Cochlear Business Practices

It’s not just Cochlear who have ceased making older models. AB and Med El have also ceased production of their older models.

While it can be frustrating for recipients I can understand the business doing this.

I wonder how much longer the standard Nucleus Smart processor will be in production, now the Nucleus Nexa has been released. This concerns me as the Nexa processor won’t work with my internal electrode array. The only thing I can do about it is making sure I keep myself well supplied with spare parts suitable to the Nucleus Smart series processor.

@Deaf_piper said:

This concerns me as the Nexa processor won’t work with my internal electrode array.

This isn't the first time this has happened. There are specific newer sound processors for CI22 recipients that are equivalent to newer models. They will release a compatible version for existing users of specific implants when it is time for these to be replaced. There is a reason their slogan is "Hear now. And always."

Life isn’t always that simple. AB Harmony and Chorus processors production just ceased with no upgrades available to those recipients.

Advanced bionics is a different kettle of fish. It seems because they weren't manufacturing all of the components themselves but were reliant upon third-party chipsets they were unable to continue supporting Clarion users.

I think Cochlear manufacture all of the critical components in their supply chain with the exception of RIC receivers for EAS fittings and the wireless chipset, so they aren't in the same situation where users would have no long-term solution.

Gemini gave me the following when I queried:

End of Official Processor Support

Advanced Bionics officially ended service, repairs, and part replacement support for the C1-compatible Chorus™ and Harmony™ sound processors. [1, 21]

The company cited the absolute unavailability of critical, 20-year-old internal microchip sets from third-party vendors. After exhausting searches for alternative suppliers or technical workarounds, the external hardware ecosystem for Clarion implants could no longer be sustained. Remaining warehouse stock for parts is strictly rationed for emergency scenarios, specifically for individuals who are medically unable to undergo surgery. [1]

What This Means for Clarion Users

If you or a loved one are using a Clarion C1 implant, the options moving forward depend entirely on hardware status:

• Using Existing, Functional Processors: If your current Chorus or Harmony processor is fully working, it will continue to power the internal implant. However, obtaining replacement batteries, specialized cables, or headpieces through Advanced Bionics is no longer possible. [1, 2, 3]
• Third-Party Spares: Some users have had to seek secondary options, such as sourcing refurbished legacy processors or aftermarket components through private communities or independent distributors. [1]
• Surgical Reimplantation (Technology Upgrade): The long-term path forward for most active Clarion users is Cochlear Implant Reimplantation (CIR). This involves a surgical revision to replace the legacy internal C1 magnet and receiver with a modern internal implant (such as the HiRes Ultra 3D). Once updated to a current-generation internal implant, the user gains access to modern BTE tech like the Naída CI Marvel platform, smartphone streaming, and sustainable long-term support. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Clinical data shows that replacing legacy Clarion 1.2 devices with modern internal hardware is highly routine and typically results in equal or significantly improved hearing outcomes. [1]