Our latest cochlear implant audio processor, SONNET 3, started shipping to clinics worldwide last year and thousands of recipients are now enjoying closest to natural hearing with our most advanced behind-the-ear processor. To help them get the most out of its innovative features—from integrated direct streaming to a touch key—here are some tools and tips to share with them.

New Handy Features on AudioKey 3

The AudioKey 3 app for RONDO 3 and SONNET series audio processors lets users control their audio processor settings, view detailed statistics, and locate lost audio processors. The latest update (Version 3.0.2), released in February 2025, has two new features aimed especially at SONNET 3 users:

1.     Audio Processor Push Notifications for SONNET 3

These audio processor push notifications can help your patients stay in the loop with a new feature that sends notifications directly to their phone. AudioKey 3 will notify them if their SONNET 3 coil has disconnected or if their battery is low.

You can activate this new feature for your patients in the latest version of our MAESTRO fitting software. This handy guide on our LinkedIn page shows you how.

2.     Activate SONNET 3’s Standby Mode

This new feature lets your patients put their SONNET 3 into standby mode directly from their AudioKey 3 app.

To use both these features, your patients will need to update to the latest version of AudioKey 3 in their phones’ app store.

We’ve created a series of hands-on videos for AudioKey 3 to help your patients familiarize themselves with how to use the app.

Here’s the link to the entire series of AudioKey 3 hands-on videos.

How to Receive an Auracast^™ Broadcast

As Auracast broadcasts gradually become more common, your patients might be wondering if they can use it with SONNET 3. The short answer is: Yes!

For more on how to connect SONNET series and RONDO 3 audio processors to Auracast using AudioLink or AudioLink XT and a third-party device, you can check out our recent article, Can Cochlear Implants Receive Auracast Broadcasts?, and share it with your patients.

Practical Tips With Our SONNET 3 Hands-On Videos

SONNET 3 comes with lots of new features, including a flexible ear hook, integrated direct streaming, and a handy touch key. To help your patients familiarize themselves with all of these features, we’ve created a series of hands-on videos. These also show our users how to carry out everyday functions with their SONNET 3, such as connecting with smartphones, understanding light patterns, and cleaning best practices.

There’s also a series of hands-on video dedicated to AudioLink XT, our latest universal connectivity device. This covers topics such as assembly, pairing, and using it as a remote microphone or FM receiver.

Hearing Hacks on Social Media

As well as our hands on videos, we regularly share quick, useful tips for our cochlear implant recipients on our social media channels. For example, this video shows how you can make phone calls directly with SONNET 3 in just 27 seconds.

You and your patients can follow the MED-EL Facebook page or our Instagram page for more of these handy hearing hacks.

Support Guides, Troubleshooting, and Frequently Asked Questions

For more in-depth instructions on using SONNET 3, we recommend directing your patients to our support section on medel.com. Here, they’ll find written instructions on everything from assembling the audio processor to streaming music.

In addition, we’ve gathered together the most frequently asked questions about the SONNET 3 audio processor and created a quick troubleshooting guide to help them in the case of any minor technical problems.

We also have a dedicated support page for AudioLink XT.

Information for Upgrade Users and Cochlear Implant Candidates

Do you have patients who are considering an upgrade to SONNET 3? Or cochlear implant candidates who are researching which audio processor best fits their lifestyle? These resources are ideal starting places for your patients to learn about SONNET 3 and all its features:

• Video: Unboxing SONNET 3
• Website: All about SONNET 3
• Blog: User experiences with SONNET 3
• Hearpeers forum: Connect with SONNET 3 users