TICI UNICO
Totally Implantable Cochlear Implant
Hearing Reinvented
Introducing the world’s first commercially available totally implantable cochlear implant. With TICI UNICO, your patients can experience the superior hearing performance of MED-EL’s cochlear implants, while experiencing fewer barriers than ever before.
- The world’s first fully invisible cochlear implant
- A new level of hearing freedom for your patients
- Speech perception that matches our classic CI systems
"It's basically on 24 hours. I can go into the shower with it. I can run when it's raining. That makes life a lot easier for me. I have the ability to live, more or less, a normal life."
Thomas, TICI UNICO Recipient
"The overall satisfaction of our TICI recipients is high. They enjoy going for walks. They enjoy just jumping into a pool. Some of them enjoy just going to sleep, having a nap and not being bothered by removing the audio processor."
PD Dr. Anja Kurz, M.A.
"Fully implantable devices give the patient the ability to hear in all situations of life. What we learn from the patients with fully implantable devices is they feel more normal, and these devices can cover specific situations where external devices are somehow limited."
Prof. Joachim Müller, MD, PhD
Enhanced Quality of Life
Empower your patients with a hearing solution that lets them hear in almost any situation so they can feel more active, more confident, and more connected. With no external audio processor, there’s less for your patients—and for you—to worry about.
24-Hour Access to Sound
TICI UNICO lets your patients hear around the clock, even when sleeping. Perfect for on-call workers or parents who need to hear their children at night.
Waterproof by Design
With TICI, your patients can hear during activities such as showering and swimming, supporting uninterrupted hearing in their everyday life.
Reduced Mental Load
With no external hearing device, your patients don’t have to think so much about their hearing. There’s less everyday maintenance and nothing to lose.
No Wind Noise
Thanks to TICI’s fully implanted microphone, your patients can enjoy their outdoor activities without wind interference.
Uncompromised Performance
Your patients don’t have to compromise. TICI UNICO delivers the same clinical benefits and superior hearing performance as a MED-EL cochlear implant.
TICI UNICO is the first totally implantable cochlear implant system to match classic CI systems in speech perception tests. This is possible thanks to breakthrough microphone technology optimized for transcutaneous sound transmission, providing high signal fidelity on par with external microphones.
Straightforward Surgery
Use the workflow you know from cochlear implants. Implanting TICI UNICO uses a similar approach to classic MED-EL cochlear implants. The main difference is that you also need to implant the microphone.
"There are a few things you really need to take into account, but basically, it is not a very difficult surgery compared to regular CI surgery."
Prof. Philippe Lefèbvre, MD, PhD
Familiar Fitting
Fitting TICI UNICO is very similar to fitting a classic MED-EL CI, and takes around the same time. But with fewer components there’s less handling for audiologists, and less to teach your patients.
"We use the same number of fittings for [TICI] patients. The fitting workflow is comparable to the fitting workflow of a conventional CI."
Prof. Dr. Griet Mertens
Easy Charging
To charge TICI UNICO, all your patients need to do is place the GoPod over the implant and it will fully charge in about one hour**. Your patients can still hear while TICI charges—no hearing downtime to worry about. With up to 40 hours between charges, TICI UNICO has more than enough power to last the day.*
Charges in around 1 hour.
No time without hearing.
Lasts 40 hours between charges.
Built for Long-Term Hearing
Just as with our classic CIs, TICI UNICO is designed to be with your patients for decades. Its durable, fully integrated design is built to handle everyday environmental stressors.
And because most people will need an MRI in their lifetime, TICI is MR Conditional at both 1.5 T and 3.0 T. The battery is designed to maintain a full day of hearing on a single charge, even after 15 years of use.***
-
AdultsTICIEnglish
Thomas
TICI
Watch Video
-
AdultsTICIGerman
Sofie
TICI
Watch Video
-
AdultsTICIGerman
Harald
TICI
Watch Video
-
AdultsTICIGerman
Jenny
TICI
Watch Video
Frequently Asked Questions
TICI is an invisible cochlear implant, sometimes referred to as a totally implantable cochlear implant. All components, including the microphone, are fully implanted beneath the skin. No external device is required.
TICI UNICO is fully implanted and truly invisible while providing the benefits associated with a conventional cochlear implant. This enables carefree hearing without concerns related to water exposure or loss of an external hearing device. It also provides continuous access to sound, allowing recipients to hear while sleeping and during charging.
TICI UNICO is designed for straightforward charging. The GoPod is placed over the implant to initiate charging. TICI UNICO typically charges in around one hour** and provides approximately 40 hours of use between charges*.
TICI's battery lasts up to 40 hours between charges.* We recommend charging TICI UNICO once a day so that it can easily be built into your patient’s daily routine.
Yes. Bone conduction headphones are recommended to transmit sound directly to TICI. Alternatively, over-the-ear headphones may be positioned over the location of the TICI microphone. TICI UNICO also features integrated telecoil, which can pick up sound signals from inductive loop systems.
Yes. If desired, TICI can be switched off using the GoPod.
Yes. Hearing remains available while TICI is charging.
As TICI is fully implanted and has no external components, water, dust, and wind cannot directly affect the system. This allows hearing access during a wide range of activities, including swimming and snorkeling.
Yes. TICI UNICO is MR Conditional at 1.5 T and 3.0 T, enabling MRI examinations* without the need for surgery.**
* TICI UNICO is MR Conditional. Recipients with TICI UNICO may be safely scanned under the conditions specified in the Instructions for Use.
** Unless required for diagnostic reasons.
TICI UNICO can be switched to processor mode and used with a MED-EL audio processor, including RONDO 3 or SONNET 3.
TICI is designed to provide long-term hearing performance, with a proven and robust design comparable to conventional cochlear implants. The battery is engineered for long-term use and typically provides a full day of hearing from a single charge, even after 15 years of use.***
TICI lets people hear those everyday body sounds that people without hearing loss experience. These sounds usually fade into the background as they become part of a normal listening experience.
Contact Us
Ready to learn more about MED-EL cochlear implants? Fill out our simple contact form and we’ll get in touch with you.
Technical Data
Mi2000 TICI UNICO
Width (implant):
27.5 mm
Width (microphone):
19.6 mm
Height (implant):
60 mm
Height (microphone):
26.1 mm
Depth (stimulator):
6.7 mm
Depth (coil):
3.3 mm
Stimulation Features
- Sequential non-overlapping stimulation on 12 electrode channels
- Simultaneous (parallel) stimulation on 2 to 12 electrode channels
- 24 independent current sources
- Stimulation reference electrode on titanium housing
- Stimulation rates of up to 50,704 pulses per second
- Range of pulse phase duration: programmable 7.1-203.8 μs/phase
- Time resolution (nominal values): 1.67 μs
- Current range (nominal value): 0-1200 μA per pulse phase
Pulse Shapes
- Biphasic, symmetric triphasic, and triphasic precision pulses
Comprehensive Diagnostic Toolkit
- Status Telemetry
- Impedance and Field Telemetry (IFT)
- Electrophysiology measurements reference electrode on titanium housing
- Auditory Nerve Response Telemetry (ART™)
- Electrically Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response (EABR)
- Electrically Evoked Stapedius Reflex Threshold (ESRT)
- Electric Acoustic Evoked Potential (EAEP)
Housing Design
- Impact resistance ≥ 2.5 J
- Hermetically sealed titanium housing
- Stimulator: 27.5 mm x 32.2 mm x 6.7 mm
- Coil: 29.0 mm diameter x 3.3 mm thick (typical)
- Microphone: 19.6 mm x 26.1 mm x 5.5 mm
- Overall weight: 20 g
Implanted Rechargeable Battery Features
- Implant grade, rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Fully integrated into the housing
- Lasts up to 40 hours between charges*
- Around one hour of charging provides one day of hearing.**
- Battery lasts at least 15 years to operate a full day with only one charging cycle per day***
Sound Processing Features
- Frequency range: 70 Hz-8500 Hz
- Digital signal processing configurable with various parameters (configurable)
- 4 selectable programs
- Up to 12 band pass filters; filter characteristics (configurable)
- Non-linear amplification (maplaw) (configurable)
- Automatic gain control (AGC) (configurable)
Sound Coding Strategies
- FS4 (fine structure processing up to 1 kHz on up to 4 apical channels)
- FS4-p (fine structure processing up to 1 kHz on up to 4 apical channels with intelligent parallel stimulation for even higher temporal accuracy)
- FSP (fine structure processing typically up to 350 Hz on up to 2 apical channels)
- HD-CIS (High-Definition CIS)
- Biphasic or triphasic stimulation pulses
- Supports 250 spectral bands
Safety Features
- Independent safety capacitors for each electrode channel
- Unique implant ID (IRIS)
- Biocompatible according to ISO standard 10993-1
- Latex-free****
- Deep discharge and overcharging protection
MRI Conditions*****
- MR Conditional at 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla
- No magnet removal required, even at 3.0 Tesla
Removable S-Vector Magnet
- Removeable S-Vector magnet for minimized image distortion
- Rotatable magnet within hermetic titanium housing
- Self-aligning to external magnetic field
- Conical shape for secure placement
Compatibility
- Implant fixation screws (microphone): Screw T 1.5x4 and Screw T 1.5x5
- Charging device: GoPod
- Remote Control: FineTuner
- Compatibility with MED-EL audio processors
- SONNET 2
- SONNET 3
- RONDO 3
- Compatibility with MED-EL coils
- DL-Coil
- MAX Coil S
- MAX Programming Interface
- MAESTRO System Software 12.0 (or higher)
Connectivity
- Integrated telecoil which can pick up sound signals from inductive loop systems
GoPod
Width:
35.8 mm
Height:
46.9 mm
Depth:
12.2 mm
The GoPod is used to charge the implant battery and to switch the implant on and off.
- All-in-one design
- No pairing to the implant required, works with any TICI
- Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- At least one implant charge for one day of hearing with one GoPod charge
- Battery health is more than 80% capacity after 1,825 charge/discharge cycles
- Dimensions: 35.8 mm x 46.9 mm x 12.2 mm (WLH, with cover and magnet assembled)
- Weight: 14.9 g (with cover and magnet 1)
- Diametric magnet available in 5 strengths
- Housing: Mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer (PC/ABS)
- Biocompatible according to ISO 10993-1
- Latex-free****
- Certified to be water- and dust-resistant in specific situations (IP54)
- Push button, used to switch the GoPod on and off and to reset it
- Automatic power-off after 10 seconds when there is no connection to the implant
- Exchangeable cover
- Additional fixation options
- Socket with socket seal
- Indicator lights to indicate different conditions
- Charging possible via charging cable (e.g. connection to power bank) or wireless recharging
- Charging pad:
- Wireless charging protocol
- USB- C Interface; Input 5 V DC, 2 A; Output: 5 W max
Electrode Arrays
FLEX Series
The softest and most flexible electrode arrays, designed for Structure Preservation and Complete Cochlear Coverage. Featuring 19 active and physical platinum electrode contacts and FLEX-tip technology for atraumatic insertion. All FLEX series electrodes feature a green orientation marker for improved visibility and positioning during insertion.
FLEX34
- 28.6 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 1.3 mm
- Dimensions at apical end: 0.5 x 0.4 mm
FLEXSOFT
- 26.4 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 1.3 mm
- Dimensions at apical end: 0.5 x 0.4 mm
FLEX28
- 23.1 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 0.8 mm
- Dimensions at apical end: 0.5 x 0.4 mm
FLEX26
- 20.9 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 0.8 mm
- Dimensions at apical end: 0.5 x 0.3 mm
CLASSIC Series
Features 24 active and physical platinum electrode contacts.
STANDARD
- 26.4 mm stimulation range
- Diameter at basal end: 1.3 mm
- Diameter at apical end: 0.5 mm
* If implant battery is fully charged. Battery life dependent on individual usage.
** If charged daily. Exact charging time depends on battery level of the implant, GoPod, and skin thickness variations.
*** Based on calculations and available performance data, the battery is expected to last at least 15 years with one charging cycle per day. This estimate includes worst-case conditions, defined as clinical implant settings resulting in the highest expected energy consumption. Actual performance may vary.
**** Whereby “free” means “not made with latex” according to current FDA guidance: “Recommendations for Labeling Medical Products to Inform Users that the Product or Product Container is not Made with Natural Rubber Latex”, 2014.
***** TICI UNICO is MR conditional. Recipients with TICI UNICO may be safely MRI scanned at 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla following the conditions detailed in the Medical Procedures Manual.
