Jul 14 2014
Advanced Bionics (AB), the global leader in cochlear implant technology and a company of the Sonova Group, announced today that it received approval by the China State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) for the Neptune™ sound processor, the world’s first and only swimmable, waterproof cochlear implant sound processor, in China.
Award-winning, waterproof Neptune(TM) sound processor from Advanced Bionics (Photo: Business Wire)
Warranted for use in oceans, lakes and rivers in addition to pools, baths and showers, Neptune is designed to help cochlear implant recipients hear both in and out of the water. 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. Parents of pediatric Neptune recipients will appreciate the bonding and learning that comes with hearing during bath time, as well as the safety of hearing in pools, oceans, rivers and lakes.
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 also comes in a wide range of fashion-forward colors for matching it to wardrobes or showing it off. And for those who prefer a more discreet look, it can also be easily tucked away. Parents will appreciate the many features included to ensure that Neptune is the perfect choice for small children, including removable controls that make it tamper-proof so that children can always hear their best.
“Neptune is the world’s first fully submergible sound processor. Along with the AquaMic™ headpiece, the only waterproof microphone in the world for cochlear implants, it will be especially appreciated by recipients who would like to enjoy hearing while they bathe, swim or take part in any water-based activity,” said Robert Gulock, Vice President of Asia-Pacific, Advanced Bionics.
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.
“Neptune is unique for the China CI market,” said Fei Liu, General Manager of AB China. “This is the first truly swimmable CI processor in China which means the ability to hear in the pool, shower, and bath. More importantly, there is no longer a need to worry if you are caught in the rain or during the humid China summer season. AB also offers the AquaMic that allows you to hear in water without the need for plastic baggies that are costly and inhibit sound.”
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]. optical encoder, PDIC, proximity sensor, color sensor and UV sensor.