There are four companies
Med El - Austria, Europe 15%
Advanced Bionics - American, though acquired by Swiss Sonova in 2009 10%
Neurelec MXM - Less well known
So far my Spanish, London and Japanese doctors have said there is little to choose between them. Most patients pick on appearance. In Japan only Cochlear and Med El are offered.
Advanced Bionics looks interesting with new products such as HiRes, free software upgrades and waterproof head wear. But I find it impossible to know how much is slick marketing vs. technological advantage. It's a decision that needs making within weeks, so any advice here appreciated. AB has had recall issues with implants.
Cochlear feels the safer bet as current market leader and proven track record.
Kind of ironic after mentally going with the Cochlear 500 series it was recalled the same day.
AB will shortly re enter the US market with HiRes, it has already done so in Europe.
Saw first surgeon today that had a view on brands, favouring Med El Concerto due to the length of coil but because it is thinner sometimes difficult to insert. If Med El not possible, he would go with Cochlear Comfort (the CI 500 series now recalled). Japan doesnt offer Advanced Bionics so he had no real view, but felt they were in between Med El and Cochlear for sound performance.
In the end... My first choice was AB. More stylish outer wear, up coming waterproof Neptune processor, possibly better music appreciation. However on advice from my surgeon we went with Med El. Having the choice of implant length is optimal. The Med El outside bits were much smaller than I epecetd and most users ignore the remote control in day to day use.
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