What is the new Cochlear implant called? Is it good?

Answer 1

Nucleus® Freedom™

I can't tell you how good it is, as I don't yet need a hearing aid. There is a comparison chart on the second link below.

Answer 2

You don't indicate whether you are considering an implant or whether you are wondering about upgrades in processors.As with hearing aid technology, the CI processors have been developed with improved ability to manage ambient noises to help improve the transmission of speech sounds. The only way someone can say how much better they are is to discuss with other CI users that have tried it - and there are MANY groups on the net.
http://www.listen-up.org/ci/ci-support.htm
http://www.cochlear.com/Community/675.asp
http://debrah.blog.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CIHear/
http://cihear.com/childrens.html


There are 3 major CI manufacturers available in the USA:

Harmony is the new processor by Advanced Bionics
http://www.cochlearimplant.com/Consumer/Living/Products/Harmony_BTE/index.cfm?langid=1
And their new implant is HiRes 90K:
http://www.bionicear.com/Consumer/Choosing/HiResolution_Bionic_Ear_System/hires_90k.cfm?langid=1

Cochlear Corp. has the Freedom Processor which you can get as an upgrade if you have a Nucleus 24 implant:
http://www.cochlearamericas.com/Products/1802.asp

MedEl has the PULSARCI100 implant:
http://www.medel.com/ENG/US/20_Products/10_Pulsar_Implant/000_pulsar.asp
and the Tempo+ Processor:
http://www.medel.com/ENG/US/20_Products/20_Speech_Processor/000_tempo.asp