MED-EL Introduces New Rechargeable Battery Options for the SONNET 3 Audio Processor

February 26, 2026 – (Innsbruck, Austria): MED-EL, a global leader in hearing implant technology, unveils a powerful upgrade to its SONNET 3 audio processor: two new rechargeable battery options offer users longer battery life, improved usability, and greater flexibility in everyday hearing.

• Up to 23 hours of hearing with two new rechargeable battery options
• Smart, user-focused design featuring fast USB-C charging, child-safe locks, and eco-friendly packaging
• Compact, waterproof, and streaming-ready with intuitive control via the AudioKey 3 and HearCare MED-EL apps

Two battery sizes to suit individual needs

The Standard Pro battery delivers up to 23 hours of hearing on a single charge, while the Micro Pro offers up to 12 hours in MED-EL’s smallest behind-the-ear audio processor. Both batteries feature a simplified two-part design, fast charging in up to 3 hours, and support over 1,100 charging cycles. Charging is possible while attached to the processor or separately, with magnetic alignment and LED indicators at the charger for ease of use. These runtimes are supported across MED‑EL implants dating back to 1994, allowing many existing users to benefit from the upgrade without changing their implant.

“Battery life and usability are essential to everyday hearing,” says Jennifer Robinson, Corporate Director of Product Management Hearing Solutions at MED-EL. “These new rechargeable batteries reflect our commitment to user-centered innovation. With up to 23 hours of hearing time and a simplified, compact design, they give users more freedom to focus on life – not on managing their device.”

Designed for Everyday Use

The new battery kits include:

• Child-safe battery covers for added peace of mind
• Easy USB-C charging on or off the processor, with magnetic alignment and LED status light
• Small, eco-friendly packaging with reduced plastic waste
• Pre‑assembled kits with a disposable battery pack and a preselected coil magnet strength for faster fittings. Pro kits are packaged separately.

About SONNET 3: Smart Control and Connectivity

SONNET 3 is MED-EL’s smallest and lightest behind-the-ear audio processor, designed for comfort, durability, and ease of use. It features:

• IP68 waterproof rating for protection against sweat, rain, splashes, and brief immersions in natural water – even with the new batteries.
• Flexible earhook and capacitive touch key for intuitive handling and lasting wearing comfort
• Direct wireless streaming from Android and iOS devices via ASHA and MFi (Made for iPhone) protocols
• Binaural streaming for synchronized sound in both ears
• Compatible with ASHA hearing aids for bimodal streaming, and with selected Starkey hearing aids for bimodal synchronization on iPhone. Smart control via AudioKey 3 and HearCare MED-EL apps, enabling users to personalize their hearing experience, monitor device performance, and access remote support – all from their smartphone – anytime and anywhere. The processor is also compatible with selected Starkey hearing aids for convenient bimodal streaming.

SONNET 3 also works with accessories such as AudioLink XT (remote microphone, TV streamer, telecoil interface, and FM receiver), FineTuner Echo (manual control and processor check), and WaterWear for chlorinated or salt water and when participating in prolonged, intense water activities.

The new Standard Pro and Micro Pro rechargeable batteries offer flexible, long-lasting power options for users as part of the SONNET 3 system. They are also backwards compatible with SONNET 2, providing a seamless upgrade path for users with existing devices. Availability is expected from March 2026. For more information about SONNET 3 and its latest battery innovation, please visit the MED-EL website.

About MED-EL

MED-EL Medical Electronics, a leader in implantable hearing solutions, is driven by a mission to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication and quality of life. The Austrian-based, privately owned business was co-founded by industry pioneers Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair, whose ground-breaking research led to the development of the world’s first micro-electronic multi-channel cochlear implant (CI), which was successfully implanted in 1977 and was the basis for what is known as the modern CI today. This laid the foundation for the successful growth of the company in 1990, when they hired their first employees. To date, MED-EL has more than 3,100 employees from around 90 nations and 30 locations worldwide.
The company offers the widest range of implantable and non-implantable solutions to treat all types of hearing loss, enabling people in 140 countries enjoy the gift of hearing with the help of a MED-EL device. MED-EL’s hearing solutions include cochlear and middle ear implant systems, a combined electric acoustic stimulation hearing implant system, auditory brainstem implants as well as surgical and non-surgical bone conduction devices. www.medel.com 

CEO

Doz. DI Dr DDr med. h.c. Ingeborg Hochmair

Press Contact

PR & Corporate Communications
MED-EL Medical Electronics
Fürstenweg 77a
6020 Innsbruck
Austria
T: +43 5 7788
E: [email protected]