MED-EL presents SONNET 3: a waterproof BTE audio processor for cochlear implants

“Wow, that looks so small as well!” was Valentin Stehle's first thought when he saw the new SONNET 3 for the first time. The tiny OPUS XS was the 18-year-old Lower Austrian's first audio processor. To make room for new functions, later processor models were built slightly larger; until now: The new SONNET 3 combines the latest signal processing and a number of new features in a strikingly small housing. “When I held the SONNET 3 in my hand, I immediately had a good feeling. It felt light as a feather yet powerful. And as soon as I put it on my ear, I was flashed: as if I was in another dimension.”

The Innsbruck-based implant manufacturer MED-EL presented the SONNET 3 CI audio processor in BTE design in September 2024. A total of ten experienced CI users were allowed to test the audio processor in advance, including our CIA Chairman Hans Horak and some active CIA members. They tell gehört.gelesen about their experiences with enthusiasm!

“Small, light as a feather yet powerful!”

“With SONNET 3, I can even listen to music in the bath without having to worry!” ©Carmen Kronawettleitner

Speech intelligibility and sound quality are the most important features of a CI processor. “Just as good as my previous processor,” says engineer Felix Fischer, who lives in Tyrol, and Valentin confirms: “Just as good as my healthy ear!” “The sound quality is such a pleasure that I listened to music for hours straight away!” says our CIA chairman happily. Pupil Melanie Fraisl agrees: “I've never heard music as clearly as with the SONNET 3!”

When it comes to everyday convenience, the SONNET family has excelled with individuality and flexibility since its introduction ten years ago thanks to its tried-and-tested modular system. The previous SONNET versions are also delicate enough to fit comfortably under standard bicycle and sports helmets. In its third generation, however, SONNET has shrunk by another ten percent and become lighter.

Valentin is skeptical: “Because it's so small, it also slips more easily.” However, a selection of different ear hooks ensures an even better fit with optimal wearing comfort. “With the flexible ear hook, the SONNET 3 fits just as well as the previous SONNET with sports ear hook,” confirms Melanie. “The adjustable ear hook was the link we were always missing,” adds Hans. “As you can barely feel the processor, I forgot to take it off before taking a shower. But that wasn't a problem at all!” the SONNET 3 is waterproof as well!

Sensor button: good hearing always under control

A sensor button on the processor to control the CI system is completely new. Some long-time CI users who started their CI hearing with Tempo+ processors still miss the option of switching on the processor directly: changing the volume or program at any time without having to carry accessories. However, toggle switches like those on the Tempo+ make it easy for dust and moisture to penetrate the inside of the device. This is why the switch on the OPUS and SONNET processors was replaced by a remote control and then also by a cell phone application.

The new SONNET 3 now features a capacitive touch button that works in a similar way to the keyboard on smartphones, for example. For satisfied users of OPUS or SONNET processors such as Felix Fischer, “the handling of the sensor button may therefore take some time to get used to” - and also be obsolete. They can deactivate the button when setting the processor - the remote control and mobile app still allow them to access all setting options easily and clearly.

But if you don't have a remote control or smartphone with you and still want to switch programs or put the processor into standby mode, you can do so by simply touching the button. Hans Horak is pleasantly surprised: “How easy and quick it is to change my settings!”

“The freedom and ease are priceless!”

Pure lightness with the new SONNET 3 and its flexible ear hook ©MED-EL/Daniel Zangerl

Splash-proof is so yesterday: the new SONNET 3 has been tested to IP68 protection class and has even been briefly tested under shallow water. However, this only applies as long as the processor is completely undamaged, including no harmless scratches from the last drop. However, the manufacturer assures us that this is not a problem when showering or if a user gets caught in a rain shower. But our testers wanted to know for sure. Like Melanie: “I tested the SONNET 3 in chlorinated water.” “It was an extreme feeling when it went underwater,” says Hans, describing bathing with the processor. He was surprised at how well he could hear: “When my wife spoke to me, I even got scared because it was so loud.”

“It's just wonderful to know that I can shower without any problems with my hearing implant. The freedom and ease it gives me is priceless,” enthuses one of the younger test participants. CI users with predominantly normal-hearing friends who enjoy spending time by the water in the summer are particularly pleased to be able to go swimming with the audio processor: Swimming without missing anything. Melanie is no exception, she says with a smile: “Chatting while swimming!”

The SONNET 3 is waterproof even with zinc-air batteries, for example if the user accidentally falls into the water. However, the batteries quickly run out of air under water, which is why rechargeable batteries are more suitable for swimming. For dives with a CI, WaterWear is also available for the SONNET 3. When swimming in natural waters, you should never forget to either secure the processor very well against loss - or remove it beforehand! It is certainly difficult to find such a small, discreet device on the seabed or at the bottom of a lake. What's more, natural waters are usually deeper than the IP68 protection class.

State-of-the-art streaming

The built-in Bluetooth is also new. While people with normal hearing are still digging out their headphones, SONNET 3 users are already online. “It's sooo cool!” enthuses Valentin. “I just open up my phone and the SONNET 3 is connected to it! I can stream straight away. Absolutely fantastic - I'm so happy!” Wireless connection technologies are now used particularly frequently in conjunction with smartphones. The available technologies are constantly being developed: what used to be the main area of application for induction loops is now implemented using Bluetooth streaming. Currently, the Bluetooth version BTLE in combination with the transmission protocols MFI for Apple and ASHA for Android systems is common.

These technologies are also available in the new SONNET 3: directly implemented, bilateral for both ears and can be used entirely without an additional device. With SONNET 3, CI users can even choose whether and to what extent they want to muffle ambient noise during phone calls or when listening to music. “The multiconnection works well,” says Felix Fischer happily. “The adjustability of the mixing ratio is a clear benefit!” Student Alexander Pusker is delighted: “I no longer have to use headphones!”

In addition, AudioLink XT is once again available as a suitable accessory: It can be used as an external microphone as well as for Bluetooth streaming from a stereo system, TV set or other conventional audio sources. “I was sitting in the bathtub and understood the TV program in the next room,” says Hans Horak, amazed at the range. A receiver for induction signals - from an induction loop or teleloop - is also implemented in the AudioLink XT, and an FM adapter is included. The CIA chairman recommends: “The AudioLink XT is certainly an invaluable aid for pupils and students, as well as for meetings.”

“I'm looking forward to my SONNET 3!”

The SONNET 3 is available in six colors; numerous additional designs are available for the transmitter coil. ©MED-EL

“I was impressed by the battery life!” enthuses Valentin. “Although I streamed a lot and use the devices for around 16 hours a day, the batteries lasted almost four days!” MED-EL also promises up to 17 hours of continuous operation per charge with the batteries in the largest design. With the smaller micro battery compartment, the SONNET 3 is a particularly lightweight device that still enables environmentally friendly hearing. Even if environmental protection and resource conservation may not be the most important criteria when choosing a hearing system, we can still be pleased! And when it comes to battery consumption and rechargeable batteries, environmental protection is also good for our wallets.

Alexander Pusker summarizes his experience: “Very comfortable and with good technical innovations that simplify the life of a CI wearer.” “I am so grateful that I was able to try this ‘all-round ear woofer’,” says Valentin happily. “It gave me such great hearing, just like in my healthy ear. I didn't want to give it up at all.” “I already missed it an hour after giving it back,” admits Melanie. And Hans Horak was also reluctant to give the test device back: “I'm looking forward to the day when I can have the SONNET 3 permanently!” This is now possible in Austria: in the initial CI configuration or as part of the next processor upgrade.