Who is AB?
AB (Advanced Bionics®) is a global leader in developing the most reliable, best performing cochlear implant devices in the world. Over the past 16 years, we now have more than 36,000 users worldwide. AB is the only American company developing cutting-edge cochlear implant technology that restores hearing to the deaf and allows our recipients to hear their best today, tomorrow, and always. From the beginning, our goal was to provide not only words or communication, but also the fullness and richness of sound. Our passion drives us to apply the most advanced technology available,to continually improve hearing performance beyond words.
Today, AB remains dedicated to improving lives by developing, manufacturing, and distributing the world’s most reliable, best performing cochlear implant system.
AB is the industry leader in technology innovations. Click here to read why.
The Harmony system from AB was designed to work effectively in virtually any location, including environments where hearing well - even with two healthy ears - can be challenging. Our Harmony recipients hear better in real-world situations than patients with other cochlear implant systems. The Harmony Advantage, only from AB, lets you hear your best everywhere, everytime.
Q2. Does AB have the best system reliability?
AB recognizes the need to continually improve reliability. Over AB’s 16 year history, dramatic improvements have been achieved, positioning today’s AB cochlear implant system, as number one in “Total System Reliability”—the reliability of both the internal and external components. Every single patient’s experience matters, so we continue to make reliability our first priority, ensuring our recipients can always depend on their AB cochlear implant systems. You can count on Harmony to keep you hearing at your best day after day.
We understand that cochlear implant users want to hear in a variety of environments, without the need for changing programs or settings or remote devices. Our features enable users to hear in a natural way. So, like a normal ear, your hearing is optimized for the listening conditions at hand - you can concentrate on what you are listening to, not on making sure your implant is working at its best. Harmony is the only system that lets you wear headphones and use cell phones and other devices the way people with normal hearing do.
Q4. Will I be able to hear in difficult situations with Harmony from AB?
With Harmony you can hear in difficult situations such as classrooms, restaurants and family get-togethers. Harmony uses its advanced sound processing capability (AutoSound™) to monitor a wide range of sounds and automatically adjust the level to be audible and comfortable for your convenience, no matter how challenging the listening situation. AutoSound™ captures the widest range of sound of any cochlear implant system. Only AutoSound™ automatically adjusts the volume control so you hear loud sounds comfortably while still detecting softer sounds naturally.
You can have the capability to obtain greater enjoyment from music with HiRes® 120, the latest processing strategy from AB. HiRes® 120 enables stimulation of 120 places along the auditory nerve. This improved resolution brings great benefit to music perception and to hearing in noise. Harmony® is designed to capture and deliver the full musical experience—harmonies, melodies, and all the details, layers, and complexities that make music so textured and rich.
As well as delivering high-quality products, we are just as committed to providing services and resources for all of our recipients and clinicians. From candidates, recipients, family members, to educators and/or medical professionals, we offer the support needed as you work with and use our products. We're here to make the journey to hearing beyond words easier for patients and professionals alike, wherever you are in the world.
AB understands that nobody wants to go through the process of receiving a cochlear implant only to discover that a better model is available a few months later. That’s why AB has designed the Harmony implant to be fully upgradeable. You can access future technology because only a small percentage of its full capability is currently used. Sound can be upgraded by re-programming rather than replacing the internal electronics. i.e. without the need of additional surgery.
All of Harmony sound processor’s internal electronics feature two-fold advanced water protection: A Xylex® case that resists water penetration, and a special coating that provides a waterproof barrier.
You can wear the Harmony in the rain
You can play sports that will cause sweat to run over the Harmony
You can wear the Harmony in dusty or sandy environments.
AB has designed Harmony to be as intuitive and kid-friendly as possible, so your child can focus on listening instead of preparing to listen. The new off-the-ear power options allow the Harmony system to grow with your child from infancy to adulthood. They can start with a secure and lightweight off-the-ear option and progress to a full behind-the-ear system as they grow. Small and lightweight, the off-the-ear choices give every recipient flexibility, comfort, security and convenience.
Q10. What colours can I choose when wearing Harmony from AB?
We have three base colours for our speech processors: Beige Metallic, Silver, and Dark Sienna. With 20 colourful Harmony caps and covers to choose from, you can mix and match Harmony caps and covers to create a look that’s just right for your style.
Currently, our 20 colour cover options provide 60 + combinations, but look out for hundreds of new patterns, sports teams, entertainment, and art designs that will soon be available!
For further evidence to support our answers to these questions please consult with your clinician and use the following resources:
www.advancedbionics.com The Advanced Bionics global website for the most up to date information and news concerning AB.
www.bionicear.eu The European website tailored to each country's news and events.
www.hearingjourney.com A Web resource full of (re) habilitation activities and ideas to support the development of listening and language skills in children, adolescents and adults.
katie-louisescochlearimplant.blogspot.com/ A young user's story and update of her life with a cochlear implant.
www.contactnetwork.org Cochlear implant users supporting candidates and their families.
www.bionicear.com/bea Get one to one support and join an online community of AB users.
www.blogcatalog.com/blog/chronicles-of-a-bionic-woman An independent blog of a user's decision to choose AB.
Advanced Bionics UK Ltd
Breaks House
Mill Court
Great Shelford
Cambridge, CB2 5LD
Tel: 01223 847888
email: uk@advancedbionics.com