Latest news with #Cochlear
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Closing Bell: Healthcare sector gives ASX a booster to rise 0.33pc
ASX lifts 0.33pc on healthcare sector strength CSL adds 2.4pc as UBS marks ASX healthcare sector as best EPS pick Chinese manufacturing data contracts, but shows signs of stirring Are healthcare bulls returning? The ASX healthcare sector was the best performing of the ASX's 11 subcategories in trade today, handily outperforming the other sectors with a 1.58% jump. With support from industrials (+1%) and consumer discretionary (+0.98%), that was enough for the ASX 200 to make a convincing gain of 0.33% today, having had a steady run of momentum throughout trade. Regis Healthcare (ASX:REG) added 3.2%, Ramsay Health Care (ASX:RHC) 1.9% and Summerset Group (ASX:SNZ) 1.3%. As for our healthcare giants, CSL (ASX:CSL) gained 2.4%, Pro Medicus (ASX:PME) 2% and Cochlear (ASX:COH) 1.7%. If financial giant UBS is to be believed, this may be the start of a bit of a bullish run for ASX biotech stocks, which have been suffering over the past few months. UBS reckons the ASX healthcare sector is now undervalued, offering the best earnings-per-share growth of all sectors, and forecasting a 20% increase in the 2025-26 year. 'Investor sentiment towards the healthcare sector has broadly cooled over the past year, with some marked deterioration seen across many stocks,' UBS says. 'Cochlear in particular has seen investor apathy build over the last year, which represents a significant change of views.' Back on the ASX today, the main drag was in the materials sector, down 0.77%. The ASX 200 Resources index was also an anchor, shedding 0.96%, but it was outweighed by gains in the All Tech, Gold and Small Ords indices. Chinese manufacturing data contracts again While iron ore has been enjoying a small uptick in pricing the past five days or so, the latest data out of China isn't the best news for Aussie base metal stocks. Manufacturing activity from our largest trading partner fell again for a third month straight in June, despite Beijing's attempts to stimulate the sector. The official purchasing manager's index did improve slightly from 49.5 in May to 49.7 in June, but remained below the 50-point benchmark which indicates whether the index is expanding or contracting. Inventory and employment levels at factories fell as well, but the news wasn't all bad. The sub-index tracking manufacturing production rose to 51 and new orders lifted to 50.2, which could indicate the first stirrings of momentum beginning to build in China's industrial activity. Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Chinese authorities would implement measures to 'make China a mega-sized consumption powerhouse' as well as a manufacturing one in a speech at the World Economic Forum's annual conference in China. 'We still think that there are challenges this year, but I think it's not as far-fetched as we thought before,' Oxford Economics lead economist for China Louise Loo said. 'However punitive tariffs are, I think in the near term, it's quite hard to decouple China from global supply chains, and that means we will continue to see China exports, at least, remain quite competitive, and that should support economic growth for the Chinese.' It remains to be seen if that will translate into higher demand for Australian iron ore, but one can hope. ASX SMALL CAP LEADERS Today's best performing small cap stocks: Security Name Last % Change Volume Market Cap WEL Winchester Energy 0.002 100% 165600 $1,363,019 LSR Lodestar Minerals 0.011 83% 42455380 $1,910,543 ADD Adavale Resource Ltd 0.0015 50% 15489651 $2,287,279 ADY Admiralty Resources. 0.006 50% 1690337 $10,517,918 EEL Enrg Elements Ltd 0.0015 50% 860601 $3,253,779 MPR Mpower Group Limited 0.01 43% 5225088 $2,405,923 GTE Great Western Exp. 0.011 38% 3625782 $4,542,063 MEG Megado Minerals Ltd 0.023 35% 4786016 $10,313,615 ALM Alma Metals Ltd 0.004 33% 2325000 $5,261,182 FCT Firstwave Cloud Tech 0.016 33% 3070713 $20,562,224 FHS Freehill Mining Ltd. 0.004 33% 15028446 $10,241,561 GTR Gti Energy Ltd 0.004 33% 5538733 $8,996,849 SPX Spenda Limited 0.008 33% 16838995 $27,691,293 GLH Global Health Ltd 0.068 33% 176778 $2,987,301 AAU Antilles Gold Ltd 0.005 25% 6046776 $9,516,272 ERL Empire Resources 0.005 25% 692641 $5,935,653 RCM Rapid Critical 0.0025 25% 1125000 $2,831,556 ROG Red Sky Energy. 0.005 25% 120000 $21,688,909 TMX Terrain Minerals 0.0025 25% 5339766 $5,063,629 VR1 Vection Technologies 0.036 24% 40421798 $51,255,235 THR Thor Energy PLC 0.011 22% 2677843 $6,397,109 KNB Koonenberrygold 0.039 22% 46537381 $32,790,159 RPG Raptis Group Limited 0.063 21% 185561 $18,235,612 NGX Ngxlimited 0.145 21% 45773 $10,873,421 SDV Scidev Ltd 0.36 20% 293999 $57,026,459 Making news… Lodestar Minerals (ASX:LSR) is looking to follow up on gold hits at its Chilean copper-gold projects with proceeds from a $2.2m two-tranche share placement. LSR is offering $475k in the first tranche to clients of lead manager Oakley Capital Partners, with the rest hanging on shareholder approval. Adavale Resources (ASX:ADD) is preparing to put drill bit to ground at the London Victoria Mine in NSW, which historically produced gold grades up to 43.8 g/t gold. It's the first exploration at the mine in 30 years; ADD will target shallow extensions to the existing mineral resource estimate, which currently sits at 115,000 ounces of gold. FirstWave Cloud Technology (ASX:FCT) has inked a licensing agreement with Claro Dominican Republic to license its NMIS v9 network management software suite for an upfront fee of US$250k. It's a pure-profit contract, as the contract doesn't require delivery, support or professional services. GTI Energy (ASX:GTR) is locking in a $4.5m placement at an issue price of 0.035 cents a share, a 16.7% premium to the last close price of 0.030 cents. The money will be funnelled directly to resource expansion and infill drilling at the Lo Herma uranium project. GTR's recent scoping study revealed a potential pre-tax net present value of between $174m and $187m and an internal rate of return of between 52% and 66% for Lo Herma. Check out Stockhead's Break it Down for more on GTR's capital raising. Spenda (ASX:SPX) has teamed up with APG Pay Pty Ltd to develop and commercialise a corporate credit platform. The two companies will collab on a scaleable B2B payments space that can scale across multiple industries, starting with the travel industry. Spenda reckons the deal will bring in recurring profit of $1.7m per year. ASX SMALL CAP LAGGARDS Today's worst performing small cap stocks: Security Name Last % Change Volume Market Cap CT1 Constellation Tech 0.001 -50% 1322698 $2,949,467 IS3 I Synergy Group Ltd 0.002 -50% 3892995 $2,002,920 T3D 333D Limited 0.006 -33% 33333 $1,585,651 ADR Adherium Ltd 0.004 -33% 3436600 $5,390,874 TEG Triangle Energy Ltd 0.002 -33% 4164703 $6,267,702 TKL Traka Resources 0.001 -33% 135263 $3,188,685 L1M Lightning Minerals 0.043 -28% 1471249 $6,199,699 ZMM Zimi Ltd 0.008 -27% 616731 $4,702,982 FIN FIN Resources Ltd 0.003 -25% 557800 $2,779,554 GMN Gold Mountain Ltd 0.0015 -25% 1983598 $11,239,518 HLX Helix Resources 0.0015 -25% 1234287 $6,728,387 SFG Seafarms Group Ltd 0.0015 -25% 893383 $9,673,198 SRN Surefire Rescs NL 0.0015 -25% 334051 $4,972,891 TYX Tyranna Res Ltd 0.003 -25% 325000 $13,153,701 GLA Gladiator Resources 0.007 -22% 1626499 $6,824,671 YAR Yari Minerals Ltd 0.012 -20% 2978290 $8,320,672 AUK Aumake Limited 0.002 -20% 1177734 $7,558,397 MEM Memphasys Ltd 0.004 -20% 6329063 $9,917,991 MKL Mighty Kingdom Ltd 0.016 -20% 1737419 $10,326,928 PPG Pro-Pac Packaging 0.016 -20% 78233 $3,633,754 RAN Range International 0.002 -20% 2187661 $2,348,226 SKK Stakk Limited 0.004 -20% 2620995 $10,375,398 VEN Vintage Energy 0.004 -20% 1780465 $10,434,568 HIQ Hitiq Limited 0.014 -18% 1054211 $7,814,865 BDM Burgundy D Mines Ltd 0.029 -17% 604995 $49,746,630 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT QPM Energy (ASX:QPM) is powering up with plans for a new gas-fired plant at the Isaac Energy Hub. Astute Metals (ASX:ASE) has identified four high-priority gold-silver targets at its Needles project in Nevada, USA, thanks to a data review. Green Critical Minerals (ASX:GCM) has cleared another hurdle at the McIntosh graphite project with a PFS showcasing robust economics including $25m post-tax NPV, 25.3% IRR and a 32.5-year mine life. LTR Pharma (ASX:LTP) has completed extractables studies for its Spontan intranasal spray for erectile dysfunction and kicked off a leachables study. Ausgold (ASX:AUC) has released a positive definitive feasibility study for its Katanning gold project (KGP) in WA, highlighting robust returns over a 10-year mine life. Theta Gold Mines' (ASX:TGM) board has rubber stamped the TGME mine in South Africa's Mpumalanga region as high gold prices stir investment in the historic mining district. Break it Down: Anson Resources (ASX:ASN) has paired up with a Korean battery maker to develop a DLE demonstration plant at the Green River project in Utah. Redcastle Resources (ASX:RC1) is on its way to becoming an integrated exploration and production company after lifting resources to 42,000oz at the Redcastle project. TRADING HALTS Australian Mines (ASX:AUZ) – cap raise and potential acquisition AuKing Mining (ASX:AKN) – cap raise Battery Age Minerals (ASX:BM8) – cap raise Blackstone Minerals (ASX:BSX) – cap raise archTIS (ASX:AR9) – cap raise Lodestar Minerals (ASX:LSR) – cap raise Liontown Resources (ASX:LTR) – executive changes Olympio Metals (ASX:OLY) – cap raise Peak Minerals (ASX:PUA) – response to ASX price query Red Mountain Mining (ASX:RMX) – cap raise (ASX:RNT) – cap raise Terra Uranium (ASX:T92) – acquisition and cap raise Vitasora Health (ASX:VHL) – cap raise At Stockhead, we tell it like it is. While GTI Energy is a Stockhead advertiser, it did not sponsor this article.
News.com.au
25-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Health Check: UBS turns ultra-bullish on Aussie healthcare leaders
UBS reckons healthcare will fare better than any other ASX sector Bell Potter says Monash IVF has fertile recovery prospects Telix wins FDA usage expansion for prostate cancer imaging Financial giant UBS has declared that enough is enough with lagging healthcare valuations – and now believes it will be the best performer of any ASX sector. In bestowing 'pet sector' status, the firm says that healthcare stocks are the cheapest they have been in 10 years. This follows three years of remorseless earnings per share (EPS) downgrades. The firm opines healthcare now offers the best EPS growth of all ASX sectors, with an expected increment of almost 20% in the 2025-26 year. The S&P/ASX 200 healthcare index has fallen 5% over the past 12 months and is down 7% year to date. In contrast, the broader ASX200 index looks to be finishing the year around 9% higher. 'Investor sentiment towards the healthcare sector has broadly cooled over the last year, with some marked deterioration seen across many stocks,' UBS says. ' Cochlear (ASX:COH) in particular has seen investor apathy build over the last year, which represents a significant change of views versus .' The firm has upgraded Cochlear to a 'buy' for the first time since 2011. 'Challenging market conditions' Meanwhile, Bell Potter notes that 'challenging market conditions' have mostly persisted for small and mid-cap healthcare stocks. Of the 35 stocks the firm covers, only nine are trading at a premium to their December-end values. 'The macro factors driving this broader performance include the uncertainty arising from leadership changes at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and proposals to lower prescription drug price in the US,' the firm says. 'Consequently, institutional investors have largely adopted a wait-and-see approach.' However, Bell Potter expects new drug approvals and earnings growth 'to lead to a wave of new capital flowing into the sector'. Oh baby! That's an interesting call Bell Potter's three favourite healthcare stocks include the troubled Monash IVF Group (ASX:MVF), if only because the share price reaction to the company's embryo-woes looks excessive. In the broker's half-year run-down of best buys across all sectors, the firm's other two healthcare picks are Telix – that name again – and Neuren Pharmaceuticals (ASX:NEU). Monash IVF's two reported embryo transfer errors resulted in the June 12 resignation of CEO Michael Knaap. Prominent silk Fiona McLeod is carrying out an independent probe into the snafus. Meanwhile, Monash IVF shares have halved since January. Bell Potter says Monash IVF trades on a multiple of six times. This compares with 12.5 times for nearest rival Virtus Health in 2022, when it was taken over by BGH Capital and delisted. 'The depressed share price may also invite a bid for the company adding corporate appeal to a deep value investment thesis.' The firm reckons Monash IVF is worth $1.15 a share, more than twice its current valuation. On safe ground With Telix, Bell Potter says revenues from its lead prostate imaging product Illucix should continue to grow as it wins US market share. The FDA recently approved another prostate imaging agent, Gozellix, and should green light the kidney cancer imaging product Zircaix in the September quarter. Neuren is making hay from US sales of its Rett syndrome therapy Daybue, via partner Acadia. But the firm believes the bigger value driver is Neuren's separate compound NNZ-2591. This is for the rare 'orphan' diseases Phelan-McDermid, Angelman, Pitt Hopkins and Prader-Willi syndromes. NNZ-2591 is thought to be more effective and less toxic than Daybue – and the market could be bigger. Neuren reported positive phase II trial results for Phelan-McDermid and expects to kick off a phase III study within months. With $340 million of cash, Neuren has oodles of dosh to fund the 160-patient trial. In fact, the company is undertaking a share buyback to soak up stock at discounted levels. Bell Potter also rates Mesoblast Mesoblast (ASX:MSB), Clarity Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CU6), Immutep (ASX:IMM) and EBR Systems (ASX:EBR) as speculative buys. Telix in FDA win Back to Telix – yet again – the FDA has approved a label extension for Illucix. This will enable doctors to patients for radioligand (targeted radiation) therapy earlier in the piece, before they progress to chemotherapy. Telix estimates clinical use of Illuccix will increase by at least 20,000 scans annually. The label expansion piggybacks the FDA's recent approval of an expanded indication for Novartis's Pluvicto radioligand therapy. The firm says Telix's imaging has become a standard of care in prostate cancer detection and management. The FDA also recently approved Telix's Gozellix, another prostate cancer imaging agent. Cleo pops down to the (bio) bank The US National Cancer Institute has granted ovarian cancer diagnostics developer Cleo Diagnostics (ASX:COV) access to a US cache of blood samples. Collected from 155,000 cancer patients over the last decade, the repository is called the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer (PLCO) biobank. Cleo says PLCO is a a gold-standard resource, having derived from one of the 'largest and most influential US longitudinal cancer studies'. Cleo will use the data to strengthen its FDA marketing submission for a pre-surgical test and expects to complete the supporting trials by the end of the year. Earlier, Cleo entered a compact with University College London to access a capacious ovarian cancer biobank. 'Together, these biobanks form a comprehensive, internationally representative ... population that Cleo will use to enhance its clinical evidence and substantially derisk key regulatory milestones,' Cleo CEO Richard Allman says. Cleo's two trials pertain to pre-surgical identification and screening of an asymptomatic population. Earlier studies showed Cleo's tool confirmed or ruled out tumours 95% of the time, thus outperforming standard-of-care assays. Capital raising corner At the smaller end of the sector, companies are raising enough to keep the lights on – and perhaps a little more. The maker of asthma adherence devices that wrap around 'puffers', Adherium (ASX:ADR) plans to raise $4 million at half a cent apiece. This is by way of an insto and retail offer, partly underwritten and struck at half a cent. Investors also get one option for every share issued, as well as a 'piggyback' bonus option. An existing holder Phillip Thematic Fund has its hands up for $800,000, while Phillip Asset Management and Trudell Medical are good for $1 million of underwriting. Heart device play Cardiex (ASX:CDX) has raised about $4.1 million in a rights offer, having gathered $2.4 million in a placement. Both were done at four cents a share. TALi Digital (ASX:TD1) is seeking $1.48 million in a right issue, having mustered $800,000 in a private placement. Both were struck at one-tenth of a cent per share. Tali is developing tools that test kids for conditions including autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This month Tali acquired You Can Do It! Education, 'a social-emotional learning program aimed at improving the social, emotional, and academic outcomes of young people.'
Perth Now
24-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Tech boss fears AI regulations will hamper innovation
Artificial intelligence technology could unlock huge medical advances in Australia, from identifying patients in acute need to helping them hear more clearly, but only if regulations do not muffle innovation. Cochlear chief executive Dig Howitt issued the warning at the QUT Business Leaders' Forum in Brisbane on Tuesday, when he also called for Australia to focus on key areas of innovation and for greater government support for local research and development. The calls come after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a productivity summit in Canberra in August that is expected to address similar issues, and during a year-long review into Australia's research and development investments led by Tesla chair Robyn Denholm. Mr Howitt, who has led the hearing technology firm since 2018, told the audience Cochlear had been investigating the use of AI technology to identify and filter out background noise for people with implants and hearing aids. But machine-learning software could also be used to streamline other parts of the medical industry, he said, such as triaging patients. "There's lots of opportunities for AI, not just in cochlear implants but I think in healthcare more broadly," Mr Howitt said. "The application of AI from a diagnostic perspective to streamline who needs acute intervention has a huge opportunity ... and have medical specialists focus where they really add value rather than on seeing a lot of people who actually don't have a problem." Australian scientists, researchers and engineers had a significant opportunity to use AI to boost innovation, although it could depend on the regulations placed upon it, he said. The federal government released a voluntary standard for AI use in 2024, but has yet to reveal its response to a consultation on mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI use, including a proposal for a dedicated AI law. If Australia chooses to strictly regulate use of the technology, like Europe, Mr Howitt said other countries could seize the opportunity instead. "If we regulate AI here, we can be assured that there's going to be less AI development here and that will happen in other countries around the world and we will be users of that application, AI, but not creators of it," he said. "There is an opportunity for us to create so ... we've got to be careful there." Keeping research and development in Australia would also be an ongoing issue, as there was less "risk capital" available to support start-up firms, Mr Howitt said. While findings from the strategic review into R&D funding would be important, he said there was a clear need to remove the tax incentive cap on research investment and for Australia to focus on its advantages. "People can call it picking winners, but the reality is there is absolutely global competition for R&D funding," he said. "We do need to stick with our strengths of which medical technology is one, agricultural is another ... sustainability and green energy." Australia's investment in R&D fell to $38 billion, or 1.68 per cent of gross domestic product, in 2022, below the OECD average of 2.73 per cent.
RNZ News
23-06-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
What will new 'smart' implants mean for hearing loss patients
Photo: Supplied New Zealanders can now get access to what's being described as the first "smart" hearing implant system. The Nuclear Nexa implant has been manufactured by global hearing device company Cochlear, and is the only cochlear implant with internal memory and upgradeable firmware. It means a user's personal settings can be stored on the implant itself, and the firmware can be upgraded when needed - rather than replaced. One in five Kiwis are living with some form of hearing loss, with early diagnosis touted by experts as the best way to slow the decline. To discuss the technology, I'm joined by Stu Sayers, president of Asia Pacific and Latin America region at Cochlear. Also joining, is Michel Neeff, an ear, nose and throat surgeon and clinical director of the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme for Adults in Auckland.
The Wire
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Wire
Cochlear celebrates 30 Years in China and the launch of the world's first and only smart hearing implant system
• The new Cochlear™ Nucleus® Nexa™ System is the first and only hearing implant featuring internal memory and upgradeable firmware.1 • This year marks the 30-year anniversary since the first adult cochlear implant surgery in mainland China which took place in 1995. • Nearly 10 million people in China are suffering from severe to profound hearing loss, among whom only 1% are treated with cochlear implant. BOAO, China, June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cochlear, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, today launched the Cochlear™ Nucleus® Nexa™ System – the world's first and only smart cochlear implant system.1 Xinyu Li, General Manager, Greater China, Cochlear, explains the next generation technology has completely reimagined the internal components of the hearing device: "There are more than 10 years of research and development advancements built into the new Nucleus Nexa System. The System is powered by the new state-of-the-art chipset - the first update to any implant's internal chipset across the cochlear implant industry in almost 20 years. The new chipset utilises advanced processing, upgradeable firmware and onboard memory to drive the 'smarts' of the system and allows the implant to do many things that conventional cochlear implants are simply unable to do. This latest release represents a significant step forward in technology not just in our industry but importantly for people in China living with hearing loss." "We estimate there are tens of millions of people in China who could benefit from a cochlear implant. Thirty years since the very first cochlear implant surgery in China took place, we are incredibly proud to offer the new Nexa System in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone. We hope the Bo'ao pilot zone can be the door for Chinese people with hearing loss to access the latest product with innovative technology. In addition, we hope this accelerates the new product approval in the mainland market through the clinical evidence collection and professional capability development in the pilot zone," added Mr Li. The groundbreaking Nucleus Nexa System offers the world's first hearing implant solution with upgradeable implant firmware, revolutionising the way people with hearing loss can access future technology. 1 Conventional cochlear implants available today can only access future innovation by upgrading their sound processor. With the Nucleus Nexa System this limitation is removed. People with a Nucleus Nexa System will be able to experience new features and advancements, via both updates to the firmware in their smart implant and upgrades to their sound processor over time. Jan Janssen, Chief Technology Officer at Cochlear, likens the Nucleus Nexa Implant to a smartphone for hearing: "This is the first cochlear implant in the world with its own firmware, meaning users can upgrade to new features and innovations throughout their lifetime. Just like a smartphone receives a firmware update, now people with a cochlear implant can stay connected to the latest technology updates seamlessly today and well into the future." The Nucleus® Nexa™ System is the also the first implant with built-in memory, allowing the personalised hearing settings (MAPs) of the user to be securely stored directly in their Nexa implant.[1] This innovation ensures users can seamlessly transfer their settings to a new Nucleus Nexa Sound Processor if their current one is lost or damaged. "The Nucleus Nexa System comes with a distinct advantage – it is the world's first cochlear implant with built-in memory, allowing user's personalised hearing settings (MAPS) to be stored securely in the implant. This advancement brings a greater level of personalisation to the hearing implant and offers unmatched convenience and efficiency." "Previously, if a user misplaced or damaged their sound processor, they would need to visit a clinic to obtain a replacement sound processor. This replacement device would need to be programmed with the user's personalised hearing settings in the clinic by a cochlear implant professional, taking valuable time from both the professional and the user. With the brand-new 'Smart Sync' feature, the user simply needs to pick-up or receive a "blank" Nexa sound processor and the personalised settings are automatically copied to the replacement sound processor allowing a person to hear with their cochlear implant again in a matter of seconds," explained Janssen. To make hearing easier, the Nucleus Nexa System intuitively responds to changing needs throughout each day.[1, 3-5] It can automatically adjust listening settings to help people hear more clearly.[1] The Nexa implant also features a new gold coil and new RF Link technology with dynamic power management. This facilitates more efficient power and data transfer between the sound processor and the implant and automatically maximize battery life for each user.# Stu Sayers, President of Asia Pacific & Latin America at Cochlear, explained the introduction of the Nexa System is timely given it coincides with a significant milestone for the business: "We have a proud history in China, and it is fitting that in 2025, the year we celebrate 30 years since the first cochlear implant surgery in China, we are introducing this next generation technology. Our innovative mindset and lifetime commitment to the thousands of people in China and around the world who rely on our products to hear is what sets us apart. We continue to break new ground with our products and services, driven by our passion to make a remarkable impact on the lives of people living with hearing loss." "The Nucleus Nexa System combines 40 years of proven reliability of our trusted implants and technology leadership, with the new cutting-edge chipset packed with innovative features. With onboard diagnostics that monitor system performance to ensure optimal hearing, it reduces the burden on users and carers, setting a new standard in implantable hearing technology," added Mr Janssen. Cochlear has provided more than 850,000 hearing implants to people around the world and the company's implants have a proven track record of reliability over 40 years which is one of many reasons people choose a Cochlear hearing solution more than any other brand.[6-7] In 2024 Cochlear was named the number one most trustworthy company in the healthcare industry by Newsweek in its rankings of the World's Most Trustworthy Companies. This prestigious recognition underscores Cochlear's unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity. - Ends - Commercial availability: The new Cochlear™ Nucleus® Nexa™ System will be available in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone from 20 June 2025 and it will be available in Hong Kong from 16 June 2025. About hearing loss in China According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hearing loss is a major public health issue in China, and its prevalence is expected to increase. The Chinese government has been vigorously promoting the prevention and treatment of hearing loss by establishing and constantly improving the management, technical guidance, and service systems.[2] However, many people with hearing loss still do not seek or receive hearing health care.[2] • More than 95 million people in China had moderate-to-complete hearing loss in 2019 according to health estimates.[2] • Approximately two in five Chinese people will have hearing loss by 2034 according to health estimate projections.[2] • More than 17,000 were born with hearing loss in 2020 according to China CDC data.[8] The Bo'ao Pilot Zones represent critical platforms for Cochlear to introduce cutting-edge hearing solutions, conduct real-world research, and support the development of China's healthcare industry. By aligning with the policies and objectives of these zones, Cochlear remains committed to enhancing the lives of Chinese patients and contributing to the nation's progress in healthcare innovation. About Cochlear Implants Unlike hearing aids which increase the volume of sound, cochlear implants work by enhancing sound clarity, bypassing the damaged part of the ear entirely to stimulate the hearing nerve directly. Cochlear implants focus on enhancing clarity of sound, while hearing aids mostly work by making sounds louder.[9-11] This clarity could help people reclaim their confidence and fully immerse themselves in the meaningful moments of everyday life. About the Cochlear™ Nucleus® Nexa™ System The new system includes the Nucleus Nexa Implant, the Nucleus Kanso® 3 Nexa Sound Processor and the Nucleus 8 Nexa Sound Processor. The Nucleus Nexa Implant and sound processors are supported by Nucleus SmartNav, Nucleus Smart App, Custom Sound® Pro fitting software and wireless accessories. The new Nucleus® Nexa™ System can learn about its user's listening needs and the environment they are in. It can then automatically adjust listening or power management settings to help people hear more clearly[1] or maximise battery life.#* Users can enjoy clearer sound streamed directly from compatible* mobile devices and, in the future, at airports, concert venues and more using Bluetooth® LE Audio and Auracast™ broadcast audio.¥ 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 helped more than 700,000 people in more than 180 countries 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 5,000 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. References and disclaimers Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information. Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology. 1. D1509691 CI1000 Implant Product Specification. Cochlear Limited; 2023 Aug. 2. H. Wang, Y. Chen, Z. Yang, L. Zhu, Y. Zhao, T. Tian. Estimation and projection of the burden of hearing loss in China: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Public Health, Volume 228, March 2024, Pages 119-127. Published online 13 February 2024. Available at: 3. Mauger SJ, Warren CD, Knight MR, Goorevich M, Nel E. Clinical evaluation of the Nucleus®6 cochlear implant system: Performance improvements with SmartSound iQ. International Journal of Audiology. 2014 Jul 9;53(8):564–76. 4. Mauger SJ, Jones M, Nel E, Janine Del Dot. Clinical outcomes with the KansoTM off-the-ear cochlear implant sound processor. International Journal of Audiology. 2017 Jan 9;56(4):267–76. 5. Wolfe J, Neumann S, Marsh M, Schafer E, Lianos L, Gilden J, et al. Benefits of Adaptive Signal Processing in a Commercially Available Cochlear Implant Sound Processor. Otology & Neurotology. 2015 Aug;36(7):1181–90. 6. D2182827 Cochlear Nucleus Reliability Report. Cochlear Limited; 2023 Dec. 7. Cochlear. Annual reports [Internet]. Cochlear. 2021. Available from: 8. Zhili Wang, Yunge Gao, Yuzhang Huang, Wenying Nie, Yun Li, Haibin Sheng, Jie Chen, Yuzhu Guo, Kun Han, Zhiwu Huang, Fan Jiang, Jun Zhang, Hao Wu, Ying Chen. Implementation of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Analysis of School Enrollment Among Hearing-Impaired Students in China[J]. China CDC Weekly, 2025, 7(9): 312-317. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2025.050 9. Fitzpatrick EM, Leblanc S. Exploring the Factors Influencing Discontinued Hearing Aid Use in Patients With Unilateral Cochlear Implants. Trends in Amplification [Internet]. 2010 Dec 1 [cited 2020 Jul 4];14(4):199–210. Available from: 10. Rumeau C, Frère J, Montaut-Verient B, Lion A, Gauchard G, Parietti-Winkler C. Quality of life and audiologic performance through the ability to phone of cochlear implant users. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 2014 Dec 20;272(12):3685–92. 11. Runge CL, Henion K, Tarima S, Beiter A, Zwolan TA. Clinical Outcomes of the CochlearTM Nucleus® 5 Cochlear Implant System and SmartSoundTM 2 Signal Processing. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology. 2016 Jun 1;27(6):425–40. ± Smart cochlear implant system is defined as the first and only cochlear implant having Internal memory with upgradeable firmware. # Battery life varies for every user, according to the age of the battery, the programs used each day, your implant type, the thickness of skin covering your implant, and the size and type of battery used. Streaming from compatible devices, True Wireless Devices or FM may decrease sound processor battery life depending on how often and for how long streaming is engaged. * The Cochlear Nucleus 8 Nexa and Nucleus Kanso 3 Nexa sound processors are compatible with Apple and Android devices. For compatibility information and devices visit ¥ As Bluetooth LE Audio compatible devices become available, a firmware update will be required for you to use certain features. Auracast™ broadcast audio capability is subject to third party adoption of the Auracast protocol. The Bluetooth® and Auracast™ word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Cochlear Limited is under license. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
