MED-EL launches SONNET 3 cochlear implant audio processor in India

MED-EL has announced the India launch of SONNET 3, its latest cochlear implant audio processor, at CIGICON 2026, the annual conference of the Cochlear Implant Group of India (CIGI), being held from September 4 to 6 at the Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

The launch marks MED-EL’s efforts to bring hearing technology to Indian cochlear implant users and strengthen its commitment to advancing hearing care in the country.

SONNET 3 is MED-EL’s smallest and lightest behind-the-ear audio processor to date. Its ergonomic design is paired with integrated direct streaming, allowing users to stream phone calls and music directly from compatible Android and Apple smartphones without additional accessories.

Dual microphones and MED-EL’s Automatic Sound Management (ASM 3.0) technology adapt automatically to the listening environment and reduce background noise so users can focus on conversations. The processor is waterproof to the IP68 standard, while its compact, tamperproof design, with dedicated wearing and fixation options, is designed for children. SONNET 3 has been recognised with the Red Dot Design Award 2025.

The launch comes as CIGICON 2026 brings together ENT surgeons, audiologists, habilitationists and hearing-care professionals from India and neighbouring countries to exchange clinical experiences, discuss advances in cochlear implantation and explore approaches to improving patient outcomes. The conference features experts of national and international repute, including multiple Padma Shri award-winning ENT surgeons.

Prem Ranjan, Director, MED-EL India, said, “The introduction of SONNET 3 in India is an important step in making advanced hearing technology more accessible to people who rely on cochlear implants in their everyday lives. But technology alone cannot transform outcomes. For children and adults with severe to profound hearing loss, the journey begins with early identification and the right clinical intervention and continues through rehabilitation and long-term support. At MED-EL, we are committed to working alongside clinicians, implant centres and the wider hearing-care community to strengthen this journey. Our focus is on ensuring that innovation translates into meaningful, lasting benefits for the people and families who depend on these solutions.”

SONNET 3 is already available across the European Union, the United States and several other markets. Its arrival in India follows the completion of the country’s regulatory requirements, marking another step in expanding Indian users’ access to MED-EL’s latest hearing technologies.

With cochlear implant users engaging across classrooms, workplaces, social settings and digital environments, SONNET 3 has been developed to support greater comfort, usability and connectivity in everyday life.

MED-EL India works closely with CIGI to support education, training and awareness within the cochlear implant community. CIGI provides a platform for professionals to share clinical knowledge and experience while promoting best practices in cochlear implantation.

Cochlear implantation is a long-term programme that extends beyond surgery, encompassing appropriate diagnosis and referral, clinical assessment, surgery, audiological support, habilitation and follow-up. In India, factors including awareness, affordability, access to specialised care, parental acceptance, surgical capacity and rehabilitation continue to influence uptake, particularly among children.

MED-EL is committed to supporting efforts that enable more people with severe to profound hearing loss to access appropriate intervention and long-term care.

Following the launch of SONNET 3, MED-EL’s priorities in India include growing its presence across private and government healthcare institutions, deepening partnerships with existing implant centres and identifying strategic opportunities to expand access to cochlear implant services.

The company’s approach is built on sustainable clinical partnerships, recognising that cochlear implantation requires lifelong support rather than a one-time intervention. MED-EL will continue working with healthcare professionals and implant centres to enhance the patient journey and support the growth of cochlear implantation in India.