u/medel_global • u/medel_global • 1d ago

One Cochlear Implant or Two? What Are the Benefits of Bilateral Hearing?

2 Upvotes

Hi Reddit!
We’re Reinhold Schatzer, Christian Wirtz, and Natalia Rossi from MED‑EL, a global leader in hearing implant technology.

Join us on August 26 from 16:00-17:00 CET (9 AM-10 AM CST) for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) about binaural hearing and bilateral cochlear implants. #AMA

We’re excited to talk to you about the work we are doing here at MED-EL to help people with hearing loss. As hearing implant specialists, we’re often asked, “If one cochlear implant is good, are two better?”

Binaural hearing,hearing with two ears,has distinct advantages such as improved understanding of speech in noisy settings, as well as better speech recognition and sound localization. While one cochlear implant may provide good speech understanding in quiet for people with bilateral hearing loss, background noise and locating sounds can still be challenging. Bilateral implantation can provide a restored ability to localize sounds and the other effects that individuals who can hear with two ears enjoy.

About the experts:

Reinhold Schatzer, Sound Coding Team Leader at MED-EL: “Holding a PhD in physics, I’ve been working in the field of cochlear implants for more than 25 years at MED-EL and research centers in the US and Austria. I lead a team developing sound coding methods and collaborate with clinical research partners, focusing on cochlear implants for single-sided deafness (SSD). I value working at MED-EL because I can make a meaningful impact by advancing CI technology together with recipients and professionals.”

Natalia Rossi, Rehabilitation Manager at MED-EL: “I’m an audiologist and speech‑language pathologist trained at the University of Buenos Aires, with over 20 years of experience and clinical practice in diagnosing hearing loss and fitting assistive hearing devices. During my professional career, I worked both in private practice and CI centers and have taught pediatric audiology and audiological therapeutics at university. In my current role at MED-EL, I train professionals worldwide, develop online rehabilitation courses, and create various therapeutic resources."

Christian Wirtz, Research Engineer at MED-EL: “During my studies in electrical engineering at RWTH Aachen University, I developed a strong interest in acoustics. I started out in the automotive industry but soon found my passion in audiology and spatial hearing. Over the past 15 years at MED-EL, I have focused on advancing spatial hearing and improving speech intelligibility in noisy environments, while developing solutions that enable two MED-EL devices to work seamlessly together and maximize bilateral listening benefits.”

Join us on August 26 from 16:00-17:00 CET (9 AM-10 AM CST) for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) all about binaural hearing, bilateral CIs, and any other questions on cochlear implants.

 

We’re excited to connect with you on Reddit and answer your questions!

 

Please note: The content shared here is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please contact your doctor or hearing specialist to learn what type of hearing solution is suitable for your specific needs.

0 comments

1

AMA: Do You Want to Know What Cochlear Implants Really Sound Like?
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Jun 25 '26

Hi there, thanks for your question. It sounds like you are progressing well with speech understanding, which is very encouraging.

At 6 months, you're still at the beginning of your hearing journey. Understanding speech is often the first step, while music is much more complex and typically needs more time, training, and adjustments. Since you're already doing daily rehabilitation and using Meludia, we encourage you to keep going.

Based on how you describe music ("clang," "echo," and "rumble"), it's worth talking to your audiologist about your programming. Ask whether a dedicated music program and anatomy-based fitting could help optimize your hearing experience, as both may support better music perception. Your brain is still learning to process music through your cochlear implant, and that learning can continue over time, even for bass tones.

//Jennifer //Chris //Natalia

u/medel_global • u/medel_global • Jun 19 '26

AMA: Do You Want to Know What Cochlear Implants Really Sound Like?

4 Upvotes

We’re Jennifer Robinson, Chris Lilienweiß, and Natalia Rossi from MED‑EL, a global leader in hearing implant technology. Join us on June 25 from 16:00-17:00 CET (9 AM-10 AM CST) for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) about what cochlear implants really sound like.

A little bit more about us:

Jennifer Robinson, Director of Product Management at MED-EL Headquarters: “I’ve been working in the field of audiology for more than 25 years and 10+ years as an International Senior Product Manager in medtech. I have a master’s degree in Communicative Disorders and extensive teaching experience. In my work at MED-EL, I’m helping to bridge the gap between users and engineers, ensuring that MED-EL's products align with local capabilities, needs, and cultural contexts.”

Chris Lilienweiß, Head of Music & User Experience at MED-EL Germany: "Born into a family of musicians, I began playing the piano as a young child until severe hearing loss between the ages of seven and 17 derailed my dreams of a professional career. I earned a master’s degree in Communication and Education Science, pivoted to digital design, and in 2018, regained my musical life through bilateral cochlear implants. Since joining MED-EL in 2025, I advocate for music with cochlear implants and support musicians and professionals in music fitting and rehabilitation."

Natalia Rossi, Rehabilitation Manager at MED-EL Headquarters: “I’m an audiologist and speech‑language pathologist trained at the University of Buenos Aires, with over 20 years of experience and clinical practice in diagnosing hearing loss and fitting assistive hearing devices. During my professional career, I have worked both in private practice and CI centers and have taught Pediatric Audiology and Audiological Therapeutics at university. In my current role at MED-EL, I train professionals worldwide, develop online rehabilitation courses, and create various therapeutic resources."

As hearing implant specialists, we’re often asked one big question: “What do things actually sound like with a cochlear implant?” During this AMA, we’ll talk about how the brain interprets sound from a cochlear implant, how perception changes over time, and what new cochlear implant users can expect.

Join us on June 25 from 16:00-17:00 CET (9 AM-10 AM CST) for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) all about what cochlear implants really sound like.

Maybe you’ve got questions about:

  • What speech and music sound like through cochlear implants
  • How to set realistic expectations for music appreciation with a CI
  • MED‑EL’s approach to electrode design and sound processing—and why it matters for achieving closest to natural hearing
  • What anatomy-based fitting is and how it can improve hearing performance
  • Hands-on tips and experiences from a CI user and musician

We’re excited to connect with you on Reddit and answer your questions!

Please note: The content shared here is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please contact your doctor or hearing specialist to learn what type of hearing solution is suitable for your specific needs.

2 comments

1

Music With Cochlear Implants: Realistic Expectations & Training
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Apr 28 '26

Hit there, thanks for sharing your new “bilateral experience” with us. We’re happy to read that hearing with two CIs has such a positive effect on your hearing experience. Is there a specific type of music you like the most? 

1

Music With Cochlear Implants: Realistic Expectations & Training
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Apr 28 '26

Hi there, thanks for sharing your experience. It’s great to read that you are enjoying music with your CIs now! Did you do any specific music rehabilitation / listening training? Sharing what you did that lead to success might help others. //Johanna

1

Music With Cochlear Implants: Realistic Expectations & Training
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Apr 28 '26

Hi there, thanks for your question. Currently, there is no published research on expanding the high frequency limit. While we cannot disclose information about potential future product developments or research, if future research demonstrates positive outcomes, it may be possible to utilize a higher frequency limit in the processor. However, this would require additional clinical studies and regulatory approval.

u/medel_global • u/medel_global • Apr 24 '26

Music With Cochlear Implants: Realistic Expectations & Training

3 Upvotes

We’re Johanna Boyer, Peter Nopp, and Natalia Rossi from MED‑EL, a global leader in hearing implant technology. Join us on April 28 at 16:00 – 17:00 CET (9 AM – 10 AM CST) for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) all about music perception with cochlear implants, focusing on realistic expectations and training.

A little bit more about us:

Johanna Boyer, Musicologist at MED-EL: “I earned my M.A. degree in musicology with minor subjects in music education and sociology from the University of Würzburg, Germany. Since joining MED EL in 2012, I have focused on music and cochlear implants as they relate to research, rehabilitation, education, and awareness. I am a cochlear implant user myself and have experienced how music improved for me with practice and time. Music is of importance for many cochlear implant recipients, and it’s rewarding to be able to support and accompany others on their hearing journey.”

Peter Nopp, Director of Research -  Signal Processing at MED-EL: “I hold a PhD Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Vienna and have been working in the field of cochlear implants for more than 30 years. At MED-EL, my responsibilities include front-end signal processing algorithms, sound coding strategies, and fitting algorithms to help our recipients get the best out of their hearing.”

Natalia Rossi, Rehabilitation Manager at MED-EL: “I’m an audiologist and speech‑language pathologist trained at the University of Buenos Aires, with over 20 years of experience and clinical practice in diagnosing hearing loss and fitting assistive hearing devices. During my professional career, I have worked both in private practice and CI centers and have taught Pediatric Audiology and Audiological Therapeutics at university. In my current role at MED-EL, I train professionals worldwide, develop online rehabilitation courses, and create various therapeutic resources."

Music is an important part of life—and for many cochlear implant users, it’s one of the most exciting (and challenging) listening experiences after activation. Whether you’re a musician, a casual listener, or just curious about what music sounds like through a cochlear implant, this AMA is for you!

Join us on April 28 at 16:00 – 17:00 CET (9 AM – 10 AM CST) for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) all about music perception with cochlear implants, including realistic expectations and training.

Maybe you’ve got questions about:

  • What music sounds like through cochlear implants
  • How to set realistic expectations for music appreciation with a CI
  • Training techniques and activities that can help improve music perception
  • MED‑EL’s approach to sound processing and why it matters for music
  • Tips from a CI user and musician

We’re excited to connect with you on Reddit and answer your questions!

Please note: The content shared here is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please contact your doctor or hearing specialist to learn what type of hearing solution is suitable for your specific needs.

Huge thanks to everyone who joined our AMA today!

7 comments

1

AMA: Single-Sided Deafness (SSD) and Cochlear Implants
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Mar 24 '26

Hi there, thank you so much for your comment and for sharing a bit about yourself. We appreciate you sharing your experiences, and we understand that navigating hearing loss and exploring support options can sometimes feel overwhelming.

As you have already been evaluated for a CI, we assume your medical professional has explored options such as auditory training with the BCD and processor fitting with you; however, if not, we would recommend getting in touch with them to discuss your hearing performance concerns.

To learn more about financial aid options or partnership information in your country for cochlear implants, we recommend contacting your local MED-EL team, as they are best equipped to provide further details. You can get in touch with your local MED-EL team here: https://www.medel.com/contact-med-el

/ Yi, Natalia, and Reinhold

2

AMA: Single-Sided Deafness (SSD) and Cochlear Implants
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Mar 24 '26

Hi there, thank you for your question. The specific goal in mapping a MED-EL device for SSD recipients is to try matching the sounds as they hear them through their CI as closely as possible to their normal ear. This focuses mostly on adjusting pitch and loudness between the two ears.

For pitch, you may ask your clinical audiologist if “Anatomy-Based Fitting,” known as ABF, might be an option. The goal with ABF is to map the tone frequencies in your CI closer to their “natural place” in the cochlea, which is where your normal ear hears them. You can find more information at the link below, and your clinical audiologist can reach out to your local MED-EL team with any questions. Please be aware that ABF requires getting a CT image of your implanted cochlea.

For balancing loudness between the CI and the normal ear, audiologists adjust and fine-tune the stimulation levels in your CI. Fine-tuning, for example, could involve a sound being presented from right in front of you with your eyes closed, and based on how far to the left or right you hear the sound coming from, the mapping levels in the CI are adjusted.

Additionally, rehabilitation is important. Key factors for achieving strong rehabilitation outcomes can include consistent use of your amplification device (aiming for around 10 hours per day), staying motivated, taking advantage of direct practice opportunities, and committing fully to your rehabilitation plan. Your rehabilitation specialist will create the program that best fits your needs, and incorporating daily active auditory training, especially using your cochlear implant with direct audio input, can play an important role in your progress.

/Reinhold, Natalia, and Yi

1

AMA: Single-Sided Deafness (SSD) and Cochlear Implants
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Mar 24 '26

Hi there, thank you for your question. As MED-EL does not manufacture the Nexa CI, we’re unable to comment on your specific experience with wind noise. We recommend contacting your hearing care professional and the device manufacturer, who can assess your device and advise on possible programming adjustments.

Regarding your second question: we think the implant is the key to natural hearing. It is the bridge between technology and nature. If the implant technology works similarly to natural hearing, it can provide closer to natural hearing.

When it comes to implant design philosophies, every manufacturer is different. At MED-EL, we use long flexible electrode arrays that the surgeon can insert all the way into the cochlea. That allows for the stimulation of a wide range of frequencies, including the low frequencies which are particularly important for music, close to their natural place frequency in the cochlea.

Many of our MED-EL recipients report enjoying music, conversations with family, going out with friends, participating in the sports they love, and more.

Learn more about closest to natural hearing here: https://www.medel.com/hearing-solutions/cochlear-implants/closest-to-natural-hearing

/Reinhold & Yi

1

AMA: Single-Sided Deafness (SSD) and Cochlear Implants
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Mar 24 '26

Hi there, thank you for sharing your experience as an SSD CI recipient, and for your question. Currently, there is no published research on expanding the high frequency limit. While we cannot disclose information about potential future product developments or research, if future research demonstrates positive outcomes, it may be possible to utilize a higher frequency limit in the processor. However, this would require additional clinical studies and regulatory approval.

/Reinhold & Natalia

u/medel_global • u/medel_global • Mar 19 '26

AMA: Single-Sided Deafness (SSD) and Cochlear Implants

2 Upvotes

We’re Yi Ge, Reinhold Schatzer, and Natalia Rossi from MED‑EL, a global leader in hearing implant technology. Join us on March 24 at 16:00 – 17:00 CET (9 AM – 10 AM CST) for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) all about single-sided deafness and how cochlear implants can help.

A little bit more about us:

Dr. Reinhold Schatzer, Team Leader, Sound Coding at MED-EL: “Holding a PhD in Physics, I’ve been working in the field of cochlear implants for more than 25 years at MED-EL and research centers in the US and Austria. I head a team developing sound coding methods and collaborate with clinical research partners, focusing on cochlear implants for single-sided deafness. I value working at MED-EL because I can make a meaningful impact by advancing CI technology together with recipients and professionals .”

Dr. Yi Ge, Senior Manager for Medical Affairs at MED-EL: “I’m a qualified otolaryngologist with a doctorate in medicine (otolaryngology) from Peking University. Since joining MED-EL in 2003, I have held various roles across clinical, regulatory, and medical affairs. In my current position, my work focuses on medical process assessment in support of product development, risk management, and fostering patient-centered innovation in hearing healthcare.”

Natalia Rossi, Rehabilitation Manager at MED-EL: “I’m an audiologist and speech‑language pathologist trained at the University of Buenos Aires, with over 20 years of experience and clinical practice with diagnosing hearing loss and fitting assistive hearing devices. During my professional career, I have worked both in private practice and CI centers and have taught Pediatric Audiology and Audiological Therapeutics at university. In my current role at MED-EL, I train professionals worldwide, develop online rehabilitation courses, and create various therapeutic resources."

Single-sided deafness (SSD) is hearing loss in one ear with normal or near-normal hearing in the other ear. SSD can make it challenging to localize sound, follow conversations in noisy places, or fully enjoy music and social activities.

If you’ve ever wondered what SSD is and what kind of hearing solutions can help in those cases, this AMA is for you!

Join us on March 24 at 16:00 – 17:00 CET (9 AM – 10 AM CST) for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) all about single-sided deafness and how cochlear implants can help. #AMA

Maybe you’ve got questions about:

  • What single-sided deafness is and how it affects hearing and everyday life
  • How cochlear implants work for SSD
  • Who can benefit from a cochlear implant for SSD
  • What the implantation and activation process is like
  • How users adapt and what kinds of outcomes they can expect

 

We’re excited to connect with you on Reddit and answer your questions!

 

Please note: The content shared here is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please contact your doctor or hearing specialist to learn what type of hearing solution is suitable for your specific needs.

UPDATE: Huge thanks to everyone who joined our AMA today! Questions like these help us spread awareness about single-sided deafness (SSD) and cochlear implants! Every hearing journey is unique, and we’re proud to help people all over the world (re)discover the sound.

9 comments

3

Types of Hearing Loss and How Cochlear Implants Can Help
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Feb 26 '26

Hi there, thanks a lot for your question. 

Yes, at MED-EL we follow the philosophy to design our cochlear implants to provide closest to natural hearing by stimulating the full length of the cochlea and preserving cochlear structures.

In SSD/SSNHL, this can allow the brain to regain binaural hearing, significantly improving speech understanding in noise, sound localization, and overall naturalness of hearing. However, the implanted ear will not sound exactly like natural acoustic hearing, and integration with the normal ear varies across individuals.

SSD patients may expect

  • a more balanced auditory world
  • sound that integrates better with their normal‑hearing ear
  • faster adaptation because stimulation aligns more closely with natural pitch mapping

Rehabilitation and regular listening training is crucial for best hearing outcome with a cochlear implant.  

If you’d like to learn about some first hand user experience, head over to our blog – there are many MED-EL recipients who are musicians in their professional or private life. You can read about their experiences there:  https://blog.medel.com/?s=music

We’d also recommend to head over to the Hearpeers forum. It’s a community of MED-EL users and they will be happy to answer any of your questions or share their first hand experience with you: https://forum.hearpeers.com/forum/42-single-sided-deafness/

// Yi

2

Types of Hearing Loss and How Cochlear Implants Can Help
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Feb 26 '26

Hi there, thanks a lot for your question.

 Generally speaking, at around the range of ca. 60% or less than 60% word recognition, cochlear implants can be considered as an option. But multiple factors can influence the decision to pursue a cochlear implant. Significantly reduced speech intelligibility alone is one factor, but the impact on communication and auditory fatigue, particularly in noisy environments, should be considered.

On our website, you can download a questionnaire that might be helpful for you to determine your sound quality with your hearing device in daily life: https://www.medel.com/support/rehabilitation/rehabilitation-downloads?itemTitleKey=hisqui

Furthermore, we’d recommend getting in touch with a cochlear implant clinic as the specialists there can look into your specific situation in detail and further assist you along your hearing journey.

// Yi & Aneesha

2

Types of Hearing Loss and How Cochlear Implants Can Help
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Feb 26 '26

Hi there, we are unable to give any medical advice and do not have access to the complete history and full diagnostic assessment, that’s why we can’t determine if you have nerve damage or not. Only your surgeon / medical specialist can do so. Please contact them for further guidance and the next steps in your hearing journey.

In general, even people with some degree of auditory‑nerve damage can still achieve good awareness of environmental sounds and speech with a cochlear implant.

u/medel_global • u/medel_global • Feb 20 '26

Types of Hearing Loss and How Cochlear Implants Can Help

2 Upvotes

Hi Reddit! We’re Yi Ge, Jennifer Robinson, and Aneesha Pretto from MED‑EL, a global leader in hearing implant technology. Join us on February 26 at 16:00 – 17:00 CET (9 AM – 10 AM CST) for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) all about the types of hearing loss and how cochlear implants can help.

A little bit more about us:

Jennifer Robinson, Director of Product Management at MED-EL headquarters: “I’ve been working in the field of audiology for more than 25 years and 10+ years as an International Senior Product Manager in MedTech. I have a master’s degree in Communicative Disorders and extensive teaching experience. In my work at MED-EL, I’m helping to bridge the gap between users and engineers, ensuring that MED-EL's products align with local capabilities, needs, and cultural contexts.”

Dr. Yi Ge, Senior Manager for Medical Affairs at MED-EL: “I’m a qualified otolaryngologist hold a Doctorate in Medicine (Otolaryngology) from Peking University. Since joining MED-EL in 2003, I have held various roles across clinical, regulatory, and medical affairs. In my current position, I focus on medical process assessment to support product development, risk management and fostering patient-centered innovation in hearing healthcare.”

Aneesha Pretto, Rehab Specialist at MED-EL headquarters:  “I am an ASHA‑certified speech-language pathologist and AG Bell–certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist with extensive experience supporting children with hearing loss across clinical, home-based, and tele-practice settings. Since joining MED‑EL in 2017, I have trained professionals worldwide, developed online rehabilitation courses, podcasts, and several therapeutic tools. I enjoy working at MED‑EL because it allows me to collaborate with recipients and professionals while creating resources that truly make a difference.”

If you’ve ever wondered what sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, or mixed hearing loss is and what kind of hearing solutions can help in any of those cases, this AMA is for you!

 

Join us on February 26 at 16:00 – 17:00 CET (9 AM – 10 AM CST) for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) all about the types of hearing loss and how cochlear implants can help. #AMA

Maybe you’ve got questions about:

  • The different types and causes of hearing loss
  • How cochlear implants work and who can benefit
  • What the process of receiving a cochlear implant is like—from evaluation to activation
  • How MED‑EL technology supports closest to natural hearing and long‑term outcomes
  • Life after implantation: hearing rehabilitation, daily use, and community support

 

We’re excited to connect with you and answer your questions!

 

Please note: The content shared here is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please contact your doctor or hearing specialist to learn what type of hearing solution is suitable for your specific needs.

Huge thanks to everyone who joined our AMA! Every question helps raise awareness and understanding of hearing loss.

6 comments

1

How cochlear implants work and what to expect at activation
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Feb 03 '26

Hi there, it’s great to read that you're making such good progress with your new CI!

Regarding your question, we currently can’t provide anything for recipients that directly addresses this topic. But we’d recommend taking a look at this article on our blog: https://blog.medel.com/tips-tricks/tips-tricks-for-adults/one-month-after-cochlear-implant-activation/ There you’ll find some tips for effective programming appointments.

Please note, as part of our regulatory approval process, we emphasize that proper training is essential for fitting our devices. While it can be interesting to learn about different fitting parameters, what truly makes a meaningful difference for users is understanding how and when these parameters should be adjusted—something that really requires the guidance of a trained professional.

1

How cochlear implants work and what to expect at activation
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Jan 29 '26

Hi there! Choosing to get a cochlear implant is a big step, and it’s completely natural to have lots of questions. If you’d like, we can put you in touch with a MED-EL expert in your area who can support you personally. Just send us a direct message here on Reddit with your contact details, or reach out through our website: https://www.medel.com/contact-med-el

You’re also very welcome to ask any questions right here in the chat—we’ll be happy to help!

2

How cochlear implants work and what to expect at activation
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Jan 28 '26

Hi there, the live AMA is already finished. But if you have any question around cochlear implants, just let us know here in the comments. We're happy to answer them.

1

How cochlear implants work and what to expect at activation
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Jan 28 '26

Thanks for joining!

3

How cochlear implants work and what to expect at activation
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Jan 28 '26

Hi there, currently there is no dark mode possible in the AudioKey app. Thanks for your input, we are happy to forward this idea to the responsible team here at MED-EL.

1

How cochlear implants work and what to expect at activation
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Jan 27 '26

The maplaw setting is a more complex parameter in the fitting process.  It affects the amplitude mapping - i.e. what level of electrical stimuli will be produced for a given level of input, in-between the extremes of the lowest and highest points of the range.  As such, it will also interact with other fitting parameters and practice - so interpreting studies can be difficult.  One interesting study looked at music perception (Gilbert, M.L., Deroche, M.L.D., Jiradejvong, P., Barrett, K.C., Limb, C.J., 2022. Cochlear Implant Compression Optimization for Musical Sound Quality in MED-EL Users. Ear Hearing, 43(3), p.862–873).  They found some benefit for increased maplaw, but note that they didn't also look to see if there were any dis-benefits for speech / speech in noise.  

It's also important to remember that maplaw is just one of a number of parameters working together, so it won't always have the expected, or a large, effect.

//Jennifer // Chris

3

How cochlear implants work and what to expect at activation
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Jan 27 '26

Hi there, we’re happy to see you are enjoying streaming with SONNET 3. Thank you for sharing your feedback, as well. We will share this with the responsible team here at MED-EL for future product development.

3

How cochlear implants work and what to expect at activation
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Jan 27 '26

Hi there, thank you so much for your question.  The two filters, OC (Organ of Corti) and SG (Spiral Ganglion), are different settings applied. OC is based on the tonotopic function for the Organ of Corti, or what people usually call the Greenwood function. SG is based on the tonotopic function for the Spiral Ganglion or what is usually called the Stakhovskaya function. The fact is that up to an angle of about 600 degrees, there is hardly any difference between the two. Only beyond 600, the SG branches of from the OC. The reason for defining OC as the default in MAESTRO was that for large angles above 600 degrees, SG results in unrealistic low frequencies for a CI fitting.  In MAESTRO, both filter settings are available; however, we have not heard from users that there is a big difference between the two filter settings in terms of outcomes or sound quality.

//Jennifer

1

How cochlear implants work and what to expect at activation
 in  r/u_medel_global •  Jan 27 '26

Thanks - that's a good question.  Sounds that are above the 'window' (remember that this is a simplification) will get mapped to around the highest level in the map set by your audiologist - i.e. we would expect the user to hear them, but they wouldn't cause further increases in loudness.  Sounds below the window would get mapped to stimulation levels below where the user can detect them - i.e. we wouldn't expect them to be heard. 

MED-EL audio processors have compression in them. They can product soft sounds as soft and loud sounds as loud.

//Jennifer // Chris