Cochlear Highlights Five Ways Treatment for Hearing Loss Can

1. Cochlear Highlights Five Ways Treatment for Hearing Loss Can Change a Person’s Life From health, to work, to home-life and more, people who seek solutions and treatment for hearing loss have everything to gain Centennial, CO, January 07, 2013 - Hearing loss is the third most common health condition in theUnited States, affecting more than 38 million Americans. It can happen to anyone and can occurat any stage of life, negatively affecting everything from work-life to home-life, relationships withfriends and family and even mental and emotional health.ii It is for these reasons and many morethat Cochlear, the world’s leading implantable hearing solutions company, has released five waysthat advanced treatment for hearing loss may be able to transform a person’s life. With the latest in hearing technology, including cochlear implants and bone conduction systems, those with hearing loss now have the opportunity to enhance their world. Below are five ways thatthe introduction of sound may be able to transform an individual’s life: 1. Health. Fatigue, tension, stress, depression and even dementiaiv are all physical symptomscited by experts as ailments linked to hearing loss. From an emotional perspective, people withhearing loss may experience irritability, anger, negativism and diminished psychological health.vHowever, the good news is when the ability to hear is regained, overall physical and psychologicalhealth can be improved. 2. Career. Reduced job performance and earning potential - and the resulting loss of identity andself-esteem - are also effects of hearing loss. The ability for an individual with hearing loss tocarry out assigned tasks in a workplace environment can be severely hampered by factors such asbackground noise, acoustics and unfamiliarity with surroundings. Treatment for hearing loss oftenhelps individuals feel more confident and prepared when they are on the job. 3. Daily Conveniences. Difficulty hearing the TV, alarm clock, radio, conversations over the phoneor the words of another person are not just inconveniences but also potentially life-changingchallenges that can lead to embarrassment, anxiety and even social withdrawal. People whostruggle with these challenges due to difficulties with hearing loss may be able to overcomethese everyday obstacles by seeking treatment for their hearing loss. 4. Special Moments. Be it the crack of a bat at a little league game, the soft serenade of weddingmusic, or collective laughter of friends at a dinner party, many of life’s most wonderful momentscan be missed due to hearing loss. This can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Improvedhearing can allow individuals to participate more in life and better enjoy the special moments. 5. Relationships. The inability to share intimate conversations or treasured moments because communication through conversation has been lost may be one of the most devastating effects ofhearing impairment. Improved hearing through treatment options, like a cochlear implant or boneconduction system, can afford individuals the opportunity to be more fully engaged with thosespecial people in their life.

2. As the industry pioneer, Cochlear is a trusted partner in helping individuals better understand thescience behind treatments for hearing loss, specifically relating to hearing implants. For those whohave questions or are interested in learning more, Cochlear offers a Concierge service, allowingpeople considering the solutions to be counseled by a licensed audiologist who is also a cochlearimplant recipient or a parent of a cochlear implant recipient. Speak directly with the Concierge byphone at 1-800-483-3123, chat online or email Concierge@Cochlear.com. About Cochlear Implants: Cochlear implants are a proven medical option for infants as young as 12 months old withprofound hearing loss, children aged two and older with severe to profound hearing loss, andadults with moderate-to-profound hearing loss. These devices bypass damaged portions of theinner ear and directly stimulate the hearing nerve, or cochlea. About Bone Conduction Systems Bone conduction systems are a proven medical option for adults and children with conductivehearing loss, mixed hearing loss, and single-sided sensorineural deafness and meet the candidacycriteria. Using bone conduction instead of air conduction to interpret sound, the Baha® Systemdoes not amplify sound like a hearing aid; it bypasses the outer and middle ear and uses thenatural conductive properties of bone to transfer sound. About Cochlear: Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. It has a dedicated global team ofmore than 2,500 people who deliver the gift of sound to those with hearing loss in over 100countries. Its vision is to connect people, young and old, to a world of sound by offering lifeenhancing hearing solutions. The Cochlear promise of “Hear now. And always” embodies the company’s commitment to providing its recipients with the best possible hearing performance today and for the rest of theirlives. For over 30 years, Cochlear has helped hundreds of thousands of people either hear for thefirst time or reconnect them to their families, friends, workplaces and communities. For more information, visit Cochlear.com/US. Contact: Kerri LewandowskiCochlear Americas 13059 E. Peakview AvenueCentennial, CO 80111 USA303-264-2333 KLewandowski@Cochlear.comhttp://www.Cochlear.com ###