CENTENNIAL, Colo., May 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.
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"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, visit Cochlear.com/US.
SOURCE Cochlear Americas
