LONE TREE, COLORADO — Cochlear North America is encouraging people with hearing loss to consider how cochlear implant technology may fit into their broader long-term health needs, including future access to magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI.
For individuals considering a cochlear implant, one common question is whether they will be able to undergo MRI scans after implantation.
MRI is widely used to diagnose and monitor a range of medical conditions unrelated to hearing, including orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and cancer.
MRI Access and Long-Term Health Planning
Understanding MRI access can be an important part of informed decision-making for cochlear implant candidates. Over a lifetime, many people may need MRI scans as part of routine or specialized medical care.
Cochlear said its Nucleus implants, including the CI1000 Nexa and CI600 series, are designed to support routine access to MRI at commonly used strengths of 1.5T and 3.0T without magnet removal.
Cochlear Implant MRI Compatibility
Advances in cochlear implant technology have made MRI access more convenient for many patients. According to Cochlear, its newest Nexa Series Implants (CI1000 Nexa) and the Profile Plus Series (CI600):
- Provide access to MRI at both 1.5 Tesla and 3.0 Tesla with the magnet in place, which means no need for magnet removal1
- Do not require the MRI kit for these MRI scans1
- Patients do not need to wait to undergo an MRI or spend unnecessary time without sound1
The company said these features are intended to help patients maintain access to medical care without added procedures or delays.
Cochlear Nucleus implants (CI1000 Nexa and CI600) are designed to support routine access to MRI at commonly used strengths (1.5T and 3.0T) without magnet removal. Source: Cochlear
Addressing Common Misconceptions
MRI compatibility is an important topic across cochlear implant manufacturers, as all current-generation implants from major companies have MRI conditional approval.1-4
According to Cochlear, what matters most is not only whether a device is MRI conditional, but how easily and safely patients can receive imaging when it is needed. The company said its Nucleus implants, including CI1000 Nexa and CI600, are designed to support MRI access at commonly used strengths without magnet removal, helping patients avoid additional procedures or time without sound.
Hearing Health as Part of Whole-Body Health
Cochlear said hearing solutions should be considered within the broader context of lifelong health, including access to future medical imaging and ongoing care needs.
“Better hearing is about more than sound, it’s about supporting a person’s overall health throughout their life,” Dr. Brian Kaplan MD, FACS, Cochlear Senior Vice President, Global Clinical Strategy & Innovation said.
“When choosing a cochlear implant, it’s important to consider not only hearing performance, but also how that choice supports ongoing medical care, like access to MRI when it’s needed.”
When choosing Cochlear, patients gain access to a system designed with proven reliability, long-term MRI access, and patient-centered innovation.
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 750,000 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 more than 5,500 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.
References
- Cochlear Limited. D2044134. Cochlear™ Nucleus® Implants Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Guidelines.
- https://www.medel.com/docs/default-source/isi-important-safety-information/languages/en-us-english-usa/ci-cochlear-implants/aw33290_90_manual-medical-procedures-ci-systems-en-english-us_web.pdf?auto=format&sfvrsn=b5299142_7
- https://www.advancedbionics.com/content/dam/advancedbionics/documents/regional/us/professionals/hires-ultra-3d-mri-safety-information.pdf
- https://assets.cochlear.com/api/public/content/D2044134_2_2025-07-21?v=0e6e7eaa
Source: Cochlear North America
