MED-EL
Published Aug 02, 2023 | Last Update Sept 07, 2026
The Future of Cochlear Implants: Invisible Tech & Robotic Surgery
Ever wondered what cochlear implants will be like one, five, or even 10 years from now? From invisible cochlear implants to robot-powered surgery, we look at what the future of cochlear implants holds.
It’s been almost half a century since the first modern cochlear implant was implanted. Pioneered by MED-EL founders Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair, it helped restore a sense of sound and speech to profoundly deaf users.
Since then, cochlear implants have developed in leaps and bounds. Improved sound technology helps people understand speech in tricky situations and enjoy music. Audio processors can stream sound from your phone, charge without wires, and they come in various designs to suit your lifestyle.
Still, the push to develop cochlear implant technology isn’t over. Far from it: Our research and development teams are always striving to make hearing solutions even more effective. Let’s take a look at what the future of cochlear implants could bring.
Hear About Future Developments First
Sign up for our news and updates newsletter and be the first to hear about the latest developments in cochlear implants and hearing solutions.
Get Free UpdatesTICI: The Invisible Cochlear Implant
Until now, cochlear implants have consisted of two parts: the internal implant and the external audio processor. Imagine if you didn’t need the outside part at all. That’s the idea behind an invisible cochlear implant, sometimes known as a totally implantable cochlear implant.
Everything—including the audio processor, microphone, and power supply—sits under the skin. This makes the whole hearing solution invisible, letting people experience a whole new level of hearing freedom with no external hearing device to worry about and access to sound 24 hours a day.
Sound exciting? The first commercially available invisible cochlear implant is now here! After carrying out several clinical studies, MED-EL’s TICI UNICO received the CE mark, and the first commercial surgeries took place on 29.9.2026.
Want to know more about TICI UNICO? We’ve got all the details about invisible cochlear implants here.
"The overall satisfaction of our TICI recipients is high. They enjoy going for walks. They enjoy just jumping into a pool. Some of them enjoy just going to sleep, having a nap and not being bothered by removing the audio processor."
PD Dr. Anja Kurz, M.A.
Audiologist at Universitätsklinikum Würzburg
Robotic Cochlear Implant Surgery
Inner ear surgery needs incredible precision. This makes it the perfect candidate for robot-assisted surgical tools such as OTOARM and OTODRIVE. These machine-assisted tools were launched in 2024 and are designed to help precision during ear surgery.
Why does this precision matter? Because it can help make surgery gentler on delicate structures in the inner ear. This gives you a better chance of keeping your remaining hearing, and you’ll be more likely to benefit from future innovations in hearing technology. There’s also a link with better hearing outcomes.[1][2]
So will your cochlear implant surgery be assisted by a robot? Right now, less than one percent of cochlear implant surgeries use robotic assistance. But as these tools and trainings become more available, we will start to see more robotics and advanced software integrated into surgical workflows.
Looking ahead, advances in robotic surgery will help make operating rooms more connected and easier to use. By reducing the number of separate systems surgeons need to manage, these tools should help ease their mental workload and improve efficiency. This will give clinicians more time to focus on providing the best possible care for patients.
The Rise of Remote Care
In 2026, you don’t even need to go to a clinic to get your cochlear implant audio processor fitted. Apps like HearCare make remote fitting from the comfort of your home a reality.
In the future, remote fitting technologies are expected to become more and more sophisticated. Innovations like tele-audiology and automated screenings will save time and costs while also making sure everyone can access care—no matter how far they live from a clinic.
Remote cochlear implant rehabilitation is another area with huge potential. More and more rehab professionals use telepractice, including remote rehabilitation lesson kits. We’ve also seen a rise in apps that can support listening training. Take a look at Meludia, which offers music training in multiple languages. And then there’s ReDI, an AI-powered assistant to help support cochlear implant rehabilitation. As AI capabilities improve, we can only expect apps like this to improve too.
Ever-Improving Audio Processors
In the early days of cochlear implants, processors were about the size of a large wallet and had to be worn on the body. Today, audio processors are smaller than a AA battery and worn on the head. They can automatically adapt to different sound environments for superior hearing performance. And the newest audio processors have direct streaming built in.
The body-worn Comfort CI speech processor versus the single-unit RONDO 3 audio processor
Future cochlear implant audio processors are set to build on these improvements still. Since we design new audio processors to work with older implants, current CI users will also be able to enjoy these new technologies.
(Even) Better Sound Quality and More Individualized Solutions
In just 50 years, we’ve gone from implants that can support speech understanding to ones that can support a whole spectrum of sound. And new technologies and the right electrodes can make sound experiences with cochlear implants even more natural.
Take OTOPLAN, for instance. This surgical planning software lets surgeons select the right electrode for each cochlea. And after implantation, the audiologist can program the audio processor to match a person’s individual anatomy. This can help cochlear implant users come closer to natural hearing.
OTOPLAN helps surgeons select the right electrode
As more technologies like this emerge, we can expect to see even more individualized approaches to cochlear implants. In fact, one of MED-EL’s goals is to further customize future cochlear implants for the best possible results.
“Our next goal is to further customize treatment with CI for people of all ages in order to achieve the best possible result in accordance with the principles of precision medicine.”
Dr. Ingeborg Hochmair
MED-EL's CEO and pioneer of the modern cochlear implant
Should I Wait for Future Cochlear Implant Technology?
With such exciting innovations being rolled out, it might be tempting to put off your cochlear implant surgery. But hearing professionals agree that it’s best to get your cochlear implant as early as possible. Why? Because early cochlear implantation results in better outcomes and brain function. This is true for both adults and children.
MED-EL cochlear implants are also designed with future technology in mind. Our flexible electrodes help keep the delicate structures in the inner ear safe. This preserves residual hearing, so you can take advantage of new technologies when they become available.
And when we bring out new audio processors, we make sure that they also work with older implant generations. This will let you enjoy future audio processor technology without more surgery.
References
-
[1]
Chen, J.M., Lin, V.Y.W., Le, T.N., Spiegel, J.L., Ungar, O.J., Bajin, M.D., Ladak, H.M. and Agrawal, S. (2025). Synchrotron-Based Trauma Assessment of Robotic Electrode Insertions in Cochlear Implantation. The Laryngoscope. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.32254
-
[2]
Aebischer, P., Anschuetz, L., Caversaccio, M., Mantokoudis, G., & Weder, S. (2025). Quantitative in-vitro assessment of a novel robot-assisted system for cochlear implant electrode insertion. International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, 20, 323–332. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-024-03276-y
References
MED-EL
Was this article helpful?
Thanks for your feedback.
Sign up for newsletter below for more.
Thanks for your feedback.
Please leave your message below.
Thanks for your message. We will reply as soon as possible.
Send us a message
Field is required
John Doe
Field is required
name@mail.com
Field is required
What do you think?
© MED-EL Medical Electronics. All rights reserved. The content on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Contact your doctor or hearing specialist to learn what type of hearing solution suits your specific needs. Not all products, features, or indications are approved in all countries.
Marek
August 05, 2023
Konkretna nauka która przekłada się dla dobra osób chorych oby tak dalej
michael moore
August 10, 2023
Can we get any feedback from the internal implant that was done in 2020? I have an implant on my right side and do exceptionally well with it. I would like a second but if it's possible to anticipate the internal implant in the not to distant future, it seems worth the wait. Thanks,
MED-EL
August 11, 2023
Michael, thank you for your question. We are unable to discuss future developments, but we are always working to provide the best hearing solutions for our recipients. MED-EL cochlear implants are designed with future technology in mind so that when new audio processors are brought out, they can also work with older implant generations. Kind regards, Alicia
Arslan malik
August 29, 2023
Hye dear i hope you will be fine can you share cochlear implant price .
MED-EL
August 29, 2023
Arslan, thank you for your comment. We recommend contacting your local MED-EL team for product availability and pricing information, as they have the latest information for your country. You can find their contact details here: https://www.medel.com/clinic-finder/ Kind regards, Alicia
David C. Parker
October 13, 2023
I have Meniere's disease and am expecting to need to get a cochlear implant on my left side in the not-too-distant future. I would like to know if I get a MED-EL implant of the current state of the art could that device be replaced with a completely implanted device in the future (same side) as the one that I might add soon? I think the fully implanted version could be a paradigm shift in this technology - many that are in need I believe are hesitant to move forward due to the exterior components of the mechanism itself. Thank you. David Parker
MED-EL
October 16, 2023
Hi David, thanks for reaching out. We recommend contacting your local MED-EL team via https://www.medel.com/clinic-finder as they are best equipped to help you with your question. Kind regards, Gordana
Neal Steiger
November 05, 2023
Got an oops message when I tried to sign up for email announcements about future CI development.
MED-EL
November 06, 2023
Hello Neal, thank you for your interest. Please accept the cookies first and then try to sign up again. Thank you for your understanding. Kind Regards, Giulia
Barbara Zimmer
November 24, 2023
Does the new technology Auracast have any benefits for cochlear implant people beyond just the ability for more people to connect to the television at the same?
MED-EL
November 27, 2023
Hi Barbara, thank you for your question. Auracast does offer benefits for cochlear implant users, by enhancing connectivity with a wide range of potentially compatible audio sources, including smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The technology is designed to deliver clear and crisp audio directly to your audio processor with minimal interference, ensuring a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience. Kind Regards, Giulia
Erin Phillips
January 22, 2024
When will this be available. I have a MedEL on the right side and it's been horrible.
MED-EL
January 23, 2024
Erin, thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, we are unable to share more information regarding future developments. However, we can recommend getting in contact with your local MED-EL team so that they may assist with what you are experiencing on your right side. You can find your local MED-EL team's contact details here: https://www.medel.com/clinic-finder/ Kind Regards
Olivier Merz
April 10, 2024
Hi, I've also been reading about Auracast technology and I deeply wait from Medel to integrate it ! So it allows bistreaming with any futur hearing aid (for people that have a cochlear implant and a hearing aid). It'll facilite daily life by no longer need to search, try and justify the financement of intermediate devices (like Artone 3 max or Phonak microphone and receivers) in front of assurances.
MED-EL
April 11, 2024
Thanks for your feedback, Olivier! We have forwarded it to our local experts for future product improvements. Kind regards, Gordana
Karen Ricard
April 18, 2024
Hi I got my kenso implant in 2018 and I am waiting and hoping for the implantation if I spell it correctly where my implant will be invisible..that would be a dream come true for me!! How can I be the candidate when it is ready to be use?
MED-EL
April 19, 2024
Hi Karen, thanks for reaching out. Our Totally Implantable Cochlear Implant (TICI) is currently still in a feasibility study: https://www.medel.com/press-room/press-details/2020/10/19/first-surgeries-ever-in-europe-with-a-totally-implantable-cochlear-implant If you're looking for further information on this, we recommend getting in touch with your local MED-EL team via https://www.medel.com/contact-med-el Kind regards, Gordana
Margaret Haines
May 16, 2024
I attempted to sign up for your updates, but was told this was not successful for an "unexpected error". Perhaps because I have already signed up for everything? Or because the Italian Med-el company is understaffed and restricted by local legislation?
MED-EL
May 17, 2024
Hi Margaret, thanks for your comment. We recommend accepting the cookies on our page before signing up for our newsletter. Would you please try again and let us know if it worked? Kind regards, Gordana
Shelly Dulka
November 07, 2024
I received my cochlear 2021. Worse mistake I have ever made. With a or without improvements cochlear doesn't’ work for everyone. Do your homework in deep before for making this move. It’s a glorified hearing aide
MED-EL
November 08, 2024
Hi Shelly, thank you for reaching out and for sharing your feedback with us. If you're not satisfied with your hearing performance with a CI, we recommend getting in touch with one of our local experts who will gladly assist you on your hearing journey. You can reach out to them directly here: https://www.medel.com/contact-med-el. Kind regards
Bob
November 14, 2024
Do you expect to pair with a hearing aid in the near future
MED-EL
November 14, 2024
Hi Bob, thank you for reaching out. We cannot talk about future developments at this point, but rest assured that all our latest news and updates will be shared on all our social media channels as well as our website, so stay tuned! Kind regards
Robert
January 29, 2025
My name is Robert and I have a bilateral hearing loss. I wear hearing aide on both ears and lately the right ear now is completely deaf. If I were to have cochlear implant will this possibly give me sound in the right ear as I stated completely deaf
MED-EL
January 29, 2025
Robert, thank you for reaching out. We recommend getting in touch with your local MED-EL team, as they can take a direct look at your case and provide you with the best information: https://www.medel.com/contact-med-el You may also be interested in reading Mary Beth's story. She received her first CI in 2015 but hadn't heard from her right ear in 24 years before this. You can read more about her experience here: https://blog.medel.com/userstories/bilateral-cochlear-implants-mary-beths-story/ Kind Regards
Bob Heddle
February 25, 2025
I had severe hearing loss, and had an implant on the left in 2020. It was good , but not helpful when listening for birds, or for locating the direction of a sound 3 years later I asked for an implant on the right. Transformational for me . I can even appreciate music, and bird song is again a pleasure Speech is a bit more difficult, but good in an open environment. In a group of people who are all talking it’s not so good On balance, No Regrets, the devices restored my life. I’m 83
Lina
February 25, 2025
When will a Rondo be available that has direct Bluetooth to iphone & Carplay (without needing to use other intermediary devices)?
MED-EL
February 26, 2025
Hi Lina, thank you for your question. For direct wireless streaming we recommend using our AudioStream Adapter with RONDO 3: https://www.medel.com/hearing-solutions/accessories/connectivity/audiostream-adapter Kind regards, Gordana
Lorenzo Izzo
January 28, 2026
Hello, I have bilateral hearing loss and I use external hearing aids. I would like to know if I can apply when the TICI is available in Italy. Thank you.
MED-EL
January 29, 2026
Hi Lorenzo, thank you for reaching out. We recommend getting in touch with your local MED-EL team directly: https://www.medel.com/it-it/contact-med-el Kind regards
Olliver
January 28, 2026
This is exciting. It would be cool if the future sonnet and EAS models are even smaller with long battery life and RIC for the ear mold (instead of tubing and traditional ear molds).
MED-EL
January 29, 2026
Hi Olliver, thank you for your feedback. We have forwarded it to our experts for future product improvements. Kind regards
Sebastian
January 29, 2026
Amazing work! We are all greatful for this progress! Hopefully you will hurry the development of totally implantable CIs, since there is an American company that is betting all their money on this and is advancing at great speeds (completed Phase 3) - typically American, progress before safety, quality and regulation. We all want MedEl to be first to market, and not let some unexperienced newcommers steal the show! Really looking forward to the day when TICI will be available! <3
Bill
February 04, 2026
My first CI (now a Sonnet 3) went in about 5 years ago; my 2nd CI (Sonnet 3) went in less than a year ago. I hear fine except in crowded, noisy conditions and / or multiple conversations between large groups. One learns to adapt. My main issue is with the rechargeable batteries and life thereof. I have the old style, longer battery (17-hour life) in one ear and the newer, shorter 10-hour battery in the other. Both sides are rechargeable but both lose life expectancy with usage. What, if any, are plans for longer life batteries for the receiver OR will the implantable CI mitigate the need for external batteries?
MED-EL
February 05, 2026
Hi Bill, thank you for reaching out and for sharing your experience with us. We cannot talk about future product developments at this point, but rest assured that all our latest news and updates will be shared accross our social media channels, our website, and our blog. Kind regards
Ferdinando
September 30, 2026
io ho fatto intervento 3 anni fa mi trovo bene. lunedi' 5 ottobre saro' h Piacenza per ulteriore aggiornamento grazie
MED-EL
October 01, 2026
Hi Ferdinando, thanks for sharing! We wish you a lot of great hearing experiences! Kind regards, Barbara
Anna
September 30, 2026
I have CI since 2015 on right side. While profound hearing loss on the left side, I could not have CI due to acoustic neuroma. When I received the right side CI, I also lost all residual hearing on the left. So, I am now deaf on the left but am helped a lot with CI on the right. Still, with the left side hearing loss, natural hearing is not possible in many situations. If the small benign neuroma is on the left audio nerve, I assume that a CI on the left will never be possible for me, even with new developments in the technology.
MED-EL
October 01, 2026
Hi Anna, thanks for sharing your story. Would you like us to get you in touch with a MED-EL team near you for further support? Kind regards, Barbara
Frank
September 30, 2026
My rechargeable batteries are getting old and deteriorating. Please give me an estimate of cost for replacement, also for cost of your newest longer life batteries. I have full Medicare coverage. Thank you for your response.
MED-EL
October 01, 2026
Hi Frank, thanks for your question. Please get in touch with your local MED-EL team. They are best placed to assist you. You can find their contact details on our website: https://www.medel.com/about-medel/med-el-offices-worldwide Kind regards, Barbara
Ewan McRobbie
October 03, 2026
Hello, and thank you for these updates. I have had a medel cochlear implant for a few decades and have been very happy especially after being implanted in both ears. The electrodes took years to work in (due to the length of time that I lived with minimal hearing?) and now sound wonderful. When the non external processor implants become more mainstream will they be able to use existing implanted electrodes along with new internal processing to replace external processors? (To minimize the electrode work in period?)
MED-EL
October 05, 2026
Ewan, thank you for your question. In some cases, it may be possible for an existing cochlear implant user to switch to TICI. However, a change to a different implant system requires careful evaluation and discussion with your hearing implant team, who can advise whether this is an appropriate option for your individual situation. Kind Regards
MED-EL
MED-EL
Conversation
24 Comments