SONNET 3 Audio Processor
Be flexible. Be free.
Be Flexible. Be Free.
With direct streaming, SONNET 3 provides cochlear implant recipients closest to natural hearing along with maximum comfort and convenience so they can be flexible and free.
- Flexible, ergonomic earhook for maximum comfort
- Convenient touch key control
- Direct streaming from Android™ & Apple devices*
Ergonomic Design
Our smallest and lightest SONNET audio processor ever, SONNET 3 is waterproof and ergonomically designed for maximum comfort, convenience, and wearing time.
Flexible, Ergonomic Earhook
Shape SONNET 3’s ergonomic silicone earhook to provide your patients maximum wearing comfort.**
Convenient Touch Key
Set the convenient touch key to match your patient’s preference: a quick tap can either change programs or switch into or out of standby mode.
Compact for Comfort
2.0 grams lighter and more than 18% shorter than SONNET 2 with AudioStream, SONNET 3 is compact to maximize comfort.
Waterproof IP68 Design
Our most waterproof BTE audio processor, SONNET 3 has an IP68 rating and can survive rain, sweat, spills or even brief immersion in water even without an accessory.***
Highest Child Safety
With a tamperproof design, DL-Coil link-check indicator, locking coil cable, and titanium battery pack locks, SONNET 3 offers the highest level of child safety available for CIs.
Versatile Battery Options
Easy-to-use rechargeable batteries offer the lightest and most compact wearing option. Or users can go for up to 60 hours on disposable zinc-air batteries.
SONNET 3 Showroom & AR
Experience SONNET 3 in our digital showroom or augmented reality.
Choose Your Look
Visit the digital showroom to see SONNET 3 up close and choose between the different looks.
Direct Streaming
SONNET 3 users can enjoy direct streaming without the need for any additional devices. Android and iPhone users can stream sound via Bluetooth® Low Energy from their phones straight to their SONNET 3.*
Binaural Streaming
Bilateral users can pair two SONNET 3s or SONNET 3 and another audio processor with AudioStream to enjoy their best hearing and streaming.
Flexible Streaming Settings
In MAESTRO 11 or later, clinicians can adjust wireless streaming options including how much outside sound can be heard or if ambient sound can be heard during phone calls.
On the Phone
Phone calls can be streamed directly from compatible Android and Apple devices to SONNET 3, allowing your patients to hear phone calls with clarity.
Listening to Music
Your patients will be free to enjoy music streamed directly to their SONNET 3 in high-quality stereo from compatible devices.
Watching TV
With compatible smart TVs and digital media players, SONNET 3 users can stream audio from their favorite movies and shows directly to their ears.
Closest to Natural Hearing
By combining dual microphones, ASM 3.0, MED-EL’s flexible electrodes and FineHearing sound coding, SONNET 3 provides superior sound quality that no other cochlear implant manufacturer can match. [ft] [ft] [ft] [ft] [ft] [ft] [ft] [ft] [ft] [ft] [ft] [ft] [ft] [ft]
Even in challenging listening environments, SONNET 3 users can experience exceptional hearing performance. Thanks to Automatic Sound Management 3.0, SONNET 3 seamlessly adapts to any listening environment, providing your patients optimal hearing and hands-free control. ASM 3.0 enables clearer, more comfortable hearing experiences even in busy offices or noisy restaurants.
Microphone Directionality
Two microphones reduce noise from behind and focus on sounds to the front for significantly better hearing in noise. [ft]
Automatic Volume Control
Dual-Loop Automatic Gain Control instantly adapts volume levels to make loud sounds more comfortable and soft sounds easier to hear.
Ambient Noise Reduction
Reduces continuous ambient noise—such as a desk fan—for easier, clearer listening.
Adaptive Intelligence
Intelligently adapts front-end processing to changing listening environments for the best hearing in any environment.
Wind Noise Reduction
Minimizes continuous wind noise for improved listening in outdoor environments.
Transient Noise Reduction
Instantly attenuates sudden loud noises, like a vacuum cleaner or clattering dishes, for comfortable listening.
Fitting With Any Hearing Aid
MED-EL cochlear implants are designed to provide a closer to natural match with any hearing aid. There are three main components that should match between the cochlear implant system and a hearing aid: pitch perception, loudness growth, and timing. By combining these three elements, SONNET 3 offers an ideal solution for bimodal listening with practically any hearing aid.
With Bimodal Synchronization, you can easily match the processing delay timing between SONNET 3 and nearly any hearing aid, without needing to refit the hearing aid. This more natural timing match can help support better sound localization with SONNET 3 and a hearing aid. [ft] [ft]
Partial Integration
High
Frequency
Low
Frequency
Complete Integration
High
Frequency
Low
Frequency
Balanced
Compression Ratio
Better Sound Localization
Zirn et al. 2019
Natural Sound Quality with FineHearing
In nature, the cochlea uses two types of sound coding. Place-pitch tonotopic coding is used along the whole frequency range. Along with place-pitch coding, low-frequency sounds are also coded by rate. With this time coding, the frequency of nerve signals is synchronized to the frequency of sounds below ~1000 Hz.
Only MED-EL cochlear implants use sound coding that mimics the natural time coding for low frequencies, providing users place-pitch match throughout the cochlea. By mimicking natural sound coding, FineHearing provides much more natural sound quality.[ft] [ft] [ft] [ft]
Anatomy-Based Fitting
One size does not fit all. This is why we strive to provide a closer match for each individual patient. Reaching closer to natural hearing than ever before with cochlear implants may now be possible with Anatomy-Based Fitting.
With just a few clicks, you can import the detailed electrode location data into MAESTRO 11 or later from OTOPLAN for place-based mapping. MAESTRO automatically calculates an optimal distribution of electrode center frequencies to cover the full input frequency range (70Hz–8,500 Hz). At the same time, it also aligns each center frequency to the natural tonotopic map as closely as possible based on where each contact is positioned in the cochlea. You can also fine-tune the frequency range of each electrode contact using the simple manual controls.
“Methods to minimize electric mismatches, such as place-based mapping procedures, may support better early speech recognition for [similar patient populations of EAS users].”
Dillion et al., 2023
“ABF can be used to fit experienced bilateral cochlear implant users; it improves speech perception, especially in noise, and self-perceived sound quality. ABF fitting is a promising approach to match the input from both CIs, thereby providing access to binaural processing.”
Kurz et al., 2023
Perfect for Pediatric Patients
SONNET 3’s small, compact design and enhanced safety features make it the perfect audio processor for young pediatric patients.
- Parents can check on their child’s SONNET 3 with their phone
- Tamperproof design for the highest child safety
- Secure and flexible wearing and fixation options
Tamperproof Design
The audio processor and coil are fully lockable so they remain together in one piece for child safety.
Peace of Mind for Parents
Parents and guardians can use AudioKey 3 on their smartphone to monitor their child’s hearing. MED-EL can provide extra peace of mind with guardian roles.
Link-Check Indicator
The link-check indicator light allows clinicians and parents to quickly see if a child’s audio processor is properly attached to the coil.
Flexible Wearing Options
With SONNET 3 BabyWear or SONNET ActiveWear, SONNET 3 can easily be secured to a child’s clothing for extra piece of mind.
Flexible Fixation Options
A wide range of fixation options can be used to help keep in place even the most active child's SONNET 3.
Small Size
SONNET 3 can be made even lighter and smaller for a child’s little ears with the Rechargeable Battery Micro.
Accessories
Help your patients get the most out of their SONNET 3 audio processor with the right accessories to suit their lifestyle and hearing habits.
AudioKey 3
AudioKey 3 is a smartphone app that allows SONNET 3 users to be free from carrying around a device to control their audio processor.
- Adjust hearing settings
- Monitor a child’s or loved one’s hearing
- Find a lost SONNET 3
AudioLink XT
AudioLink XT provides additional flexibility and freedom to hear in challenging listening environments.
- Remote microphone for noisy environments
- Streaming from non-smart TVs or telecoil systems
- Works with SONNET 3, other audio processors with AudioStream devices, and ASHA-compatible devices like hearing aids.
FineTuner Echo
The FineTuner Echo remote control is an intuitive alternative for SONNET 3 users who want to be free to adjust their hearing without a smartphone.
- For older users or those without reliable smartphones
- Change SONNET 3’s loudness, sensitivity, or program
- Perform audio processor checks for peace of mind
Flexible Battery Options
Choose the best batteries for your patient’s lifestyle.
- Up to 17 hours with the Rechargeable Battery Max
- Up to 10 hours with the Rechargeable Battery Standard
- Up to 7 hours with the Rechargeable Battery Micro
- Up to 60 hours with disposable zinc-air batteries
Design Covers
SONNET 3 can be customized to fit your patient’s unique look and express their personal style. To preview the options, they can visit the MED-EL Digital Showroom.
WaterWear for SONNET 3
Patients who enjoy swimming, diving, and other watersports can enjoy the same hearing performance and get peace of mind with WaterWear for SONNET 3. Each cover can be reused up to 20 times.
Why MED-EL:
A Trusted Partner
For more than 30 years, MED-EL has been a trusted partner and innovation leader in hearing implants. We’re here to work together with you, and we’re committed to providing outstanding service and support for our professional partners.
With the most advanced cochlear implant systems, we offer the best hearing experience for your patients and the best clinical experience for you.
Contact Us
Ready to learn more about MED-EL cochlear implants?
Fill out our simple contact form and we’ll get in touch with you.
SYNCHRONY 2
See why individualized electrode arrays, safe access to MRI, and a streamlined central electrode lead for exceptional surgical handling make SYNCHRONY 2 your new favorite cochlear implant.
Discover More
Electrodes
Find out what sets MED-EL electrode arrays apart from any other design to enable a closer to natural sound quality that no other cochlear implant can match.
RONDO 3
Find out how wireless charging, directional microphones, and wireless connectivity make RONDO 3 incredibly simple and simply incredible.
MAESTRO 11
With enhanced features and SONNET 3 support, MAESTRO 11 makes providing in-clinic and remote care to your patients with cochlear implants easy.
Please find detailed information and specific conditions for use for each product in the respective instructions for use.
All functions and features may not be available in all markets. Enabling features on the hardware may be subject to technical considerations.
Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by MED-EL is under license.
* Direct audio streaming for SONNET 3 is compatible with Apple and Android devices. For a detailed list of compatible devices, see the technical data below.
** The flexible earhook is not available for SONNET 3 EAS.
*** Immersion in water (up to a maximum depth of 1 meter
for 60 minutes). WaterWear for SONNET 3 is recommended for swimming and showering. SONNET 3 EAS is water resistant and has an IP54 rating.
Technical Data
SONNET 3 Audio Processor (Me171x)
SONNET 3 Color Options
- 6 base colors for control unit and battery pack cover max
- 4 color options for coil cable
- 6 color options for microphone cover
- 15 color options for battery pack cover standard and battery pack cover micro
- 12 DL-Coil cover color options and 24 Design Covers available for DL-Coil
Dimensions and Weight
- 5 g (with ActiveWear)
- 9.5 g (Me171x with two 675 zinc-air batteries)
- 9.9 g (Me172x with two 675 zinc-air batteries)
- DL-Coil: 4.6 g, 32.8 mm x 5.8 mm
- DL-Coil: 6 magnets available in 10 strengths
- Durable coil cables available in 3 lengths: 6.5 cm (2.6 in), 9 cm (3.5 in), 28 cm (11.0 in)
Materials
- Processor & Coil: Mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrol polymer
- Earhook (Me171x): Polyamide (PA), Silicone (LSR)
- Earhook (Me172x): Polyamide (PA)
- Cable: PVC, TPV, TPU, and TPE Evoprene
- Biocompatible according to ISO 10993-1
- Latex-free†
Compatibility
- Compatible with all MED-EL multichannel cochlear implants
- MAX Programming Interface
- MAESTRO 11 or later
- Compatible with hearing aids of all brands and types
- Bimodal synchronization with any hearing aid: Signal can be delayed up to 10 ms
- Compatible with the HearCare MED-EL app
- Compatible with the AudioKey 3 app
Product Features
- Frequency Range 70–9300 Hz
- Waterproof according to IP68 standard (Me172x – IP54)
- Dual microphones
- Extended Datalogging
- Automatic Sound Management 3.0
- Tamperproof design
- Secured earhook
- Locking battery pack
- Choking hazard avoidance
- Additional fixation options
- Locking coil cable (locked to coil and control unit)
- Link-check function with LED indicator
- Four program positions
- Continuous volume and sensitivity control with FineTuner Echo or AudioKey 3
- Supports Electric-Acoustic Stimulation (EAS)
Sound Processing Features
Front-End Processing
- Microphone Directionality (Omni, Natural, Adaptive)
- Automatic Volume Control with Dual-Loop AGC
- Wind Noise Reduction
- Ambient Noise Reduction
- Transient Noise Reduction
- Input Dynamic Range (IDR) of 71 dB
Sound Coding Strategies
- FS4 (Fine Structure Processing up to 1 kHz on 4 apical channels)
- FS4-p (Fine Structure Processing up to 1 kHz on 4 apical channels with intelligent parallel stimulation for even higher temporal accuracy)
- FSP (Fine Structure Processing typically up to 350 Hz on 2 apical channels)
- HD-CIS (High Definition CIS)
- Biphasic or triphasic stimulation pulses
- Supports 250 spectral bands
Connectivity
Technology
- 2.4 GHz wireless communication
- Direct wireless audio streaming via Bluetooth Low Energy (ASHA and MFi streaming protocol)††
- True stereo sound quality
- Support for bilateral usage
- Bimodal streaming possible with several brands of hearing aids†††
Accessories
AudioLink XT
- Dimensions: 68 x 38 x 17.5 mm
- Weight: 35 g
- Remote microphone
- TV streaming
- Music streaming
- Direct audio input (DAI)
- FM Adapter
- Telecoil
AudioKey 3 App
- Remote control functionality
- Guardian Roles
- Extended Datalogging
- Find My Processor
- Send Feedback
- User Notifications
- SONNET 3 Battery Status
FineTuner Echo
- Dimensions: 104 x 38 x 11 mm
- Weight: 32 g (including battery)
- Compact remote control with bi-directional communication
- ePaper Display
- Test audio processor functionality
- SONNET 3 battery status
WaterWear for SONNET 3
- Waterproof up to 4 m depth
- Can be used in salt, fresh, and chlorinated water
Battery Options
Zinc-Air Batteries
- Up to 60 hours of use with a set of 2 disposable zinc-air 675 batteries
Rechargeable Battery Max
- Dimension: 32 x 14 x 7 mm
- Processor weight with battery: 9.2 g
- Usage time: Up to 17 hours
- Charging duration: ~6 hours
- Charging/discharging: >1800 cycles (80% capacity)††††
Rechargeable Battery Standard
- Dimension: 22 x 14 x 7 mm
- Processor weight with battery: 8 g
- Usage time: Up to 10 hours
- Charging duration: ~4 hours
- Charging/discharging: >1100 cycles (80% capacity)††††
Rechargeable Battery Micro
- Dimension: 16 x 14 x 7 mm
- Processor weight with battery: 7 g
- Usage time: Up to 7 hours
- Charging duration: ~3 hours
- Charging/discharging: >1100 cycles (80% capacity)††††
Charging Unit
- 4 simultaneous charging slots
- Power & charging indicator lights
- USB powered: 5V DC, 500 mA
- USB power adapter: 100–240V AC (~50/60 Hz)
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by MED-EL is under license.
† Whereby “free” means “not made with latex” according to current FDA guidance: “Recommendations for Labeling Medical Products to Inform Users that the Product or Product Container is not Made with Natural Rubber
Latex”, 2014.
†† Direct audio streaming for SONNET 3 is compatible with Apple and Android devices. For a detailed list of compatible devices, see below.
††† Bimodal streaming is only possible with Android 12 or later and hearing aids compatible
with Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) technology. For a detailed list of compatible devices, see below.
†††† Charging cycles dependent on individual usage.
Direct Streaming for SONNET 3
Direct streaming for SONNET 3 is compatible with all external devices that support Made for iPhone (MFi) and Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) technology. MED-EL recommends keeping your device(s) updated with the latest version of the iOS or Android operating system.
The Android devices stated in the below list include devices specifically tested and confirmed by MED-EL to be compatible with direct streaming. In addition, other Android devices with Android 10 or later and both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) technology enabled by the phone manufacturer and service carrier may also be compatible with direct streaming.
Devices Compatible With Direct Streaming
iOS Devices
Check to see if your Apple device is compatible with unidirectional streaming.
Android Devices
Check to see if your Google Pixel device is compatible with direct streaming.
Samsung Galaxy S24, Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S22, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S10+, Samsung Galaxy S10, Samsung Galaxy S10e, Samsung Galaxy S9+, Samsung Galaxy S9, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Samsung Galaxy A71, Samsung Galaxy A70, Samsung Galaxy A53, Samsung Galaxy A52, Samsung Galaxy A51
OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus 9
Xiaomi 11T Pro
Oppo Find X5, Oppo Find X3 Pro
Smart TVs and Digital Media Players
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen), Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen)
[Compatibility with two SONNET 3s that are set up bilaterally is under investigation.]
Certain third-party applications (for example, the Roku App for Roku and Roku TV) can be used with compatible devices to stream audio directly to SONNET 3.
Devices Suitable for Bimodal Streaming
For bimodal streaming, you simply need an Android smartphone with the Android 12 operating system or later and a hearing aid compatible with Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) technology. The below lists include devices specifically tested and confirmed by MED-EL to be suitable for bimodal streaming. Other Android devices and hearing aids with the necessary technologies may also be suitable for bimodal streaming.
Android Devices
Check to see if your Google Pixel device is suitable for bimodal streaming.
Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S22, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2, Samsung Galaxy S10e
Xiaomi Mi 11T Pro
OnePlus 9 Pro
Oppo Find X5, Oppo Find X3 Pro
Hearing Aids
Oticon More, Oticon Real, Oticon Intent
ReSound ENZO Q, ReSound LiNX Quattro, ReSound Key, ReSound One
Signia Pure Charge&Go X, Signia Pure Charge&Go AX, Signia Pure Charge&Go IX, Signia Pure Charge&Go T IX
Starkey Livio AI, Starkey Evolve AI
Widex Moment
Although MED-EL aims to provide as many users as possible with seamless device compatibility, MED-EL cannot guarantee full compatibility or troubleshooting support with all devices and the information provided above should only be used for reference.
