Ever wonder how cochlear implants have changed over the past 40 years? We travelled back into the archives, and spoke to some of our earliest recipients, to see how the technology has changed and what that means for recipients around the world.
1977-1997: Introducing a new way of accessing sound to the world
Professor Graeme Clark had been working on developing a treatment for hearing loss for over a decade when he invented the first multi-channel cochlear implant back in 1977, with Rod Saunders becoming the first to hear with it in 1978.
Then, in 1981, Cochlear™ was born when a company called the Nucleus® group partnered with the Australian government to bring the first commercially available multi-channel cochlear implant to more people. Four years later, the Nucleus® 22 Implant and the Wearable Sound Processor (WSP) became the first multi-channel system to receive premarket approval from the FDA.
If you went back in time, you would be surprised at how big our first sound processor was: it was box-shaped, and worn with a shoulder strap. A wire went from the box up to your ear.
[Caption: Early recipient, Pat in 1988]
“My first sound processor was body-worn and required a wire that went under my clothes to connect to the microphone and coil on my head. It was all new, and we didn’t have all the resources and help we have today,” says Pat, who received her Nucleus® 22 Implant in 1988 at age 46.
More than 30 years later, Pat now loves going to see live symphony concerts and has upgraded her sound processor six times!
“It’s so much more comfortable. Being able to wear it on the ear without wires has been one of the biggest improvements since those early days. And the advances in programming options have been astounding.”
1997-2017: Innovating how you hear and live
The Nucleus® sound processor started to look more familiar to the ones worn today. In 1998, we released the first behind-the-ear sound processor, making it smaller and more user-friendly, as well as more comfortable and discreet.
[Caption: the Cochlear™ Esprit Sound Processor for Nucleus® 22 recipients, released in 2004]
In 2005, Cochlear™ released the first water-resistant sound processor – the Nucleus® Freedom® – giving people with a cochlear implant the confidence to enjoy an active lifestyle with their sound processor. In 2012, Aqua accessories were launched, enabling people to swim with the sound processor for the first time.
After the release of the Nucleus® 5 Sound Processor (which was the smallest and most water-resistant sound processor when launched in 2009), the Nucleus® 6 Sound Processor was released in 2013, introducing SmartSound® iQ with SCAN technology and wireless connectivity. True Wireless™ accessories, released the following year, offered more ways for recipients to access audio directly from their TV, phone or through a Mini Microphone, without needing bulky devices with wires.
The first Nucleus® Kanso® Sound Processor was launched in 2015, offering an off-the-ear hearing solution designed to be more comfortable for people who wore glasses. It also meant recipients now had a choice in sound processors, along with the Nucleus® 6 Sound Processor.
2017-2023: Smaller size and direct streaming are game changers
The launch of the Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor in 2017 also heralded the first sound processor which allowed streaming directly from a compatible iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Android compatibility followed a year later. This introduced a whole new way for recipients to stream videos, phone calls and access video conferencing.
Casey, from the US and one of the earliest child recipients, shares his thoughts on how the changes over the past few decades have helped him: “The technology has leapt ahead since 1987. For one, sound processors are a lot smaller! People don’t even notice them… I love streaming music and telephone calls. Wireless connectivity even blocks out any background noise, making phone calls even more accessible.” In 2022, sound processors continued to get even smaller and lighter1 with the release of the Nucleus® 8 Sound Processor, which is also the first to be ready to provide direct streaming using next-generation Bluetooth® LE Audio. With Bluetooth® LE Audio, you’ll be able to connect to what’s being broadcast at public venues such as airports, conference centres, sports clubs, and gyms that support Bluetooth® AuracastTM. Whether you’re listening to music, taking a phone call, or watching your favourite film, Bluetooth® LE Audio delivers better sound quality than the previous generation to help you get the best possible audio experience. †,¥,2,3
[Caption: the Nucleus® 8 Sound Processor]
What’s next?
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CTA: To find out more about the latest Nucleus® 8 sound processor and the latest features, visit cochlear.com
† As Bluetooth LE Audio compatible devices become available, a firmware update will be required for you to use certain features.
¥ Auracast™ broadcast audio capability is subject to third party adoption of the Auracast protocol.
A Technical Overview of LC3 [Internet]. Bluetooth® Technology Website. [Cited 2022 Feb 28]. Available from: https://www.bluetooth.com/blog/a-technical-overview-of-lc3
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Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
