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Sydney's Westmead Private Hospital is among the first sites in the world to offer an innovative implant that promises a flexible, future-ready solution for patients with hearing loss.
The advanced cochlear implant technology expands the capabilities of hearing devices, making remote treatment possible and removing the need for additional surgeries.
Joseph Stoakes was the first person in New South Wales to receive the Cochlear Nucleus NEXA implant, under the care of ENT surgeon Dr Hannah North at Westmead Private Hospital.
"The NEXA implant provides patients with a more adaptable and future-ready hearing solution," Dr North said.
"With its built-in internal memory, this device stores a patient's individual hearing settings securely within the implant itself.
"As it can be updated by specialists anywhere, it brings peace of mind to patients, particularly those who travel regularly or for rural and regional patients who may have limited access to specialist care."
The system allows audiologists anywhere in the world to access and fine-tune a patient's hearing program.
It can also be updated digitally over time, meaning patients can access software improvements without the need for further surgery.
"Traditionally, the external sound processor of a hearing device could be updated, but the internal implant remained fixed," Dr North said.
"The NEXA implant changes that. With its updatable firmware and internal memory, patients can benefit from new innovations as they become available, which would previously have not be possible."
The NEXA system was designed to support patients' everyday lives – it also offers enhanced sound processing, Bluetooth streaming, better battery efficiency and improved noise management.
"It was a great honour to be the first surgeon in New South Wales to provide this groundbreaking hearing technology to my patients," Dr North said.
"It reflects our practice's commitment to delivering the most up-to-date, patient-centred, and evidence-based care available."
Westmead Private Hospital CEO Andrew Spillane said the Ramsay Health Care facility was proud to support its specialists and patients with access to the latest medical technology.
"Hearing loss can have profound social and psychological effects. It not only impacts a person's ability to communicate, but their emotional well-being and quality of life too," Mr Spillane said.
"The NEXA system is an Australian-made hearing technology that will make a real difference in people's lives, helping them connect more easily and confidently with the world around them."
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