Advanced Bionics Corporation Release: Announcing Health Canada Approval Of The New HiRes Ultra Cochlear Implant

VALENCIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advanced Bionics (AB) has received Health Canada approval for the new HiRes™ Ultra cochlear implant. Built on proven HiResolution electronics technology, the new HiRes Ultra implant features the thinnest implant profile from AB and includes the HiFocus™ Mid-Scala electrode, designed to protect the delicate structures of the cochlea.

“AB’s HiRes technology offers the fastest stimulation rate, the widest input dynamic range and the precise stimulation of the hearing nerve via 120 spectral bands, which leads to greater music appreciation and more natural sound for recipients”

Developed with leading cochlear implant surgeons, the HiRes Ultra with the HiFocus Mid-Scala electrode offers several high-performance features designed to suit individual patient anatomy and surgical preferences for the best possible hearing outcomes.

“AB’s HiRes technology offers the fastest stimulation rate, the widest input dynamic range and the precise stimulation of the hearing nerve via 120 spectral bands, which leads to greater music appreciation and more natural sound for recipients,” says Hansjürg Emch, President of Advanced Bionics and Group Vice President Medical of Sonova.

The HiRes Ultra is the latest generation of HiRes implants and features a low profile, which makes it ideal for recipients of all ages. The implant exceeds the industry standard for impact resistance and can undergo 1.5T MRI scans with the magnet left in place. In cases where a 3T MRI is needed, the magnet can be easily removed. In addition, Health Canada approval includes a surface mount indication, approval for single-sided deafness in adults, as well as application for adults with incapacitating tinnitus unresponsive to the conventional treatments of tinnitus.

Additionally, the HiRes Ultra implant gives recipients access to AB’s Naída CI sound processor and wireless accessories that integrate with the latest Phonak sound cleaning features. The combination of AB and Phonak technologies allows recipients to understand better in noise, connect wirelessly to a variety of media and devices, and receive streaming signals between both ears. The AB and Phonak partnership offers the only hearing aid and CI processor that are made to work perfectly together and make hearing easy and natural for bimodal recipients.

The HiRes Ultra implant is designed to meet the needs of the global market and is currently available in North America and Europe, and will be available to ship in Canada beginning February 27^th.

About Advanced Bionics

AB is a global leader in developing the most advanced cochlear implant systems in the world. Founded in 1993 and a subsidiary of the Sonova Group since 2009, AB develops cutting-edge cochlear implant technology that allows recipients to hear their best.

AB offers the most sophisticated cochlear implant system on the market, the HiResolution™ Bionic Ear System, with five times more sound resolution than its competitors, designed to help recipients hear in noisy settings and enjoy the full dimensions of music and tonal languages. With sales in more than 50 countries and a proven track record for developing high-performing, state-of-the-art products, AB’s talented worldwide group of technologists and professionals are driven to succeed, work with integrity and stay firmly committed to quality.