SONNET 3 or RONDO 3: Which Audio Processor Is Right for Me?

Behind-the-ear or single-unit? Wireless charging or flexible battery options? There are several things to consider when selecting your new audio processor, but we’re here to help you figure out which option is the best fit for you.

Superior Hearing Technology

No matter where you are, both SONNET 3 and RONDO 3 can help you hear your best thanks to Automatic Sound Management 3.0 and Adaptive Intelligence. Whether you’re listening to music in the car, spending time with family at a noisy restaurant, or relaxing at home, these features will adjust your processor settings to match your environment.

Dual-loop automatic gain control adapts volume levels to make loud sounds more comfortable and soft sounds easier to hear. Enhanced noise reduction and two microphones that focus in on speech mean that with SONNET 3 or RONDO 3, you’ll never miss out on conversations again.

Since both options provide you with top technology, there’s no need to compromise when it comes to your audio processor’s sound quality.

Behind-the-Ear vs. Single-Unit

Not only is MED-EL dedicated to providing you with top technology, but we also keep innovation and functionality in mind when it comes to design. If you wear glasses, you may prefer RONDO 3 since it sits off the ear. RONDO 3’s simple design is also ideal for users with limited dexterity.

But if you’re used to wearing behind-the-ear hearing aids or other SONNET series processors, SONNET 3’s familiar and secure design may be more comfortable for you. It even has an innovative, new flexible earhook option to help it stay in place comfortably, no matter how active you are.

Simple, Direct Streaming

You can stream sound directly to both audio processor options from your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. With SONNET 3, direct streaming is built into the audio processor, so you won’t need any extra devices. And with RONDO 3, all you need to do is plug in the tiny AudioStream Adapter.

Color Options & Design Covers

SONNET 3 is available in six colors, and you can even mix and match the colors of the microphone and battery pack covers as well—the combinations are almost endless! RONDO 3 has basic covers available in six colors. And with stylish design covers available for RONDO 3 and SONNET 3, you can personalize your audio processor even more. Check out all the options in our Digital Showroom!

Ready for the Water

Both RONDO 3 and SONNET 3 have the highest available IP rating, making them waterproof, so you can be worry-free and ready for the water.* For extra peace of mind, WaterWear covers are also available.

Powerful Battery Options

With RONDO 3, simple wireless charging provides enough battery life for all-day hearing. And the battery is rechargeable, reducing battery costs and waste. A charging cable is also available for extra power on the go.

SONNET 3’s modular design gives you multiple battery options, so you can pick the ones best-suited to your needs. Perhaps you prefer disposable batteries when you are traveling but rechargeable ones for everyday use.

With two disposable zinc-air batteries, you can have up to 60 hours of hearing.

If you prefer rechargeable batteries, the Rechargeable Battery Max provides up to 17 hours of power, the Rechargeable Battery Standard up to 10 hours, and the Rechargeable Battery Micro up to 7 hours.

AudioKey 3 & FineTuner Echo

Change audio processor settings, locate your audio processor, check the battery status, and more with the AudioKey 3 app, compatible with SONNET 3 and RONDO 3. Or if you prefer a smartphone-free option, you can adjust volume, change the program, and more with the FineTuner Echo remote, also available for SONNET 3 and RONDO 3.

With SONNET 3, there is an additional way to either switch programs or activate standby mode: the innovative new touch key. It enables you to control your hearing with a simple tap.

Ready for the Future

Thanks to our backwards compatibility, even if you received your CI years ago, you can upgrade to RONDO 3 or SONNET 3. If you are an EAS user, then SONNET 3 is the audio processor for you.

Both audio processors are also available for bimodal users with a CI on one side and a hearing aid on the other.

Regardless of whether you’ve decided that SONNET 3 or RONDO 3 is best suited to your needs and lifestyle, you’ll be choosing the outstanding reliability MED-EL is known for.

For more information about these audio processors, visit our product pages: RONDO 3, SONNET 3. And once you’ve made your decision, get in touch with a MED-EL representative near you!