Catching every syllable of a person talking in a crowded place is a challenging task for CI users. MED-EL supports understanding of speech in noise (SIN) through a unique, synergistic design pathway: long electrodes for apical stimulation, fine structure signal processing on low-frequency channels, anatomy-based fitting (ABF) for individualized place-pitch alignment, adaptive sound management for listening comfort and ease, and long-term rehabilitation.

Renowned ENT surgeon Prof. Paul Van de Heyning argues that low frequencies, long electrodes, and anatomy-based fitting can reshape cochlear implant care. Find the key messages of his lecture at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in this article—and watch the embedded recording of his presentation for full information.

Stimulating the right pitch at the right rate and at the right place in the cochlea enables people with hearing loss to hear with their cochlear implants in a way that comes uniquely close to natural hearing. Simple, right? Not at all. MED-EL’s sophisticated technology that enables closest to natural hearing is anything but simple. Read on to find out what sets us apart from other CI manufacturers and why we are the worldwide leader when it comes to cochlear implant sound quality.

Understanding music is a complex process. MED-EL's cochlear implant technology makes it possible for users to perceive and appreciate music.

Since 2006, each channel or pair of electrodes in MED-EL’s cochlear implants has had its own current source. These 12 channels with independent current sources allow each electrode pair to stimulate the cochlea with more flexibility. For instance, several different electrode pairs can stimulate different places in the cochlea at precisely the same time, which is often referred to as simultaneous or parallel stimulation.

Music promotes social connectedness and well-being. It plays an important part in people’s lives and remains an important factor in the lives of cochlear implant (CI) recipients.  “Music contributes to positive aging by providing ways for people to maintain positive self-esteem, feel competent, independent, and avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness,” and it can be