Implantable hearing solutions provider Cochlear has launched its Nucleus 7 Sound Processor for iPhone cochlear implant in the UK and Ireland markets.

Designed as a better accessibility, connectivity and wireless solution, the sound processor enables direct streaming of sound from an iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch to a user’s sound processor.

The sound processor is 25% smaller and 24% lighter than the previous generation and allows easy control, monitoring, and customisation of hearing through the free Nucleus Smart App.

In a study with the Nucleus 7 Sound Processor in cochlear implant recipients, participants are reported to have experienced easier control with the Nucleus Smart App compared to a remote control.

"The Nucleus 7 Sound Processor opens the door for people with hearing loss to make phone calls, listen to music in high-quality stereo sound, watch videos, and make FaceTime calls."

Cochlear UK, Ireland and South Africa general manager Stuart Thomas said: “The direct streaming provided with the Nucleus 7 Sound Processor opens the door for people with hearing loss to make phone calls, listen to music in high-quality stereo sound, watch videos, and make FaceTime calls all directly to their cochlear implant.”

The Nucleus 7 Sound Processor comes with a Made for iPhone Smart Bimodal Solution, which facilitates the streaming of both the hearing aid and cochlear implant.

It also includes SmartSound iQ with SCAN, dual microphone technology, as well as the new Hearing Tracker to record coil-offs time and time in speech.

The Nucleus Smart app includes the Find My Processor feature through Location Services, which determines the last place of connection between the processor and the paired iPhone or iPod touch.