Everyone we have come into contact with at AB has been nothing less than wonderful. They really care about you and your experiences and are ready to answer any questions that come up. They listen to your concerns and really make you feel like you're not alone and that your feedback matters.
Welcome to the world of powerful connections.
Welcome to Advanced Bionics
Are you deciding if a Cochlear Implant is right for you, your child or loved one?
Would you like to know more about Cochlear Implants and how they may benefit you or your loved one?
Do you want learn more about Advanced Bionics (AB), what makes us unique and how we can support you and your family both today and in the future?
We are here to help.
This webpage is dedicated to adults, teenagers and families of young children who are considering a cochlear implant. Here you will find an overview of AB’s unique life-changing technology, useful cochlear implant and related resources, links to other useful information sites, upcoming events and updates from your Advanced Bionics Support and Community Team.
Would you like to find out more about Advanced Bionics cochlear implants? Click here, to book a virtual (captioned) or in‑person meeting with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Support and Community Specialists.
Useful Links
What is a Cochlear Implant?
Watch this video to find out how a cochlear implant works.
To learn more about how a cochlear implant works, click here.
Introducing Our Latest Technology
AB is proud to be the industry leader in developing reliable, high quality, and sophisticated hearing solutions which open up the world of sound for our wearers around the world. Studies have consistently demonstrated the advantages of AB technology in areas such as speech understanding, voice discrimination, and music recognition and enjoyment.1,2,3
Bringing the benefits of Phonak Marvel to CI wearers.
Naída™ CI M sound processor offers a powerful hearing experience with excellent sound quality in a variety of situations and built-in connectivity solutions. It provides effortless comfort and convenience and ultimate ease of use for staying connected throughout the day.
The world’s first CI sound processor designed with children in mind.
We want to give our children the world. Sky CI™ M gives children a powerful hearing experience, the flexibility for a growing child’s adventures, and the ultimate ease of use for staying connected with their world around them.
HiRes Ultra 3D Cochlear Implant
AB’s most advanced and reliable cochlear implant.
The HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant gives you reliability and quality you can count on. It’s future-ready so that it will work with new technology to improve your or your child’s hearing in years to come. The HiRes Ultra 3D implant’s unique design allows adults and children to safely have high-resolution imaging, such as 3.0 Tesla MRIs, without any preparation, surgery, or head bandaging.
AB Remote Programming lets your hearing care professional adjust your CI settings without a clinic visit.
For many of us, it’s hard to find time in our busy lives to go to their CI clinic. For others, their CI clinic may be far away or difficult to get to. That’s why AB created Remote Programming for Marvel CI. The AB Remote Support app let's you virtually meet your hearing healthcare professionals for finetuning and programming adjustments from the comfort and convenience of your own home. This means getting hearing care with your Marvel CI is now more convenient than ever!
Why Choose an Advanced Bionics Cochlear Implant?
Choosing the journey to hearing with a cochlear implant is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make for yourself, child or loved one's. The cochlear implant system you decide to choose is an important, lifelong decision that will affect every step of your child's or loved ones journey to hearing.
At Advanced Bionics, we believe everyone can live without the limitations of hearing loss. Only AB offers the industry’s most advanced technology designed to deliver better hearing performance in the challenging listening environments encountered throughout the day. When you choose an Advanced Bionics cochlear implant system, you will benefit from AB’s unique advantages:
A hassle-free MRI experience with Ultra 3D Implant
We believe that an MRI procedure should be hassle free for you or your child. That is why our innovative multi-magnet assembly in the HiRes Ultra 3D implant provides alignment to the external MRI magnetic field, allowing you safe high-resolution imaging, such as 3.0 Tesla MRIs, without any preparation, surgery or head bandaging. The alignment provided by the multi-magnet assembly ensures that the powerful forces generated during an MRI don't cause any torque, pressure, tugging or discomfort. This means pain free MRI procedures and uninterrupted hearing every time.
For more information, click here.
Surgeons share thoughts on MRI and the Ultra 3D implant
Professional’s Experience with the Ultra 3D Cochlear Implant for MRI
AB's exclusive sound processing technologies
Of all the important features to consider when choosing the right cochlear implant system for you, your child or loved one nothing matters more than the technology you’ll rely on to help you hear your world.
AB offers the most cutting-edge, sophisticated sound processing for high-performance hearing.
AB’s unique cochlear implant sound processing technologies such as current steering and independent output circuits allow you or your love one to hear five times more specific sounds than any other CI. What does that mean? Imagine the keyboard of a piano. Whereas other implants may allow you to hear only every fifth note on the keyboard, HiRes Ultra 3D would allow you to hear, and differentiate, all the keys on that piano.
In everyday life, AB’s CI system can help you or your loved one hear all the details of sound: birds chirping, rain falling, the various layers of music. For a child, it allows them to hear all the details necessary to understand speech and develop strong language skills. 1-3
ClearVoice™* is the industry’s first and only sound processing which can help you understand speech better, even in noisy places.4 This unique feature separates the distracting noises from the voices you want to hear, so that you can enjoy conversations with ease. It can even help you better understand the words of that great song you just heard on the radio.
For children, ClearVoice has also been proven to help them understand speech better in noise, such as busy classrooms.5
For more information, click here.
- Firszt JB, Koch DB, Downing M, Litvak L. (2007) Current steering creates additional pitch percepts in adult cochlear implant recipients. Otology and Neurotology, 28(5):629-636.
- Quick A, Koch DB, Osberger MJ. (2007). HiResolution with Fidelity 120 Sound Processing: Listening Benefits in CII and HiRes 90K Implant Users. Poster Presentation at the Conference on Implantable Auditory Prostheses, July 15-20, Lake Tahoe, CA.
- Mirza S, Douglas SA, Lindsey P, Hildreth T, Hawthorne M. (2003). Appreciation of Music in Adult Patients with Cochlear Implants. Cochlear Implants International. 4(2): 85-95.
- Advanced Bionics. (2012). ClearVoice Clinical Results. White paper.
- Schramm D, Pickard E, Beauregard Y, Moran L. (2010). Evaluation of the ClearVoice Strategy in Children using HiResolution Fidelity 120 Sound Processing. Poster Presentation at the 11th International Conference on Cochlear Implants and Other Implantable Auditory Technologies, Stockholm, SE. June 30-July 3.
Designed for all your listening needs
The sounds on the beach are different from family movie nights or dinner at a restaurant. Marvel CI’s AutoSense™ OS 3.0 Operating System can sense the sounds around you and use artificial intelligence to automatically give you the right blend of settings, programs, and features to help you or your loved one hear their best.
Designed by engineers at Phonak, AutoSense gives you better hearing in noise, without the need to make adjustments. You can move through your day without worrying about having the best hearing experience.
For children, AutoSense Sky OS 3.0 is the world’s-first sound processing steering feature designed just for them. It is made for places like classrooms and playgrounds, so that you can have peace of mind that wherever your child goes, their CI system will be set to help them hear their best.
For more information, click here.
Automated sound processing for the most challenging environments, AutoSense OS 3.0
With the world of sound all around us, hearing well from both ears at the same time makes each moment feel more complete. When we hear with two hearing devices that work together, we're able to enjoy richer and clearer sound. For people hearing in stereo again, or for the first time, linked two-ear solutions can be life-changing, offering the most flexible and natural way to hear.
Linked two-ear solutions by Marvel are unlike any other on the market. That’s because AB and our sister company Phonak work together to create hearing devices that are designed to communicate and work together as a pair. They are built on the same technology, enabling them to share sound processing and wireless connectivity features like no other.
- Enjoy conversations even in challenging listening situations
- Adjust both devices with a single control
- Stream audio to both ears*
- Matching colours**
Only AB offers a linked two-ear solution for every CI wearer. Depending on your hearing loss and needs, we have the ideal solution for you.
Two Marvel CIs
If your audiologist recommends two cochlear implants, two Marvel CIs offer the best stereo hearing with severe to profound hearing loss in both ears. Hearing with two cochlear implants can help you know where sounds are coming from, understand speech better in noisy places, and make hearing less tiring.¹²³
Marvel CI + Phonak Link M Hearing Aid
If you need a CI in one ear and a hearing aid in the other, there’s no better choice than an AB and Phonak combination. You can enjoy a better sound quality, stream phone calls and music to both ears, and even control both devices with a single button.
Marvel CI + CROS
If you hear with a cochlear implant in one ear but do not have any hearing in your other ear, you are only hearing half of your world. The CROS collects the sounds from one side and sends it to the Marvel CI on your other ear. This way, you can hear voices and sounds on both sides, and follow conversations without having to turn your head, even when it gets noisy.
*When paired with another Marvel CI or Phonak Link M hearing aid
**Where available
Advanced Bionics cochlear implants are indicated for severe-to-profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss or severe-to-profound unilateral hearing loss.
- 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
- 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.
- Dunn, C, et al. (2008). Comparison of Speech Recognition and Localization Performance in Bilateral and Unilateral Cochlear Implant Users Matched on Duration of Deafness at Age of Implantation. Ear and Hearing. 29 (3): 352-359.
Wireless Connectivity: Direct music and audio streaming
Life today is about connections, and that’s only becoming more important as technology advances. With Marvel CI, you can enjoy simple, effortless wireless connectivity to all your favourite devices.
Once connected, you can experience excellent hearing in the workplace, enhanced sound of your favourite shows and music, and direct connections with family and friends over the phone or on video chat. The integration of Bluetooth and Phonak Roger accessories means that navigating these connections is easy and intuitive.
For more information, click here.
Fully Integrated Wireless Connectivity
Unlike any other cochlear implant platform, Naída CI M and Sky CI M offers the ability to stream calls and audio directly from virtually every smartphone and Bluetooth®-enabled device.
Marvel CI offers unique microphone options to ensure the system continues to provide you with the best sound in every eventuality, even when the processor needs to be worn off the ear.
AB is the only company to offer the patented T-Mic microphone placed at the opening of the ear cancal. Compared to behind-the-ear, this strategic placement utilises the outer ear's natural sound-gathering capabilities, just like typical-hearing ears. The result is better, more effortless hearing for your child or you in noise. 7
Delivering the industry’s only headpiece-integrated microphone, AB allows you to wear the processor off the ear in the preferred location for any activity and still have optimal sound quality for outstanding hearing!
AB's AquaMicTM headpeice is the world's only waterproof sound processor microphone. This let's you enjoy an intense workout or pool party, keeping you a part of the conversation in either setting.
Ear-to-Ear communication for best sound
Marvel CI provides exclusive Phonak Binaural VoiceStream Technology™ to help you hear speech better in noise and on the telephone, and take the strain out of conversations.8,9,10 You also have access to Phonak accessories that allow you to wirelessly stream music, phone calls, TV shows, and endless other media to one or two Naída CI M or Sky CI M processors or a processor and a Phonak Link M hearing aid at the same time, for the best sound.
Best sound in and around water – the waterproof battery
So many of our favourite activities take place in active settings—swimming, gardening, sports, and exercise classes. Our waterproof battery gives you the same great hearing while you enjoy even the most rugged activities, all while providing secure, worry-free wearing. Plus AB's AquaMic™ headpiece is the world's only waterproof sound processor microphone, which lets you enjoy sports and swimming, whilst keeping you or your child a part of the conversation.
At Advanced Bionics it is our mission to enable those with cochlear implants to live a life without limitations. As such, in the UK we have a special kit option to allow children who are implanted bilaterally with Advanced Bionics devices to obtain two of our waterproof batteries so they can enjoy their favourite activities and have a great hearing experience in both ears. For more information on this kit option, talk to your cochlear implant centre or click here to book an appointment to talk to a member of our Support and Community Team.
For more information, click here.
AB Support & Community
At Advanced Bionics we are passionate about providing service and support to individuals and families going through the cochlear implant journey. We have a dedicated Support and Community Team, who have many years' experience working in audiology or rehabilitation within the NHS. Our Support and Community Team are friendly and knowledgeable and here to support you and your family on your hearing journey. Here’s how we can help:
- Share your Journey: We’ll support you at each step. From your very first assessment to living with a cochlear implant.
- Communication Advice: We have tips to help you chat more easily with your family and friends. This can make things easier when you are waiting for switch-on day.
- Connect with Others: We can introduce you to someone who already has a cochlear implant. You can hear their story and ask them questions.
- Learn with Us: We’ll help you get to know your new device so that you feel confident using it.
Our team is here to answer all your questions and make sure you feel ready and confident about your new hearing adventure. If you would like to speak to our team email hear-uk@advancedbionics.com or click here to book your own meeting.
Meet our AB UK Support and Community Team
AB Provides Lifelong Service and Support
AB Support
Advanced Bionics recognises that this is a life-long journey—one on which we’ll accompany you every step of the way. That’s why choosing AB means you’ll have a hearing partner that will never stop looking for ways to ensure you can enjoy a life filled with sound.
Did you know that even before you get a cochlear implant or hearing aid, doing listening exercises can help you improve your hearing? And after you get a cochlear implant, listening practice can help you get the most out of your new cochlear implant.
No matter your age or the kind of hearing device you’re using, we offer free and effective tools to help you succeed.
HearingSuccess is a free online resource for anyone using hearing aids or cochlear implants to get support and have better conversations.
The myHearingGuide™ app will help you to take the first steps and guide you along your journey towards better hearing. The app will help you and your loved ones to choose the best possible hearing solution, based not only on the level of the hearing loss, but on your needs, wishes and dreams for the future as well. It will also help you set goals, track progress and connect you to useful resources. You can even virtually try on a cochlear implant! You can download the myHearingGuide app for free from the Apple App or Google Play Store.
If you are unsure which resources are best for you and your family, please contact us, or click here to book a virtual (captioned) meeting with a member of our Support and Community Team.
AB Community
We work closely with a large community of volunteers who are AB cochlear implant wearers or family members of cochlear implant wearers. This fantastically diverse group volunteer their time to support those who are considering a cochlear implant, as well as those newly implanted, and their families. They also run a number of active support groups across the country.
Our AB Mentors are like friendly guides. They know about life with Cochlear Implants and will share their helpful tips with you. In our AB Community everyone 'gets it', because they have been there too. Our mentors will help and encourage you every step of the way. Making sure you feel good about your progress.
If you would like to speak to another cochlear implant wearer or family member, please contact us and we can match you with an AB mentor today. Please email: hear-uk@advancedbionics.com
AB Cochlear Implant Wearer's Stories
Listen to our AB cochlear implant wearer's talking about their experience of living with a cochlear implant.
Carole's Story
I feared losing my job. How a Cochlear Implant helped me regain control of my life.
Sam's Story
How I learned to love music again with my cochlear implant.
Discover the Moment of Connection
'The Moment' campaign shares stories of families finding and deepening their connections with each other through the help of AB cochlear implants. Watch the trailer and one of the families' video below. To discover more ‘Moment’ videos click here.
The Moment Trailer
When connections to people and the moments we share, is tested due to hearing loss, it affects more than those who’ve lost the ability to experience sound, it also affects their loved ones, and their connection. Feel what it’s like to restore and renew life’s connection to the people and the moments we love.
JP's Moment
This is the story of connection. The connection between soulmates bravely facing the unexpected moments of life together. See what happens when JP hears his story for the first time from the woman who helped him stay committed to making their shared dreams come true.
Useful Resources
Here are some resources you might find useful when considering cochlear implants for yourself, your child or loved one. If you would like your own hard copy of the Leo Gets a Cochlear Implant storybook for your child, please email hear-uk@advancedbionics.com.
Product Brochures
Here are some brochures on the latest technology from Advanced Bionics.
Events
We host regular online Communicate with Success (CWS) group events to support anyone considering a cochlear implant and cochlear implant wearers and their families/caregivers. Feedback from a previous group event:
A very useful session, AB went above and beyond to help. Thank you.
We also offer one-to-one individual virtual (captioned) meetings. Feedback from a previous one-to-one meeting: "AB are unfailingly helpful."
To find out when the next Communicate with Success event is, visit our Events page. Or to book your own meeting with a member of our Support and Community Team, click here.
Useful Links
Here are some links that you may find useful:
- Hearing Link is a UK-wide charity for people with hearing loss, their families and friends. They have useful information about cochlear implants on their website which is easy to read and understand.
- This Action on Hearing Loss factsheet explains what a cochlear implant is, how it works, who can receive one and how it is fitted, and is written for adults with severe-to-profound hearing loss and their families.
- This RNID booklet gives information about cochlear implants, the assessment process and using a cochlear implant to parents and caregivers of children with severe-to-profound hearing loss.
- The British Cochlear Implant Group (BCIG) is a unique group of health care professionals and other interested parties in auditory implant provision in the UK. The BCIG website contains useful information on cochlear implants and the assessment process.
- The Elizabeth Foundation is the UKs largest single provider of education services for babies and preschool children with all degrees of deafness and offers support and services to families.
WE'RE HERE TO HELP - LET'S TALK
Social Media Channels
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Koch DB, Osberger MJ, Segel P, Kessler DK. (2004) HiResolution and conventional sound processing in the HiResolution Bionic Ear: using appropriate outcome measures to assess speech-recognition ability. Audiology and Neurotology, 9:214-223.
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Spahr A, Dorman MF, Loiselle LH. 2007. Performance of Patients Using Different Cochlear Implant Systems: Effects of Input Dynamic Range. Ear and Hearing. 28:260-275.
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Wolfe, J. et al. "Evaluation of Speech Recognition of Cochlear Implant Recipients Using Adaptive, Digital Remote Microphone Technology and a Speech Enhancement Sound Processing Algorithm." Journal of the American Academy of Audiology 2015 May; 26(5): 502-8. doi: 10.3766/jaaa.14099.
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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
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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.
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Dunn, C, et al. (2008). Comparison of Speech Recognition and Localization Performance in Bilateral and Unilateral Cochlear Implant Users Matched on Duration of Deafness at Age of Implantation. Ear and Hearing. 29 (3): 352-359.
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Gifford R. (2008). Speech Perception in a Realistic Background Noise: Effectiveness of Preprocessing Strategies and External Options for Improving the Signal-to-noise Ratio. Presentation at the 10th International Conference on Cochlear Implants and Other Implantable Auditory Technologies, San Diego, CA, April 10–12.
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Advanced Bionics. (2015). Auto UltraZoom and StereoZoom Features: Unique Naída CI Q90 Solutions for Hearing in Challenging Listening Environments. White paper.
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Advanced Bionics. (2016). Bimodal StereoZoom Feature: Enhancing Conversation in Extreme Noise for Unilateral AB Implant Recipients White Paper.
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Wolfe J. Benefit of bilateral hearing in speech recognition on the telephone for cochlear implant recipients. Presentation at the 14th Symposium on Cochlear Implants in Children, December 11-13, 2014, Nashville, TN.