Jede Patientinnen- und Patientenanatomie ist einzigartig – das betrifft sowohl die Form als auch die Größe der Hörschnecke (Cochlea). OTOPLAN ermöglicht es, die anatomischen Strukturen jedes Einzelnen bereits vor der Operation zu visualisieren, die Länge der Cochlea zu messen und basierend darauf den optimalen Elektrodenträger auszuwählen.
Die OTOPLAN Software hat das Potenzial, die Cochlea-Implantat-Chirurgie zu revolutionieren und es Chirurginnen und Chirurgen zu ermöglichen, eine noch individuellere Versorgung bei der Hörimplantat-Behandlung zu bieten.
Die neue OTOPLAN Version bietet:

• X-ray-based postoperative analysis for anatomy-based fitting
• Automatic 3-D reconstruction of the scala tympani and scala vestibuli
• Virtual 3-D electrode array insertion into the scala tympani, including comprehensive measurement data
• Postoperative visualization of the scala tympani insertion using image fusion
• Improved data management and much more

Throughout the entire insertion process, the software delivers real-time data on the position of the electrode array within the cochlea. Thanks to continuous live measurements, the insertion process is visualized and displayed on an individual basis. In addition, OTOGUIDE provides crucial intraoperative information, including the current insertion status and a live impedance matrix. This is based on the preoperative measurement of the cochlea using OTOPLAN. The data is used to create an anatomically accurate 3D model of the inner ear, which further enhances the precision of the live visualization during insertion.

MED-EL offers cochlear implants with fixation pins. The small titanium pins are part of the implant housing and make the implant even more stable.

Surgical precision at the highest level: OTODRIVE enables the most atraumatic electrode array insertion according to the latest state of the art, using slow and continuous movements of between 0.1 and 1.0mm per second. The slim design offers an unlimited view of the surgical field and the insertion process. Thanks to the intuitive foot control, the surgeon always maintains full control over the procedure.

The cochlea comprises very important structures, such as the scala tympani, the cochlear duct, the scala vestibuli, and tens of thousands of tiny nerve cells. The basilar membrane is located between the cochlear duct and the scala tympani. It is only a few cells thick and helps balance the pressure between the different scalae. The basilar membrane contains all the nerve cells that absorb sound information and transmit it to the brain.
But why is preserving this structure so important? Imagine the cochlea is a guitar – then the basilar membrane would represent the strings of the guitar. Any damage to the basilar membrane is like a string that snaps: Once it is broken, it will never vibrate the same way again. Such damage can also affect the nerve cells—sometimes to the extent that the ability to hear remains irrecoverably impaired even after receiving a cochlear implant.
It is, therefore, clearly necessary to do everything possible to keep the basilar membrane intact. But how can that be achieved? Two factors play a key role here: the first is surgical skills and expertise and the second is the design of the electrode array. For this reason, MED-EL’s electrode arrays are outstandingly soft and flexible. Thanks to a special design with wave-shaped wires, insertion force can be reduced by 30% (compared to straight wires). Moreover, FLEX-Tip Technology means each array features a tapered, rounded tip designed to gently glide along the scala tympani during insertion, avoiding damage to the basilar membrane and delicate structures.

*MED-EL’s FLEX electrodes are the only electrodes approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that can preserve residual hearing in the low-frequency range.

MED-EL is deeply committed to producing the most reliable implants. Just as one tries to eliminate potential sources of error in their own projects from the outset, MED-EL succeeded around 20 years ago in eliminating the separate cable for the reference electrode, which is the negative pole of the electrical circuit.
Placing the reference electrode right on the implant housing allows for better stabilization and protection of the stimulation electrode thanks to the broader electrode lead-out. This is one of the reasons why MED-EL cochlear implants are the most reliable ones on the market.

Even if it’s not visible from the outside, every human being has a cochlea of a different size. The cochlea is already fully developed at birth and does not grow further during the course of life. To obtain the best hearing outcomes with a cochlear implant, complete cochlear coverage is required. Only then is it possible to hear all sounds as naturally as possible after receiving a cochlear implant.
MED-EL cochlear implants are available in more than 10 different electrode array configurations and, thus, allow for precise adjustment tailored to the recipient’s individual anatomy.

Whether a sound is perceived as low-pitched and muffled or high-pitched and shrill depends on our hearing organ, the cochlea. High-pitched sounds are processed in the outer part of the cochlea, whereas low-pitched sounds are processed in its inner part. To be able to also hear low-pitched sounds and, thus, to experience sounds as naturally as possible with a cochlear implant, the electrodes need to cover the entire cochlea.
This is of particular importance if the cochlear implant users have good hearing on the contralateral ear or if the other ear is fitted with a hearing aid. Only then can both ears work together in the best possible way.

With anatomy-based fitting, the audiologist can fine-tune the stimulation frequencies of individual electrodes based on their actual position within the cochlea.
This helps create a hearing experience that is closest to natural hearing. The result? The brain can adapt more easily to the new hearing input, and improvements in speech perception and music appreciation can be expected.

MED-EL’s latest audio processor generation is certified with the IF68 protection class, making them completely dustproof and waterproof. Better protection can also mean more freedom. Users can do whatever they feel like. The latest audio processors are perfectly suited for activities like jogging in the rain or going for a swim.

The latest MED-EL audio processors allow easy and convenient direct connection to music, phone calls, or other audio sources. Moreover, bilateral and bimodal users can simultaneously use both sides for the streaming.

The Standard Battery Pro provides up to 23 hours of battery life¹ and thus ensures relaxed hearing throughout the entire day – even during long workdays, intensive streaming, or everyday school and university life, without the need to recharge in between.
Anyone who prefers disposable batteries can switch to the proven zinc-air batteries with up to 60 hours of battery life² at any time.

When developing new audio processors, MED-EL places great importance on ensuring that they are backward compatible, allowing users with older implant types to benefit as well. This gives MED-EL users the reassuring feeling of being able to rely on optimal hearing for life.

With anatomy-based fitting, the audiologist can fine-tune the stimulation frequencies of individual electrodes based on their actual position within the cochlea.
This helps create a hearing experience that is closest to natural hearing. The result? The brain can adapt more easily to the new hearing input, and improvements in speech perception and music appreciation can be expected.

The combination of accurate local and temporal coding is essential for achieving closest to natural pitch perception. Therefore, FineHearing – MED-EL’s unique rate-specific sound coding strategy – was developed. FineHearing is the only sound coding strategy for cochlear implants that adjusts the stimulation rate of the electrode contacts in the second cochlear turn to match the frequency. This helps MED-EL cochlear implants replicate natural hearing as closely as possible.

Hearing aids generally have more delay in sound processing than cochlear implants. In bimodal users, this discrepancy may negatively impact interaural time differences and may impair sound localization. To counteract this and to harmonize the differing delays between the hearing aid and the cochlear implant, MED-EL’s latest generation cochlear implant systems feature a unique function called bimodal synchronization. It allows the audio processor to be adjusted to match the signal delay of the hearing aid on the contralateral ear. As a result, both sides are processed simultaneously in the brain’s auditory system, creating a symbiotic perception. This adjustment is compatible with all hearing aids available on the market, giving users complete freedom of choice when selecting a hearing aid.

Thanks to complete cochlear coverage, users gain access to all frequencies perceivable by the human ear. Different electrode contacts are responsible for different frequency ranges. By synchronizing all sounds from musical instruments or single tones presented via loudspeakers that are perceived via the individual electrode contacts, it is possible to individually adjust the frequency bands and, thus, pitch perception.

Hearing with a cochlear implant needs to be learnt, and particularly, be trained in the early stages. That’s why rehabilitation is essential. MED-EL offers a wide range of rehabilitation material for all age groups to help users reach their hearing goals –whether they are hearing for the first time, training their musical skills, or trying to improve sound localization. Additionally, MED-EL offers material for professionals who work with adult and adolescent cochlear implant users.

If users live far away from the clinic or find it inconvenient to take time off from work or school, then fitting via the HearCare App is the ideal solution. Users can connect to a clinic via the app and conveniently download the latest audio configuration for their audio processor from home. They can decide for themselves when to install the new configuration. Additionally, users can switch back from a new configuration to a previous one if needed. And if the audio processor needs to be replaced, the configuration can be transferred to the new audio processor at any time, allowing users to continue hearing with their familiar settings as quickly as possible.