Closest to Natural Hearing - The Concept

In this episode, Ilona Anderson and Professor Paul Van de Heyning discuss why stimulating the entire cochlea is key to achieving natural hearing with cochlear implants — and how this approach improves music enjoyment as well as overall quality of life for patients. Weblinks: How MED-EL Cochlear Implants Provide the Closest to Natural Hearing

In this episode, Marcus Schmidt is joined by Prof. Sumit Agrawal and Dr. Peter Nopp to explore how cochlear anatomy shapes cochlear implant design and performance. They discuss breakthrough synchrotron imaging, the variability in cochlear size and structure, and why deep insertion and full cochlear coverage matter for natural, rich sound. Weblinks: MED-EL Professional Blog: Incredible Synchrotron Imaging: New Findings in the Human Cochlea | Prof. Helge Rask-Andersen  Literature Links: Büchner A, Weller T, Penninger RT, Helpard L, Ladak HM, Agrawal S, Lenarz T, Schurzig D. The Greenwood function shows close alignment with pitch perceived by cochlear implant patients with long, flexible electrode arrays and fine-structure stimulation. Front Neurosci. 2025 Sep 2;19:1624499. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2025.1624499. PMID: 41001584; PMCID: PMC12457772.  Dorman MF, Natale SC, Noble JH, Zeitler DM (2022). Upward Shifts in the Internal Representation of Frequency Can Persist Over a 3-Year Period for Cochlear Implant Patients Fit With a Relatively Short Electrode Array. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:863891. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.863891  Li H, Helpard L, Ekeroot J, Rohani SA, Zhu N, Rask-Andersen H, Ladak HM, Agrawal S. Three-dimensional tonotopic mapping of the human cochlea based on synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging. Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 24;11(1):4437. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83225-w. PMID: 33627724; PMCID: PMC7904830.  Li H, Schart-Morén N, Rohani SA, Ladak HM, Rask-Andersen H, Agrawal S. Synchrotron Radiation-Based Reconstruction of the Human Spiral Ganglion: Implications for Cochlear Implantation. Ear Hear. 2020 Jan/Feb;41(1):173-181. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000738. PMID: 31008733.  Mei X, Glueckert R, Schrott-Fischer A, Li H, Ladak HM, Agrawal SK, Rask-Andersen H. Vascular Supply of the Human Spiral Ganglion: Novel Three-Dimensional Analysis Using Synchrotron Phase-Contrast Imaging and Histology. Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 3;10(1):5877. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-62653-0. Erratum in: Sci Rep. 2020 May 1;10(1):7681. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-64611-2. PMID: 32245997; PMCID: PMC7125215.  Micuda A, Li H, Rask-Andersen H, Ladak HM, Agrawal SK. Morphologic Analysis of the Scala Tympani Using Synchrotron: Implications for Cochlear Implantation. Laryngoscope. 2024 Jun;134(6):2889-2897. doi: 10.1002/lary.31263. Epub 2024 Jan 8. PMID: 38189807. 

In this first episode, Marcus Schmidt and Jennifer Robinson unpack what closest to natural hearing means, why it matters for cochlear implant users, and how MED-EL's unique technology is designed to replicate the way we naturally hear. Together, they explore the three pillars of closest to natural hearing that make this concept so powerful—and set our technology apart. Weblinks: How MED-EL Cochlear Implants Provide the Closest to Natural Hearing What Does a Cochlear Implant Sound Like? Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data (US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval confirming that there is sufficient evidence that MED-EL's FLEX electrodes preserve residual functional hearing in the majority of recipients)

In this episode, Maximilian Schwaninger and Lukas Osl from Product Management delve into the AudioKey 3 app. This innovative tool has many features that make managing hearing settings on the SONNET 3 audio processor easier and more convenient. Tune in to hear expert insights and practical tips for getting the most out of the AudioKey 3 app.

In this episode, Maximilian Schwaninger explores the innovative direct streaming capabilities of SONNET 3 with Max Röder, an advanced development engineer at MED-EL and bilateral CI recipient. They discuss how settings are optimized for different situations, how phone calls are managed, use of AudioLink XT, and much more. Tune in to find out how these features enhance users' experiences.

In this episode, Maximilian Schwaninger, Product Manager for SONNET 3, discusses the groundbreaking ergonomics of MED-EL's latest behind-the-ear audio processor with Chris Lilienweiß, one of the first SONNET 3 users and Head of Music and User Experience at MED-EL Germany. They highlight how innovative features like the flexible ear-hook and the touch key are transforming users' experiences and comfort. 

Michelle Dampf, an experienced speech-language pathologist at the University of Missouri Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment, shares her in-depth knowledge on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She addresses the challenges to diagnosis and treatment of ASD and provides numerous recommendations for aural habilitationists working with children who are affected by this condition.    Weblinks Watch the third episode of MED-EL's Beyond Basics Rehabilitation Vodcast on our MED-EL Academy with captioning in English, Spanish, and German. There you can also access a free resource on Differential Diagnosis of ASD and hearing loss.  

Julie Kosaner, a pediatric audiologist, teacher of the deaf, and MED-EL consultant, joins the vodcast series to share her wealth of knowledge on fitting and rehabilitation with auditory brainstem implants (ABIs). We discuss ABI's early beginnings and her current thoughts on how patients with ABIs can achieve the best audiological and intervention outcomes.   Weblinks Watch the second episode of MED-EL's Beyond Basics Rehabilitation Vodcast, available with English, Spanish, and German captions, on the MED-EL Academy with your free account. There you can also access a free resource on ABIs and view videos of ABI recipients.

Jane Opie, a Senior Research Audiologist for MED-EL, introduces the topic of aging and hearing loss to our rehab series. Here we discuss a range of issues, including the challenges of early diagnosis and intervention, the cognitive impact of hearing loss, relevant research, assessment tools, and ideas and tips for rehabilitation.    Weblinks Access our MED-EL Rehabilitation Resources for Adults, including the HISQUI19 and Adult Rehabilitation Kits. Watch the first episode of MED-EL's Beyond Basics Rehabilitation Vodcast and download rehabilitation resources on the MED-EL Academy with your free account. Available with English, Spanish, and German captions. 

In the final episode, hosts Alex and Lukas from the Product Management Team meet up with specialist Natalie Teakle to explore the crucial role of digital tools in achieving optimal performance through rehabilitation. Join the discussion as they shine a light onto how these tools simplify the journey for both professionals and patients. Natalie also shares insights into the AI-powered ReDi Studio, highlighting its ability to empower therapists in crafting personalized rehabilitation programs with remarkable ease, requiring just a few clicks.    Weblinks:  Rehabilitation Apps Rehabilitation Support from MED-EL ReDi Studio      *Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay.