Naída CI Q70 - Cochlear Implant - Hearing Aid Hybrid

VALENCIA, Calif., August 28, 2013 – Advanced Bionics (AB), a global leader in cochlear implant technology and a company of the Sonova Group, announced today that the new Naída CI Q70 (Naída CI) sound processor is commercially available in the United States. Earlier this year, the Naída CI processor received regulatory approval for distribution in Europe, Canada and several other countries in the world. The innovation DNA of AB and Phonak have merged together for the introduction of the world’s newest, most advanced behind-the-ear sound processor. With Naída CI, AB delivers a quantum leap forward in performance and wireless connectivity with a chic, modern instyle™ design. Now cochlear implant recipients have access to the combined technologies of the innovation leaders in cochlear implants and hearing instruments.

“While AB is unique in our tireless focus on performance, we also understand that people want to wear beautiful products. With Naída CI, we have delivered a quantum leap forward in performance and wireless connectivity in a small, attractive package”, said Hansjuerg Emch, President of Advanced Bionics and Group Vice President of the Sonova Medical Division where AB resides. “We are especially excited to deliver a world first—the combination of the most advanced cochlear implant technology with state-of-the-art Phonak technology available in hundreds of thousands of hearing instruments. If you use Phonak products and get a cochlear implant from AB, you now have the opportunity to enjoy many of the same Phonak features and accessories.” Source: Advanced Bionics

Bacteria-caused middle ear infections mystery solved.

Dr Thornton and her team discovered that sticky nets of DNA hide the bacteria in the ears of kids with recurrent middle-ear infections, and evade antibiotic treatment by creating impenetrable slimy biofilms. The researchers are targeting these nets with a drug that has already proven its ability to help kids with cystic fibrosis by breaking up thick secretions in their lungs.

A study on the DNA net discovery was published in the online science journal Plos One in February and clinical drug trials are now underway. "Bacteria in the ear hide in a sticky glue made up of big nets of DNA from the children's own immune system," Dr Thornton said. "It is similar to what happens in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis, where a treatment known as Dornase alfa is used to break up this sticky DNA." "We are now trialling this treatment in the ears of children when they have grommets inserted. We believe this could get rid of these bacteria and stop children getting more infections and needing more ear surgery."

 Source: Medical Express

Don't just get hearing aids, Get better hearing!

When one has difficulty hearing another person, we seek better hearing so why go and buy hearing aids?

Audiology is the study of sound and how we hear. There is much research and technology available to help us hear better. Research to discover how people hear has given rise to the development of implants that can help the very deaf hear again. Studies also have shown that recovery of hearing function takes time and involved rehabilitation.

The keen desire to give better hearing has given rise to algorithms and hearing aid prescription rules that offer more speech understanding.

Thus audiologist use this knowledge to assess hearing abilities and how to best help people hear better.

So next time you want better hearing see an Audiologist.