Cochlear Americas Receives FDA Approval for the First and Only Ear Level Accessory

The Aqua Accessory allows recipients to shower and swim under water with their Cochlear™ Nucleus® 5 Sound Processor

Centennial, Colo., (May 31, 2013) – Cochlear Americas, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, announced today that the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a one-of-a-kind Aqua Accessory compatible with the Cochlear Nucleus 5 Sound Processor. The Aqua Accessory is a custom cover with a double zip lock seal designed to hold the processor and coil inside, and can be worn behind the ear in the normal position. It is designed to be used in any water based activities to a depth of four meters for up to one hour.

"The Aqua Accessory, combined with the Nucleus 5 Sound Processor, allows recipients to hear in every environment, including swimming in the pool, which we know is a high priority for many," said Chris Smith, President of Cochlear Americas. "We are pleased to be the first to introduce a behind-the-ear swimming option for cochlear implant users and look forward to seeing them relax and have fun in and out of the water."

The Aqua Accessory is a simple solution for protecting sophisticated cochlear implant technology from water damage. It is designed to provide more underwater options for people that currently use a Nucleus 5 Sound Processor, which already has the highest level of water resistance for an ear level device. Prior to the availability of the Aqua Accessory, people using the Nucleus 5 Sound Processor could be in and around water, but could not swim under water. However, now people have the ability to swim worry-free in chlorinated pools, partial salt water/chlorinated pools, saltwater, soapy and fresh water. With the new Aqua Accessory, an IP68 waterproof rating is achieved without the need to purchase an additional sound processor for swimming, and it is quick and easy to put on and take off during normal water activities.

"My children feel like a whole new and exciting world has been opened up to them since they started using the Aqua Accessory," said Pam Aasen, mother of two Nucleus System users. "They are able to participate in group swimming lessons, hear their friends talking to them, along with all of the other noises around the pool. Most importantly, they now know what being underwater sounds like, which is something they never thought they would be able to experience."

The Aqua Accessory can be pre-ordered from the Cochlear Americas store in packs of 5, 15 and 30 for a low cost. The Aqua Accessory is also available in Latin America and Canada. For more information, visit Cochlear.com/US.

About Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants are a proven medical option for infants as young as 12 months old with profound hearing loss in both ears, children aged two and older with severe-to-profound hearing loss, and adults with moderate-to-profound hearing loss in both ears. They are electronic devices, which bypass damaged hair cells in the inner ear, or cochlea, and stimulate the hearing nerve directly.

About Cochlear

Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. It has a dedicated global team of more than 2,500 people who deliver the gift of sound to the hearing impaired in over 100 countries. Its vision is to connect people, young and old, to a world of sound by offering life enhancing hearing solutions.

The Cochlear promise of "Hear now. And always" embodies the company's commitment to providing its recipients with the best possible hearing performance today and for the rest of their lives. For over 30 years Cochlear has helped more than a quarter of a million people either hear for the first time or reconnect them to their families, friends, workplaces and communities.

For more information about cochlear implants, visit Cochlear.com/US.