SYNCHRONY 2 Cochlear Implant
Made For You
SYNCHRONY 2 is our latest cochlear implant. SYNCHRONY 2 builds on the proven performance, MRI safety*, and security of SYNCHRONY. With a symmetrical electrode lead design, SYNCHRONY 2 delivers intuitive surgical handling with the smallest titanium cochlear implant.
- Closest to Natural Hearing
- Intuitive Surgical Handling
- 3.0 Tesla MRI Safety
Intuitive Surgical Handling
SYNCHRONY 2 has a symmetrical central electrode lead design for simplified implant placement. The streamlined electrode lead offers easier lead management and optimal surgical handling. Of course, the intracochlear electrode arrays are still MED-EL’s proven portfolio of full-length electrode arrays.
Central Electrode Lead
Symmetrical central electrode lead design for simplified surgical placement.
Green Marker Dot
Enables better visibility and control of electrode array insertion depth.
Optimal Lead Handling
Streamlined electrode lead offers easier lead management for optimal surgical handling.
PIN Housing
Titanium fixation pins easily secure the placement of the implant for long-term stability.
Awarded to the SYNCHRONY System, comprising the SONNET 2 Audio Processor and accessories, SYNCHRONY 2 Cochlear Implant, and MAESTRO 8.0 fitting software.
Closest to Natural Hearing
Above all else, the purpose of a cochlear implant is to create the most useful interface between the electrode array and the neural structures of cochlea. Every single element that goes into a cochlear implant culminates in this intricate bridge between technology and nature.
How do we provide the most natural hearing possible with a cochlear implant? By engineering our electrode arrays to most closely match the precise natural design and function of the cochlea.
Our incredibly flexible electrode arrays help better protect the delicate structures in the cochlea, enabling atraumatic insertion all the way to the apical region. This allows our full-length electrode arrays to provide two full turns of Complete Cochlear Coverage, which maximizes the natural tonotopic stimulation range. Finally, our unique variable-rate FineHearing sound coding is the only sound coding that mimics the temporal phase-locking in natural hearing for a sound quality that no other cochlear implant can match.
Structure Preservation
Our flexible electrode arrays are designed to protect natural structures and enable reliable scala tympani placement.
Complete Cochlear Coverage
Long, flexible arrays enable two full turns of stimulation for more accurate place-pitch match and more natural sound quality.
FineHearing Sound Coding
FineHearing technology combines rate coding and place coding to mimic natural sound coding for more natural sound quality.
Superior Structure Preservation
If an electrode array deviates from the scala tympani to the scala vestibuli, it damages critical nerve structures and results in significantly hearing lower performance. This is a frequent issue with pre-curved arrays or stiff straight arrays.
Our incredibly flexible lateral wall arrays gently adapt to the shape of each individual cochlea to help protect the delicate natural structures. Multiple recent studies have shown only MED-EL arrays enable 100% scala tympani insertions.
"A deaf ear is not a dead ear: If the electrode deviates into the scala vestibule . . . the fluid in the cochlea mixes with the fluid surrounding the ganglion cells, meaning that a toxic inflammation in the cochlea will spread to the nerve.” – Prof. Helge Rask-Andersen
Complete Cochlear Coverage
In natural hearing, the nerve fibers of the spiral ganglion are tonotopically organized and extend the full length of the cochlea. If an electrode doesn’t cover two full turns (720°) of the cochlea, it can’t stimulate these nerve fibers to provide accurate pitch-place match.
Pre-curved or stiff straight electrodes can only cover half the cochlea, causing an unnatural sound quality that recipients describe as “robotic”, “tinny”, “echoey”, or “mechanical”. Adapting to this pitch-place mismatch can take years for even partial improvement.
Our long, flexible arrays can be safely inserted all the way to the apical region to provide natural tonotopic stimulation across two full turns of the cochlea. With complete cochlear coverage, recipients can enjoy a natural pitch match from the very beginning. This enables significantly better hearing performance and a more natural hearing experience for your patients.
Individualized Electrode Arrays
When it comes to electrode arrays, one size doesn’t fit all. In fact, there’s a wider range of variation in cochlear duct lengths than shoe sizes. That’s why we designed our FLEX Series arrays to provide the optimal length for the full range of cochlear anatomies.
With six FLEX arrays available in sizes between 20–34 mm, you can achieve complete cochlear coverage and full electrode insertion for each patient. And with OTOPLAN, the intuitive surgical planning software, you can easily select the ideal electrode array based on the measurements of each individual cochlea.
"This is a huge advantage that we can individualize the choice of these electrode lengths. We know there’s a huge variation in sizes from cochlear lengths. The organ of Corti, the cochlear duct length varies from 25– 36 millimeters, really this is a 50% change, from one patient to another patient." – Prof. Paul van de Heyning
FineHearing: Natural Sound Coding
In nature, the cochlea uses two types of sound coding. Place-pitch tonotopic coding is used along the whole frequency range. In addition to 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 the sound below ~1000 Hz.
That’s why we created the only cochlear implant sound coding that mimics the natural time-coding for low frequencies and provides place-pitch match throughout the cochlea. By mimicking natural sound coding, FineHearing provides
much more natural sound quality.
"[MED-EL’s] place dependent stimulation rates allow thus far unparalleled restoration of tonotopic pitch perception."
– Rader et al. 2016
Peace of Mind
We engineer all of our implants to deliver the long-term safety and reliability that your patients can always count on.
Every MED-EL implant is precision-built by expert technicians at our headquarters in Europe. We use state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, cutting-edge processes, superior components, and exceptional quality control. This ensures every MED-EL cochlear implant can meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Independent Safety Capacitors
Our proven Ti100 CI electronics platform utilizes independent safety capacitors on every electrode channel for precise high-rate stimulation without any harmful DC current.
Proven Titanium Implants
As the 4th generation of our remarkably reliable titanium cochlear implant series, SYNCHRONY 2 is designed for many years of reliable performance.
The Leader in Magnet Technology
For over 25 years, our cochlear implants have provided recipients with outstanding MRI safety. In fact, there has not been a single reported instance of magnet dislocation in MED-EL’s history.
SYNCHRONY—with the world’s first rotatable, self-aligning diametric cochlear implant magnet that enabled 3.0 Tesla MRI scans* without magnet removal**—revolutionized the industry when we introduced it in 2014.
Now our second-generation diametric magnet for SYNCHRONY 2, the S-Vector magnet, is 25% stronger than its predecessor and provides all the same benefits as our previous generation magnet.
Optimized Retention
With 25% greater magnetic pull strength, recipients with off-the-ear single-unit audio processors can benefit from optimized audio processor retention.
Outstanding MRI Safety
MRI scans with the S-Vector magnet are also covered by MED-EL’s MRI Guarantee—the only one on the market—to give recipients and professionals greater peace of mind.
The Smallest MRI Artifacts
S-Vector technology prevents magnet artifacts in MRI scans from being larger, as observed with stronger magnets. Thus, the S-Vector magnet has the same small MRI artifacts as our previous generation magnet.
Greater Fitting Freedom
Recipients and audiologists gain more freedom to choose between a behind-the-ear or single-unit audio processor based on their own preferences, rather than lifestyle or anatomical conditions such as skin flap thickness.
Outstanding MRI Safety
And for true peace of mind, SYNCHRONY 2 uses our proven SYNCHRONY magnet technology. In the next 10 years, 3 out of 4 of your patients will need an MRI. That’s why we created the revolutionary SYNCHRONY implant magnet—a rotatable, self-aligning magnet that enables 3.0 Tesla MRI scans with no surgery,** and no hearing downtime. The one-of-a-kind SYNCHRONY implant magnet design delivers outstanding MRI safety.
"This was our first [3.0 Tesla] experience with the SYNCHRONY implant from MED-EL. We definitely would be confident to scan patients with these implants again and would happily talk to anyone else to assist them in performing scans also. The patient did not feel anything at all, no pressure or pain. At the end the patient said she would happily have another one! "
– MRI Technologist Mary O’Dwyer
Great Protection. Guaranteed.
- Valid for all MED-EL multichannel cochlear implants since 1994.
- Life-long and worldwide.
- The first and only offered by any hearing implant producer.
Provide your patients outstanding MRI safety with cochlear implants from MED‑EL.
Rotatable Magnet
The SYNCHRONY magnet self-aligns in the magnetic field, so there’s no uncomfortable torque or pressure.
easyMRI
Self-aligning magnet enables 3.0 Telsa MRI scans without need for magnet removal** or head bandage.
Secure Design
Unique, robust conical design can optionally be safely removed and replaced without damaging the implant.
Proven Experience
The SYNCHRONY magnet has a fantastic MRI safety record, which is why we guarantee that it will not be damaged during an MRI exam.
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.
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.
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.
SONNET 3
Smaller and lighter, SONNET 3 delivers built-in direct streaming and the closest to natural hearing with maximum flexibility and freedom.
RONDO 3
Find out how wireless charging, directional microphones, and wireless connectivity make RONDO 3 incredibly simple and simply incredible.
Technical Data
SYNCHRONY 2 Pin
Cochlear Implant (Mi1250)
Stimulation Features
- Sequential non-overlapping stimulation on 12 electrode channels
- Simultaneous (parallel) stimulation on 2 to 12 electrode channels
- 24 independent current sources
- Stimulation reference electrode on titanium housing
- Stimulation rates of up to 50,704 pulses per second
- Range of pulse phase duration: 2.1–425.0 μs/phase
- Time resolution (nominal values): 1.67 μs
- Current range (nominal value): 0–1200 μA per pulse phase
Pulse Shapes
- Biphasic, symmetric triphasic and triphasic precision pulses
Comprehensive Diagnostic Toolkit
- Status Telemetry
- Impedance and Field Telemetry (IFT)
- Electrophysiology measurements reference electrode on titanium housing
- Auditory Nerve Response Telemetry (ART™)
- Electrically Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response (EABR)
- Electrically Evoked Stapedius Reflex Threshold (ESRT)
- Electric Acoustic Evoked Potential (EAEP)
Housing Design
- Impact resistance up to 2.5 Joule
- Unique PIN variant with fixation pins for additional stability
- Hermetically sealed titanium housing
- Stimulator: 18.8 mm x 24 mm x 4.5 mm
- Coil: 29.0 mm diameter x 3.3 mm thick (typical)
- Weight: 7.7 g
Safety Features
- Independent safety capacitors for each electrode channel
- Unique Implant ID (IRIS)
- Biocompatibility standard according to ISO 10993-1
- Latex-free***
MRI Conditions****
- MR Conditional at 0.2, 1.0, 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla
- No magnet removal required even at 3.0 Tesla
Removable S-Vector Magnet
- Removeable S-Vector magnet for minimized image distortion
- Rotatable magnet within hermetic titanium housing
- Self-aligning to external magnetic field
- Conical shape for secure placement
Electrode Arrays
FLEX Series
The softest and most flexible electrode arrays, designed for Structure Preservation and Complete Cochlear Coverage. Featuring 19 active and physical platinum electrode contacts and FLEX-tip technology for atraumatic insertion. All FLEX series electrodes feature a green orientation marker for improved visibility and positioning during insertion.
FLEX34
- 28.6 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 1.3 mm
- Dimensions at apical end: 0.5 x 0.4 mm
FLEXSOFT
- 26.4 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 1.3 mm
- Dimensions at apical end: 0.5 x 0.4 mm
FLEX28
- 23.1 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 0.8 mm
- Dimensions at apical end: 0.5 x 0.4 mm
FLEX26
- 20.9 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 0.8 mm
- Dimensions at apical end: 0.5 x 0.3 mm
FLEX24
- 20.9 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 0.8 mm
- Dimensions at apical end: 0.5 x 0.3 mm
FLEX20
- 15.4 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 0.8 mm
- Dimensions at apical end: 0.5 x 0.3 mm
FORM Series
Designed specifically for malformed cochleae and for instances where leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is expected. Featuring 24 active and physical platinum electrode contacts and SEAL technology designed to aid closing of the cochlear opening.
FORM24
- 18.7 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 0.8 mm
- Diameter at apical end: 0.5 mm
FORM19
- 14.3 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 0.8 mm
- Diameter at apical end: 0.5 mm
CLASSIC Series
Features 24 active and physical platinum electrode contacts.
STANDARD
- 26.4 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 1.3 mm
- Diameter at apical end: 0.5 mm
MEDIUM
- 20.9 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 0.8 mm
- Diameter at apical end: 0.5 mm
COMPRESSED
- 12.1 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 0.7 mm
- Diameter at apical end: 0.5 mm
* The SYNCHRONY 2 cochlear implant is MR conditional. Recipients with a SYNCHRONY 2 cochlear implant may be safely MRI scanned at 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla following the conditions detailed in the instructions for use.
** Unless required for diagnostic reasons.
*** Whereby “free” means “not made with latex” according to current FDA guidance.
**** It has been demonstrated that no known hazards exist in specified MRI environments under conditions as described in the SYNCHRONY 2 cochlear implant product labeling. The SYNCHRONY 2 cochlear implant is MR conditional. Recipients with a
SYNCHRONY 2 cochlear implant may be safely MRI scanned at 0.2, 1.0, 1.5, and 3.0 Tesla following the conditions detailed in the instructions for use.
- O’Connell, B.P., Cakir, A., Hunter, J.B., Francis, D.O., Noble, J.H., Labadie, R.F., Zuniga, G., Dawant, B.M., Rivas, A., & Wanna, G.B. (2016). Electrode location and angular insertion depth are predictors of audiologic outcomes in cochlear implantation. Otol Neurotol. 37(8):1016–1023.
- O’Connell, B.P., Hunter, J.B., Haynes, D.S., Holder, J.T., Dedmon, M.M., Noble, J.H., Dawant, B.M., Wanna, G.B. (2017). Insertion depth impacts speech perception and hearing preservation for lateral wall electrodes. Laryngoscope. 127(10):2352-2357
- Analysis based on mean cochlear values and clinical data. Data on file.
- Rader, T., Döge, J., Adel, Y., Weissgerber, T., & Baumann, U. (2016). Place dependent stimulation rates improve pitch perception in cochlear implantees with single-sided deafness. Hear Res., 339, 94–103.
- Müller, J., Brill, S., Hagen, R., Moeltner, A., Brockmeier, S.J., Stark, T., Helbig, S., Maurer, J., Zahnert, T., Zierhofer, C., Nopp, P., & Anderson, I. (2012). Clinical trial results with the MED-EL fine structure processing coding strategy in experienced cochlear implant users.
- Killan, C., Scally, A., Killan, E., Totten, C., & Raine, C. (2019). Factors affecting sound-source localization in children with simultaneous or sequential bilateral cochlear implants.
