{
  "id": 11198752,
  "title": "MED EL introduces first fully internal subcutaneous cochlear implant system",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/med-el-introduces-first-fully-internal-subcutaneous-cochlear-implant",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-01T13:14:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Vietnam Investment Review",
    "slug": "vietnam-investment-review",
    "url": "https://vir.com.vn/med-el-introduces-first-fully-internal-subcutaneous-cochlear-implant-system-161841.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Innsbruck, Austria - Newsaktuell reported that MED-EL, a global leader in hearing implant technology, has introduced TICI UNICO, the first commercially available totally invisible cochlear implant. TICI UNICO is designed for individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss and enables continuous hearing 24/7 while remaining completely beneath the skin. The device has received CE Mark approval and will be launched in European markets. MED-EL claims that TICI UNICO expands hearing implant options by providing continuous hearing with complete invisibility and freedom from external audio processors, allowing users to hear while sleeping, exercising, showering, and swimming, as well as during charging. Dr. Ingeborg Hochmair, co-founder and CEO of MED-EL, stated that TICI UNICO represents a milestone for people with hearing loss, marking the first time invisible hearing with a cochlear implant has become possible. The device's key benefits include being completely invisible, providing 24/7 access to sound, eliminating the need for external equipment, and ensuring comparable hearing performance to established cochlear implant solutions. Experts in the field, including Prof. Philippe Lefèbvre and Prof. Joachim Müller, emphasized the significance of TICI UNICO, noting that it opens the door to a new generation of hearing implants and grants recipients the freedom of hearing. Thomas, one of the first TICI UNICO recipients, shared his experience, saying that he wakes up hearing, falls asleep hearing, and can enjoy everyday moments without having to think about his hearing device. TICI UNICO is intended for individuals with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss who may benefit from a cochlear implant.",
  "summary": "Medical device manufacturer MED EL commercialised a fully internal cochlear implant embedding all audio processing hardware beneath the skin to enable uninterrupted hearing",
  "key_points": [
    "MED-EL introduces TICI UNICO, first fully internal cochlear implant",
    "Device provides 24/7 continuous hearing, completely invisible beneath skin",
    "TICI UNICO expands hearing implant options, enables normal daily activities"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}