Not All Hearing Solutions Are Created Equal
In Singapore’s fast-paced, communication-driven society, hearing clearly is not just a medical need — it’s a quality of life issue. Whether it’s engaging in conversations at hawker centres or attending business meetings downtown, Singaporeans with hearing loss deserve the most effective technology available.
At first glance, all hearing solutions may seem similar. But when you compare traditional or limited hearing aid setups to the advanced Marvel CI + Phonak system, the differences are not only significant — they’re life-changing. This article unpacks how Marvel CI with Link M outperforms conventional solutions by offering a truly balanced bimodal hearing experience, transforming how users interact with the world around them.
Traditional and Limited Hearing Aid Solutions: The Gaps You Shouldn’t Ignore
Most people start their hearing journey with a standard hearing aid — and it’s a valuable first step. Traditional systems typically offer:
- Streaming to a preferred ear only
- Basic hearing from both ears
- Shared accessories
- Non-synced processing that can feel unnatural
Limited hearing aid setups offer some improvements, such as app control and bimodal streaming from a few devices. However, they still fall short in creating a fully immersive and natural hearing environment. They often lack real-time coordination between both ears, causing inconsistent sound perception — especially in dynamic settings like MRT stations or food courts.
Marvel CI + Phonak: A Seamless, Bimodal Hearing Experience
The Marvel Cochlear Implant (CI) with Phonak Naida Link M hearing aid represents a major leap forward in hearing care. Designed to mimic natural hearing, this solution ensures both ears are working in harmony, thanks to a range of advanced features:
1.StereoZoom: Focused Hearing in Noisy Environments
In challenging listening situations, such as crowded hawker centres or bustling MRT stations, focusing on one voice can be difficult. That’s where Marvel CI with Phonak’s StereoZoom feature shines. Unlike traditional omnidirectional microphones that pick up sounds from all directions, StereoZoom narrows the focus to the speaker directly in front of the user. By creating a narrow beam and reducing background noise, it significantly enhances speech understanding in noisy environments. This makes conversations more comfortable and less fatiguing, allowing users to stay engaged and confident even in the most complex soundscapes.
2. Synced Timing for Natural Sound
In older solutions, there’s often a slight delay between what each ear hears. That is because a cochlear implant provides electric stimulation which is much faster than hearing aid which provides acoustic stimulation. The CI stimulates the hearing nerve almost instantly while sound from the hearing aid has to travel through the outer and middle ear before stimulating the hearing nerve. This difference in transmission speed is what causes the delay in the sound reaching the brain. With our Marvel CI M and Phonak Naida Link, both devices are designed to send sound to the brain at the same time. The Marvel CI system eliminates this issue through synced timing, ensuring both ears process sound in perfect alignment. This avoids the jarring effect of echo or lag, creating a more fluid and natural auditory experience.
3. Instant Data Sharing Across Devices
The Marvel CI system features broadband data transfer between the cochlear implant and hearing aid. This real-time sharing ensures that sound settings, volume, and environmental adjustments are always in sync. Whether you’re walking through Orchard Road or chatting in a kopi tiam, your hearing devices are adapting together.
Why These Features Matter: The Impact on Daily Life
The benefits of Marvel CI + Phonak aren’t just technical — they’re deeply practical.
- Clearer Conversations: Whether it’s a boardroom presentation or chatting with loved ones, synced sound helps reduce miscommunication and listening fatigue.
- Better in Noisy Environments: With both devices sharing AI-driven noise classification, users experience less strain in loud spaces.
- Effortless Control: AB Remove app manages both devices — from volume to changing programs and device check — making it easy for users to make quick adjustments on the go.
- Hands-Free Communication: Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free calling, users can stay connected while commuting or working.
Practical Tips for Those Considering a Cochlear Implant in Singapore
If you’re exploring cochlear implants or are currently using a hearing aid setup, here’s what you should consider:
- Get Your Hearing Tested: Ask your audiologist about testing your hearing to see if you are a suitable candidate for cochlear implant.
- Consider Connectivity Needs: If you rely on Bluetooth streaming, ensure your system offers universal compatibility (Marvel CI + Phonak does).
- Think Long-Term: The goal isn’t just to hear — it’s to understand with ease and comfort over time.
Experience the Full Potential of Hearing
The journey from a traditional hearing aid to a Marvel CI + Phonak system is more than just a technological upgrade — it’s a transformation in quality of life. With features like Speech in 360°, real-time data sharing, and synced audio processing, users can enjoy more natural, comfortable, and effortless hearing than ever before.At Cochlear Implant by The Listening Lab, we’re dedicated to helping Singaporeans make informed, empowered decisions about their hearing care. Visit www.cochlearimplant.sg to explore solutions, book a consultation, or learn more about the Marvel CI + Phonak system.