Cochlear launches world’s first smart hearing implant system

Cochlear announced on Thursday the launch of the Nucleus Nexa System, which the company described as the world's first and only smart cochlear implant system featuring internal memory and upgradeable firmware.

The Australian medical device company said Australians living with hearing loss are among the first in the world to access the next generation technology, which is designed and manufactured in Australia.

Chief Technology Officer Jan Janssen said Cochlear had re-imagined the internal technology of the cochlear implant system by combining more than 40 years of proven reliability with a new cutting-edge chipset 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,” Janssen said.

The Nucleus Nexa System offers the world's first hearing implant solution with upgradeable implant firmware. Conventional cochlear implants can only access future innovation by upgrading their sound processor, but the Nexa System removes this limitation.

The system is also the first implant with built-in memory, allowing personalised hearing settings to be securely stored directly in the implant. This innovation ensures users can seamlessly transfer their settings to a new sound processor if their current one is lost or damaged.

The new “Smart Sync” feature means users can simply pick up a replacement sound processor and have their personalised settings automatically copied in seconds, rather than needing to visit a clinic for reprogramming.

One of the first people in the world with a Nucleus Nexa System is Melbourne-based Stephen Dyt, who has been living with hearing loss his whole life.

“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,” Dyt said.

The system will be available in Australia from 16 June 2025.

Picture: supplied