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.
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.
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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.