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CONNECT WITH THE MOMENTS YOU LOVE WITH MARVEL


Advanced Bionics Cochlear Implants & Hearing Technology

Welcome to the world of powerful connections.

Sound connects us. At Advanced Bionics, we believe everyone can enjoy a life filled with sound. For over 30 years, we’ve been creating leading cochlear implant solutions that help people hear again, or for the first time.

With operations in over 50 countries, AB’s talented group of scientists and professionals are driven to support the people who hear with our products, and the hearing professionals who serve them.  

In Malaysia, AB's innovative solutions are proudly distributed by our authorized distributor, 20dB Hearing.  

About AB

Advanced Bionics is a global leader providing solutions for severe-to-profound hearing loss. For over 30 years, AB has removed limitations for those otherwise isolated from the world of sound. Always focused on bringing meaningful change through innovative technology, AB has set the standard for performance, lifestyle support, and access to sound in the field of cochlear implantation. Having implanted over 100,000 ears in over 130 countries and established a track record for developing high-performing, state-of-the-art products, our team of talented scientists, engineers, audiologists and other professionals are driven to succeed, work with integrity, and stay firmly committed to quality.

At AB, success begins with a passion for hearing restoration and is driven by our global workforce of over a thousand employees. AB is proud to be the only U.S. based manufacturer of cochlear implants and equally proud to be a part of the larger Sonova organization. Sonova companies include brands focused on hearing aids, cochlear implants, wireless communications, and clinical service. Together, we strive to create a world where everyone enjoys the delight of hearing and lives a life without limitations.

professional on clean suit looking through a microscope
professionals on clean suits working in a lab
Advanced Bionics headquarters building in Valencia, CA

Some Company & Product Facts

  • Over 150,000 ears implanted in over 130 countries
  • About 800 worldwide patent filings and is the recognized technology leader of cochlear implants
  • 100+ partnerships with universities and clinics around the world
  • Nearly 125+ peer-reviewed publications in the last 5 years and counting
  • First to introduce a CI sound processor designed for children
  • First to introduce CI sound processors that connects to virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device
  • First to prove superior performance with ClearVoice sound processing, an automated feature to improve speech understanding in difficult listening environments1,2,3,4,5,6
  • First to introduce a swimmable sound processor

The HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant has been awarded the MedTech Breakthrough Award 2019 for Best Overall Medical Device Solution


What is a Cochlear Implant and How Does It Work?

A cochlear implant system includes several pieces of technology that work together to bypass the cochlea—restoring hearing by sending sound directly to the hearing nerve. The first is an internal component (the implant and electrode array) which is implanted by a surgeon. And the second is a series of external components that is worn on the ear and attaches to the implant (the headpiece and processor).

diagram how a ci works

1

The Advanced Bionics microphones pick up sounds at the opening of the ear canal for the most natural listening experience.

2

The sound waves are converted into detailed digital signals by the sound processor.

3

Our headpiece sends the digital signals to the cochlear implant and electrode array in the inner ear.

4

The electrode array stimulates the hearing nerve.

5

The hearing nerve sends impulses to the brain, which interprets them as sounds.

For those with severe-to-profound, or advanced hearing loss, making the decision to get a cochlear implant can be truly life-changing. This decision starts with understanding how cochlear implants can help you hear and restore powerful connections in your life.

Our Latest Hearing Technology

AB is proud to be the industry leader in developing reliable, high-quality, and sophisticated hearing solutions that open up the world of sound for our wearers around the world. Studies have consistently demonstrated the advantages of AB technology in areas such as speech understanding, voice discrimination, and melody recognition and enjoyment.7,8,9

BRINGING THE BENEFITS OF PHONAK MARVEL TO CI WEARERS


Naída CI M sound processor offers a powerful hearing experience with excellent sound quality in a variety of situations and built-in connectivity solutions. It provides effortless comfort and convenience with its ergonomically designed housing and accessories and ultimate ease of use for staying connected throughout the day. No matter what your level of hearing loss, linked two-ear solutions by Marvel provide a richer and clearer sound quality and a more natural 360-degree hearing experience.


Note: Advanced Bionics cochlear implants are indicated for severe-to-profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss or severe-to-profound unilateral hearing loss.

Powerful Hearing Experiences

Powerful Hearing Experiences

The artificial intelligence-powered AutoSense OS 3.0 lets you experience speech clarity in crowded places and enhanced sound quality for music.
 

  • Naída CI M automatically senses the sound and setting you are in and adjusts your CI settings instantly and automatically.
  • Naída CI M reduces background noise and helps you focus on what you want to hear, in every hearing environment.

Universal Bluetooth Connectivity

Naída CI Marvel gives you the ability to seamlessly connect with the people, places, and things in your world without limitations.
 

  • Use your Naída CI M like a headset to stream sounds from smart TVs, tablets, smartphones, game consoles, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device.
  • Enjoy hands-free phone calls with the conversation streamed directly to your ears.
  • Instead of needing to travel to a clinic, the AB Remote Support application lets you meet with your audiologist via smartphone from anywhere.
  • In fact, an independent firm has recognized Marvel CI to be the most convenient sound processor for professionals and recipients.*

    *Data on file: D000033020
Marvel from Ear to Ear

Marvel from Ear to Ear

No matter what your level of hearing loss, linked two-ear solutions provide a richer and clearer sound quality and a more natural 360-degree hearing experience.
 

  • Linked two-ear solutions by Marvel are unlike any other on the market, with hearing devices that are designed to communicate and work together as a pair.
  • Whether it’s cochlear implants, hearing aids, or CROS, we have the ideal two-ear solution for you.

THE WORLD'S FIRST CI SOLUTION DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN


We want to give our children the world. Sky CI M gives children a powerful hearing experience, the flexibility for a growing child’s adventures, and the ultimate ease of use for staying connected with their world around them. No matter what your child's level of hearing loss, linked two-ear solutions by Marvel provide a richer and clearer sound quality and a more natural 360-degree hearing experience.


Note: Advanced Bionics cochlear implants are indicated for severe-to-profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss or severe-to-profound unilateral hearing loss.

Powerful Hearing Experiences

Powerful Hearing Experiences

Sky CI M combines technology from AB and Phonak Sky, the world’s leading hearing aid for kids. It’s designed to give your child amazing sound quality and hearing performance.
 

  • AutoSense Sky OS 3.0 customizes sound based on your child’s environment, so they can hear their best every moment, every day.
  • Universal Bluetooth connectivity lets your child connect to all their favorite devices from smartphones to game consoles.
  • Built-in Roger receiver helps them excel in the classroom.
Flexibility for your child's growing adventures

Flexibility for Your Growing Child’s Adventures

The best childhood moments take place in active settings—bath time, swim class, hikes, sports, and pool parties. Sky CI M and our headpieces are designed for maximum comfort and secure fit, no matter what your child is busy with. 
 

  • Our waterproof battery and Slim HP AquaMic deliver great hearing performance even in the most rugged childhood activities.
  • Different wearing options can be customized as your child grows.
Marvel from Ear to Ear

Marvel from Ear to Ear

As your child grows, they’re listening to learn. So, it’s important that they can hear well from both sides. Linked two-ear solutions provide a richer and clearer sound quality and a more natural 360-degree hearing experience.
 

  • Linked two-ear solutions by Marvel are unlike any other on the market, with hearing devices that are designed to communicate and work together as a pair.
  • Whether it’s cochlear implants, hearing aids, or CROS, Marvel has a linked two-ear solution for your child’s hearing loss based on your doctor’s recommendations.

AB'S MOST ADVANCED AND RELIABLE COCHLEAR IMPLANT


The HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant gives you reliability and quality you can count on. The first of its kind, the HiRes Ultra 3D implant’s unique design allows adults and children to safely have high-resolution imaging, such as 3.0 Tesla MRIs, without any preparation, surgery, or head bandaging. It’s future-ready so that it will work with new technology to improve your or your child’s hearing in years to come. One of the best cochlear implants ever made, the HiRes Ultra 3D is an international award winner.

Quality You Can Trust

The HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant is strictly tested to stay safe and durable over time. In fact, it is AB’s most reliable implant ever, and exceeds industry and international standards for impact resistance10 and reliability.11 This way, you or your child can enjoy everyday activities and sports without worry.

State-of-the-Art CI Performance

What’s inside matters. AB’s HiRes Ultra 3D implant features current steering and independent output circuits in all electrodes, which are not available in any other CI system. 
 

These special AB technologies allow you or your child to hear five times more different pitches than any other implant.6 What does that mean? Imagine the keyboard of a piano. Whereas other implants may allow you to hear only every fifth note on the keyboard, HiRes Ultra 3D would allow you to hear, and differentiate, all the keys on that piano.
 

With HiRes Ultra 3D, you or your child can understand speech better, especially in noisy places, and enjoy music with better sound quality.6,7,12 For your child, it also means the best chance for developing speech and language.13,14,15
 

This is also why so many engineers and professional musicians chose AB cochlear implants over others!

Enjoy Better Hearing as CI Technology Improves

Another great thing about the HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant is that it has plenty of room to “grow.” It is designed so it will work with new technology yet to come.
 

So, getting the HiRes Ultra 3D implant means not only will you or your child be able to enjoy better hearing now, you can continue to expect improvements in the years to come. In fact, people who have received an AB implant years ago have had up to five opportunities for significant technology upgrades just in the last twenty years. 

MRI Scans Pain-Free, Hassle-Free, and with Uninterrupted Hearing

MRI scans are an important part of healthcare. But the magnetic field from MRI machines pulls on the CI magnet inside the head, which can cause pain for the patient. That's why patients often had to have a surgery to remove the magnet before MRI scans, and another one to replace the magnet afterwards. The time without the magnet also means the patient can’t hear with their CI. That’s why we invented the new magnet design in the HiRes Ultra 3D CI system.

The first of its kind, the HiRes Ultra 3D implant’s unique design allows adults and children to safely have high-resolution imaging, such as 3.0 Tesla MRIs, without any preparation, surgery, or head bandaging. Simply take off the sound processor before your scan, and put it back on after it’s done.
 

  • HASSLE-FREE: Our HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant does not require removal during an MRI, so you can treat it like any other standard medical examination. It’s the only implant that can be used with up to 200 MRIs, unlike other solutions on the market.16
  • PAIN-FREE: Only AB’s innovative multi-magnet assembly rotates in all three dimensions, ensuring no pain, discomfort, or head placement restrictions. This means easier set-up, better results, and peace of mind.
  • UNINTERRUPTED HEARING: The only thing that you or your child have to do to get an MRI is to take off the sound processor and put it back on after the MRI examination.
     

Patients with Advanced Bionics implants who need an MRI scan should contact their hearing healthcare provider or Advanced Bionics for a discussion.

Why AB?

The cochlear implant system you decide to choose is an important, lifelong decision that will affect every step of your or your child’s journey to hearing.

At Advanced Bionics, we believe everyone can live without the limitations of hearing loss. When you choose an Advanced Bionics cochlear implant system, you or your child will benefit from AB’s unique advantages:


A Hassle-Free MRI Experience with Ultra 3D Implant

We believe that an MRI procedure should be hassle-free for you or your child. That is why our innovative multi-magnet assembly in the HiRes Ultra 3D implant provides alignment to the external MRI magnetic field, allowing you safe high-resolution imaging, such as 3.0 Tesla MRIs, without any preparation, surgery, or head bandaging. The alignment provided by the multi-magnet assembly ensures that the powerful forces generated during an MRI don't cause any torque, pressure, tugging, or discomfort. This means pain-free MRI procedures and uninterrupted hearing every time. 

AB's Exclusive Sound Processing Technologies

Of all the important features to consider when choosing the right cochlear implant system for you or your child, nothing matters more than the technology you’ll rely on to help you hear your world.

AB offers cutting-edge, sophisticated sound processing for high-performance hearing. This upgradeable technology is designed with one unwavering goal in mind: to help you or your child hear your best in virtually any environment, from a quiet office to a loud classroom.


Designed for All Listening Needs

The acoustics and sounds in the office differ greatly from a walk in the park or dinner at a restaurant. To get the most out of every setting, you or your child need a hearing solution designed to deliver clear, rich sound in any listening situation. AutoSense OS 3.0 and AutoSense Sky OS 3.0 provide a powerful hearing experience by automatically adapting to your surroundings. This ensures optimal hearing every moment, every day, no matter where you or your child are.

Wireless Connectivity: Direct Music and Audio Streaming

Life today is about connections, and that’s only becoming more important as technology advances. With Naída CI M and Sky CI M, you or your child can enjoy simple, effortless wireless connectivity to all your favorite devices.

Once connected, you can experience excellent hearing in the workplace or school, enhanced sound of your favorite shows and music, and direct connections with family and friends over the phone or on video chat. The integration of Bluetooth and Phonak Roger accessories means that navigating these connections is easy and intuitive.


Remote CI Appointments with Your Audiologist

You’ve got things to do and places to be. To make taking care of your hearing health easier, the AB Remote Support app lets you and your child virtually meet your hearing care professionals from the comfort and convenience of home.

Through video chat, you can discuss progress and get questions answered. Your hearing care provider can even adjust the Marvel CI program settings for you or your child virtually and in real-time. Only Marvel CI offers full CI programming without a trip to the clinic, helping you and your child hear better sooner.

Note: Remote Programming is recommended for recipients 13 years and older.

Dust-Proof, Shock-Proof & Waterproof CI Systems

So many of our favorite activities take place in active settings—swimming, gardening, sports, and exercise class. Advanced Bionics sound processors and headpieces are designed for a comfortable and secure fit. Because when getting ready for laps in the pool, or lacing up your shoes for a walk, the last thing you should be worrying about is if your device is staying in place. With AB’s waterproof cochlear implant systems, you can just focus on enjoying the activities you love.


Personalized Linked Two-Ear Solutions

Linked two-ear solutions by Marvel are unlike any other on the market. That’s because AB and our sister company Phonak work together to create hearing devices that are designed to communicate and work together as a pair. They are built on the same technology, enabling them to share sound processing and wireless connectivity features like no other.

  • Enjoy conversations even in challenging listening situations
  • Adjust both devices with a single control
  • Stream audio to both ears*
  • Matching colors**

Only AB offers a linked two-ear solution for every CI wearer. Depending on your hearing loss and needs, we have the ideal solution for you.

*When paired with another Marvel CI or Phonak Link M hearing aid

**Where available

CI Systems You Can Always Count On

When you choose a cochlear implant for yourself or a loved one, it’s a choice for the years to come. That’s why at AB, we take product quality and reliability as seriously as you do. 

The HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant is AB’s most reliable implant ever, and exceeds industry and international standards for impact resistance10 and reliability.11 AB's Marvel CI is rated as the industry’s most life-proof sound processor.17

AB Cochlear Implant Wearer's Stories

Discover the inspiring stories of our AB cochlear implant wearers. Watch their videos and hear firsthand how choosing AB has transformed their lives.

Early Action Matters for Cochlear Implants for Children – Titus P.'s Family's CI Journey

Cochlear implants can be a life-changing experience for a child with hearing loss. Hear from Titus' parents about their family's hearing journey, remarkable progress, and the powerful impact of getting a cochlear implant system early.

Reclaiming independence with Advanced Bionics cochlear implant system – Edward T.’s hearing journey

To avoid feeling further disconnected from his family, work, and social life, Edward upgraded his hearing aid to a cochlear implant. Hear about Edward’s struggles before getting a CI, fear and anxiety about surgery, life after getting a CI, and why Edward chose Advanced Bionics.

AB Cochlear Implant Wearer's Stories

Discover the inspiring stories of our AB cochlear implant wearers. Watch their videos and hear firsthand how choosing AB has transformed their lives.

The Power of an Upgrade: A Parent's Perspective on their Child's Upgrade to Marvel CI

Aanya's parents share their experience with their daughter's upgrade to Marvel CI and how it has transformed her hearing performance. The Bluetooth streaming feature has added an extra layer of convenience, allowing her to stay connected and enjoy her activities without any hassle.

Regaining confidence and connections with his Marvel cochlear implant system by Advanced Bionics

Upgrading to cochlear implant system Marvel CI from Advanced Bionics helped Edward regain his confidence, hear better, increase work productivity, and improve relationships with his clients and colleagues. Edward now enjoys socializing more, more quality family time, and a more active lifestyle with his Marvel CI.

Learn More About AB's Cochlear Implants and Hearing Technology

Gathering information on hearing loss and cochlear implants can be overwhelming. Connecting with our authorized distributor can help guide you toward the solution that’s right for you or your child.


Powerful Stories and Information on Hearing LossLearn More About AB's Cochlear Implants and Hearing Technology

Find stories written by CI experts, CI recipients, or parents of children with CIs, and read about their hearing journey along with helpful articles on hearing loss and cochlear implant technology.

Connect with AB

  1. Advanced Bionics. (2012) ClearVoice Clinical Results White Paper.

  2. Haumann S, Lenarz Th, Buchner A. Speech Perception with Cochlear Implants as Measured Using a Roving-Level Adaptive Test Method. ORL 2010; 72: 312-318. September 15, 2010. doi:10.1159/000318872

  3. Schramm D, Pickard E, Beauregard Y, Moran L. Evaluation of the ClearVoice Strategy in Children using HiResolution Fidelity 120 Sound Processing. Poster Presentation at the 11th International Conference on Cochlear Implants and Other Implantable Auditory Technologies, Stockholm, SE. June 30-July 3, 2010.

  4. Mathias, N. & Arnold, L. "Preliminary Results of the ClearVoice Evaluation in Adults," Advanced Bionics Europe, 2010.

  5. Alexandre GAULT(1), Drs Hans Mülder(2), Pr Paul J. GOVAERTS(3). (1) : Advanced Bionics AG – Switzerland ; (2) Phonak Communication AG – Switzerland ; (3) The Eargroup - Belgium. Dynamic FM and ClearVoice™ – Improving Speech discrimination  - Technical and clinical verifications.

  6. Firszt JB, Koch DB, Downing M, Litvak L. (2007) Current steering creates additional pitch percepts in adult cochlear implant recipients. Otology and Neurotology, 28(5):629-636.

  7. Koch DB, Osberger MJ, Segel P, Kessler DK. (2004) HiResolution and conventional sound processing in the HiResolution Bionic Ear: using appropriate outcome measures to assess speech-recognition ability. Audiology and Neurotology, 9:214-223.

  8. Spahr A, Dorman MF, Loiselle LH. 2007. Performance of Patients Using Different Cochlear Implant Systems: Effects of Input Dynamic Range. Ear and Hearing. 28:260-275.

  9. Wolfe, J. et al. "Evaluation of Speech Recognition of Cochlear Implant Recipients Using Adaptive, Digital Remote Microphone Technology and a Speech Enhancement Sound Processing Algorithm."  Journal of the American Academy of Audiology 2015 May;26(5):502-8. doi: 10.3766/jaaa.14099.

  10. EN 45502-2-3:2010. Active Implantable Medical Devices. Particular Requirements for Cochlear and Auditory Brainstem Implant Systems.

  11. Advanced Bionics. (2022). Autumn 2022 Reliability Report.

  12. Adams D, Ajimsha KM, Barberá MT, Gazibegovic D, Gisbert J, Gómez J, Raveh E, Rocca C, Romanet P, Seebens Y, Zarowski A. (2014). Multicentre evaluation of music perception in adult users of Advanced Bionics cochlear implants. Cochlear Implants Int. 15(1): 20-6. doi: 10.1179/1754762813Y.0000000032. Epub 2013 Nov 25.

  13. Levitin D. (2007). This is your brain on music, the science of a human obsession.

  14. Moira Y. (2002). Tone. (Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics), Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

  15. Hirst D, Di Cristo A. (1998). A survey of intonation systems. In: D. Hirst, A. Di Cristo (Eds.). Intonation Systems, a Survey of Twenty Languages. Cambridge University Press Cambridge (1998).

  16. Magnet testing data on file.

  17. Data on file: D000033020