Compare Nucleus® sound processors
Whether you choose a Cochlear™ sound processor that sits behind the ear or off the ear, you can be sure you're getting the technology you need to help ensure you always hear your best.
What you'll find on this page
- Understand the difference between behind-the-ear and off-the-ear sound processors.
- Get to know the different sound processors in the Nucleus® range.
What’s the difference between behind-the-ear and off-the-ear sound processors?
Behind-the-ear sound processors, such as the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 8 Sound Processor, sit behind your ear, with an earhook to keep them in place. A cable and circular coil connect to the sound processor and the coil is held on the head by a magnet.
Off-the-ear sound processors, such as the Cochlear Nucleus Kanso® 2 Sound Processor, sit on the side of the head. The Nucleus Kanso 2 Sound Processor is an all-in-one device that contains a processing unit, microphones, magnet and battery.
Learn how they compare
Compare the features of our latest sound processors.
We recommend you talk to your hearing healthcare clinician about the right Cochlear sound processor for your hearing needs and lifestyle.
Sound Processor type |
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Nucleus® 8 Sound Processor |
Nucleus® Kanso® 2 Sound Processor |
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| Behind-the-ear (BTE) |
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| A BTE sound processor is worn on the ear and a small coil is held in place against the head with a magnet. The Cochlear Nucleus 8 Sound Processor is the smallest, lightest and most advanced BTE sound processor.1,* It features SmartSound® iQ 2 with SCAN 2 and improved ForwardFocus. Ready for next-generation Bluetooth® LE Audio technology¥, it will be easy to bring sound to you – in more places and from more devices than ever before.2-4 | ||
| Off-the-ear (OTE) |
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| An OTE sound processor provides a comfortable, discreet hearing solution with similar performance to a BTE sound processor. The Kanso 2 Sound Processor is worn off the ear as a single unit and features our SmartSound iQ, True Wireless™ Devices, rechargeable built-in battery, and coil into a single, easy-to-use unit without compromising hearing performance. | ||
Technology |
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| Hybrid™ Hearing |
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| Designed to deliver a richer hearing experience, Hybrid™ Hearing solutions can enhance your natural low-frequency hearing before or after surgery, while providing access to the sounds you're missing.## | ||
| Sound processing technology |
SmartSound® iQ 2 with SCAN 2 |
SmartSound iQ with SCAN |
| SmartSound iQ 2 is Cochlear's latest sound processing technology. Designed to optimise your hearing experience and focus on sounds that are most important to you, it works to filter out background noise and automatically adapts your listening settings.5-9 SCAN 2 is Cochlear’s industry leading automatic scene classifier - designed to detect the unique features of sound and use them to determine the listening environment. The Kanso 2 Sound Processor features our earlier generation SmartSound iQ with SCAN technology. | ||
| Background noise reduction technology |
Improved ForwardFocus |
ForwardFocus |
| Hear better in noisy listening environments with ForwardFocus† technology. Featured in the Kanso 2 Sound Processor, it reduces distracting noise coming from behind, so you can more easily enjoy face-to-face conversations. The Nucleus 8 Sound Processor features an improved and more powerful ForwardFocus to further enhance the clarity of speech coming from in front of you.‡ It can be user-controlled or automated to help you focus on what's important in any situation.5 | ||
| Nucleus Smart App |
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| Adults have convenient control of their sound processor using the Nucleus Smart App.^ Developed exclusively for our latest range of sound processors, it is available for compatible Apple and Android™ devices. Parents may find the the Nucleus Smart App especially useful to manage their child's hearing. | ||
| mySmartSound™ technology |
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| Fine tune your hearing settings to best suit your listening preferences. With mySmartSound technology, you can adjust bass, treble and master volume. This feature is clinician-enabled and can be accessed via the Nucleus Smart App. | ||
| Dual microphones |
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| Understand speech more easily in noisy surroundings with the help of dual microphones, which work to reduce background noise.6 | ||
| Remote Control |
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| Manage your hearing in a discreet way using the Remote Control (CR310), which features a handy display screen for changing simple settings. | ||
| Apple and Android™ compatible |
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| Stream your favourite entertainment directly to your sound processor. Using technology built into your sound processor, you can stream sound directly to your Nucleus 8 or Kanso 2 sound processor from a compatible Apple or Android device* - without the need for any accessories. | ||
| Bluetooth® compatible |
Next-generation Bluetooth LE Audio |
Bluetooth Low Energy |
| The Kanso 2 Sound Processor allows you to stream sound directly from any Bluetooth Low Energy compatible devices, such as mobile phones. The Nucleus 8 Sound Processor is ready for next-generation Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity.¥ You will be able to bring sound to you – from more places and more devices than ever before and connect directly to what’s being broadcast at public venues such as airports, conference centres, sports clubs and gyms which support Bluetooth Auracast™.2-4 | ||
| Telecoil |
Optimised for room loops |
Via the Cochlear Wireless Mini Microphone 2+ |
| Connect to hearing loop systems for everyday convenience. A telecoil picks up electromagnetic signals and turns them into sound. | ||
| Compatible with Cochlear True Wireless™ devices |
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| Stream clear audio directly to your sound processor using True Wireless™ Devices. Leave your phone in your pocket and enjoy clearer conversations with the Phone Clip and set your own personal volume and stream sound from your favourite movie straight to your sound processor using the TV Streamer. And whether you're in class, at an office meeting or on the sporting field, the Mini Microphone 2+ transmits sound to your sound processor to make listening easier. | ||
| Bimodal/Bilateral streaming |
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| Cochlear sound processors can be worn with any hearing aid, so no matter what hearing aid you're using, you'll get the benefits of hearing with both ears. If you have a Nucleus 8 or Kanso 2 Sound Processor and a compatible ReSound hearing aid#, you can take advantage of our smart bimodal solution which enables you to stream directly to both ears from a compatible Apple or Android device+. | ||
| FM connectivity |
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| The Nucleus 8 Sound Processor can connect to FM systems via the Roger 20 FM receiver connected to the sound processor, or via the Roger X FM receiver plugged into the Cochlear Wireless Mini Microphone 2+. The Mini Microphone 2+ is an affordable and portable alternative to FM systems and can be used in and out of the classroom. | ||
| Auto-On |
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| The Nucleus 8 Sound Processor turns on automatically when you connect a battery. The Kanso 2 Sound Processor turns on automatically when you place it on your head for convenient, button free control. | ||
Features |
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| Size | Smallest BTE sound processor |
Smallest OTE sound processor |
| The Nucleus 8 Sound Processor is the world's smallest behind-the-ear sound processor and the Kanso 2 Sound Processor is the smallest off-the-ear sound processor available.1 | ||
| Weight | Lightest BTE sound processor |
Lightest rechargable OTE sound processor |
| Designed for comfort, the Nucleus 8 Sound Processor is the world’s lightest BTE processor and the Kanso 2 Sound Processor is the lightest rechargeable off-the-ear sound processor available.1 | ||
| Colour range | 6 colour options | 5 colour options |
| A range of colours are available, based on preference and lifestyle. The Nucleus 8 Sound Processor is available in silver, black, brown, grey, white and sand. The Kanso 2 Sound Processor is available in black, chocolate brown, sandy blonde, silver and slate grey. | ||
| Water and dust resistance ratings |
Water and dust resistant (IP68) |
Water and dust resistant (IP68) |
| The Nucleus 8 Sound Processor and Kanso 2 Sound Processor are splash-proof and dust-proof, with the highest available water-resistance rating in a sound processor (IP68).10 | ||
| Aqua+~ |
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| For added peace of mind, add the Aqua+, a soft, flexible silicone sleeve that fits over the sound processor. Whether you're in salty, fresh, soapy or chlorinated water, it offers enhanced protection so you can enjoy your favourite water-based activities. | ||
| P2i coating |
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| P2i is a water-resistant nano coating which is designed to protect against the effects of corrosion from sweat, humidity and general water damage. | ||
| Simple interface |
One button design |
Button-free design |
| The Nucleus 8 Sound Processor has a one button interface for basic control functionality. The Kanso 2 Sound Processor has a unique button-free design. | ||
Batteries |
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| Disposable batteries |
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N/A |
| Disposable batteries typically last several days depending on a recipient's power usage needs. The Nucleus 8 Sound Processor offers a typical battery life of 35 hours using zinc air disposable batteries.12,§ Battery life varies by individual.± | ||
| Rechargeable batteries |
Compact and Power Extend options |
Built-in rechargeable battery |
| The Nucleus 8 Sound Processor has a Compact Battery Module which offers a typical battery life of 10 hours and a Power Extend Battery Module which offers a typical battery life of 20 hours.12,§ The Kanso 2 Sound Processor has a built-in rechargeable battery. Battery life varies by individual.± | ||
| Battery Life± | Typical battery life of 35 hours.12,±,§,** | Up to 18 hours |
| Cochlear sound processors are designed with efficiency in mind, to deliver long-lasting battery performance. | ||
| Rechargeable battery charger |
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| The Nucleus 8 Sound Processor features an additional USB charging option, allowing you to charge from a PC, or in the car. The Kanso 2 Sound Processor uses a new all-in-one Home Charger that charges, stores and dries your device at the same time. A Portable Charger is also available for the Kanso 2. | ||
For parents |
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| Tamper-resistant battery |
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| For added safety, Nucleus 8 Sound Processors have tamper-resistant battery modules and the Kanso 2 Sound Processor's battery is built into the sound processor unit. Helps prevent children from opening the battery cover. | ||
| LED status monitoring |
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| An easy way to quickly and easily assess the status of your child's sound processor. | ||
| Monitor sound quality |
Compatible with monitor earphones |
Sound Check in the Nucleus Smart App |
| Enables parents and carers to check the sound quality of the input from a loved one's sound processor or accessories. | ||
Wearing and retention options |
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| Earhooks |
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| Comfortably secures the sound processor to your ear. | ||
| Tamper-resistant earhook |
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| Earhooks with additional tamper resistance. | ||
| Snugfit |
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| Helps keep the sound processor securely in place, especially for active adults and children. | ||
| Hugfit™ feature |
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| Helps keep the sound processor securely in place, especially designed for smaller ears. | ||
| Mic Lock |
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| Helps keep the Nucleus 8 Sound Processor secured on the ear when used with an earmould or the earmould adaptor. | ||
| Koala Clip |
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| Clip-on retention device for babies and younger children. | ||
| Safety cord |
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| Provides additional security when taking part in activities where you risk losing your sound processor. | ||
| Hair clip |
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| Clips onto the hair, reducing the risk of losing the sound processor. | ||
| Kanso Halo accessory |
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| Clips onto the Kanso 2 Sound Processor and is secured to the head with two Hair Clips, reducing the risk of losing the sound processor. | ||
| Earmould adaptor |
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| Attaches to an earmould to help keep the sound processor securely in place. | ||
| Headworn adaptor |
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| For temporary use only. Holds the sound processor and coil together in place on the side of the head. | ||
| Headband |
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| Optional accessories that hold either a, Nucleus 8 or Kanso 2 Sound Processor in place. Useful for children and during physical activity. | ||
Compatibility |
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| Implant compatibility | Not compatible with Nucleus 22 implants | Not compatible with Nucleus 22 implants |
Cochlear Nucleus comparison flyer
Download a full copy of our Nucleus comparison flyer. This document provides a comparative overview of the different features available in our Nucleus sound processor portfolio.
Nucleus comparison flyer
628 KB | PDF
More information
Disclaimer
Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.
Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Watch, FaceTime, Made for iPad logo, Made for iPhone logo, Made for iPod logo, iPhone, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Android is a trademark of Google LLC. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Cochlear Limited is under license.
* Compared to Nucleus 6 and Nucleus 7 sound processors.
† ForwardFocus is a clinician-enabled feature that can be user-controlled or automated.
‡ Compared to Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor with ForwardFocus on.
^ The Cochlear Nucleus Smart App is available on App Store and Google Play. For compatibility information visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility.
+ The Cochlear Nucleus 8 and Kanso 2 Sound Processors are compatible with Apple, Android and True Wireless Devices. For compatibility information visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility.
# For compatibility information and devices visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility and www.resound.com/compatibility.
~ The Nucleus 8 and Kanso 2 sound processors are dust and water resistant to level of IP68 of the International Standard IEC60529. The Nucleus 8 and Kanso 2 Sound Processor with Aqua+ can be continuously submerged under water to a depth of up to 3 metres for up to 2 hours. Refer to the relevant User Guide for more information.
± Battery life varies for every user, according to the age of the battery, the programs used each day, your implant type, the thickness of skin covering your implant, and the size and type of battery used. Streaming from compatible devices, True Wireless Devices or FM may decrease sound processor battery life depending on how often and for how long streaming is engaged.
** When using zinc air batteries.
§ Typical expected battery life is calculated using default map settings used with a CI600 Series or CI500 Series implant.
¥ When the technology becomes available for the Cochlear Nucleus 8 Sound Processor, a firmware update to your sound processor will allow you to connect to Bluetooth LE Audio compatible devices.
## Hearing levels can be affected by surgery. Please discuss with your doctor.
References
- Cochlear Limited. D1190805, Processor Size Comparison. 2022, May.
- Hunn N. Introducing Bluetooth® LE Audio [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jan]. Available from: https://www.bluetooth.com/learn-about-bluetooth/recent-enhancements/le-audio/
- Cochlear Limited. D1631375 Nucleus 8 Sound Processor Product Definition. 2022, Oct.
- A Technical Overview of LC3 [Internet]. Bluetooth® Technology Website. [cited 2022 Feb 28]. Available from: https://www.bluetooth.com/blog/a-technical-overview-of-lc3
- Cochlear Limited. D1964109 CLTD5804 Clinical Investigation Report. 2022, Feb.
- Mauger SJ, et al. Clinical outcomes with the Kanso off-the-ear cochlear implant sound processor. Int J Audiol. 2017, Apr; 56(4): 267-276. [Sponsored by Cochlear].
- Mauger SJ, Warren C, Knight M, Goorevich M, Nel E. Clinical evaluation of the Nucleus 6 cochlear implant system: performance improvements with SmartSound iQ. International Journal Of Audiology. 2014, Aug; 53(8): 564-576. [Sponsored by Cochlear]
- Wolfe J, Neumann S, Marsh M, Schafer E, Lianos L, Gilden J, O'Neill L, Arkis P, Menapace C, Nel E, Jones M. Benefits of Adaptive Signal Processing in a Commercially Available Cochlear Implant Sound Processor. Otol Neurotol. 2015 Aug; 36(7):1181-90. [Sponsored by Cochlear]
- Cochlear Limited. D1864200 SCAN 2 Design Description. 2022, Apr.
- Cochlear Limited. D1980144 CP1110 IEC60529 IP68 Certificate & Test Report. 2022, Feb.
- Cochlear Limited. D1376556.CLTD5709 Acceptance and Performance with the Nucleus 7 Cochlear Implant System with Adult Recipients. 2018, Jan.
- Cochlear Limited D1990593, Nucleus 8 Sound Processor Battery Estimations with CI500 and CI600 Implants. 2022, Sept.