconjunction with Nucleus5 SmartSound 2technology.Noise designed forimproved hearing insignificant backgroundnoiseFocus designed for morefocused conversations innoise

HiResolution is designedto preserve the broadspectrum of sounds toimprove listening abilitiesin difficult situations.

Automatic gain control

FineHearing providesbenefits to users forhearing in noise.Automatic SoundManagement adjusts theprocessor based on thelistening environment ofthe user. This means thatlisteners do not typicallyhave to make manualadjustments to theirprocessor throughout theday. 15

MusicAppreciation

Music program designedto enhance music

experience

HiResolution is designedto preserve the broad

spectrum of sounds toenhance musicappreciation.

FineHearing providesusers with specific cues

for the fine timing detailsof sounds, which areespecially important forthe enjoyment of music.92% of MED-EL usersreport that music ispleasant to listen to, and84% report listening tomusic every week if notevery day.17

Microphone Two microphones forbetter quality sound anddirection - A front andrear microphone, bothomni directional tocapture sound from aboth in front and in backof the user. Designed tocapture sound from allaround.

T-mic available placingmicrophone at entranceto ear. T-mic providesadded convenience whenusing telephones andconsumer electronicproducts, improvedhearing in noise, andenhanced directionalhearing. 33

MED-ELs processorsfeature an omni-directional microphone,which captures soundfrom all directions.


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Telemetry AutoNRT (AutomatedNeural ResponseTelemetry) enables yourspecialist to confirm theprecise placement of thestimulation contacts bymeasuring your hearingnerve response 4.

Neural Response Imaging(NRI)A feature enabledthrough the HiRes 90Kelectronics platform thatmeasures the electricallyevoked compound actionpotential (ECAP) of the

hearing nerves. NRI isdesigned to optimize theimplant fitting processand assist in programmingyoung children.

Impedance and FieldTelemetry (IFT) providesan objective measure ofimplant function whileAuditory Nerve ResponseTelemetry (ART)measures the electricallyevoked compound action

potential (ECAP)generated by the auditorynerve.

ElectrodeArrays

Available

Contour AdvanceElectrode with self curlingarray

Split electrode array forossified cochleas

HiFocus Electrodefeatures 16 platinum-iridium contacts thatfocus stimulation on thehearing nerve fibers

Standard electrode arrayMedium electrode arrayCompressed electrodearraySplit electrode arrayFlexsoft electrode array(Not yet approved by theFDA.)FlexEAS electrode array(Not yet approved by theFDA.)

The Insertion Test Device,or ITD, facilitates testingfor the presence of anycochlear obstruction. Byusing the ITD, surgeonscan determine the needfor an alternativeelectrode array prior tounpacking the implant.

Input Dynamic Range 5

(According to anaudiologist, the higher IDR

is set, the morebackground noise comes

in.)

Up to 45 db Up to 80 db15 55 db Adaptive soundwindow moves within a75 db IDR.16

RELIABILITY


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Reliability Cumulativefailures

(CompanyReported)

Freedom at 4 years out all failures: 0.64%9

Nucleus 24 at 12 years out all failures: 2.6%9

Nucleus 22 at 21 years out all failures: 7.4%9

HiResolution 90K:2.5 years out post recall:0.8%7

3.75 years out. Supplier A:1.9%6

CII: 6 years out 3.2%Clarion after modificationof ceramic casing: 8 years

out 11.7%6

Clarion: 10 years out15.4% 6

Sonata at 2 years out:0.33% (device issuesonly)10

2.27% (device + medical,surgical & accident)10

Pulsar at 4.75 years out:0.21% (device issues

only)11

6.11% (device + medical,surgical & accident)11

Reliability(Independent

Objective Study 8)Reference from 2007:

169/8581 = 2% failurerate



RelevantReliability

Information

Cochlear manufactures allof its own parts and doesnot rely on an outsidevendor.Reports on all of itsdevices, Nucleus 22 andbeyond.Reports on hard andsoft failures.

AB reports on hard andsoft failures.

MED-EL reports on alldevices, including bothhard and "soft" failures,according to the relevantISO standard and theinternational consensuscommittees recommendations. MED-EL also offers transparentinformation about the typeof failure (device failure,surgical or medicalcomplication, or accident-related failure) with thatdata available to beviewed by anyone onmedel.com.

Past Recalls withYear RecallAnnounced

1995: power supply insidethe implanted part of thecochlear implantmalfunctioned causingsome devices to fail

2010: The internalimplants were voluntarilyrecalled due to twoinstances where theinternal device had to beexplanted due toexperienced malfunction.The recipients wereexperiencing severe pain,overly loud sounds and/orshocking sensationsshortly after initialactivation of theircochlear implant.

2009: Metal casesurrounding internalmagnet not welded


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properly leading todecrease in magnetstrength over time insome implants. 32

2006: As of 2006, 15% ofimplants failed due toelevated internal

moisture, for which ABcited one of its twosuppliers, supplier B, fora specific part thatconnects the sealedsection of the implantwith an electrode. 12

(Note: Failure rate forsupplier A was only1.4% 2.5 years out.)7

2004: Recall due tomoisture trapped insidethe titanium receiver-stimulator leading tofailure 7

2002: Recall due topositioner increasing riskof meningitis14

Processor Reliability Built on titaniumfoundation with newdurable plastic. GORE-

TEX microphoneprotection.Teflon coated titaniumbayonet connectors 29

Harmony BTE: Averagemonthly service rate =1.5%7

Platinum Series BWP:0.9%7

Auria BTE: 1.17%6

Opus 2: Average monthlyservice rate = 0.54%Opus 1: 0.97%

PROCESSOR EASE OF USE

Processors(Most recent models

only)

Nucleus5 SystemCP810

Harmony BTEPlatinum Series BWP

Opus 2 BTE + variousconfigurations for wearingprocessor

Processor Photo


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Processor RemoteControl

Yes (BidirectionalCommunication betweenProcessor and Wirelessremote assistant)

No Yes (UnidirectionalRemote to processoronly)

Number of ProgramsProcessor Can Hold

4 Harmony and PlatinumSeries: 3

4

Battery Type(s) CP810:Standard RechargeableCompact Rechargeable

2 HP 675 Disposable

Rechargeable PowerCel TM Options include DaCaporechargeable ear-levelbattery, 3 675 disposablebatteries, or one AA rechargeable ordisposable battery

Battery Life - Standard rechargeable:up to 31 hours- Compact rechargeable:up to 18 hours- Disposable zinc airbatteries: Up to 60hours 30

PowerCel Slim: average =14 hoursPowerCel Plus: average =24 hours28

DaCapo average = 10-12hoursDisposable batteries: 3-5days 27

Low Battery Indicator - Flashing Light on

Processor (Can bedeactivated)- Private tone in Processor- Audible tone fromWireless remote assistant- Visual display on Remotewireless assistant

Harmony: light flashes

orangePlatinum Series: lightflashes and processorbeeps

Status Light-

The Status Light is a smallLED integrated in theOPUS speech processors.It flashes differentpatterns for differenterrors or low battery.

Baby/ChildProcessor Options

LiteWear optionSnugfit (3 sizes)These can be chosen forany age and lifestyle

(seehttp://www.cochlearamericas.com/nucleus5/accessories_popup.html forphotos)

Harmony: Off the earpower option reducingportion worn on earPlatinum Series body

worn processor withmicrophone on headpiece

BabyBTEChildrens Battery Pack Remote Battery Pack FM Extension Battery Pack for connecting assistivelistening devices or FMsystems at ear-level(seehttp://www.medel.at/english/30_Products/01_MAESTRO/opus2/02_wearing_options.php for photos)

How Magnet Strength isAdjusted

Different strengthmagnets can be screwedin or out to furthertighten or loosen.

You order a magnet andthe order has to comefrom your audiologist asthe audiologist will add or

Audiologist can add orremove magnetic disksfrom the headset.


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Magnet strength can beeasily adjusted by theparent or CI user withoutan audiologistappointment. This isconvenient especially forgirls whose hair thicknesschanges depending upon

whether they wear theirhair down or up in aponytail.

remove magnetic disksfrom the headset. 23

FM Connection - Any FM system withEuro plug connection- Any FM accessiblethrough T-coil

iConnect provides cable-free connectivity to mostcommonly available FMreceivers.

FM Battery Pack for easyplug and play wirelessaccess at ear level. Allowsconnection to any battery-operated assistivelistening device oraccessory (such as anmp3 player or Bluetoothreceiver) using thestandard Euro connection.FM/ALD input is availableon any program withoutthe need for specialsettings. A stereo cableconnection is alsoavailable for bilaterallyimplanted users to have astereo listening experiencefrom an mp3 player orsimilar.

Water Resistance IP44 (Protected againstwater spray from any

direction)IP57** with Rechargeablebattery

Two-fold advanced waterprotection: a Xylex

plastic case that resistswater penetration, and aspecial coating.Advertised as splash andsweat proof but not toformal IP standards.

Advertised as watertolerant but not to

formal IP standards.

Telephone Use AutoPhone technologyin conjunction with built-in telecoil. Recipients canautomatically connect toa variety of signal sources

with no manual switching.Built-in telecoil isavailable on any listeningprogram.

Built-in Telecoil; T-Mic provides addedconvenience when usingtelephones and consumerelectronic products 33

Built-in Telecoil isavailable on any listeningprogram.

COMPANYCOMMITTMENT

CustomerSupport

http://www.cochlearamericas.com/Support/33.asp

http://www.advancedbionics.com/Support_Center/Customer_Support/index.cfm?langid=1

http://www.medel.com/us /show4/index/id/4/title/USER-SUPPORT.


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(Re)habilitationSoftware/Programs

All of theseproducts/programs are

available, either for free

or for purchase, by any CIuser. The auditoryrehabilitation exercises in

these programs apply toanyone seeking aural

rehabilitation, regardlessof the brand of implant

use.

-Sound and Way BeyondDVDhttp://www.cochlearamericas.com/support/2427.asp

($99 online for Nucleusrecipients. Others need tocall Cochlear to purchase.)

- Telephone WithConfidence - (Accessiblethroughwww.cochlearcommunity.com )

(Free)

Hope Notes - a programuniquely developed forcochlear implant andhearing aid usersdesigned to help improvemusic perception andappreciation using originalsongs, traditional Folk,Blues & Country stylesand some familiar tunes

played in unexpectedways.(https://webstore.cochlear.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?section=10194&item=646647

(Available for $19.99online)

The Listening Roomhttp://www.hearingjourney.com/listening_room/index.cfm?langid=1

(Available online to all)

Bridge - to BetterCommunicationhttp://www.medel.com/US/img/download/BRIDGE_Catalog.pdf

(Multiple productsavailable for purchaseonline. Costs range fromFree to $910.)

Backward Compatibility

History of Processors

CP810 currently backward

compatible to FreedomImplant. It will be madebackward compatible toN24, and N22 implants.All the other processors,which includes Freedom,3G, and Esprit, are fullybackward compatible toN24 and N22 Implant.

-Auria and Harmony

backwards compatible to -CII and 90K recipients25

(Harmony processor notcompatible with fireflyearhook, Auria AA powerpack, or the systemsensor test wand 24)-Platinum BTE for 1st

generation Clarion usersbut very short battery life-Harmony available for

OPUS 2 is back compatibleto all previous MED-ELimplants.


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C1/1.2 users, secondaryto release of Soundwave2.0 software - announcedSeptember 13, 2010 34

Initial Warranty Internal: 10 yearsProcessor: 3 years repairand one time

replacement for theft orloss 31

ESCO policy also availablefor theft and loss.

Internal: 10 yearsProcessor: 3 years notincluding theft or loss

ESCO policy also availablefor theft and loss

Internal: 10 yearsProcessor: 3 yearsincluding one free-of-

charge replacement for astolen, lost or damagedprocessor 26

ExtendedWarranty

Options

1 year service plan, 3options, plus AdvanceProcessor Purchase Planproviding 5 years ofprotectionSeehttp://www.cochlearamericas.com/Support/2166.asp for all details

1 year service planSeehttp://www.advancedbionics.com/UserFiles/File/ExtSrvAgreement-Terms-US-Flyer.pdf

ESCO policy also availablefor theft and loss.

Facilitation of CommunityConnections

Cochlear CommunityNetwork, CochlearAwareness VolunteerNetwork, Nucleus Forum,Semi-Annual CochlearCelebration, CochlearImplant Education Events,Graeme Clark Scholarship

Hearing Journey onlinecommunity, Connect to aMentor, Bionic EarAssociation

Hear PeersMED-EL Patient SupportTeamMED-EL CommunityCochlear Implant ExpoEvents

SAFETY

MRI Compatibility U.S.Yes, 1.5 tesla with internalmagnet removed

Europe:medium strength MRI upto 1.5 Tesla with magnetin place

high-powered MRI up to 3Tesla with magnetremoved in a simpleoutpatient procedure.

U.S.Yes, 1.5 tesla with internalmagnet removed

U.S.Yes, FDA approved for 0.2Tesla with magnet inplace

Europe1.5 Tesla with magnet inplace


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Internal ImplantDimensions

Thickness at receiver-stimulator: 3.9 mm 21

Surgical Drilling Depth: 2mm

Width: 28 mmLength: 56 mmCoil diameter: 20 mmSurgical drilling depth: 3mm 20

Sonata:Stimulator HousingLength: 17.4 mmWidth: 24.8 mmThickness: 5.9 mmOverall ImplantDimensionsLength: 45.7 mm

Width at coil: 29.0 mmWidth at stimulator: 24.8mmThickness at coil: 3.7 mmThickness at stimulator:5.9 mmWeight: 8.6 g19

Surgical Drilling Depth: 2mm

Association of Processorwith Specific Implant

yes Intellilink Safety FeatureImportant for youngchildren and bilateralrecipients. The Intellilinkfeature locks customizedprograms to therecipients specificimplant so that theimplant cannot beactivated with a differentprocessor.

IRIS implantidentification

MED-ELs unique implantidentification feature,IRIS (IndividualRecognition of theImplant System), preventsstimulation fromoccurring if the incorrectspeech processor is worn.This is particularlyimportant for children

with bilateral implantsand for school and groupsituations with numerouschildren using implants.

Features of ElectrodeArray to MinimizeCochlear Damage

SoftipA patented Softip at theend of electrode arrayallows for gentle insertionin order to minimize therisk of damage to thedelicate cochleastructures

Specially designedelectrode array with wave-shaped wiring andrecessed contacts for anatraumatic electrodeinsertion. These soft,

flexible electrodes aredesigned to provide thecapability for CompleteCochlear Coverage(maximal use of the entirecochlea).

Other Internal implant 2 timesstronger than previousgeneration Nucleusimplant Nucleus Freedom

Safety locks: All OPUS 2wearing options can belocked to ensure that noparts of the speech


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Tamper resistant batterylock

processor can beremoved or tamperedwith.

SoundGuard: The OPUSspeech processors self-monitor all programmed

data continuously toprotect againstinconsistencies, forexample as a result ofstatic electricity. If aproblem is detectedSoundGuardautomatically stopsstimulation and the StatusLight flashes. By turningthe processor off and on,all map information isrestored, and no furtheraction is required by theuser.

Switch-free designprevents inadvertentchanges to program orvolume settings. Becauseof the Automatic SoundManagement feature,most users do not need tochange settings during theday and therefore do notneed to carry theFineTuner remote controlwith them. This feature isespecially useful for smallchildren who cant beresponsible for manuallyadjusting their processorbased on theenvironment.

One FineTuner can controltwo processors, allowingbilaterally implantedpatients the freedom fromkeeping track of extraaccessories. Its batterylasts more than one yearand is easily andinexpensively replaced.


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ACCESSIBILITY

Location of ImplantCenters in Major

Geographic Areas

Seehttp://www.cochlearamericas.com/Support/38.asp

to find a clinic near you.

http://www.advancedbionics.com/clinics/index.cf m?langid=1

http://www.medel.at/english/clinic-finder/Asia-test.php

Number ofRecipients

Worldwide

140,000+

1 BTE = Behind the Ear2 BWP = Body Worn Processor3Pitch Percepts4http://cochlearimplantonline.com/Research/JaceWolfe2010.pdf5IDR Range of sound heard from softest to loudest. Normal hearing dynamic range = 120 db.6http://www.advancedbionics.com/UserFiles/File/ReliabilityRev4.pdf7http://www.advancedbionics.com/UserFiles/File/2-091799_Cons-Reliabilty%20Report%2008-rv1.pdf8http://www.barnplantorna.se/UserFiles/file/cochlear/Device%20failures%20in%20EUropean%20CI%20centre%20Cochlear.pdf, AMulticenter Study of Device Failure in European Cochlear Implant Centers , Battmer, Rolf-Dieter, Gerald M. ODonoghue, ThomasLenarz, Ear & Hearing, 20079http://professionals.cochlearamericas.com/sites/default/files/resources/N33357F_ISS1_JUNE08_Reliablility_Report_AQM.pdf 10http://www.medel.com/english/img/animations/SONATA_CSR.swf 11http://www.medel.at/english/img/animations/PULSAR_CSR.swf 12http://www.advancedbionics.com/printables/reliabilityreport2006.pdf13 Norkus, Ashley Nicole,The History of Cochlear Implants , Bloomsburg University, June 2007.14http://mdiconsultants.com/section_ni/fda_recalls/recallarchive11.htm15Sabine Haumann Thomas Lenarz Andreas Bchner. Speech Perception with Cochlear Implants as Measured Using a Roving-LevAdaptive Test Method. ORL 2010;72:31231816 http://www.medel.com/US/MAESTRO-Cochlear-Implant-System/Speech-Processors/Automatic-Sound-Management.php17MED-EL FSP Clinical Trial, 2008. Data on file at MED-EL.18 http://www.medel.com/US/img/download/20869_FineHearing.pdf19 http://www.medel.com/US/img/download/20748%28Sonata_Datasheet%29US.pdf 20 http://www.advancedbionics.com/For_Professionals/Technical_Product_Details/HiRes_90K_Implant.cfm?langid=121 http://nucleus5.cochlear.com/uk/thinner-stronger-cochlear-implant-built-life-022 http://www.advancedbionics.com/UserFiles/File/HiRes90K_Harmony_System_Package-Insert_9055522-001_Rev-C.pdf 23Advanced Bionics customer service rep24http://www.advancedbionics.com/printables/compatibilitychart.pdf25http://www.advancedbionics.com/products/product_Upgrades/index.cfm?langid=126http://www.medel.com/US/img/download/maestro3.0_faq.pdf27 Brough et al. (2010) Speech discrimination scores using the latest generation of speech processors28 http://www.advancedbionics.com/Products/Harmony_HiResolution_Bionic_Ear_System/Power_Options.cfm?langid=129 http://nucleus5.cochlear.com/uk/processor-built-last-active-lifetime30 http://nucleus5.cochlear.com/uk/safe-powerful-battery-choices31 http://products.cochlearamericas.com/support/cochlear-implants/warranty-information andhttp://www.cochlear.com/au/warranty32http://cochlearimplantonline.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/2267-09_Download_en.pdf33http://www.advancedbionics.com/Products/Harmony_HiResolution_Bionic_Ear_System/Connectivity_Options.cfm?langid=134http://www.advancedbionics.com/CMS/upgradec1.aspx35http://cochlearimplantonline.com/Research/FUN656_Pitch%20Steering_WhitePaper.pdf36http://cochlearimplantonline.com/Research/Dual-electrode%20pitch%20discrimination%20.pdf 37http://cochlearimplantonline.com/Research/HiRes%20120%20White%20Paper%20(090706).pdf

*DISCLAIMER This brand comparison chart is NOT affiliated with Cochlear, Med-el, and Advanced Bionics. Please use itown discretion, and we still recommend consulting with the CI manufacturing companies, surgeons, and audiologists to get morinformation.


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2011 Cochlear Implant Online Last Updated 05/13/2011 Rachel Chaikof, Melissa Chaikof, Elizabeth BoschiniSpecial thanks to Darla Franz, an employee from Med-El, for supplying with information on Med-El.

cochlear implant brand comparison latest models only 2

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