Compare Nucleus® sound processors
Compare the features of the different sounds processors for cochlear implants proposed by Cochlear.
Page contents
- Differences between behind-the-ear and off-the-ear sound processors.
- Comparison table of the Nucleus sound processors.
Cochlear implant systems are made up of two parts: the external processor and the internal implant placed under the skin. The processor captures and processes the signal before transmitting it to the implant through an antenna. Several types of processors exist.
What’s the difference between behind-the-ear and off-the-ear sound processors?
Behind-the-ear processors sit on the pinna, with an ear hook to hold them in place. The antenna is connected to the processor by a cable.
Off-the-ear sound processors sit on the side of the head. It is a self-contained unit that contains the processing unit, microphones, transmitter coil, magnet and batteries.
In any case, consulting a hearing health specialist is the first step in choosing a sound processor.
Comparison table
Find out more about the functions of the Nucleus sound processors.
Sound Processor type |
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Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor |
Nucleus® Kanso® 2 Sound Processor |
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| Behind-the-ear (BTE) |
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| Off-the-ear (OTE) |
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Technology |
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| Hybrid™ Hearing |
Three receiver options to customise the amount of power needed for acoustic hearing |
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| Hybrid™ systems have two parts: an external sound processor with an acoustic component for the low frequencies stimulation, and an internal implant for the high frequencies. | ||
| SmartSound®iQ with SCAN |
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| SmartSound iQ with SCAN is an automatic sound processing technology. | ||
| ForwardFocus |
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| ForwardFocus is a control that may be enabled by a clinician and then controlled by the user. It reduces sounds coming from behind the processor and emphasizes those coming from the front. | ||
| mySmartSound™ technology |
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| mySmartSound technology can be used to adjust the bass, treble and master volume of the device. | ||
| Dual microphones |
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| Cochlear sound processors include dual microphone technology. | ||
| Nucleus Smart App |
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| The Nucleus Smart App works together with the Nucleus 7 Sound Processor and Kanso 2 Sound Processor. Available for compatible Apple and Android™ devices, it may be used to control settings using a smartphone. | ||
| Remote Control |
CR310 |
CR310 |
| The Remote Control has a display screen where it is possible to change basic settings. | ||
| Smartphone compatibility |
Direct streaming from compatible Apple or Android devices. Other smartphone devices streaming with Cochlear Wireless Phone Clip
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Direct streaming from compatible Apple or Android devices. Other smartphone devices streaming with Cochlear Wireless Phone Clip |
| Both processors includes technology to stream sound directly from a compatible Apple or Android device without the need of any additional accessories. | ||
| Telephone use - standard headset | Microphone or telecoil | |
| Telecoil |
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| A telecoil picks up electromagnetic signals and turns them into sound. | ||
| Compatible with Cochlear True Wireless™ devices |
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| It is possible to connect directly to the Cochlear Wireless Mini Microphone 2+, the Cochlear Wireless Phone Clip or the Cochlear Wireless TV Streamer without needing neck-worn loops. | ||
| Phone Clip |
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| Bluetooth®-enabled wireless technology may be used to connect to a smartphone or a tablet to stream calls or music. | ||
| TV Streamer |
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| The TV Streamer may be used to stream sound from a television. | ||
| Mini microphone 2+ |
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| Sound may be streamed from the Mini Microphone 2+ to a sound processor. | ||
| Bimodal/Bilateral streaming | From a compatible smartphone and True Wireless Devices | From a compatible smartphone and True Wireless Devices |
| Sounds may be streamed to both ears from a smartphone or True Wireless device. | ||
| FM connectivity |
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| The Mini Microphone 2+ may be used as a possible alternative to FM systems. | ||
| Auto-On |
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| The sound processor turns on automatically when a battery/disposable batteries is connected. | ||
Characteristics |
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| Colour range | 6 colour options | 5 colour options |
| Water and dust resistance ratings |
Water and dust resistant (IP57). Waterproof (IP68) when worn with Aqua+.^ |
Water and dust resistant (IP68), Waterproof (IP68) when worn with Aqua+.^ |
| Aqua+^ |
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| Aqua+ is a silicone sleeve that can be fitted over the sound processor for IP68 water resistance. | ||
| P2i coating |
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| P2I coating is a coating used for water resistance. | ||
| One button interface |
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| Tamper-resistant battery modules |
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| LED status monitoring |
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| Uses LED lights to display when the microphones are picking up sounds. | ||
| Monitor sound quality |
Compatible with monitor earphones |
Sound Check in the Nucleus Smart App |
| Enables a parent to check the sound quality of the input from their child's sound processor, microphone or accessories. | ||
Batteries |
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| Disposable batteries | Two required |
N/A |
| Disposable batteries may last several days depending on a recipient's power usage needs. Battery life may vary by individual. | ||
| Rechargeable batteries |
(Standard and Compact options) |
Built-in rechargeable battery |
| Standard and compact rechargeable battery modules are available for the Nucleus 7 processor. The Kanso 2 Processor has a built-in rechargeable battery. | ||
| Battery Life | Up to 80 hours5 | Up to 18 hours3 |
| Rechargeable battery charger |
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| The Nucleus 7 Sound Processor features an additional USB charging option. The Kanso 2 Sound Processor uses a all-in-one Cochlear Home Charger that charges, stores and dries the device at the same time. An option cochlear Portable Charger is also available. |
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Wearing And Retention Options |
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| Earhooks |
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| Secures the sound processor to the 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. | ||
| Hugfit™ feature |
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| May be indicated for the smallest ears. | ||
| Mic Lock |
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| Helps keep the Nucleus 7 sound processor secured on the ear when used with an earmould or the earmould adaptor. | ||
| Koala Clip |
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| A clip-on retention that attaches the sound processor to an article of clothing. | ||
| Safety cord |
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| It can be used to retain the sound processor if it comes off the ear. | ||
| Hair clip |
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| Clips on the processor to the hair. | ||
| 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. | ||
| Headband |
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| An optional accessory that holds the sound processor in place. | ||
Compatibility |
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| Implant compatibility | Compatible with all Nucleus implants (CI600-, CI500-, CI24RE-series and Nucleus 24 and Nucleus 22 implants). | Compatible with CI600-, CI500- and CI24RE-series and Nucleus 24 implants. Not compatible with Nucleus 22 implants. |
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 D1990593, Nucleus 8 Sound Processor Battery Estimations with CI500 and CI600 Implants. 2022, Sept.