Your Dreams. Your Goals. Your Hearing Journey.
Cochlear Implants - when hearing aids are no longer enough
Let’s start this journey together.
At Advanced Bionics, we know you have questions—big ones, life-changing ones. And we are here to help answer them. Whether you are exploring cochlear implants for yourself or a loved one, we will guide you through every step of the journey—from understanding your options to rediscovering the joy of sound.
Who are Advanced Bionics?
We are a company that helps people hear better. We make cochlear implants, which are special devices that help people with severe hearing loss.
For over 25 years, we have been creating advanced technology to bring sound back to those who struggle to hear.
We believe everyone deserves to hear the world clearly. That is why we support families every step of the way—from learning about cochlear implants to life after surgery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with hearing, we’re here to help.
Why should I consider cochlear implants over hearing aids?
If you are here, you or someone you love is struggling with hearing loss. You have tried hearing aids but still find conversations difficult. You are tired of asking people to repeat themselves or feeling left out in noisy places.
Many people with severe to profound hearing loss go through countless appointments, adjusting and reprogramming hearing aids, hoping for better results—only to find that the benefit is limited.
Words sound unclear.
Simple conversations feel exhausting.
Background noise is overwhelming.
Cochlear implants offer a different solution. Instead of just making sounds louder, they help your brain understand speech more clearly, even in challenging environments. They can bring back the sounds you have been missing—whether it’s the laughter of a loved one, music, or the ability to confidently join conversations again.
If hearing aids are not enough anymore, it may be time to consider something more.
How does a cochlear implant work?
The path to hearing with a cochlear implant
1
Referral
If you are considering a cochlear implant, the first step is to get a referral to a cochlear implant centre from a hearing professional—such as an audiologist, ENT specialist, or GP. They will assess your hearing and determine if you meet the criteria for a cochlear implant.
There are many NHS cochlear implant centres across the country and a few private clinics that also provide cochlear implant care. If you need guidance on where to start, we are here to help!
2
Assessment
A multidisciplinary team of specialists will conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether a cochlear implant is a suitable option for you. This process typically includes a comprehensive hearing assessment, medical examinations, and a discussion of your hearing history, communication needs, and expectations. The aim is to ensure that a cochlear implant would provide meaningful benefit and that you are fully informed about the potential outcomes and next steps.
3
Implantation
Getting a cochlear implant means having a small surgery to place the implant inside your ear. The doctor makes a small cut behind your ear and puts the implant under your skin. This surgery usually takes 2 to 3 hours, and most people go home the same day.
During the surgery, the unique AIM system from Advanced Bionics can use the electrode to monitor the function of your cochlea, providing your surgeon with all available information for increased accuracy.
4
Programming & Listening Practice
After the surgery, your ear needs 2-4 weeks to heal before the implant is turned on. When it is time, you’ll visit your clinic to activate the implant and adjust the settings to help you hear sounds again. At first, things may sound different or strange, but over time, your brain learns to understand the sounds, and hearing gets easier.
You'll have regular check-ups to make sure your implant is working well, and do listening practice to help your brain get adjust. Some appointments may even be virtual thanks to Remote Programming!
Which cochlear implant would be best for me?
Everyone has a different lifestyle, and Advanced Bionics offers cochlear implants with many features and wearing options to fit your needs. Whether you are at school, work, a restaurant, or even swimming, there are solutions to help you hear clearly in any situation.
For example, if you need to hear better on the phone, Advanced Bionics has Bluetooth technology that connects directly to your phone for clearer calls. If you are in a classroom or a noisy place, there are special Roger or Partner microphones that help you focus on speech. Even if you love swimming, there are waterproof options so you can enjoy sound in the water.
The best accessories for you depends on your daily activities and what helps you learn and communicate best.
If you need guidance we will help find the right setup for your lifestyle, and Advanced Bionics has options to keep you connected wherever you go!
Carol and Rebecca talk about their lives with cochlear implants
Mentors are real people who use Advanced Bionics cochlear implants and want to help others on their hearing journey. They have personal experience with cochlear implants—either as users themselves or as parents of children with implants.
They can help by:
- Sharing their real-life experiences about what it is like to have a cochlear implant.
- Answering your questions about surgery, activation, and daily life with an implant.
- Giving advice and support based on their own journey.
- Helping you feel more confident about your decision.
Talking to an AB Mentor can be helpful if you're thinking about getting a cochlear implant or if you're new to using one. They understand what you are going through and can offer support from someone who has been in your shoes.
Would you like to connect with an AB Mentor? Advanced Bionics can help match you with someone who understands your situation!
Want to find out more?
Order your free information pack now and learn more about hearing with a cochlear implant.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the past having a cochlear implant could make getting an MRI scan difficult because of the strong magnets inside the implant. But Advanced Bionics has solved this problem!
With the latest HiRes™ Ultra 3D Cochlear Implant, you can have an MRI scan safely and comfortably without needing surgery to remove the magnet.1 The design allows the magnet inside the implant to move with the MRI machine, meaning no pain, no bandaging, and no need for extra procedures.
This means that if you ever need an MRI for a medical check-up, you can have it done just like anyone else, without worrying about your implant. Advanced Bionics makes sure you stay safe, comfortable, and connected.
Traveling with a cochlear implant is easy, and with Advanced Bionics, you can stay connected no matter where you go! Here are some important things to know:
- Airport Security: Your cochlear implant will not set off metal detectors, but security scanners might detect it. You can tell airport staff that you have an implant, and you will not have to remove it. You may be asked to do a hand-held scanner check instead.
- Hearing on a Plane: You can use Bluetooth accessories to connect to in-flight entertainment or talk to people around you. Some Advanced Bionics sound processors also have settings to reduce background noise, making it easier to hear in busy airports and on planes.
- Waterproof Options: If you are going somewhere with beaches, pools, or water activities, Advanced Bionics offers waterproof batteries and accessories so you can still hear while swimming.
- With a little planning, your cochlear implant will not hold you back from exploring the world!
Most sports can be played without any problems with cochlear implants. The only exceptions are some martial arts (e.g. boxing), as the implant could be damaged.
Flexible wearing options allow for comfortable wear with a secure fit - even during the most adventurous activities.
Waterproof batteries ensure that you always hear well and don't have to worry about the safety of your device.
Thanks to the waterproof AquaMic™ headpiece, you don’t have to miss out on hearing when splashing around in the water or swimming.
Wearing options for all ages and lifestyles
Our cochlear implant systems can be worn in different ways to fit your or your child’s changing needs. Each wearing style is designed to give the most comfort, convenience, and great hearing performance.
Behind the Ear
Great for those who want an out-of-the-way system.
Safe on The Ear
Ideal to keep it safe and secure on the ear with our Marvel CI retention options.
Nothing on the Ear
By using a unique microphone in the headpiece, the Marvel CI can be securely tucked away. This is an excellent choice for active children, those with small ears, or anyone wanting a discreet wearing option.
Did you know that only AB offers a microphone that captures the natural acoustics of the ear? The unique M T-Mic on Marvel CI is proven to help you know where sounds are coming from,2,3,4 give better sound quality, and improve speech understanding in difficult listening situations.5
Even when not using a M T-Mic, AB’s Real Ear Sound can deliver similar T-Mic benefits!
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Summerfield AQ, Kitterick PT. (2010). Effects of microphone location on the performance of bilateral cochlear implants. Advanced Bionics White Paper.
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Jones HG, Kan A, Litovsky RY. (2016). The Effect of Microphone Placement on Interaural Level Differences and Sound Localization Across the Horizontal Plane in Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users. Ear and hearing, 37(5), e341 e345.
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Mayo PG, Goupell MJ. (2020). Acoustic factors affecting interaural level differences for cochlear implant users. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 147(4), EL357.
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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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