DEVICES TO WORK WITH EAR IMPLANT.Byline: Naush Boghossian Staff Writer VALENCIA - Already spearheading technology that allows the deaf to hear, Advanced Bionics in Valencia has released two new devices that will make its cutting-edge hearing implants less cumbersome. The company released two sound processors - the Clarion A family of application development systems for Windows from SoftVelocity, Inc., Pompano Beach, FL (www.softvelocity.com). Clarion provides a comprehensive set of tools for development, including a screen builder, 4GL and application generator. CII CII Confederation of Indian Industry CII Chartered Insurance Institute (UK) CII Construction Industry Institute (University of Texas) CII Council of Institutional Investors BTE and Clarion Platinum BTE - that work in conjunction with its inner-ear implants but are less unwieldy than the previous external attachments. Before, the implanted device was supplemented with a headpiece head·piece n. 1. A protective covering for the head. 2. A set of headphones; a headset. 3. See headstall. 4. An ornamental design, especially at the top of a page. 5. and cable that were attached to the sound processor - a pagerlike device that clipped onto the waist or pocket. ``Now, all the technology has been reduced to a small device and it is put behind the ear,'' said Emily McCargar, spokeswoman for Advanced Bionics. McCargar said the new technology gives the user more freedom without having to deal with a cable running underneath clothing. McCargar said the new technology will be appealing to adults who had been wearing hearing aids Hearing Aids Definition A hearing aid is a device that can amplify sound waves in order to help a deaf or hard-of-hearing person hear sounds more clearly. and to kids who play sports. ``This is going to be very popular, and there are many people who are expressing interest in it,'' McCargar said. She explained that the device might not be suitable for those who don't have a lot of dexterity in the fingers, because the implant has small knobs to change the volume. Also, the device might be too large for a small child to wear. Those getting implants for the first time will be outfitted with the Clarion CII BTE. It is the fastest sound processor and the smallest of its kind. Depending on how it is programmed, the Clarion CII BTE can operate as a conventional inner ear implant, or a high-resolution bionic A machine that is patterned after principles found in humans or nature; for example, robots. It also refers to artificial devices implanted into humans replacing or extending normal human functions. See biomimicry. ear, delivering sound information to the hearing nerve up to 1 million times each second - 10 times more sound information than conventional implant processors are capable of delivering. The Clarion Platinum BTE is for use with all previous ear implant technologies. For first-time recipients of cochlear implants Cochlear Implants Definition A cochlear implant is a surgical treatment for hearing loss that works like an artificial human cochlea in the inner ear, helping to send sound from the ear to the brain. , the price of the entire system and the surgery is about $46,000. It is commonly covered by insurance. The biotechnology firm, located in Valencia, is the only company in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. that manufactures cochlear implants for the deaf with Food and Drug Administration approval. |
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