History of Innovation

AB History Timeline

AB was founded in 1993 by Alfred E. Mann with the mission to develop implantable patient care solutions that improve quality of life.

AB evolved from two highly successful companies that developed and marketed innovative medical devices; one created new generation pacemakers, and the other developed microinfusion systems (miniature drug delivery pumps used in the treatment of diabetes). The technology behind AB’s first cochlear implant system came from the pioneering research at the University of California, San Francisco.

Since its inception, AB has consistently made industry-leading advancements in technology innovations that have helped make a difference in the lives of thousands of families worldwide.

Today, AB offers the most sophisticated cochlear implant system on the market with five times more sound resolution than its competitors, designed to allow recipients to go beyond deciphering speech to hearing music.

Now working with Phonak under the Sonova Group, AB has access to industry-leading engineering and technologies for products currently under development. These revolutionary products are designed to deliver unparalleled hearing performance, comfort, and reliability for recipients.

2020

AB launches Marvel CI product portfolio including

Sky CI M—the world’s first CI sound processor designed for children
Naída CI M—the world’s first sound processor for adults featuring wireless connectivity to virtually all Bluetooth-enabled devices
Target CI—the world’s first CI fitting software compatible with Noah database and Noahlink Wireless, and enables bimodal fittings with one software in one session

2019

AIM™ system - the world’s first commercially available monitoring and objective measurement tool for use during cochlear implant surgery and beyond
Chorus™ sound processor designed for our CIarion 1.0/1.2 implant recipients
Naida™ CI Connect wireless receiver streaming accessory

2018

HiRes™ Ultra 3D cochlear implant, the implant which offers hassle free, pain free MRI compatibility without interrupting hearing. It is the recipient of the prestigious MedTech Award 2019 for the Best Overall Medical Device Solution.

2017

Naida™ Link CROS, allowing unilateral CI recipients to hear from both sides of the head.

2016

Phonak Naida™ Link hearing aid, the first hearing aid specifically designed to work with a cochlear implant in a bimodal solution.

2015

TÜV Approval for the Naída CI Q Series of Sound Processors

2014

Advanced Bionics Launches World's First Waterproof Case for Cochlear Implant Recipients

2010

ClearVoice™* sound processing, a revolutionary sound-processing strategy

2009

Advanced Bionics is acquired by Sonova Holding AG and began working with Phonak.

2006

Harmony™ HiResolution™ Bionic Ear & HiRes Fidelity 120™ sound processing with groundbreaking current steering technology

2004

Boston Scientific Acquires Advanced Bionics

2001

CII Bionic Ear™ implant and HiFocus™ electrode
Introduction of the Bionic Ear Association, a support network for candidates and AB recipients in North America.

1996

Approval from the FDA to market the Clarion™ cochlear implant with pre-formed electrode for use in adults.

1993

Intrigued by the notion of “helping deaf people hear,” Alfred E. Mann founds Advanced Bionics and appoints Jeffrey H. Greiner to lead an organization of seven engineers and scientists.

Learn more about Advanced Bionics

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^{*Not approved for pediatric use in the United States}

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