Cochlear has introduced the Nucleus Nexa System, the first smart cochlear implant with upgradeable firmware and internal memory, aimed at people with hearing loss in Australia and internationally.
The Nucleus Nexa System is designed and produced in Australia and provides several advanced features targeting accessibility, personalisation, and reliability for users.
According to the company, 1 in 6 Australians—more than 3.6 million people—experience some form of hearing loss, yet only a minority who could benefit from cochlear implants currently use them.
The system distinguishes itself by enabling users to access future features and updates through simple firmware upgrades, functioning similarly to smartphone updates. This means users do not need to replace external hardware to benefit from advancements in technology, a limitation present in earlier cochlear implants.
“The Nucleus Nexa System combines 40+ years of proven reliability of our trusted implants and technology leadership, with a new cutting-edge chipset, which is packed with innovative features. With onboard diagnostics that monitor system performance to ensure optimal hearing, it reduces the burden on users and carers, setting a new standard in implantable hearing technology,” explained Jan Janssen, Chief Technology Officer at Cochlear. “The new chipset powers the implant, enabling the smart features of the system and it will serve as the platform for Cochlear’s future smart implant innovations. The technology advancements offered in the Nucleus Nexa System are built on more than 10 years of intensive research & development.”
This new approach allows users with a Nucleus Nexa System to receive both firmware and sound processor upgrades, facilitating the adoption of future innovations throughout the lifetime of the device.
Janssen added, “This is the first cochlear implant with its own firmware, so the device can be upgraded to new features and advancements throughout the user’s lifetime. Just like a smartphone receives a firmware update, now people with a Cochlear implant can stay connected to the latest technology updates today and well into the future.”
Internal memory and convenience
The Nucleus Nexa implant features built-in memory to store individualised hearing settings (MAPs) securely within the device. This advancement ensures that if a user’s sound processor is lost or damaged, their settings can be transferred seamlessly to a replacement processor without requiring a clinic visit for reprogramming.
“We designed the new System with the goal to deliver better solutions to our customers today and into the future. The Nucleus Nexa System comes with a distinct advantage, allowing user’s personalised hearing settings (MAPS) to be stored securely in the implant’s in-built memory. This advancement offers unmatched convenience and efficiency both for the user and the clinician,” said Janssen.
“Previously, if a user misplaced or damaged their sound processor, they would need to visit a clinic to obtain a replacement sound processor. This replacement device would need to be programmed with the user’s personalised hearing settings in the clinic by a cochlear implant professional, taking valuable time from both the professional and the user. With the brand-new ‘Smart Sync’ feature, the user simply needs to pick-up or receive a ‘blank’ sound processor and the personalised settings are automatically copied to the replacement sound processor allowing a person to hear with their cochlear implant again in a matter of seconds,” he added.
Additional advancements
The Nucleus Nexa System also offers intuitive, automatic adjustment of audio settings to respond to varying environments throughout the day. The addition of a gold implant coil, new RF Link technology, and dynamic power management enhances the efficiency of power and data transfer, potentially improving battery life depending on individual user circumstances.
Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast broadcast audio compatibility provides users with the option to stream clear audio directly from compatible mobile devices and, in future, in public venues such as airports and concert halls as these technologies become available.
Impact of hearing loss
Professor Robert Briggs, Director of the Cochlear Implant Program at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, emphasised the broader implications of untreated hearing loss.
“Hearing loss affects so many areas of a person’s life from employment, social interaction, relationships and well-being. For Australians with hearing loss, it is important for you to speak to your hearing health professional to see what options are available to you,” said Professor Briggs.
Nearly 30 per cent of people with hearing loss in Australia report experiencing isolation, with over 70 per cent noting challenges in communication that can affect relationships and social involvement.
User perspectives
Melbourne resident Stephen Dyt is among the first people to receive the new system. He has experienced hearing loss for most of his life, having initially relied on hearing aids.
“My experience with hearing loss started with seeing both my grandmother and father struggle with hearing loss,” said Dyt.
“It was something I have lived with my entire adult life. Since I was 17 years of age, I have worn hearing aids but in the last few years, I wasn’t getting the same benefit, and I was struggling to hear in settings I previously coped well in. My family and friends noticed this change and I decided it was time to explore a cochlear implant. When the opportunity came up to be one of the first people to receive this new cochlear implant, I was extremely nervous and excited. This new implant has dramatically changed things for me and most importantly, my family. I am now able to interact and live with confidence and life is a lot easier as I can now hear clearly,” explained Dyt.
Company outlook
Cochlear has provided more than 750,000 hearing implants worldwide and states that its devices are regarded as highly reliable within the sector.
Stu Sayers, President of Asia Pacific & Latin America at Cochlear, said, “We are driven by a passion for progress; to help people hear and be heard. This is why we have a proud history of being first to bring industry leading technology to people with hearing loss. Most importantly, we are excited by the potential of this next generation technology to improve the experience and outcomes for people living with hearing loss today and well into the future.”
The Nucleus Nexa System is available in Australia with support through public health and private health insurance pathways, with the number of Australians impacted by hearing loss projected to double by 2060.
