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Excellence through innovation

MED-EL hearing implants are the result of an innovative research tradition spanning the past thirty years. Since its founders developed one of the world’s first cochlear implants in 1975, MED-EL has set new standards in hearing implant technologies, developing and manufacturing technologically advanced hearing solutions for people with varying degrees of hearing loss. MED-EL hearing implant systems, currently used by children and adults in 70 countries worldwide, combine the latest scientific advancements and pioneering engineering and manufacturing techniques for performance, safety and reliability. Especially important for infants and children (65% of MED-EL CI recipients are children), MED-EL implant systems are designed to be future ready, offering unparalleled performance today while preserving options for future upgrades and technological developments.

2004 MED-EL becomes the world’s leading company in hearing implants with the acquisition of the Vibrant Soundbridge, the first implantable middle ear hearing device for mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss.
2003

MED-EL recipients in 70 countries worldwide. Unparalleled speech understanding scores: 92.7% sentence comprehension, approx. 70% monosyllable word recognition at two years following implantation.
2002 TEMPO+ is the most widely used high-rate BTE speech processor worldwide and the only one regularly recommended for small children. COMBI 40+ cochlear implant system used in over 60 countries worldwide.
2001 U.S. FDA approval for the COMBI 40+ cochlear implant system. MED-EL implants used in over 50 countries worldwide.
2000

A multi-center European study demonstrates the superiority of the TEMPO+ compared to bodyworn processors in the areas of speech understanding, overall sound quality and music enjoyment.

MED-EL's founders celebrate 25 years in cochlear implant research and development.

1999 1999 MED-EL opens new state of the art manufacturing facilities and celebrates 10 year anniversary.

The TEMPO+ BTE speech processor is launched, combining modern design and the latest sophisticated technology for improved speech signal processing.
1997 The COMBI 40+ Split Electrode (GB) is introduced for cases of cochlear ossification, making cochlear implantation possible for persons previously rejected as candidates.
1996 1996 Introduction of the COMBI 40+ Implant, the thinnest implant available - an essential factor for very young children.

The first MED-EL patient implanted bilaterally with two COMBI 40 Implants.
1995 MED-EL CIS LINK system introduced to provide High-Rate CIS stimulation for users of the Ineraid cochlear implant
1994 Introduction of the COMBI 40, the world's first multi-channel high-rate cochlear implant.
1991 MED-EL launches world's first BTE (behind-the-ear) speech processor.
1989 MED-EL is founded.
Introduction of the COMFORT Cochlear Implant containing both the antenna and electronic components in a single robust ceramic case.
1977 The world's first hybrid multi-channel cochlear implant, developed by MED-EL's founders, is implanted in Vienna.
1975 Cochlear implant development started by MED-EL founders, Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair.

MED-EL - 'A Company that cares'
Commitment to Service

MED-EL has developed a system of service second to none. The needs of cochlear implant users are the focus of our efforts.This system is based upon five key commitments:
commitment to patient support,
commitment to professional support,
commitment to training and education,
commitment to maintenance and service,
commitment to research and development.


The services provided in each area are tailored to the specific and individual needs of the clinic and their cochlear implant users.

Continued expansion of MED-EL

As the company continues to build on its strengths, 15 subsidiaries have been opened. MED-EL's Headquarters in Innsbruck has been expanding rapidly to accommodate the growth the company has seen in recent years. Those of you who will be attending events in Europe will be given a warm welcome if you would like to visit our headquarters. The company's annual increase in sales has averaged 35% per year for four consecutive years, and 25% of its revenues are reinvested into research and development to ensure the development of future products.

MED-EL currently produces the following types of products:

Cochlear Implants
   
VIBRANT MED-EL The Vibrant® Soundbridge® is an implantable middle ear hearing device to treat sensorineural hearing loss (the most common form of hearing loss).
   
STIWELL a neuro muscular stimulator for a variety of applications
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