Cochlear will host a webinar for audiologists, audiometrists, and healthcare professionals whose patients have hearing loss and wear hearing aids.
During the one-hour webinar on 12 August 2025, attendees will gain valuable insights into key features of Cochlear’s new Nucleus Nexa System, the world’s first and only smart cochlear implant.
They will also learn how to identify and refer potential candidates for assessment.
Cochlear says the live virtual event is designed for audiologists looking to stay ahead in hearing care innovation.
“This webinar is intended for audiologists, audiometrists, and healthcare professionals who work with individuals experiencing hearing loss and who wear hearing aids,” it says. “It is not designed for audiologists who specialise in cochlear implants, but rather for those who may refer patients for implant evaluation.”
Learning objectives are to:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the key features of the Nucleus Nexa System and what makes it the world’s first and only smart cochlear implant system.
- Gain an understanding of what makes the Nucleus Nexa System smart, responsive, and future-ready for evolving patient needs.
- Learn how to confidently identify and refer candidates for cochlear implant assessment. This will enhance the practitioner’s role in delivering hearing care across the continuum.
Speakers
Speakers include audiologist Ms Falguni Gami, clinical affairs manager at Cochlear Australia and New Zealand, who will discuss the Nucleus Nexa System and its key features.
Gami is an experienced audiologist with more than 10 years’ expertise in adult diagnostics and advanced auditory rehabilitation. Trained in the UK, she worked extensively in the public sector in the National Health Service before relocating to Australia and joining Cochlear in 2023.
As part of the clinical affairs team, Gami works closely with clinicians to improve patient outcomes through training, education, and clinical support, with a particular focus on Cochlear’s implantable technologies and their role in transforming lives.
She is passionate about evidence-based clinical practice and empowering professionals to deliver life-changing hearing care to their patients.
One of the first recipients
Mr Graham Teal, one of the first Australian recipients of the Nucleus Nexa System, will also speak about his experience.
Teal lives in a Melbourne retirement village with his wife and has an active lifestyle which benefits from his cochlear implants. He continues to run a sheep farm which he attends three to four days a week, and also enjoys socialising, pilates and movie nights.
In the retirement village, he advocates for cochlear implants to his peers.
Teal is a bilateral cochlear implant recipient, having received his first implant in 2017 and a second one – the Nucleus Nexa – in May 2025. He has Nucleus 8 Sound Processors on both sides and is progressing well with the Nexa implant.
Why target audiologists who don’t map CIs?
Gami said it is well known in the industry that in Australia and New Zealand, it is estimated that less than 10% of adults who would significantly benefit from a cochlear implant receive one.
“Patients may not be aware or familiar with cochlear implants as a potential solution for their hearing loss,” she said. “Health care professionals play a key role in identifying and counselling candidates eligible for a cochlear implant.”
Even if audiologists don’t fit or program implants, understanding the technology allows them to educate and reassure patients considering other options, she said.
“It is important for health care professionals to be across the latest hearing technologies and the features and benefits offered so they can confidently counsel patients on the next best step if hearing aids are no longer enough,” Gami said.
“Patients often ask about all available options. Professionals who are well-informed can guide conversations, dispel myths, and help patients make empowered decisions.”
Additionally, roles and scopes of practice can evolve, she said.
“Professionals who understand cochlear implants are better prepared to expand their services or transition into implant-related roles,” Gami added. “From a continuity of care viewpoint, patients often transition from hearing aids to cochlear implants.
“Knowledge across technologies ensures smoother transitions and better long-term outcomes.”
Those who do mapping also welcome
Cochlear has been running live virtual events for health care professionals in Australia since 2020.
“We cover a variety of topics including implantable hearing solutions, new research and industry trends,” Gami said.
“Some are designed specifically for health care professionals who could refer for an implantable hearing solution, and some are designed for health care professionals who specialise in cochlear implants.
“While the upcoming webinar is intended for audiologists, audiometrists, and healthcare professionals who work with people experiencing hearing loss who wear hearing aids, health care professionals who specialise in cochlear implants are also welcome to tune in to refresh on the features and benefits of the Nucleus Nexa System and hear from a Nucleus Nexa recipient.”
Tools to advocate as a trusted guide
Gami reiterated that the Nucleus Nexa System is not just a new device.
“It represents a significant evolution in how patients experience cochlear implant care with the world’s first and only smart cochlear implant system,” she said.
“Unlike any other system, it features upgradeable firmware on the implant to enable access to future innovations as they become available, internal memory on the implant to securely store personalised hearing settings, and Dynamic Power Management to enable the world’s smallest and lightest sound processors with all-day battery life*.
“The practitioner referral is the critical first step. This webinar is designed to give them the tools to speak confidently, and advocate effectively as a trusted guide at a crucial decision point.”
Cochlear has delivered a separate training series to practitioners who specialise in cochlear implants. This included theory and practical components.
Webinar details
The webinar, entitled ‘The future of hearing. Delivered today. Introducing the Cochlear Nucleus Nexa System’, will go from noon to 1pm AEST on 12 August.
Attendance attracts 1CPD point from Audiology Australia in category 1.2, and for ACAud inc. HAASA 1 point plus 0.5 point for a quiz.
Registration closes on 12 August 2025.
Click here for more information and to register.
Disclaimer:* Battery life varies for every user, according to the age of the battery, the programs used each day, your implant type, the thickness of skin covering your implant, and the size and type of battery used. Streaming from compatible devices, True Wireless Devices or FM may decrease sound processor battery life depending on how often and for how long streaming is engaged. Full day of battery life is defined as ≥16hrs.
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