The World’s Newest, Most Advanced Behind-the-Ear Sound Processor Receives Regulatory Approval for Commercial Release in Europe and Canada.
VALENCIA, Calif., May 22, 2013 – Advanced Bionics (AB), a global leader in cochlear implant technology and a company of the Sonova Group, announced today that the new Naída CI Q70* (Naída CI) sound processor is commercially available in Europe, Canada and several other countries in the world.
The innovation DNA of AB and Phonak have merged together for the introduction of the world’s newest, most advanced behind-the-ear sound processor. With Naída CI, AB delivers a quantum leap forward in performance and wireless connectivity with a chic, modern instyle™ design.
When AB joined the Sonova Group, its engineers immediately began collaborating with Phonak, the world’s top hearing aid manufacturer. With the introduction of Naída CI, cochlear implant recipients have access to the combined technologies of both AB and Phonak for the first time. Naída CI offers exclusive Phonak Binaural VoiceStream Technology™, with unique ear-to-ear communication, to help recipients hear speech better in noise and take the strain out of conversations. The Naída CI processor also provides UltraZoom dual-microphone technology pioneered by Phonak. When AB’s ClearVoice™** speech enhancement technology and the UltraZoom feature are used together in loud real-world settings, recipients experience a 55% improvement in speech perception.1
The comprehensive product launch also delivers AccessLine™ accessories for 100% wireless connectivity to consumer electronics by leading brands, including Apple, Samsung and Nokia. Now Bluetooth signals, music, phone calls, TV shows, FM and endless other media can be streamed wirelessly to a compatible Phonak hearing aid and a Naída CI sound processor or to two Naída CI sound processors at the same time. And to make phone communication easier than ever, bilateral recipients using Naída CI processors can answer calls handsfree and stream calls wirelessly to both ears simultaneously.
Sized 40% smaller than AB’s previous behind-the-ear processor, Naída CI sound processors are incredibly lightweight for barely noticeable on and off-ear comfort. Featuring the world’s only instyle™ design, the Naída CI color collection provides modern styling, from subtle hues that blend with hair and skin tones to chic shades that make a fashion statement.
“When we develop any product, our commitment is to always provide the best possible hearing. We understand that people using our products are also looking for modern aesthetics like we offered with our Neptune™ processor. Naída CI fulfills that promise and is designed to deliver a quantum leap forward in performance and wireless connectivity in a small, attractive package,” said Hansjuerg Emch, President of
Advanced Bionics and Group Vice President of the Sonova Medical Division within which AB resides.
With the launch of the Naída CI processor, AB is also launching the T-Mic™ 2 microphone, which delivers the same great performance of the previous model with a discreet new design as well as improved aesthetics, comfort and durability. Additionally, AB is also launching HiRes™ Optima sound processing** for optimized battery life and the same industry-leading performance of HiRes Fidelity 120™**. Proven AB sound processing, including ClearVoice**, HiRes Fidelity 120 and AutoSound™, are fully compatible with the new processor for improved hearing that helps recipients excel in school, succeed at work and stay closely connected to loved ones.
For more information about the Naída CI sound processor or Advanced Bionics, contact a local AB representative or visit AdvancedBionics.com.
About Advanced Bionics
Advanced Bionics is a global leader in developing the most advanced cochlear implant systems in the world. Founded in 1993 and a subsidiary of the Sonova Group since 2009, AB develops cutting-edge cochlear implant technology that allows recipients to hear their best.
AB offers the most sophisticated cochlear implant system on the market, the HiResolution™ Bionic Ear System, with five times more sound resolution than its competitors, designed to help recipients hear in noisy settings and enjoy the full dimensions of music.
With sales in over 50 countries and a proven track record for developing highperforming, state-of-the-art products, AB’s talented group of technologists and professionals from all over the world are driven to succeed, work with integrity and stay firmly committed to quality.
To learn more about AB and its innovative cochlear implant technology, please visit AdvancedBionics.com or the Advanced Bionics Expo Page on AudiologyOnline.
1. Buechner A, Dyballa K-H, Hehrmann P, Fredelake S, Lenarz T. Advanced beamformers for cochlear implant users in challenging listening conditions. Submitted to Otology & Neurotology, 2013.
Apple® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd.
Nokia is a registered trademark of Nokia Corporation.
*Pending regulatory approval in the United States.
**Not approved for pediatric use in the United States.
