May 14 2014
Advanced Bionics (AB), a global leader in cochlear implant technology and a company of the Sonova Group, announced today that it received approval by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) for the Neptune™ sound processor, the world’s first and only swimmable, waterproof cochlear implant sound processor in Japan.
Award-winning Neptune sound processor from Advanced Bionics (Photo: Business Wire)
The highly anticipated Neptune is designed to help cochlear implant recipients hear both in and out of the water. It is warranted for use in oceans, lakes and rivers as well as pools, showers and baths. Neptune recipients will appreciate the bonding and sense of community that comes with hearing during bathing, as well as the safety of hearing in pools, oceans, rivers and lakes. Recipients using other products on the market must enclose their processor in a bag or remove their processor when they swim or bathe, which means they can miss out on important safety instructions and opportunities for language development because they are not hearing at that time.
Designed after the chic styling of popular consumer electronics, the lightweight Neptune processor also features the industry’s first freestyle™ design, allowing recipients to hear the world of sound with the comfort and beauty of nothing on the ear. As a testament to the polished styling, Neptune has been honored with a coveted Red Dot Award for Product Design from the German-based Red Dot Institute for Advanced Design Studies, and a Silver Shaggie award in recognition of excellence in product design from the Industrial Designers Society of America. Neptune was also awarded a Gold Stevie® Award for Best New Product or Service of the Year, Health & Pharmaceuticals at the Ninth Annual International Business Awards.
The Neptune freestyle™ wearing category is new for the cochlear implant industry, giving recipients the ability to choose their wearing style. With the variety of convenient accessories, recipients can wear the Neptune processor anywhere and any way they choose, such as in the hair, on an arm, under a collar, in a pocket—a high level of flexibility not available in the market until now. Neptune comes in a wide range of fashion-forward colors for matching it to wardrobes or showing it off. For those who prefer a more discreet look, it can be easily tucked away. Parents will appreciate the many features included to ensure that Neptune is a great choice for small children, including removable controls that make it tamper-proof so that children can always hear their best.
“Neptune is the sound processor Japanese cochlear implant recipients have been waiting for,” said Robert Gulock, Vice President of Asia-Pacific, Advanced Bionics. “Finally, the first truly swimmable CI processor is available in Japan. Only AB’s processors feature the AquaMic™ microphone that allows you to hear in water. Neptune can be used in the bath or onsen, for swimming and all sports. And now there is no more concern about being caught in the rain or wearing your processor during the hot and humid Japanese summer.”
Developed for all weather, terrain, ages and lifestyles, Neptune allows for hearing during robust water and sports activities thanks to its unique waterproof design. Recipients can enjoy the peace of mind from hearing while taking part in activities such as boating, waterskiing, jet-skiing, rafting, fishing, parasailing, wind gliding, surfing and snorkeling.
“Japanese people are very active and enjoy both summer and winter sports,” said Seiichi Takeda, Clinical Specialist with Advanced Bionics in Japan. “AB recipients will be happy to learn that Neptune allows them to hear while swimming as well as on the ski slopes.”
Advanced Bionics was able to develop this industry innovation without compromising hearing performance. Neptune is fully compatible with the most advanced hearing technology only available with AB, including ClearVoice™, AutoSound™, and HiRes Fidelity 120™ designed to allow recipients to hear 120 channels for improved music and tonal language perception.
For more information about Neptune, contact a local Advanced Bionics representative, visit AdvancedBionics.com or email [email protected].