Nucleus Upgrade Immediately Available for Freedom Users

March 2010

Editor: When a new cochlear implant system is introduced, it normally takes a while before users of older versions are given the opportunity to update their processor to the newer technology. In what they claim to be a first, Cochlear is offering Freedom users immediate access to the new Nucleus 5 system. Here's their press release.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cochlear, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, has announced that their newest product, the Nucleus 5 Sound Processor, is now available to the past generation of Freedom implant recipients. In an industry first, Cochlear Americas is offering users of the previous generation implant Freedom the option to upgrade immediately to the latest system, Nucleus 5, without a lag time in accessing the technological advances.

Cochlear launched the Nucleus 5 System featuring the newest, most advanced sound processor with the only two-way remote assistant in September 2009, setting new industry standards in hearing performance and sound processor size. The Nucleus 5 Sound Processor is the only one of its kind on the market today that offers the smallest, most water resistant sound processor with SmartSound(tm) 2 technology and AutoPhone(tm) capability. The upgrade program offers patients an opportunity to experience the revolutionary innovation delivered by the Nucleus 5 without the need for additional surgeries.

"The ability for Cochlear recipients currently using the Freedom to immediately upgrade to the Nucleus 5 System represents a significant industry milestone and will dramatically improve the hearing performance for people using Cochlear Americas' implants," said Chris Smith, President of Cochlear Americas. "After nearly three decades as an industry leader in cochlear implant performance and reliability, the Nucleus 5 System upgrade reaffirms our ongoing commitment to providing recipients with the most advanced technology available."

Nucleus Continues to Outperform All Other Cochlear Implant Systems

The previous generation Freedom System set a new industry benchmark with the highest average speech recognition scores ever recorded - higher than reported in studies of other company's systems.

Interim results gathered during a multi center clinical validation study evaluating the Nucleus 5 Sound Processor and Remote Assistant showed even better average hearing performance.- higher than reported for other systems. 12345

Exclusive Dual Microphone Technology with ZOOM(tm) Power Option Designed to Deliver Better Hearing Performance in Noise

A new signal processing pathway with dual omni microphones has created a new platform for better hearing performance. Dual microphone technology has been proven to improve speech performance in noise. Recent research shows that the Nucleus 5 Sound Processor ZOOM Power Option results in even better performance in noise.5

Freedom Recipients will Experience Many Other Advantages from Upgrading
* The industry's smallest sound processor, 36% smaller than Freedom and up to 43% smaller than other sound processors.*
* A unique two-way remote assistant with full-color display and simple navigation. More than a remote control, the two-way remote assistant confirms that the processor is working and visually reinforces any changes made.
* AutoPhone, the industry's first and only automatic phone detection through auto telecoil for easier phone connection.
"Part of our lifetime commitment to our recipients includes making our newest technologies available to all of our customers whether they were implanted 27 years ago or yesterday. We celebrate this milestone with the dedicated clinicians who have helped us positively impact the lives of so many people," said Chris Smith, President of Cochlear Americas.

For information about the upgrade opportunity, people may call 800-587-6927 email upgrades@ cochlear.com or visit www.CochlearAmericas.com/upgrades.

*With rechargeable sound processor battery option, gurrently unavailable, pending FDA approval

About Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants are a proven medical option for children as young as 12 months old with profound hearing loss in both ears and for individuals who are two years or older with severe-to-profound hearing loss in both ears whom obtain little or no benefit from hearing aids. They are electronic devices, which bypass damaged hair cells in the inner ear, or cochlea, and stimulate the hearing nerve directly. Cochlear implants are designed to restore hearing, giving users the best possible hearing experience possible and are becoming the standard of care with approximately 400 institutions in the United States providing this technology.

About Cochlear