In an exciting development for individuals facing hearing challenges, Cochlear Limited has unveiled the Cochlear™ Nucleus® Nexa™ System, the first smart cochlear implant system in the world to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This groundbreaking technology brings with it upgradeable firmware capabilities, a feature touted as an industry first. This means that users of the Nexa System will no longer be limited to enhancements available just through their external sound processors, but will instead have access to new improvements through updates delivered directly to their implants as well.
The Nucleus Nexa System comprises several state-of-the-art components, including the Nucleus Nexa Implant and two sound processors: the newly launched Nucleus 8 Nexa Sound Processor and the Nucleus Kanso® 3 Nexa Sound Processor. The Nucleus 8 Nexa is particularly noteworthy as it stands as the smallest sound processor available globally, boasting all-day battery life while being 9% smaller and 12% lighter than its predecessor. With an innovative Dynamic Power Management algorithm, the system adapts throughout the day, ensuring optimal usage without sacrificing sound quality.
One of the standout features of the Nucleus Nexa Implant is its internal memory, which securely stores each patient’s unique hearing settings, making it easier for users to transfer their personalized configurations to any of the Nexa sound processors if they experience loss or damage. This level of convenience and continuity in hearing experience represents a significant step forward in user-centered design.
The smart implant not only enhances user experiences but also leverages cutting-edge technology similar to that found in smartphones. As technology evolves, the implant's firmware can be updated, providing recipients with a continuously improving hearing experience. "The Nucleus Nexa Implant being the industry's first with onboard firmware is a revolutionary development that significantly enhances how recipients engage with sound, paving the way for exciting advancements in hearing technology,” says Jan Janssen, Chief Technology Officer at Cochlear.
As part of Cochlear’s comprehensive approach, individuals using legacy Nucleus Systems can upgrade to the new Kanso 3 Sound Processor, allowing a seamless transition to the latest technologies without the need for entirely new implants. This is coupled with a robust ecosystem of tools designed for optimizing patient care, including applications for remote tuning and monitoring of device performance.
Dr. David Kelsall, an expert from the Rocky Mountain Ear Center, expresses great enthusiasm for the release, stating, “This innovative smart implant technology reinforces my commitment to ensuring my patients receive top-notch outcomes both now and in the future.”
Living with hearing loss affects approximately 5% of the global population, making advancements in cochlear technology crucial for improving quality of life. The new Nucleus Nexa System will be made available by late Summer, providing countless individuals with the opportunity to rediscover a world filled with sounds that enhance connections with family, friends, and the environment.
Users like Lori Miller, who has experienced the life-altering effects of cochlear implantation, emphasize the newfound joy in hearing everyday sounds and the happiness it brings. “Having my device has truly given me a second chance to connect with my loved ones, allowing me to appreciate the sounds around me with a level of joy I never imagined possible,” she states.
With a history of supporting over 700,000 individuals across 180 countries since its inception in 1981, Cochlear reaffirms its position as the leader in implantable hearing solutions by continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation. Legendary for its commitment to research and development — having invested over AUD$3 billion — Cochlear seeks to meet and anticipate future needs and aspirations for those affected by hearing loss. For more details, visit
Cochlear's Nucleus Nexa.