LONE TREE, COLORADO – Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) has announced the release of the Cochlear™ Baha® 7 Sound Processor and the Baha SoundBand™. These devices are intended for individuals with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, and single-sided deafness (SSD).
Baha 7 Sound Processor Introduces Streaming Enhancements
The Baha 7 Sound Processor maintains the hearing performance of the previous generation and includes updates focused on wireless connectivity. It is now compatible with Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) Audio and Auracast™, enabling users to receive streamed audio in public spaces—such as airports, theaters, and lecture halls—through LE Audio-enabled smartphones.
“Auracast is set to become the next standard in audio streaming and accessibility. With LE Audio, Bluetooth is expanding the world’s direct-to-device streaming capabilities, and over time we expect Auracast to be the new standard for public and group listening. We are excited to be able to offer this technology first to our Baha 7 Sound Processor recipients.”
–Ryan Lopez, Head of Portfolio Strategy & Professional Marketing
Additional features of the Baha 7 Sound Processor include:
- A 55 dB HL fitting range in a compact form factor
- Streaming support for compatible** Apple® and Android™ devices
- Compatibility with wireless accessories
- A new lavender color option, expanding the total to eight available colors
The Baha 7 Sound Processor is available in a range of color options and supports wireless accessories and streaming from compatible devices.
Non-Surgical Baha SoundBand Offers Updates for Young Children
Cochlear also announced the launch of the Baha SoundBand, part of its Baha Start portfolio for infants and young children.
The SoundBand is a non-surgical headband designed to provide early sound access, which supports auditory development.
“The whole world is a classroom, and parents want to feel confident their child is always tuned in, ready to learn and grow. Our aim is to give parents peace of mind as their children learn to thrive in a world of sound.”
–Natasha McDougald, Director of Product Marketing
Updates to the Baha SoundBand include:
- A redesigned, slimmer band with improved adjustability
- A lower profile and moveable connector discs
- Expanded color options
Software and App Updates Accompany Product Launch
In conjunction with the device releases, Cochlear has introduced updates to its support tools:
- Baha Fitting Software 7, which includes improved data logging and features for pediatric fittings and patient self-care
- Updates to the Baha Smart App, including a redesigned interface
The Baha 7 Sound Processor and Baha SoundBand are expected to be available in the United States in late summer 2025. More information is available at: https://www.cochlear.com/us/en/campaign/baha-7
References:
- For information regarding the compatibility of Cochlear’s sound processors with Apple or Android devices, visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility
- Auracast™ broadcast audio capability is subject to third-party adoption of the Auracast protocol.
- Yoshinaga-Itano C. Early Intervention after universal neo-natal hearing screening: impact on outcomes. Dev Disabil Res Rev. 2003;9(4):252-66.
- Ching TY, Dillon H, Day J, Crowe K, Close L, Chilsholm K, Hopkins T. Early language outcomes of children with cochlear implants: interim findings of the NAL study on longitudinal outcomes of children with hearing impairment. Cochlear Implants International. 2019, 10 (S1): 28-32.
*As Bluetooth LE Audio compatible devices become available, a sound processor firmware update will be required to use certain features.
**For a full list of smartphone and app compatible devices, visit: www.cochlear.com/compatibility.
***The Cochlear Baha® Smart App Smart App is available on App Store and Google Play. For compatibility information, visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility.
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In the United States and Canada, the placement of a bone-anchored implant is contraindicated in children below the age of five.
About Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)
People have always been Cochlear’s inspiration, ever since Professor Graeme Clark set out to create the first multi-channel cochlear implant after seeing his father struggle with hearing loss. Since 1981, Cochlear has provided more than 700,000 devices in more than 180 countries, helping people of all ages around the world to hear. As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, Cochlear connects people with life’s opportunities, and welcomes them to the world’s largest hearing implant community.
Cochlear has a global workforce of close to 5,000 people, with a passion for progress, who strive to meet the needs of people living with hearing loss. The company continually innovates to anticipate future needs, investing more than AUD$3 billion to date in research and development to push the boundaries of technology and help more people hear.
Source: Cochlear North America
