Skip to main content

Speak with a hearing specialist: 1-866-844-4327

Find a Clinic
Support
Professionals
Login
Australia
Advanced Bionics Logo

Advanced Bionics cochlear implant news 

December 4, 2023

Breakthrough Marvel cochlear implant technology now offers more hearing options with CROS device and supports remote programming.

Valencia, California, December 4, 2023 – Advanced Bionics (AB), a global leader in cochlear implant technology, received FDA approval and announces expansion of Marvel CI product and feature offerings to improve hearing care delivery and patient outcomes, including:
 

  • Remote Programming via patient’s smartphone using AB Remote Support app, making hearing care more accessible for cochlear implant (CI) patients 
  • Linked two-ear solutions including with a CROS device, allowing more CI patients to hear well from both sides 
  • Target CI version 1.5, an even more efficient version of our programming software for both cochlear implants and hearing instruments

Remote programming enables virtual CI adjustments with hearing care professionals

Cochlear implant patients often have to travel long distances to reach clinics for appointments with their hearing care professionals (HCPs). For others, mobility issues or busy schedules make receiving timely and necessary care for their CI and hearing needs challenging. AB’s new Remote Support app allows remote checking and programming using their smartphone.
 

The Remote Support app also allows HCPs to remotely and directly adjust settings for their patients’ Marvel CI sound processor and compatible Phonak hearing aid or CROS. This way, patients can discuss their progress, get their questions answered in real-time, and even receive full CI programming without a visit to the clinic. Remote Programming is another step towards improving accessibility for hearing healthcare for as many people as possible.

Expanded linked two-ear solutions including Phonak CROS device

Hearing with both ears provides a better sense of where sounds are coming from, allows people to hear better in noisy situations, and makes hearing less tiring.1,2,3 Together with our sister company Phonak, AB remains the only manufacturer to offer linked two-ear solutions with hearing aids and cochlear implants designed to communicate and work together as a pair. Now AB’s Marvel will also be the only CI system with a CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signal) device. With the introduction of the Phonak CROS device, AB gives people who hear with cochlear implants more possibilities to hear from all around them.
 

For people who have severe to profound hearing loss in both ears but hear with only one Marvel CI, having a CROS device on the other ear allows it to pick up sounds from that side and transmit them to the Marvel CI. This way, listeners can have a more complete sense of their surroundings and follow conversations from all directions, especially in noisy situations such as restaurants or in the car. Together with a pair of Marvel CI sound processors, or a bimodal pairing with Marvel CI and a Phonak Link M hearing aid, the introduction of CROS makes Marvel the only CI system with linked bilateral, bimodal, and CROS configurations.

Target CI version 1.5 is now better than ever

Target CI is designed to be the smarter CI fitting software, giving professionals the flexibility to meet their patient-specific needs. Since its introduction, it remains the only software which allows professionals to program a cochlear implant and the associated bimodal hearing aid with one software in one fitting session. Its intuitive workflow and user-centric design and features are made for faster fittings, allowing professionals to spend more time with their patients, rather than the software.

The new Version 1.5 is even more powerful, with usability enhancements related to workflow, ease of use, convenience, and professional performance. In addition to bimodal fittings, it now also supports programming and configuration of the compatible Phonak CROS device together with a Marvel CI. Target CI Version 1.5 has also reintroduced some of the popular features from the previous AB fitting software Soundwave, and HCPs can now import patient data from AB’s cochlear health monitoring tool, the AIM system.
 

“Since its introduction in 2020, Marvel CI has redefined hearing performance with cochlear implants," said Victoria E.Carr-Brendel, Ph.D., GVP, Sonova Group and President of Advanced Bionics. "Marvel CI’s universal Bluetooth connectivity, dedicated sound processor for children, and integrated compatibility with Phonak hearing devices are still features that are unique and unmatched on the market. The launch of these extended Marvel CI features today continues to demonstrate our focus on making it easier to hear and live with cochlear implants. Remote Programming gives people easier access to their hearing care professionals. The new CROS device allows more people with Marvel CIs to hear where sounds are coming from. And Target CI Version 1.5 allows professionals to serve their patients with even greater efficiency. Our mission has always been to allow people to live a life without limitations. And this launch is yet another big step towards that ultimate goal.”
 

For more information, please visit: advancedbionics.com

About Advanced Bionics

Advanced Bionics is a global leader in developing hearing solutions for individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss who no longer benefit from hearing aids. Founded in 1993 and a subsidiary of Sonova Group since 2009, AB develops cutting-edge cochlear implant technology that allows recipients to hear their best. AB joined Phonak as part of Sonova Group’s family of companies and began a collaboration unlike any other in the industry. Since then, the innovation leaders in cochlear implants and hearing aids have continuously combined technologies to deliver new, unequalled hearing solutions.
 

With sales in more than 50 countries and a proven track record for developing high-performing, state-of-the-art products, AB’s talented worldwide group of technologists and professionals are driven to engage with patients and professionals, work with integrity, and stay firmly committed to the best possible performance.

Media Contact

Advanced Bionics LLC
Email: Media.Relations@advancedbionics.com

  1. Koch DB, Soli SD, Downing M, and Osberger MJ. 2009. Simultaneous Bilateral Cochlear Implantation: Prospective Study in Adults. Cochlear Implants International (February 26), Cochlear Implants International, n/a. doi: 10.1002/cii.413

  2. Zeitler D, et al. 2008. Speech Perception Benefits of Sequential Bilateral Cochlear Implantation in Children and Adults: A Retrospective Analysis. Otology & Neurotology. 29 (3): 314-325.

  3. Dunn, C, et al. 2008. Comparison of Speech Recognition and Localization Performance in Bilateral and Unilateral Cochlear Implant Users Matched on Duration of Deafness and Age of Implantation. Ear and Hearing. 29 (3): 352-359.

October 17, 2022

Advanced Bionics illustrates how life with a cochlear implant can help people with hearing loss connect with their loved ones.

VALENCIA, CA, USA, October 17, 2022 – Advanced Bionics, a global leader in cochlear implant technology, launches an emotional patient ‘connection’ campaign. Following the successful launch of their Naída CI Marvel for adults and Sky CI Marvel for children in 2020, this new campaign is designed to highlight the human truth that our lives are enriched and fulfilled by deep and meaningful connections with those around us, and that sound enables those connections. 
 

‘The MOMENT’ campaign showcases people who hear with Advanced Bionics cochlear implants and their families. This is the first time Advanced Bionics, or any hearing company, has presented real, emotional human stories through the eyes of a loved one. This differentiated approach is designed to underline the power of sound in a visceral way that will inspire people to think deeper about hearing loss and to seek effective treatment options for it, such as through cochlear implants. 
 

The campaign will kick off with three family stories through video in October. Over the next few months, Advanced Bionics will share and promote the stories about seven different individuals with their loved ones, spanning the range of different hearing experiences, including patient demographics, onset and type of hearing loss, as well as technology used.  

“As a medical technology company, our day-to-day work is often focused on products and features. But more fundamentally, what drive and inspire all of us at Advanced Bionics are the people who use our cochlear implants, and the transformational difference our products can make in their lives,” said Victoria Carr-Brendel, PhD, president of Advanced Bionics. “‘The MOMENT’ campaign is our homage to these people and their families. Their stories, told through every day, yet profound and extraordinary moments they shared together because of our cochlear implants, are the quintessential reflection of Advanced Bionics’ mission. But even more importantly, we hope that they inspire those with hearing loss to seek effective treatment for it so that they don’t miss any more connection moments with their loved ones.” 

“All my life, I was always eager to share my hearing story with those around me. My wife Heather and I were excited to share our experiences dating and becoming parents to three amazing kids,” said David Cluff, who hears with Advanced Bionics cochlear implants and is featured in ‘The MOMENT’ campaign. “Our story is so much more than just ‘I can hear.’ It’s ‘I can hear my kids tell me “I love you!” to “I had a rough day.” Our hearing journey is not perfect, but it is a journey we love to share with everyone.”
 

To watch ‘The MOMENT’ hearing stories, please visit advancedbionics.com/themoment. 

About Advanced Bionics

Advanced Bionics is a global leader in developing hearing solutions for individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss who no longer benefit from hearing aids. 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 joined Phonak as part of the Sonova Group of companies and began a collaboration unlike any other in the industry. Since then, the innovation leaders in cochlear implants and hearing aids have continuously combined technologies to deliver new, unequalled hearing solutions. With sales in more than 50 countries and a proven track record for developing high-performing, state-of-the-art products, AB’s talented worldwide group of technologists and professionals are driven to engage with patients and professionals, work with integrity, and stay firmly committed to the best possible performance.

Media Contact

Advanced Bionics LLC
Email: Media.Relations@advancedbionics.com

October 26, 2021

Sky CI Marvel is the world’s first dedicated sound processor for children

Valencia, CA, October 26, 2021 – Advanced Bionics, a global leader in cochlear implant technology, announced today that it has been recognized with a Hearing Technology Innovator Award for its SKY CI™ M sound processor by Hearing Health & Technology Matters for its technological innovation and achievement in the hearing industry.
 

“We’re honored to be recognized with this industry award. Advanced Bionics’ SKY CI M is a cochlear implant industry first which acknowledges that children are not small adults. Children's listening needs, wearing requirements and daily listening situations are different from those of adults,” said Victoria E. Carr-Brendel, Ph.D., GVP, Sonova Group and President of Advanced Bionics. 
 

Sky CI Marvel is the world’s first dedicated sound processor for children that combines proven AB sound processing with the established Marvel platform from Phonak, a global leader in pediatric hearing care. AutoSense Sky OS™ 3.0 operating system is a machine-learning algorithm uniquely designed for a child’s typical listening situations, automatically providing excellent sound quality and performance wherever the child goes.
 

Offering a wide variety of wearing options, child-preferred colors, and waterproof accessories, Sky CI Marvel offers flexibility for a growing child’s adventures, whether at the pool or in school. 
 

Its integrated Roger™ technology help kids hear their teachers and conversation partners in classrooms, cafeterias, and auditoriums directly in their ears, bypassing noise in the environment. Plus, direct smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth® and the intuitive AB Remote app help kids stay connected with the world around them throughout their day.
 

“Hearing technologies being developed by companies like Advanced Bionics are helping set the standard for innovation in the industry,” said Kevin Liebe, Hearing Health & Technology Matters President and CEO.

About Advanced Bionics

Advanced Bionics is a global leader in developing hearing solutions for individuals with severe and profound hearing loss who no longer benefit from hearing aids. 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 joined Phonak as part of the Sonova Group of companies and began a collaboration unlike any other in the industry. Since then, the innovation leaders in cochlear implants and hearing aids have continuously combined technologies to deliver new, unequalled hearing solutions.
 

With sales in more than 50 countries and a proven track record for developing high-performing, state-of-the-art products, AB’s talented worldwide group of technologists and professionals are driven to engage with patients and professionals, work with integrity, and stay firmly committed to the best possible performance.

About the Hearing Technology Innovator Awards

The Hearing Technology Innovator Awards™ is an annual international awards program whereby Hearing Health & Technology Matters recognizes and celebrates innovation within the hearing industry. Learn more at https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-technology-innovator-awards.
 

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Sonova AG is under license.

Media Contact

Advanced Bionics LLC
Leigh Fazzina
Phone: 610.316.4126
Email: katherineleigh.fazzina.external@sonova.com

AB – A Sonova Brand

D000035219 - 4.2

©2024 Advanced Bionics AG and affiliates. All rights reserved.