Cochlear has launched the Cochlear Nucleus Nexa System, the world’s first and only smart cochlear implant system.
New Zealand-born Stu Sayers, President of Asia Pacific and Latin America at Cochlear, explained that the Cochlear Nucleus Nexa System has completely reimagined the internal components of the hearing device.
“There are more than 10 years of research and development advancements built into the new Nucleus Nexa System. Powered by the new state-of-the-art chip, the Nexa System marks the beginning of a new era in smart hearing implants, serving as the platform for Cochlear’s future smart implant innovations. This latest release represents a significant step forward in technology not just in our industry but importantly for people living with hearing loss,” said Sayers.
“The Nucleus Nexa System comes with a distinct advantage, it is the world’s first cochlear implant with built-in memory, allowing user’s personalised hearing settings (MAPS) to be stored securely in the implant. This advancement brings a greater level of personalisation to the hearing implant and offers unmatched convenience and efficiency.”
Sayers said previously, if users misplaced or damaged their sound processor, they would need to visit a clinic and may experience a few hours or even days of what’s called ‘time off air’ being unable to hear with their cochlear implant. With the Nucleus Nexa System users will have access to a brand-new feature called ‘Smart Sync’ which automatically copies and synchronises MAPs allowing users to hear again in a matter of seconds.
The groundbreaking Nucleus Nexa System also offers the world’s first hearing implant solution with upgradeable firmware, revolutionising the way people with hearing loss access can future technology. Today’s conventional implants 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.
Jan Janssen, Chief Technology Officer at Cochlear, likened the Nucleus Nexa Implant to a smartphone for hearing.
“This is the first cochlear implant in the world with its own firmware, meaning users can upgrade to new features and innovations throughout their lifetime. Just like a smartphone receives a firmware update, now people with a Cochlear implant can stay connected to the latest technology updates seamlessly today and well into the future,” said Janssen.
“The Nucleus Nexa System combines more than 40 years of proven reliability of our trusted implants and technology leadership, with the cutting-edge new chipset 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.”
Hearing loss affects one in five New Zealanders across Aotearoa, with the emotional, social, and financial impacts felt at every stage of their life. It can manifest in various ways such as difficulty following conversations, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, or struggling to hear on the phone. Nearly 30 percent of people with hearing loss report feeling isolated, while over 70 percent experience communication challenges that can strain relationships and reduce social participation.
Lee Schoushkoff, CEO of Pindrop Foundation, a national patient advocacy group, explained the impact of living with hearing loss and encouraged Kiwis to ask for support from a health professional.
“Hearing loss can profoundly affect daily life, including communication, social interactions, and mental well-being. For many New Zealanders, a cochlear implant will help provide access to sound clarity so they can enjoy the world around them,” said Schoushkoff.
“When older Kiwis face hearing difficulties despite using hearing aids, they are often not aware of other options. It’s a conversation they should be having with their health professional or audiologist if their hearing aids are not working well, they should be asking, ‘What other options are there?” said Schoushkoff.”
Dr Michel Neeff FRACS MD, ENT Surgeon and Clinical Director of the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme for Adults in Auckland, highlighted the importance of identifying and treating hearing loss.
“Reluctance to acknowledge hearing difficulties is far more common than we might think. Some people will struggle for years or even decades before acting on their hearing. Early diagnosis is key, and I would urge anyone that is concerned about their hearing, or a loved one's hearing, to discuss it with a professional."
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. 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.
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