Impact of hearing loss Hearing loss has multitude of impact both for the individual as well as society. On a personal level, hearing loss leads to:
- Emotional instability
- Staying reclusive and avoiding social gatherings
- Loneliness
- Risk to personal safety
- Difficulty in learning new tasks / skills
- Impact on job performance and earning potential
Cochlear Implants
So it’s imperative that effective recourse is done to address the hearing loss. Cochlear founded in 1981 is the world’s largest manufacturer of hearing implants for hearing loss. Nucleus, developed by Dr. Graeme Clark in Melbourne during the 1970s is the crucial device that capture and process the sound in order to pass the cleanest signal to the implant. Few days back, I had an opportunity to interact with their team in India, who showcased the progress they have made in the implant research. From the first generation of their device to the latest Nucleus 7 which is the most sophisticated as well as offers host of convenient features. [caption id="attachment_14062" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]
Cochlear Nucleus devices from the first generation (far left) to the Nucleus 7 (far right)[/caption]
Nucleus 7 is also the world’s first made for iPhone cochlear implant processor. It also syncs with Android platform with the new app launched. The processor can sync with the Smartphone and the users will be able to stream sound directly from an compatible device to their sound processor. The Nucleus Smart App also gives the ability to the users to control and customize the hearing experience. For parents, it helps them to choose the right sound mode for their children with the implant for the idle hearing experience depending on where they are.
The app also has a find my processor feature in case the device is misplaced or lost. It helps them to locate it.
https://youtu.be/PZE4kG7rrT0
Key features of the Nucleus 7:
- Change programs and activate wireless streaming.
- Adjust the volume, treble/bass and sensitivity
- Locate your lost Nucleus 7 Sound Processor
- View processor status and battery level
Sounds of Cricket
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Bree Lee with Amishi Kunal . a young child who had Cochlear implant at early age[/caption]
While there is vast advancement in the hearing loss treatment, what is more important is to make sure the awareness is spread to the patients, family, society and government to let them know hearing loss can be tackled and progressive steps are taken right from the screening of children during birth. Brett Lee, the Australian cricketer is the Cochlear’s global ambassador for hearing loss. He champions the “Sounds of Cricket” initiative to spread awareness about the significant functional, social, emotional and economic impact of hearing loss on individuals and their families. He has been actively involved with Cochlear in India since 2015 and visiting small towns and cities to bring about the awareness at various levels of society including the government.
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