Cochlear implant solutions for adults and children with severe-to-profound hearing loss
Advanced Bionics (AB) is a global leader in developing advanced cochlear implant systems for people with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Founded in 1993 and part of the Sonova Group together with Phonak since 2009, Advanced Bionics focuses on cochlear implant technology that helps people reconnect to the world of sound.
At Faith Hearing Singapore, we work with Advanced Bionics cochlear implants as one of the brands we counsel on for both adult and paediatric candidates.
Advanced Bionics designs cochlear implant systems that combine powerful sound processing with flexible, user-friendly sound processors. AB’s innovations aim to improve speech understanding, access to soft sounds and ease of listening in real-world environments such as conversations, classrooms, meetings and family gatherings.
As part of the Sonova Group, Advanced Bionics works closely with Phonak, allowing its cochlear implant sound processors to integrate with Phonak hearing aids and wireless accessories. This opens up options such as bimodal fittings (cochlear implant in one ear and hearing aid in the other) and the use of classroom or workplace microphones.
Faith Hearing provides counselling and ongoing support for the latest Advanced Bionics sound processors available in Singapore. We work closely with cochlear implant teams at public and private hospitals to match each patient’s needs with the most suitable device.
The Naída CI M (Marvel CI) is a sophisticated, technologically advanced sound processor that combines Phonak Marvel hearing aid technology with Advanced Bionics cochlear implant sound processing.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) design with a familiar hearing-aid form factor
Access to Phonak features such as Roger™ microphones and wireless accessories (where available)
Marvel CI platform with AutoSense™ OS 3.0 to automatically adapt to different listening environments
Direct Bluetooth® connectivity to many smartphones, tablets and laptops
Designed for adults and older children who prefer a BTE style and may benefit from bimodal fittings
The Sky CI M is the first Advanced Bionics sound processor designed specifically for children. It brings together child-friendly design and sound processing that focuses on listening and learning in school, playground and home environments.
Processor styling and colours designed to appeal to children and families
Built for durability to withstand active play and school life
Works with Phonak Roger microphones to help children hear teachers clearly in the classroom
Marvel CI platform with automatic adaptation to different environments
Direct wireless connectivity to many Bluetooth® devices for media and online learning
The HiRes™ Ultra 3D cochlear implant is a robust implant from Advanced Bionics designed to deliver clear speech and access to a broad range of sounds, while meeting high standards for impact resistance so you can enjoy everyday life and active hobbies with confidence.
A key feature of the HiRes Ultra 3D system is its innovative multi-magnet assembly. This design allows the implant magnet to align with a 3D MRI field. According to manufacturer guidelines, eligible adults and children can undergo high-resolution imaging such as 3.0 Tesla MRIs without the need for magnet removal surgery or head bandaging afterwards, when MRI conditions are followed.
MRI safety and protocols depend on the specific implant model, scan strength and hospital protocols. Your ENT surgeon and radiology team will advise you on the appropriate MRI procedures for your implant.
Every cochlear implant manufacturer has its own strengths. Some adults and parents are particularly interested in the unique features offered by Advanced Bionics cochlear implants and Marvel CI sound processors. Below are some of the key points we often discuss during counselling.
Hassle-free MRI experience
The HiRes Ultra 3D implant uses a unique multi-magnet assembly that is designed so eligible adults and children can have 3.0 Tesla MRI scans without needing surgery to remove the magnet or heavy head bandaging afterwards, when MRI guidelines are followed. This can be a significant convenience for patients who may require repeated MRI imaging over their lifetime.
Phonak partnership & bimodal solutions
As part of the Sonova family, Advanced Bionics cochlear implants are designed to work hand-in-hand with Phonak hearing aids. This allows for a true linked “two-ear solution” for bimodal users (one cochlear implant, one hearing aid), with coordinated sound processing and direct wireless streaming to both ears using compatible Phonak devices.
Unique T-Mic™ microphone placement
Advanced Bionics is the only company to offer the patented T-Mic™ microphone, positioned at the opening of the ear canal rather than behind the ear. This placement takes advantage of the outer ear’s natural sound-gathering ability and can make it easier to use phones, headphones and hats in a more natural way compared to traditional behind-the-ear microphone positions.
Advanced sound processing & noise management
Advanced Bionics highlights features such as ClearVoice™, which is designed to help separate speech from background noise, and AutoSense™ OS 3.0 (from the Phonak Marvel platform), which uses artificial intelligence to automatically adapt to changing listening environments. These technologies aim to make everyday listening more effortless across quiet, noisy and music situations.
Direct connectivity to many Bluetooth® devices
Marvel CI processors are designed to connect directly to a wide range of Bluetooth®-enabled smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices—including many Android, iOS and other platforms. Users often appreciate the flexibility to stream calls, music and media directly to their cochlear implant without additional streamers, depending on device compatibility.
Remote support & waterproof options
In addition to in-clinic visits, Advanced Bionics offers remote programming options in some regions, allowing certain cochlear implant adjustments to be made virtually by the audiologist. For active lifestyles, the AquaMic™ headpiece and waterproof battery options provide solutions for swimming and rugged activities while maintaining sound input, according to manufacturer guidelines.
Not every feature is available or suitable for every person. During cochlear implant counselling, we will explain the advantages and limitations of each brand and help you understand how these features may apply to your individual hearing, medical needs and lifestyle.
Advanced Bionics cochlear implants are one of the options we consider for patients with significant hearing loss who are not receiving enough benefit from hearing aids. General candidacy guidelines often include:
Final cochlear implant candidacy is always determined through a detailed assessment with your cochlear implant audiologist and ENT surgeon, and may differ from person to person.
While every journey is different, many adults and children have experienced meaningful improvements in communication and quality of life with cochlear implants. Here are two examples frequently shared by Advanced Bionics:
Edward used hearing aids for many years. Over time his hearing deteriorated to the point where even powerful hearing aids were no longer enough. With encouragement from his audiology and medical team, Edward decided to proceed with a cochlear implant in his right ear. Over time, he reported improved ability to follow conversations and stay connected with his family.
At age 9, Imani’s mother discovered that her daughter could not hear well. After discussions with her healthcare team about hearing options, she chose a cochlear implant for Imani. With consistent device use and support, Imani was able to access speech and sounds that were previously unavailable to her, supporting her learning and social development.
These examples are general stories and not specific to any single clinic. Outcomes vary widely and depend on factors such as age at implantation, duration of deafness, cause of hearing loss and consistency of device use.
At Faith Hearing, we work with cochlear implant teams at both public and private hospitals in Singapore to bring accessible audiology care to severe-to-profound hearing loss candidates. Advanced Bionics cochlear implants are one of the systems we may discuss during counselling, alongside other manufacturers.
Advanced Bionics is a cochlear implant manufacturer that develops implant systems for adults and children with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Their products include internal implants such as the HiRes Ultra 3D and external sound processors such as Naída CI M and Sky CI M. At Faith Hearing Singapore, Advanced Bionics is one of the cochlear implant systems we may discuss during counselling.
Many children worldwide use Advanced Bionics cochlear implants, including the Sky CI M sound processor designed specifically for paediatric users. However, suitability depends on your child’s hearing test results, medical history and family goals. A full cochlear implant assessment is required before any decision is made.
A hearing aid makes sounds louder and clearer through the normal hearing pathway. A cochlear implant bypasses damaged inner-ear cells by delivering electrical signals directly to the hearing nerve via an internal electrode array. This can provide access to sound for people whose hearing loss is too severe for hearing aids alone to help.
No. Faith Hearing is an independent audiology clinic. We counsel on several cochlear implant brands, including Advanced Bionics, and work with multiple hospital cochlear implant teams. Our goal is to help you understand the options and support the decision that best fits your medical needs, communication goals and family situation.
You can contact us by phone or WhatsApp at +65 8551 4556 or submit an enquiry through our online contact form. We will arrange a consultation to discuss your hearing test results, daily listening needs and cochlear implant options in more detail.
If you are considering an Advanced Bionics cochlear implant for yourself or your child, or would like a second opinion, we are here to help. Our cochlear implant audiologist will guide you through the assessment process, explain your options clearly and coordinate care with your ENT surgeon.