Hearing Aid Company Makichie Partners with Cochlear Implant Developer Advanced Bionics; Begins Handling Cochlear Implants

Makichie Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nihonbashi, Tokyo / President and CEO: Tomoyoshi Hiramatsu) has recently signed a distribution agreement with Advanced Bionics (Headquarters: Valencia, California, USA / President: Alistair Simpson). Starting April 1, 2026, Makichie will become the exclusive domestic distributor for their cochlear implants in Japan.

With the start of handling cochlear implants, it has become possible to provide more seamless support for severe to profound hearing loss that could not be fully addressed with hearing aids.

Until now, Makichie, as a comprehensive hearing aid company, has supported the improvement of patients' hearing under the guidance of otolaryngologists through the development, manufacturing, and sales of hearing aids.

However, the reality is that hearing aids alone may not be sufficient for those with severe to profound hearing loss.

With the newly acquired handling of cochlear implants, it has become possible to provide more seamless support for the aforementioned patients. As a result, Makichie will handle hearing aids, tinnitus treatment devices, audiometric equipment, and cochlear implants, and is expected to realize comprehensive patient support in the field of "hearing," rather than just remaining in the hearing aid field.

As a company that supports patients' hearing under the guidance of otolaryngologists, Makichie will face hearing loss more than ever and respond to the various hearing needs of patients.

What is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is a medical device that supplements hearing by surgically implanting electrodes in the body (the cochlea of the inner ear), converting sound into electrical signals, and directly stimulating the auditory nerve. Even for those with severe to profound hearing loss who cannot be adequately covered by hearing aids, hearing may improve after surgery and rehabilitation.

Supporting Cases Using Both Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants
Among those diagnosed as suitable for cochlear implants, there are cases where a hearing aid is worn on the other ear. By handling both hearing aids and cochlear implants, Makichie has established a system to provide consistent support for such patients as well.

Advanced Bionics Company Profile
Company Name: Advanced Bionics
Japanese Subsidiary: Nihon Bionics Co., Ltd.
Main Business: Development, manufacturing, and sales of cochlear implants
Established: