7The HiFocus Array Family and Naida Processors

TThe Mid-Scala array

All AB arrays carry 16 planar platinum contacts but target different positions. The HiFocus Mid-Scala is a precurved, stylet-loaded array aiming for the median scala-tympani position (tip ~0.5×0.5 mm, base ~0.7×0.7 mm, array ~18.5 mm, contacts over ~15 mm, ~420–450° insertion, US release May 2013) — between lateral wall and modiolus.[2020]

CThe SlimJ array

The HiFocus SlimJ is a thin lateral-wall array for atraumatic full-duct coverage, inserted free-hand by a 'wing' (tip ~0.55×0.26 mm, base ~0.79×0.61 mm, ~23 mm length, 16 contacts over ~20 mm at ~1.3 mm spacing, ~420° at 23 mm).[2014]

TThe 1J and Helix

The HiFocus 1J is a gently curved lateral-wall array (~0.4 mm tip, ~0.8 mm base, ~25 mm, contacts over ~17 mm, ~400–500°). The precurved perimodiolar Helix (~0.6/1.1 mm, ~360–420°) has been superseded by Mid-Scala.[2006]

CThe Silastic-positioner lesson

The earliest HiFocus design used a separate Silastic positioner pushed in alongside the array to force contacts modiolarward; it was withdrawn after association with increased meningitis risk — a recurring electrode-design cautionary tale (cross-ref Module 10).

TThe Naida processor

The Naida CI Q-series processor integrates Phonak hearing-aid technology: T-Mic 2 at the ear-canal entrance, two omnidirectional mics and a headpiece mic, UltraZoom/StereoZoom beamforming, and Naida Link bimodal/CROS streaming. Q70 gained FDA approval Sept 2013, Q30/Q90 in summer 2015; it is ~40% smaller than the Harmony and compatible with CII through HiRes Ultra (not C1); the AquaMic headpiece is IP68 waterproof.

CThe Marvel generation

The later Naida CI Marvel (M90) and off-the-ear Sky CI Marvel (pediatric) bring onboard Bluetooth streaming and AutoSense OS scene classification, pairing with Phonak Marvel/Naida Link M for bimodal users (exact FDA dates and mic counts to verify against current datasheets).