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The Nucleus® Freedom™ is designed to mimic the
functions of the human ear, providing a listening experience
more similar to natural hearing. Approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2005, the
Nucleus Freedom features both an internal component and
an external speech processor. It represents Cochlear’s
fourth-generation cochlear implant system.
Nucleus
Freedom Implant
The Nucleus Freedom implant features the Contour Advance™
electrode, a self-curling array that allows the electrodes
to be placed close to the hearing nerve for targeted
stimulation and increased power efficiency, while applying
minimal pressure on the cochlear structures. The unique
22-channel electrode is designed to deliver finer representation
of sound when stimulating the hearing nerves, optimizing
sound clarity. The Contour Advance is the only electrode
array designed to protect cochlear structures during
surgery, which leading medical professionals believe
is essential in preserving residual hearing. The implant’s
small size makes it well-suited for toddlers and children,
and enables both shorter surgery and faster recovery
time.
The Nucleus Freedom contains the SmartSound™
digital microchip. The SmartSound microchip is designed
to handle a range of future upgrades and enhancements
allowing users to take advantage of new speech processing
technologies without the need for further surgery. The
Nucleus Freedom is also safe for Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) scans up to 1.5 Telsa with the magnet
removed.
Nucleus Freedom Speech
Processor
The Nucleus Freedom provides the widest choice of programming
options available with SmartSound Digital Technology
to ensure that each user finds his/her unique hearing
“fit”.
SmartSound Digital Technology
The Nucleus Freedom is the only cochlear implant system
to offer a speech processor with SmartSound digital
technology. SmartSound, which is designed to provide
better hearing performance in a wide variety of everyday
listening situations, is a combination of three unique
sound technologies: SmartSound™ Beam™, SmartSound™
ADRO™ and SmartSound™ Whisper™.
- SmartSound Beam
The Nucleus Freedom is the only speech processor with
two microphones: one directional and one omni-directional
(all directions). SmartSound Beam’s unique dual-microphone
system works by measuring tiny differences between
sounds coming into each microphone. SmartSound Beam
enhances sounds in front, while softening sounds coming
from other directions, providing the user with more
focused listening in crowds and noisy environments,
such as classrooms and restaurants.
- SmartSound ADRO
SmartSound ADRO is designed to automatically adjust
sound levels to deliver an ideal balance of clarity
and comfort. Unlike other speech processors that lower
all sounds when entering a loud environment, ADRO
uses incredibly fast signal rates to adjust sound
levels across the Nucleus Freedom’s 22 channels
individually. The channels representing quiet sounds
are enhanced, while the loud sounds are softened,
providing the user with a comfortable listening level
in changing environments. This allows users to enjoy
environments such as theme parks; participate in conversations
at busy intersections; and better appreciate music.
- SmartSound Whisper
Soft and distant sounds are often difficult for cochlear
implant users to understand. SmartSound Whisper boosts
these sounds to make them clearer. SmartSound Whisper
works by “fitting” a wide range of sound
intensities captured by the microphone into a narrow
hearing range, enabling users to hear more detail
when participating in activities such as watching
television or listening to a quiet bedtime story.
- Water Resistance
The Nucleus Freedom is the only cochlear implant system
with a sweat and splash resistant speech processor.
Unlike other devices, this unique feature allows users
to participate in activities, such as strolling in
the rain, running a marathon or making snow angels,
without having to remove the device.
- Additional Features
Battery Life: Unlike other systems that rely
on brand-specific rechargeable batteries that last
only a few hours, the Nucleus Freedom can operate
on one set of commercially available batteries for
up to five days, depending on coding strategies and
rate.
Telecoil: The Nucleus Freedom offers the
industry’s only built-in telecoil, enabling
users to easily use the telephone without wires or
plugs.
Lockable Controls: The speech processor controls
have a lock/unlock feature to ensure children do not
accidentally change programming options.
Help Function: The Nucleus Freedom has a
built-in help function that displays a code indicating
what action needs to be taken.
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About
the Cochlear Implant
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