Meet the First Cochlear Implant That Can Be Updated Like a Smartphone

Cochlear Nucleus Nexa System

Credit: Cochlear Limited

Cochlear Limited has just received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a groundbreaking advancement in hearing technology: the Cochlear Nucleus Nexa System, the world’s first smart cochlear implant system with upgradeable firmware. This innovation allows patients to access future upgrades directly through their internal implant — a first in the industry.

Until now, cochlear implant users needed to replace their external sound processor to benefit from technological improvements. With the Nexa System, users will gain future functionality via both the implant and sound processor, making it easier to stay up to date with evolving hearing solutions over time.

“The Nucleus Nexa Implant is innovative new technology that I am really excited about,” David Kelsall, M.D., from Rocky Mountain Ear Center, said in the statement. “The smart implant innovation further solidifies my confidence in being able to provide the best outcomes for my patients today and in the future.”

What Makes the Nucleus Nexa System Different?

• Upgradeable firmware: The internal implant can receive future software updates, much like a smartphone — extending the life and value of the system.
• Smallest sound processor with all-day battery: The Nucleus 8 Nexa Sound Processor with the new Power Compact battery is 9% smaller and 12% lighter than its predecessor, while still delivering all-day battery life.
• Internal memory: For the first time, the implant itself stores a patient’s unique hearing settings (MAPs), making it easy to stay connected to sound — even if the external processor is lost or damaged.
• Dynamic power management: The system intelligently adapts to the user’s daily listening needs to optimize hearing and battery life.
• Seamless compatibility: Patients with legacy Nucleus implants can upgrade to the new Kanso 3 Sound Processor, enjoying enhanced features like SmartSound IQ 2, SCAN2 and ForwardFocus.

The Nucleus Nexa System includes the Nexa Implant, the Nucleus 8 Nexa Sound Processor and the Kanso 3 Nexa Sound Processor, supported by Cochlear’s full ecosystem of fitting tools, mobile apps, wireless streaming and waterproof design.

According to Cochlear’s Chief Technology Officer Jan Janssen, the Nexa Implant uses a newly designed chipset and includes onboard diagnostics to self-monitor performance — reducing pressure on patients and caregivers.

“With my cochlear implant, life has changed dramatically for me,” said Lori Miller, recipient of the new Cochlear Nucleus Nexa System. “Most importantly, I have been able to hear my family, and that is my highest priority. I feel like I have been given a second chance and now I value the sounds that I hear with a child-like excitement and joy that I will never again take advantage of.”

The system will be available in late summer 2025 and aims to give the more than 430 million people worldwide with disabling hearing loss a smarter path to lifelong hearing support.