AB launches Naída CI Q70 in Europe and Canada

Sonova Holding AG, the world's leading provider of hearing solutions, announces today that its subsidiary Advanced Bionics (AB) is launching its new Naída CI Q70* (Naída CI) sound processor. The device is now commercially available in Europe, Canada and several other countries in the world. With Naída CI, the innovation DNA of AB and Phonak have merged together for the introduction of the world's newest, most advanced behind-the-ear sound processor.

When AB joined the Sonova Group, its engineers immediately began collaborating with Phonak, one of the world's leading hearing aid manufacturers. Now cochlear implant recipients have access to the combined technologies of the innovation leaders in cochlear implants and hearing instruments for the first time. With Naída CI, AB delivers a quantum leap forward in performance and wireless connectivity with a modern instyle design.

Naída CI comes with a full performance package in a small size. When AB's ClearVoice** technology and the Phonak UltraZoom feature are used together in loud real-world settings, recipients experience a 55% improvement in speech perception.[1] Naída CI also delivers Binaural VoiceStream Technology for unique ear-to-ear communication, 100% wireless connectivity to consumer electronics with the Accessline, and proven AB technology, including the new HiRes Optima sound processing** for improved battery life. Sized 40% smaller than AB's previous behind-the-ear processor, Naída CI sound processors are incredibly lightweight.

"When we develop any product, our commitment is to always provide the best possible hearing. We understand that people using our products are also looking for modern aesthetics like we offered with our Neptune processor. Naída CI fulfills that promise and is designed to deliver a quantum leap forward in performance and wireless connectivity in a small, attractive package," said Hansjuerg Emch, President of Advanced Bionics and Group Vice President Medical of Sonova.

[1] Buechner A, Dyballa K-H, Hehrmann P, Fredelake S, Lenarz T. Advanced beamformers for cochlear implant users in challenging listening conditions. Submitted to Otology & Neurotology, 2013.
* Pending regulatory approval in the United States.
** Not approved for pediatric use in the United States.

Disclaimer

This Media Release contains forward-looking statements, which offer no guarantee with regard to future performance. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time the statements are made. They are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not confined to, future global economic conditions, exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, activities by competitors and other factors outside Sonova’s control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and Sonova undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.