Devices

FDA-approved cochlear implant with a 16-contact HiFocus electrode, specified from the manufacturer's surgeon manual and the FDA PMA record P960058. Clinical data not extracted yet.

Catalog specification sheet - Other

Advanced Bionics HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant

Record ID
BTSD-FDA-0020
Reviewed
2026-10-08
Interface
other
Evidence stage
human

Independent, source-linked catalog sheet. Not a manufacturer-issued datasheet, regulatory decision or instructions for clinical use. Human evidence does not establish approval. Source-specific restrictions, conflicts and missing specifications are retained below.

Advanced Bionics HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant

The HiRes Ultra 3D is Advanced Bionics’ current FDA-approved cochlear implant, with a choice of SlimJ or Mid-Scala 16-contact electrodes. Hardware values come from the manufacturer’s surgeon manual, so they are manufacturer-stated. Clinical trial values are Unreported pending a deeper pass.

Identity

FieldValue and source scope
DeviceAdvanced Bionics HiRes Ultra 3D Cochlear Implant with HiFocus SlimJ or HiFocus Mid-Scala electrode, part of the HiResolution Bionic Ear System [1][2]
ManufacturerAdvanced Bionics, Valencia, California [2]
Interface classCochlear implant with a 16-contact electrode array and external processor [1]
OriginCommercial FDA-approved device; PMA P960058 [2]
First demonstratedUnreported
First human implantUnreported
Species studiedUnreported
Regulatory statusPMA P960058; the latest supplement I read is S166, decision December 18, 2024 (30-day notice, manufacturing and surgical tool change). Original and Ultra 3D approval dates not extracted [2]
FunctionProvides useful hearing to individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss [3]
Target tissueCochlea [1]

Geometry and architecture

FieldValue and source scope
Interface typeHiFocus SlimJ (lateral wall) or HiFocus Mid-Scala electrode array [1]
Array layoutUnreported
Electrode count16 platinum contacts [1]
PitchContact spacing 1.3 mm (SlimJ) and 0.975 mm (Mid-Scala) [1]
Electrode lengthsActive length about 20 mm (SlimJ) and about 15 mm (Mid-Scala) [1]
Shank width and thicknessUnreported
Tip and exposed site geometryUnreported
Contact coatingUnreported
InsulationUnreported
Insertion methodUnreported
Anchoring and fixationUnreported

Electrode and channel physics

FieldValue and source scope
Exposed site areaUnreported
Electrode materialPlatinum contacts on platinum-iridium wires in a flexible silicone carrier; minimum exposed contact area 0.12 mm2 [1]
Impedance (with measurement frequency)Unreported
Noise floor or SNRUnreported
Recording modalityUnreported
Sampling rateUnreported
Stimulation capabilityUp to 83,000 pulses per second (software limited); 16 independent output circuits; up to 120 sites of stimulation (software limited); pulse amplitude 0-2040 uA; pulse width 10.78-229 us; monopolar configuration [1]
Charge injection limitUnreported
Reference and groundUnreported

Tissue interface and bioresponse

FieldValue and source scope
Target tissueUnreported
Insertion trauma and BBB disruptionUnreported
Vascular disruption riskUnreported
Micromotion sensitivityUnreported
Gliosis and encapsulationUnreported
Neuron loss near sitesUnreported
Foreign-body response mitigationUnreported
Typical failure modesUnreported

System architecture

FieldValue and source scope
Onboard electronicsHermetically sealed titanium case with removable magnet and telemetry coil in silicone; 25 mm wide at case, 28.5 mm at antenna, 56.2 mm long, 4.5 mm thick; 11 g; volume 4800 mm3 [1]
Data pathBi-directional inductive telemetry; 90 kHz information update rate; neural response imaging and impedance diagnostics [1]
Telemetry bandwidthUnreported
Sampling rateUnreported
PowerUnreported
Thermal managementUnreported
Packaging and hermeticityUnreported
MRI compatibilityMagnet can be left in place for 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI scans per the surgeon manual; see the MRI safety document [1]
Surgical complexityFree-hand or stylet insertion; a maximum of 3 insertions for either electrode [1]
Output connectorsUnreported

Performance envelope

FieldValue and source scope
Acute yieldUnreported
Chronic yieldUnreported
Stability over timeUnreported
LongevityUnreported
Revision and explant experienceUnreported
Adverse eventsUnreported
Notable demonstrationsUnreported

Clinical and preclinical evidence

FieldValue and source scope
Human subjectsUnreported
Preclinical cohortUnreported
Follow-up durationUnreported
IndicationsUnreported
Trials and registriesUnreported
Primary outcomesUnreported
Key limitationsSource is the manufacturer’s surgeon manual and an FDA supplement record. Clinical trial data were not extracted here, so those cells read Unreported [1][2]

Engineering tradeoffs

FieldValue and source scope
StrengthsUnreported
LimitationsUnreported
Scaling constraintsUnreported

Version boundary

The surgeon manual covers the HiRes Ultra 3D with HiFocus SlimJ and Mid-Scala electrodes. The related HiRes Ultra implant is not described.

References

  1. Advanced Bionics, Surgeon Manual, HiRes Ultra 3D.
  2. FDA PMA record, P960058/S166.
  3. Advanced Bionics, HiResolution Bionic Ear System IFU.