FDA Approves Cochlear’s Nucleus 8 Sound Processor

The FDA has approved Cochlear’s Nucleus 8 sound processor, a Bluetooth-ready behind the ear cochlear implant that can connect with consumer electronics as well as improve hearing.

The company claims that its newly approved device is the smallest and lightest behind-the-ear cochlear implant sound processor available and it plans on reducing the size with each successive generation.

The device also includes an enhanced version of the company’s ForwardFocus feature, which reduces distracting background noise to make face-to-face conversations clearer, especially in noisy environments.

The Nucleus 8 will be commercially available across the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2022.