MED-EL's Monthly Service Rate of different audio processor generations

MED-EL’s commitment to continuous improvement extends to its entire line of cochlear implants, audio processors, accessories and services.

In order to monitor and compare the reliability of audio processors, MED-EL documents the “monthly service rate”, the percentage of delivered audio processors that are returned for service. The causes for returning audio processors are noted and stratified according to four different categories: mechanical failures, electrical failures, misuse and others.

Monthly Service Rate
To monitor the reliability of our external components, the audio processor contol unit, we calculate the “Monthly Service Rate (MSR)”. This number reflects the percentage of devices in the field which are returned for service. A calculation of the Cumulative Survival Rate (CSR) for the speech processors does not make sense, because there is no clear definition for the “end of lifetime” of an audio processor (e.g., an audio processor can be repaired several times). So the MSR is calculated using the following formula:

Average Monthly Service Rate

The "Average Monthly Service Rate" corresponds to the mean value of the "Monthly Service Rate" for the observation period.

The graph below illustrates the MED-EL documentation on Average Monthly Service Rate (aMSR) data for various generations of audio processors. It clearly demonstrates the continuous advances in technologies and manufacturing implemented over several device generations. Service rates are significantly reduced in newer device generations with oustanding reliability records for the newest OPUS audio processors.


 
Another major step forward related to MED-EL manufacturing technologies has been made with the introduction of the OPUS 2 processor. The unique switch free design demonstrates an outstanding average monthly service rate of only 0.62%.