Australian hearing device maker Cochlear Ltd. has announced a new hearing implant processor that is natively compatible with Apple Inc.’s range of iOS devices such as the iPhone.

The newly announced Nucleus 7 Sound Processor, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June, allows users to gain access to sound automatically from an iPhone, iPad or iPod without the need for an additional device to make the connection. Cochlear devices have previously been compatible with smartphones and similar devices but required the user to connect a Bluetooth device, often hung around the neck, to make the link to capture audio. The new processor negates that need by providing a direct, automatic connection.

In addition to sound support, users will also be able to control, monitor and customize their hearing on their iOS device through a new Nucleus Smart App available from the App Store.

“The approval of the Nucleus 7 Sound Processor is a turning point for people with hearing loss, opening the door for them to make phone calls, listen to music in high-quality stereo sound, watch videos and have FaceTime calls streamed directly to their cochlear implant,” Cochlear Chief Executive Officer Chris Smith said in a statement. “This new sound processor builds on our long-standing commitment to help more people with hearing loss connect with others and live a full life.”

Apple is pitching the deal as part of their commitment to “being the best.” Sarah Herrlinger, senior manager for global accessibility policy and initiatives at Apple, told TechCrunch that “we want everybody to use our technology and to say ‘wow my iPhone is the best piece of technology I’ve ever used before’ … with every iteration of our operating system our goal is to add in new accessibility features in order to expand the support that we can give to people all over the world.”

Existing users of Cochlear implants can gain access to the new Nucleus 7 Sound Processor when it goes on sale in September by upgrading the processor. Cochlear transplants include a receiver inside the ear and a processor that sits outside the ear, the latter accessible without the need for surgery.

Image: Cochlear