Cochlear implants

Six handy hints when upgrading to help you choose your next sound processor

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If you’ve imagined having better conversation in noisy places, making calls with confidence, or enjoying streamed music and entertainment, it’s all possible with the latest technology. But if you’re considering upgrading, which sound processor is right for you?

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No matter if you prefer a behind-the-ear or off-the ear device, there are some standout benefits to Cochlear’s latest technology over older sound processors. Here are six reasons to consider the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 7 or new Kanso® 2 Sound Processors.

Clearer sound in challenging environments

A new feature, ForwardFocus1, will help you experience clearer sound2, even in noisy environments. Simply switch on ForwardFocus through the Nucleus Smart App3 to decrease noise coming from behind you and help you focus more easily on the face-to-face conversation.4

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A woman and man stand in a small crown. The woman is using the ForwardFocus feature on her sound processor to better hear the man. This is one reason to help choose your next sound processor.

Phone call confidence

Nucleus 6 Sound Processor recipient, Alana Nichols talks about using the Phone Clip to feel confident while on the phone, however if she upgraded to the Nucleus 7 or Kanso 25 Sound Processors, Alana would be able to answer and make calls with the audio streamed directly to her device, via a compatible smartphone6, without the aid of external accessories.

For Kathleen Myers, who streams calls directly to her Nucleus 7 Sound Processor, this represents ‘true independence’: ‘I could talk on the phone and not have any extra devices on me, and it’s called freedom’.

A woman talks wirelessly on her cell phone illustrating one of the reasons to upgrade and helping you choose your next sound processor

Enjoy music and entertainment with direct streaming

Enjoy your favorite entertainment, podcasts, music and even GPS directions with audio streamed directly from your compatible Apple®7 or AndroidTM8 smartphone to your Nucleus 7 or Kanso 2 Sound Processor.

“What I really love is listening to music again, and because I can stream it direct from my iPhone®, I can just have my phone in my pocket… doing chores… in the garden and it’s just so much easier,” says Diane about direct streaming from her Nucleus 7 Sound Processor.

Control your sound processor from an app

The Nucleus Smart App allows you to control your device’s settings, functions and information directly from a compatible Apple or Android device. You can also personalize your hearing goals with the Hearing Tracker and, for added peace of mind, the app can help you locate a misplaced sound processor – great for active little ones!

Leading an active lifestyle

Carly runs and practices yoga most days and in the winter, you’ll find her snowboarding in the Colorado mountains.

“I would recommend to people, especially active people, that maybe [an off-the-ear sound processor] makes sense for them,” says Carly.

Three people biking showing how small their sound processor is to fit under their bike helmets. Another reason to help you choose your next sound processor

Whether you’re working out or exploring the great outdoors, the Kanso 2 Sound Processor is designed to stay securely in place. With its powerful, integrated rechargeable battery and convenient, optional Portable Charger, the Kanso 2 Sound Processor will last throughout your busy day9.

Comfort and discretion

Small and light, the Kanso 2 Sound Processor is designed to be discreet and so comfortable you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it.

“I tend to wear caps a lot. I usually always have sunglasses on or glasses,” says Sheiladawn. “Having the Kanso on my head and off the ear is a very relaxing and comfortable feeling.”

Three people sit on a couch talking about how to choose your next sound processor

If you prefer behind-the-ear devices, the light-weight design of the Nucleus 7 Sound Processor, which is 24% lighter10 than the Nucleus 6 Sound Processor, could be for you.

Still need help in deciding which sound processor is right for you?

Together with your clinician, our Customer Service team is on hand to answer your questions and make the process of upgrading easier.

Get more upgrade information here >>

  1. ForwardFocus can only be enabled by a hearing implant specialist. It should only be activated for users 12 years and older who are able to reliably provide feedback on sound quality and understand how to use the feature when moving to different or changing environments. It may be possible to have decreased speech understanding when using ForwardFocus in a quiet environment.
  2. *Cochlear Limited. D1376556. Acceptance and Performance with the Nucleus 7 Cochlear Implant System with Adult Recipients. January 2020.

    *Cochlear Limited. D1660797. CP1150 Sound Processor Interim Clinical Investigation Report. 2020; January.

    *Mauger SJ, et al. Clinical evaluation of the Nucleus 6 cochlear implant system: performance improvements with SmartSound iQ. Int J Audiol. 2014, Aug; 53(8): 564-576. [Sponsored by Cochlear].

    *Mauger SJ, Jones M, Nel E, Del Dot J. Clinical outcomes with the Nucleus Kanso off-the-ear cochlear implant sound processor. Int J Audiol. 2017, Apr; 56(4): 267-276. [Sponsored by Cochlear].

    *Wolfe J, et al. Benefits of Adaptive Signal Processing in a Commercially Available Cochlear Implant Sound Processor. Otol Neurotol. 2015 Aug; 36(7): 1181-90.

  3. *Cochlear Limited. D1376556. Acceptance and Performance with the Nucleus 7 Cochlear Implant System with Adult Recipients. January 2020.

    *Cochlear Limited. D1660797. CP1150 Sound Processor Interim Clinical Investigation Report. 2020; January.

    *Mauger SJ, et al. Clinical evaluation of the Nucleus 6 cochlear implant system: performance improvements with SmartSound iQ. Int J Audiol. 2014, Aug; 53(8): 564-576. [Sponsored by Cochlear].

  4. All images were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic
  5. The Kanso 2 Sound Processor is compatible with the Nucleus Profile Plus, Nucleus Profile Series, CI500 Series, CI24RE (Freedom) Series, CI24R and CI24M implants. The Kanso 2 Sound Processor will not be compatible with the Nucleus® 22 (N22) Implant due to the Kanso 2 Sound Processor’s size and coil type.
  6. The Nucleus 7 and Kanso 2 Sound Processors are compatible with Apple and Android devices. The Cochlear Nucleus Smart App is available on App Store and Google Play. For compatibility information visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility
  7. Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
  8. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
  9. Cochlear Limited. D1710313 CP1150 Battery Life Coverage Technical Report. 2020; March.
  10. The Nucleus 7 Sound Processor is 25% smaller and 24% lighter than the previous generation Nucleus 6 Sound Processor

    Cochlear Limited. D1190805. Processor Size Comparison. 2019, Sept; Data on File.

Anna Martinez
Anna Martinez is the Associate Volunteer Engagement Manager and has worked for Cochlear since 2016. She is responsible for communication and onboarding with the Cochlear volunteer community. Anna is a Colorado native and enjoys being outside in the beautiful weather with her son.

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