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Cochlear announced FDA clearance of their Osia 3 Sound Processor. The Osia System is a bone conduction hearing solution designed for children and adults with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness. Rather than sending sound through the ear canal, it works by transmitting sound through bone vibration.
According to Cochlear, the Osia 3 is the first fully rechargeable sound processor in its class, offering up to 30 hours of use on a single charge and a charging case that holds additional charges, similar to wireless earbuds. The company claims that this removes the need for disposable batteries. They also state that the processor uses a new signal processing chip that widens the frequency bandwidth and includes technology intended to help users filter background noise. This should support an expanded fitting range, with bone conduction thresholds up to 65 dB HL in the mid to high frequencies. Cochlear cites internal clinical studies in which recipients reported improved speech understanding and preferred the sound quality over the previous generation.
The Osia 3 adds streaming from Apple and Android devices and support for Bluetooth LE Audio, including Auracast broadcast audio. Auracast allows users to receive audio directly in venues such as cinemas, concert venues, lecture halls, and airports as more venues adopt the technology. Current Osia System recipients who are eligible can upgrade to the Osia 3 regardless of which Osia implant model they have.
Cochlear states the Osia 3 will be available in the United States in early fall, with availability in other countries subject to regulatory approval. Candidacy for a bone conduction implant is determined by a hearing health professional.
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