The latest 2.4GHz technology platform – the same as used by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices – has been incorporated into the new Cochlear Wireless Accessories, which include a Mini Microphone, Phone Clip and TV Streamer.

Simply put, it means Cochlear Implant recipients with the latest Cochlear Sound Processor can hear clearly in noisy situations or over a distance, use their mobile phone without taking it out of their pocket, and listen clearly to television through their sound processor, while still hearing conversations around them.

Clear sound with no cables
The three new Cochlear Wireless Accessories are designed to deliver clear sound without the need for recipients to use extra cables or bulky neck-worn components. And they give a clear and secure connection without the interference and signal drops associated with traditional wireless systems. Recipients can hear more than ever before – what they want, when they want, where they want.

“We’re proud to offer our recipients leading technology that will bring enormous benefits,” says Dr Chris Roberts, CEO/President of Cochlear Limited.

“True wireless freedom not only means a significantly easier and more enjoyable hearing experience, it also helps recipients use modern technology like anyone else, so they don’t have to miss out on what most of us take for granted,” Dr Roberts says.

Mini Microphone – hear with freedom
The Mini Microphone gives recipients the freedom to hear clearly in noisy situations or over a distance, such as classrooms, lecture halls, offices or restaurants. Recipients simply clip it onto a companion or a teacher’s collar and the speech is transmitted directly to their sound processor. The Mini Microphone can also be plugged into other devices such as MP3 players and computers so they can enjoy the sound with the freedom to move around.

The Mini Microphone has helped seven-year-old Cochlear Implant recipient Quinten Buwalda shoot to the top of his class in spelling and comprehension. His mother Kirsten says that there’s nothing holding him back now.

“I think this technology, for us and for him, is that last bit that we needed to get him to reach his potential,” Kirsten says.

Quinten’s music teacher, Paul Myatt, sums it up succinctly: “He turns it on, I put it on my shirt, and he can hear me. That’s it.”

“I’d certainly recommend the Mini Mic for a classroom environment. In a music class environment, like we teach here, it’s essential. We wouldn’t be able to do it without this device,” Paul says.

“Certainly the cochlear implant made a huge difference [to Quinten], but the Mini Mic is the thing that makes the class environment really work for him so well. Since he has come back to class and we’ve been using the Mini Mic, he has been just shooting ahead. It has been amazing.”

Phone Clip – hands free connection
The Bluetooth-enabled wireless capability of the Phone Clip gives recipients the convenience of a hands-free connection to friends and family, and a clarity of sound that gives them more confidence in using the phone. They can make calls, have conversations and even listen to music without having to take the phone out of their pocket. Small and lightweight, the device is ideal for the car, for work and when on the go.

For Cochlear Implant recipient Sam Thompson, using the Phone Clip has made a massive difference to his work and home life.

“When I first picked up the Phone Clip I drove back to work and I was walking up the street from the carpark in the building and talking to my mum, because I wanted to see what it was like in a noisy environment,” Sam says.

“There were several cars and people driving past, and it was fantastic. It blocked out the background noise, it just made it so much easier for me to hear her. And the same thing at work, when I’ve used a mobile phone before and it’s hard because of the background noise. With the Phone Clip, it just cuts it all out and I’m able to hear the person talking on the other end of the line.”

TV streamer – for an enhanced TV experience
The TV Streamer delivers crisp, clear stereo sound directly from a recipient’s TV to their sound processor, while still letting them hear the conversation around them. This means they can have their own personal volume without making TV too loud for others, and can enjoy their favourite shows and discuss them with friends and family at the same time.

Six-year-old Elijah Porter, who has two Cochlear Implants, uses the TV Streamer to watch TV and movies.

“We’ve got it set up so that we can hear the TV and [Elijah] can also hear it through the streamer,” explains Elijah’s father Richard.

“It means that instead of it being a little bit jumbled, not perfectly clear, it changes to being exceptionally clear for him to be able to hear the TV.

“In the mornings, there’s a half hour kids show that Elijah gets to watch. We sit and watch it with him, and he’s now not mishearing words. It’s amazing seeing the difference in his attention between when he can hear clearly and when he can’t.”

The new wireless accessories are the result of a technology partnership between Cochlear and GN ReSound, another leader in hearing technology solutions.

The Wireless Accessories for the Cochlear Nucleus 6 Sound Processor are available now in Australia and New Zealand.

For more information visit www.cochlear.com/au.