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Cochlear Implant System

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Page 1: Cochlear Implant System

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

MAESTRO™

Cochlear Implant System

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Hear Life

The MAESTRO Cochlear Implant System with FineHearing Defines the Finest Details of Sound.

When your child whispers in your ear, you want to hear every

syllable of what is said. You want to discern the subtle cues of

speech that give language its richness. You want every note,

every ring, every crunch and click to be defined in detail, even in

the most difficult listening environments.

The MAESTRO CI System brings that kind of richness and clarity

into your life. Featuring the next generation of FineHearing

sound processing technology, MAESTRO enables you to access

the meaningful details of sound, comfortably and reliably with

more accuracy than ever before.

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Introducing the Innovative MAESTRO CI System . 5Introducing CONCERTO ....................................... 6A Variety of Electrode Arrays for Every Cochlea . 8OPUS 2 Audio Processor.................................... 10OPUS 2 – Especially for Children ....................... 12How a Cochlear Implant Helps Restore Hearing 16Best Performance .............................................. 18The Fine Details of Sound ................................. 20Proven Quality You Can Rely on ........................ 22Every Step of the Way ...................................... 24Innovation and Development ........................... 26MED‑EL – a Visionary Company ......................... 28

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

A Company Defined by Excellence

MED‑EL offers implantable solutions across the hearing loss spectrum, including cochlear implants, middle ear implants, and implants for combined electric acoustic stimulation.

MED‑EL is a company of people unwilling to settle for less than the best. We define “best” according to four major criteria: industry‑leading technology; fast, courteous and consistent customer service response; state‑of‑the‑art research and development; and worldwide leadership in educational and rehabilitation materials.

MED‑EL was founded by pioneering scientists and engineers, whose early work led to breakthroughs in cochlear implant technology. They made a commitment to invest a substantial percentage of the company’s revenue in research and development. We have kept that promise for more than 20 years.

Past and present research has led to innovations such as bilateral cochlear implantation and Electric Acoustic Stimulation. Research efforts contribute not only to advances in technology, but also to expanding candidacy criteria and improvements in medical reimbursement.

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Falisha, IndonesiaWe believe that MAESTRO is really the best CI system in the world since our daughter can enjoy three language lessons in her school: Bahasa Indonesia, English and Arabic. She can even sing in tune along with her friends.

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CONCERTO

OPUS 2

FineTuner remote control

5

MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

The new MAESTRO Cochlear Implant System features components designed to offer users even better hearing than ever before – all in a system that is efficient, easy to use, and comfortable to wear.

MAESTRO now enables the next generation of FineHearing, as well as Automatic Sound Management for an optimal listening experience in changing and challenging environments. Utilising the latest electronic circuitry, energy efficiency has been improved by up to 50% – making it the most efficient cochlear implant system available.

MAESTRO packs a lot of power into the most compact cochlear implants and thinnest and lightest audio processors. MAESTRO is the only system to offer both sequential and parallel stimulation for rapid relaying of sound information to the hearing nerve.

The Latest in CI Technology

MAESTRO™ CI System

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

The Difference is in the DetailsThe new CONCERTO Cochlear Implant is the smallest CI available with titanium housing. CONCERTO features the same small footprint as the previous generation implant but is 25% thinner. The particularly small dimensions make it the ideal implant choice for children and adults of all ages. CONCERTO is designed for minimally invasive surgical techniques.

The Future is Now If you’ve been waiting for technology to improve before moving forward with a cochlear implant for yourself or a loved one, there’s never been a better time to take another look. The MAESTRO CI System’s electronics platform incorporates “future ready” features. Simple upgrades in external components or computer software will implement these features in the future, enabling you to take advantage of our intelligent, forward‑thinking engineering today, tomorrow and for many years to come.

Longest electrode array to stimulate the entire cochlea

Soft, flexible electrodes designed specifically for hearing preservation

The next generation of FineHearing Technology for even better music appreciation and hearing in noisy environments

Engineered according to the strictest safety standards. Featuring an especially strong electrode lead and titanium housing.

The smallest titanium cochlear implant available

3.3 mm

4.5 mm

25% thinner than the previous implant generation

25%

Also available with pins for faster surgical fixation

CONCERTO Cochlear Implant

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MED‑EL produces the most compact titanium cochlear implant housing in the industry. A smaller implant means that your surgeon can perform the surgical procedure in less time and in a smaller area behind the ear.

MED‑EL provides power without compromising performance. I100 electronics accurately and rapidly relay sound information while the new energy electronics offer up to 90 hours of battery life using our most current and powerful sound coding strategies.

Smallest Titanium Cochlear Implant

73.5%

100 %110.5 %

122.5 %

PULSAR Competitor 2 Competitor 1CONCERTO

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

A Variety of Electrode Arrays for Every Cochlea

CONCERTO is available with a variety of the softest and most flexible electrode arrays ever produced. These arrays are designed for preservation of all the delicate structures of the cochlea. Your surgeon will select the optimal solution to fit your unique cochlear anatomy.MED‑EL electrode design philosophy dictates a careful balance between maximum number of electrode contacts and the reduction of channel interaction, which negatively impacts performance. Each electrode array contains the optimal number of contacts for stimulation of nerve fibres leading to best performance.

Soft, Flexible, AtraumaticThe cochlea is a delicate organ. Because most people have some degree of residual hearing that should be preserved, MED‑EL features soft, flexible electrodes for the most atraumatic insertion possible. Preserving residual hearing ensures that patients retain their natural capacity for sound perception, enabling them to benefit from future technological and scientific advancements.

What is Complete Cochlear Coverage (CCC)?

The cochlea is made up of nerve fibres which extend the entire length of the cochlea. Nerve fibres at the base of the cochlea are responsible for processing high frequency sounds, while nerve fibres at the apex, or uppermost region of the cochlea, process the lower frequency sounds. Studies show that providing apical and basal stimulation with a fully inserted MED‑EL standard electrode array has distinct benefit in speech understanding, compared to conditions that do not provide apical stimulation.1

500 Hz

1000 Hz

500 Hz

8000 Hz

4000 Hz

2000 Hz

250 Hz

Low Pitch

High Pitch

LowPitch

Apical Region Basal Region

High Pitch

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Standard Electrode ArrayWith a length of 31.5 mm, the Standard Electrode Array is the longest electrode on the market and features 12 pairs of electrode contacts. It is designed to stimulate the entire cochlea, from the base to the apex for Complete Cochlear Coverage of all available nerve fibres so that users can experience the fullness of sound from the highest highs to the lowest lows.

FLEXSOFT Electrode ArraySimilar to the Standard Electrode Array, the FLEXSOFT Electrode Array allows for deep insertion into the apical region of the cochlea (CCC). The specially designed electrode tip offers increased mechanical flexibility for reduced insertion force.

FLEXEAS Electrode ArrayThe FLEXEAS Electrode Array is designed for Combined Electric Acoustic Stimulation (EAS) with insertion no deeper than the basal cochlear turn. The array features a flexible electrode tip with increased flexibility for reduced insertion force.

Medium Electrode ArrayThe Medium Electrode Array features 12 moderately spaced electrode pairs and is designed for cases where deep insertion is not possible due to anatomic restrictions.

Compressed Electrode Array Specifically designed for partial ossification or malformation of the cochlea, the Compressed Electrode Array features 12 pairs of contacts equally spaced over a shorter distance.

Split Electrode Array*

Specifically designed for severe ossification of the cochlea, the Split Electrode features 2 separate electrode branches, one with 5 pairs and one with 7 pairs of contacts. The arrays are designed for insertion into different areas of the cochlea to maximise both the performance and the number of channels available.

*Only available with the PULSAR cochlear implant

2.4 mm

2.4 mm

1.9 mm

1.1 mm

1.1 mm

1.9 mm

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

Thinnest and lightest processor available today – so small, it’s easy to forget you are wearing it!

Featuring the FineTuner remote control, allowing easy adjustment of your settings

Up to 90 hours of continuous use with standard zinc‑air batteries or a full day of use with the DaCapo rechargeable battery system

Multiple wearing styles and battery options as well as an ergonomic design for maximum comfort and cosmetic appeal

The next generation of FineHearing Technology for even better music appreciation and hearing in noisy environments

A standard input port for connection to FM systems, assistive listening devices, or even to an iPod.

Synchronised stimulation for more accurate information, especially for bilateral users

OPUS 2 Audio Processor

Upgrade TodayBy upgrading to the new D Coil, MED‑EL’s newest and thinnest coil design, all current users of MED‑EL behind‑the‑ear audio processors can boost their energy efficiency by up to 50%. More energy efficiency means fewer batteries purchased, leading to less waste, less hassle and significantly lower cost.

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FineTuner™: One Button, One FunctionMED‑EL’s Automatic Sound Management system means that changing settings is rarely required. If users do wish to make setting changes, it is easy to do with the FineTuner. Users can make changes to settings “on the go”, without removing the processor from the ear and without interrupting hearing. The large buttons on the FineTuner make it very easy to use. For bilateral MED‑EL users, one FineTuner makes adjustments independently to both audio processors.

Integrated TelecoilThe OPUS 2 has an integrated state‑of‑the‑art telecoil, a miniature receiver that can be used with a wide variety of telephones, public sound systems and induction loop systems.

Wireless Access with FM ConnectivityThe OPUS 2 FM Battery Pack Cover features a standard input jack similar to those found on hearing aids. It provides convenient access to mobile telephones, FM systems, MP3 players, televisions and more. You can also use direct‑link assistive listening devices (ALD) such as FM and Bluetooth systems for unsurpassed wireless connectivity.

DaCapo Rechargeable Battery SystemThe DaCapo rechargeable battery system makes the world’s lightest processor even lighter and preserves the slim design. Fully compatible with FM systems and other external devices such as those using Bluetooth®. DaCapo has a charging time of less than four hours. Thanks to an improved coil design, DaCapo now offers up to 16 hours of continuous use. The DaCapo enables a “greener” lifestyle by reducing the number of zinc air batteries and it reduces your daily operating cost by eliminating the need to purchase disposable batteries.The DaCapo Charger can charge two batteries at once. In addition to its normal AC adapter, MED‑EL also offers a car cigarette lighter adapter cable for even more convenience and flexibility.

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

Water Resistant ProcessorsTo minimise the effects of moisture on electronic components, the circuit boards used in MED‑EL audio processors are uniquely coated to effectively shield the electronic components. Our optimised device housing is designed to act as a barrier to fluids and water vapour but is not hermetically sealed – this prevents corrosion much more effectively, as it allows any internal moisture to dry out rather than remain trapped inside.This extremely effective strategy protects audio processors from moisture related damage so that the user can have reliable, quality hearing performance anywhere.

Implant IdentificationThe IRIS feature (Individual Recognition of Implant System) provides bilateral users with extra peace of mind. If an audio processor is placed on the wrong ear, stimulation does not occur. This is also an advantage to prevent mix‑ups in schools where more than one child uses an implant.

SoundGuardThe OPUS 2 processor monitors data continuously to protect against everyday problems like electrostatic discharge (ESD). If a problem is detected, SoundGuard immediately stops stimulation and a status light flashes.

Safety LocksMED‑EL audio processors can be locked to ensure that small children are unable to disassemble the processor or tamper with the batteries. The FineTuner can also be locked or programmed so that settings can’t be changed inadvertently.

OPUS 2 – Safe and Secure

Children’s Battery Pack

BabyBTE and ActiveWear

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Battery Pack Options for All Ages and LifestylesWe pioneered the concept of a modular system, because no two cochlear implant users are exactly alike. Most users choose the standard battery pack because of its ergonomic styling and discrete appearance. But those who choose the flexibility to swap battery packs “on the fly” can adjust to whatever life brings.

The Most Popular Wearing Option for ToddlersMED‑EL pioneered the most successful and preferred wearing style for infants and young children, the BabyBTE. The entire processor, including batteries, is worn on the baby’s clothing, with no equipment on the ear. The BabyBTE is tamper proof and features a status light allowing parents to easily check that the processor is functioning correctly.

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12 Exciting Colour OptionsOPUS 2 processors are now available in a variety of exciting colours. Users can choose between White, Creme and Ebony. These colours are intended to closely match many different hair colours.

In addition, MED‑EL now offers an assortment of new audio processor colours for children including Green, Orange, Baby Pink and Baby Blue.

Private AlertAdults appreciate the Private Alert, which signals low battery levels or setting changes. The Private Alert is audible only to the user and can be customised or deactivated by your audiologist.

Status LightOur processors have a small LED that flashes to indicate a variety of error conditions, alerting parents or teachers to situations that require attention, like low batteries.

Bilateral User SupportThe OPUS 2 is the first processor to offer direct support to bilateral users. One FineTuner remote control can make adjustments to two audio processors!

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Your real life is happening in quiet and in noise, in changing and challenging listening situations. Because your day takes place in a peaceful park or in a loud restaurant, in a busy train station or on a relaxing beach, MAESTRO’s unique technologies are designed to provide outstanding performance for real life – automatically.

Superior front‑end processing featuring Automatic Sound Management detects changing listening situations on‑the‑go, adapting automatically so you don’t have to.

Our audio processors adapt to changing situations, so you don’t have to!

It‘s automatic.

Automatic Sound Management

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

For people with normal hearing, the ear processes sound effortlessly. Sound is conducted into the ear canal, and vibrates the eardrum. The eardrum is attached to the three small bones of hearing (ossicles) in the middle ear, which transmit the vibrations on to the inner ear (cochlea). The cochlea is the spiral‑shaped organ which contains tiny hair cells that turn sound vibration into bioelectrical signals that are sent along the hearing nerve to the brain. These hair cells are arranged according to pitch, just like the keys on a piano keyboard. When the signals reach the brain, we hear.

For individuals with significant sensorineural hearing loss, sometimes called “nerve hearing loss”, hearing is no longer effortless. Hearing aids can make sound

louder, but for many people, this is just not enough to allow them to continue to function easily in a hearing world.

A cochlear implant can help these individuals by replacing and mimicking the functions of the outer, middle and inner ear. In general, the improvement in performance following cochlear implantation varies widely from user to user. The majority of users can understand open‑set speech, and have better understanding in noise due to the latest speech coding strategies. With fine structure, many users enjoy music, noting that it is more natural and pleasant than before.

How a Cochlear Implant helps to Restore Hearing

External Component Internal Component

Sound Mirophone Amplier Sound coding Electrical Stimulation

Transmission to implant

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How a Cochlear Implant System WorksCochlear implant systems convert everyday sounds into coded electrical pulses. These electrical pulses stimulate the auditory (hearing) nerve and the brain interprets them as sound. As the brain receives sound information very quickly, sounds are heard as they occur.

1 Sounds are picked up by the microphone in the audio processor.

2 The audio processor analyses and codes sounds into a special pattern of digital information.

3 This information is sent to the coil and is transmitted across the skin to the implant.

4 The implant interprets the code and sends electrical pulses to the electrodes in the cochlea.

5 The auditory nerve picks up the signals and sends them to the auditory centre in the brain. The brain recognises these signals as sound.

1

2

3

4

5

Coil

Audio processor

Microphone

Implant

Auditory nerve

Electrode contacts

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant SystemChapter or Business Unit

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

The MAESTRO CI System is designed for real‑life. The successful combination of FineHearing technology, Automatic Sound Management and Complete Cochlear Coverage has been proven by the most comprehensive independent clinical study available.2,3 With all major cochlear implant brands tested, the MAESTRO CI System outperformed all other cochlear implant systems.

Study participants listened to sentences with varying levels of noise in order to simulate real‑life listening situations. Statistical analysis reveals significant differences in performance between cochlear implant systems. As the listening situation became progressively more challenging, only MED‑EL users continued to improve. Additionally, only MED‑EL users were able to still understand 50% of speech, even when the noise levels were louder than the presented speech. In a noisy restaurant or a crowded theatre, the MAESTRO CI System provides superior hearing performance.

*Calculated from Haumann et al. (2010) using the psychometric function from Schmidt et al. (1997)

Best Performance

Up to 30% better performance in noise than any other tested system

MED-EL OPUS 2

Competitor 2

Performance in %*

Dev

ice

0 5040302010

Competitor 1

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

A strategy is a plan with a clear destination. With cochlear implants, “getting from here to there” means creating the most effective blueprint for the conversion of sound into electrical signals that the brain can understand. For years, coding strategies have only been able to represent one part of the sound, known as the “envelope” while improvements to the “fine structure” of sound have been limited by lack of technological advancement. FineHearing from MED‑EL overcomes these challenges.

The “envelope approach” to implant development allows most users to achieve good levels of speech understanding in a quiet environment.4 Unfortunately, focusing on the envelope portion of sound alone cannot provide the best results for more complex

hearing tasks. Without the fine structure information, which gives a sound its particular quality, cochlear implant users often report difficulty enjoying music and focusing on speech in noisy environments.5 Special settings for certain situations, such as focused listening or soft sounds, have not been a solution. In addition, languages that rely largely on changes in tone, or tonal languages such as Mandarin, have also been particularly challenging for cochlear implant users.

Studies demonstrate that fine structure is the main information carrier for music and sound localisation.6 With FineHearing technology and Complete Cochlear Coverage (CCC) users can benefit from Fine Structure Processing that represents both parts of the sound, the envelope and the fine structure. Unlike traditional

Elements of Sound

Envelope The envelope is the “loudness contour” of the sound signal and is essential for speech understanding.

Fine structure The fine structure contains the subtle details of a sound signal and enhances pitch and sound quality.

FineHearing™ The Fine Details of Sound

Fine structure

Envelope

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sound processing, MAESTRO uses a highly advanced algorithm, known as the Hilbert Transform, to provide high definition digital signal processing that closely extracts the overall shape, or envelope, of an incoming sound with a high degree of accuracy. The fine structure of the sound is also presented with great accuracy to provide unprecedented sound quality.

Fine Structure Processing, a component of FineHearing technology from MED‑EL, offers users a new level of sound quality,5 especially when listening to music, by offering both the envelope and the fine structure sound information.

Envelope and fine structureEnvelope

Now Available: The Next Generation of FineHearing TechnologyMAESTRO System Software 4.0 includes the new coding strategies FS4 and FS4‑p. Both new coding strategies are central components of MED‑EL FineHearing Technology and now provide fine structure sound information on 4 channels ranging up to 1 kHz.

More sound information means a better, more detailed hearing experience for the user. FS4 offers sound information that is up to four times more accurate than the first generation of FineHearing. With intelligent parallel stimulation, FS4‑p offers sound

information that is up to 5 times more accurate. This increased temporal resolution is especially significant for users of bilateral implants. With the FS4 and FS4‑p strategies, MAESTRO is the first system offering synchronised bilateral stimulation leading to more accurate directional hearing.

Together with Automatic Sound Management, FineHearing provides users with superior music enjoyment and listening in even the most difficult situations – whenever and wherever they need it.

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

MED‑EL cochlear implants are made according to the highest safety standards for long‑term reliability, durability and performance. MED‑EL recognises that when you choose a cochlear implant, you are making a lifetime commitment to hearing. MED‑EL is the only cochlear implant company committed to forward compatibility. This means that the processor of tomorrow will be designed to work with the implant of today—ensuring that users benefit from future technological advancements. MED‑EL offers implant legacy support dating back to 1994.

MED‑EL evaluates implant reliability using a special statistic called the Cumulative Product Survival Rate (CSR). The CSR statistic is the same one used to evaluate pacemaker reliability, and MED‑EL follows the reporting procedure governed by the latest international (ISO) standard. This statistic allows you to visualise how reliable our devices are over time. For

MED‑EL, the reliability of every component of the hearing implant system matters. MED‑EL has a proven track record of reliability with implants that have a cumulative survival rate of over 99.9%.*

Additionally, MED‑EL has taken the industry lead in reporting product reliability of our audio processors. Audio processor malfunctions are less devastating than an internal device failure, but can significantly impact your day‑to‑day life. The average monthly service rate of the OPUS 2 is 0.69% (as of June 2011). This number reflects the average number of devices returned for repair.

We invite you to read and evaluate our latest reliability statistics at www.medel.com/reliability.

*At two years after introduction, the SONATA cochlear implant had a cumulative survival rate of 99.93%.

Proven Quality You Can Rely on

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I am still fascinated by my OPUS 2 processor. Such a small piece of electronics with such a large effect! My day‑to‑day life continues much as it used to. I can perceive the environment around me, I can communicate with my family and co‑workers as well as with new people in different languages. I can speak on the phone and I can watch television without subtitles.

Petr, Germany

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

Your quality of life is the foundation of our success. If you or someone you care about is considering an implantable hearing solution, it is important to consider the entire process. At MED‑EL, we understand that providing the best possible hearing implant solution is only one essential element in restoring hearing. Learning to use a cochlear implant requires readiness, motivation and realistic goals. MED‑EL experts are there to guide you long after the operation offering a wide variety of materials to support you along your hearing journey.

References1 Hochmair et al. (2003), Acta Otolaryngol,123: 612 – 617.2 Haumann et al. (2010), ORL 2010;72:312‑318.3 Schmidt et al. (1997), 23rd annual conference of the German Acoustical Society, 93‑944 Helms J (2001) ORL Head Neck Surg 2001;63: 31‑40.5 Nopp et al. (2010), Adv Otorhinolaryngol, 67, 2010, p. 88‑956 Smith et al. (2002), Nature; 2002;416: 87‑90.

iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computers, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Every Step of the Way

BRIDGE to better communication, MED‑EL’s comprehensive support programme, offers more support materials than any other hearing implant company. Developed with leading educational and hearing specialists from around the world, this programme consists of a wide variety of information and materials to meet the needs of adults, teens and children as well as their parents, audiologists, speech therapists and teachers.

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

Lukas has been a bilateral CI user since he was six years old. He is active in team sports. He also plays keyboard and learns Chinese in school.

Lukas, Germany

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

MED‑EL, provides a solution for every hearing loss situation offering the broadest product range in the hearing implant industry to treat the various degrees and causes of hearing loss:

MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System: Innovative, modular design to address individual user’s needs. The MAESTRO CI System consists of a cochlear implant, flexible electrodes, audio processor and software for an accurate fitting and natural hearing experience.

Electric Acoustic Stimulation (EAS™): Combined stimulation through a hearing aid and a cochlear implant in the same ear is intended for patients with residual hearing in the low frequencies and is designed to provide improved performance over a hearing aid or cochlear implant alone.

Vibrant Soundbridge®: MED‑EL features an implantable middle ear device to treat more moderate sensorineural hearing loss. This product is also appropriate for conductive and mixed hearing losses due to outer and middle ear problems.

Today, our research efforts offer great promise for the future of bilateral implantation, completely implantable devices and drug delivery methods for regeneration of nerve cells. MED‑EL is currently sponsoring a great number of on‑going research studies worldwide to improve the lives of persons with hearing loss.

Innovation and Development

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MAESTRO™ Cochlear Implant System

1975 1977

1989

1990 1991

1994

1995

MED‑EL

A Visionary Company

Since MED‑EL’s founders developed one of the world’s first cochlear implants in 1975, a strong research tradition has continued to fuel the development of technologically advanced hearing solutions. MED‑EL offers implantable solutions to treat different degrees of hearing loss, including cochlear and middle ear implants, combined Electric Acoustic Stimulation and auditory brainstem implants.

Cochlear implant development started by MED‑EL founders Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair.

Implantation of the world‘s first hybrid multi‑channel cochlear implant in Vienna.

Introduction of the COMFORT cochlear implant.

MED‑EL hires its first employees. MED‑EL launches the world’s first BTE (behind‑the‑ear) speech processor.

Introduction of the COMBI 40, the world’s first multi‑channel high‑rate cochlear implant.

Introduction of the CIS LINK system.

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1996

1999

2003

2004

2006

2009

2010

2005

2007

Introduction of the COMBI 40+, the thinnest cochlear implant available.

Launch of the TEMPO+ behind‑the‑ear (BTE) speech processor.

Acquisition of the Vibrant Soundbridge®, the first implantable middle ear hearing device for mild‑to‑severe sensorineural hearing loss.

MED‑EL launches the PULSAR cochlear implant, providing future‑ready electronics in a ceramic housing.

Introduction of the MED‑EL DUET EAS™ Speech Processor in Europe, the first hearing implant system worldwide to integrate cochlear implant audio processing and acoustic amplification in one compact device.

MED‑EL launches the OPUS family of speech processors. The SONATA cochlear implant, with new small titanium housing, and the FLEX electrode arrays for all implant types are introduced.

Approval of EAS, the ideal solution for partial deafness, and the Vibrant Soundbridge® for conductive and mixed hearing losses in Europe. Launch of the DaCapo rechargeable battery system.

EAS in the 2nd generation. European launch of the DUET 2 Audio Processor. Amadé, the new audioprocessor of the Vibrant Soundbridge is introduced in Europe.

New MAESTRO™ system introduced in Europe including the CONCERTO Cochlear Implant and MAESTRO System Software 4.0 featuring the new FS4 and FS4‑p coding strategies.

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6 r5

.0 ©

MED

‑EL

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