CENTENNIAL, Colo., April 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cochlear Limited
(ASX: COH), the global leader in implantable hearing solutions,
announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
approved the Aqua+ accessory, the only waterproof behind-the-ear
solution for cochlear implant recipients on the market today. The
Aqua+ is a form-fitting, easy-to-use, versatile accessory that
allows Cochlear™ Nucleus® 5 and Nucleus 6 Implant
recipients2 to swim underwater for up to two
hours.
The new Aqua+ gives recipients the ability to swim while wearing
their sound processor behind the ear. Its flexible, watertight
sleeve simply fits over their sound processor behind the ear, so
they don't have to find other places to secure their sound
processor, like a swimsuit. A specially-designed waterproof coil
then connects to the sound processor within the sleeve.
"With the approval of the Aqua+ accessory, recipients can have
the confidence that they have the world's most waterproof cochlear
implant system on the market, while benefitting from the sleek,
form-fitting, behind-the-ear design that truly makes it
one-of-a-kind," said Chris Smith,
President of Cochlear Americas. "The Aqua+ will undeniably change
the way our cochlear implant recipients interact with water going
forward by allowing them to swim in and under water while wearing
their sound processor."
While the Nucleus 5 and Nucleus 6 Sound Processors already have
a high water resistance rating, the Aqua+ provides added confidence
with its IP68 water resistance rating.1 It is safe to
use in all types of water including chlorinated pools, fresh water
lakes and rivers, saltwater oceans and pools, and soapy water.
Additionally, the Aqua+ is a reusable solution allowing recipients
to use the form-fitting sleeve numerous times without having to
replace it.3
The Aqua+ Kit, which consists of all the necessary parts that
recipients will need, can be ordered from the Cochlear Americas
store beginning May 2, 2014. All
Nucleus 5 and Nucleus 6 Cochlear Implant recipients in the United States and Canada are eligible to order the Aqua+. For
more information, visit www.cochlear.com/us/pronews.
About Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are a proven medical option for infants as
young as 12 months old with profound sensorineural hearing loss in
both ears, children aged two and older with severe-to-profound
sensorineural hearing loss in both ears, and adults with
moderate-to-profound sensorineural 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 2,700 people who deliver
the gift of sound to those with hearing loss 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 their best
possible hearing performance today and for the rest of their lives.
For over 30 years Cochlear has helped hundreds of thousands of
people either hear for the first time or reconnect them to their
families, friends, workplaces and communities.
For more information, visit Cochlear.com.
References
[ 1 ] The Nucleus 5 and Nucleus 6 Sound Processor with the Aqua+ is
water resistant to level IP68 of the International Standard
IEC60529. This water protection rating means that the sound
processor with the Aqua+ can be continuously submerged under water
to a depth of 3 meters for up to 2 hours.
[ 2 ] The Aqua+ can be used with a Nucleus 5 or Nucleus 6 Sound
Processor with rechargeable batteries only. Not compatible with the
acoustic component.
[ 3 ] Testing shows Aqua+ can be re-used up to 50 times, but this
may vary depending on your particular use of it.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140421/76718
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130531/LA23942
SOURCE Cochlear
