AB Technology Update: Harmony the Sound of the Future

August 30, 2006

Hi all! I had the pleasure of attending an online class today presented by

Advanced Bionics, hosted by Audiology Online. The course title:

Advanced Bionics Technology Update: Harmony the Sound of the Future

Presenting was Trautwein, Au.D, Manager of Professional Education

and Training at Advanced Bionics Corporation

Dr Trautwein began with a brief overview of the cochlear implant and the

criteria for candidacy and moved on to the explanation of currant steering

in the HiRes90K and the new HiRes 120 processor software, and the benefits

derived therefrom. We got to see the new Harmony, which is an upgrade of the

Auria, and learned about it's new features including a built in T-coil and

greatly extended battery life with the power-miserly new software.

Answering a question from the class, Dr. Trautwein stated that the

commercial release of the HiRes120 software and the Harmony processor, both

in final stages of clinical trials, is expected after the first of next

year.

Dr. Trautwein briefly addressed the issue of backward compatibility for the

Harmony, which will include the CII and HiRes90K implants.

But, I foresaw other related queries and asked Sandy Mintz, M.S.,CCC-A of

AB for clarification and embellishment on compatibilty of earlier implants

with the HIRes120 software. Here is her reply as edited for clarity:

" AB remains committed to making the Harmony BTE compatible with earlier

(i.e, C1) internal implants. HiRes 120 will not be compatible with those

earlier implants due to fundamental implant design differences.

Nevertheless, AB is investigating the applicability and potential benefits

of new processing strategies for these individuals. "

For those of interest further, I believe you will Enjoy and Learn from the

" slide-set " upon which Dr. Trautwein's presentation was based,

All of the course participants were given a virtual " handout " , the slides,

and I would like to share them with you now:

06.pdf

Bob

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