The Baha system is intended for treatment of patients who have conductive or mixed hearing loss as a result of certain medical conditions such as bilateral atresia and chronic supportive otitis media, and for those who have Single-Sided Deafness (SSD) caused by a congenital condition, surgery, trauma or disease. The Baha SoundArc, the subject of this Special 510(K), provides a discreet point for connection of existing external Baha sound processors for long-term use on persons of any age, without the need for surgery. The Baha SoundArc may also be used in test situations. The Baha SoundArc does not modify the intended use, functionality, or fundamental operating principles of the Baha svstem.
Device Story
Baha SoundArc is an encapsulated spring wire headband worn behind the head; provides a non-surgical mounting point for existing Baha sound processors. Device holds processor against mastoid bone; vibrations transfer through skin to skull for bone conduction hearing. Used by patients of any age with conductive/mixed hearing loss or SSD; serves as alternative to surgical implants or existing headbands/Softbands. Operated by patient or caregiver; provides discreet, long-term wear option. Output is amplified sound via bone conduction; improves hearing for patients unable or unwilling to undergo surgery. No modification to sound processor function; device acts as mechanical interface.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance was established through functional and performance tests, design and specification analysis, and biocompatibility evaluation of new materials (Silopren LSR 4040 and Grilamid L 25). Results demonstrated functional equivalence to the predicate system.
Technological Characteristics
Encapsulated spring wire headband with symmetrical disc holder. Materials: Silopren LSR 4040 and Grilamid L 25 (polyamide). Mechanical coupling via snap-coupling to Baha sound processors. Non-surgical, passive bone conduction interface. Biocompatibility evaluated per ISO 10993-1.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients of any age with conductive or mixed hearing loss (bone-conduction thresholds ≤45-65 dB HL depending on processor) or unilateral sensorineural deafness (SSD) with normal hearing in the contralateral ear (air-conduction threshold ≤20 dB HL). Also indicated for patients who cannot or will not use an air conduction CROS hearing aid. Contraindicated for patients who can or choose to have an implant.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A bone-conduction hearing aid is a wearable sound-amplifying device intended to compensate for impaired hearing and that conducts sound to the inner ear through the skull. The non-implantable components of a bone-conduction hearing aid, such as the external sound processor, are subject to the requirements in § 801.422 of this chapter.
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Image /page/0/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized image of three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other. The profiles are black and are arranged to create a sense of depth. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circle around the profiles.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - W O66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Cochlear Americas Beth Murray Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 13059 E. Peakview Avenue Centennial, CO 80111
June 7, 2017
Re: K171088
Trade/Device Name: Cochlear™ Baha® SoundArc Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.3300 Regulation Name: Hearing Aid Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LXB Dated: May 12, 2017 Received: May 15, 2017
Dear Beth Murray:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Actinclude requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Eric A. Mann -S
for Malvina B. Eydelman, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K171088
Device Name Cochlear Baha® SoundArc
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Cochlear Baha® SoundArc is intended for test situations and for patients who cannot or choose not to have an implant for the following indications for use:
· Patients of any age who have a conductive or mixed hearing loss and can still benefit from sound amplification. The pure tone average bone-conduction hearing thressured at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3kHz) should be better than or equal to 45 dB HL for use with the BP100, Baha 4 and Baha 5 sound processors, 55 dB HL for use with the BP110 Power and Baha 5 Power sound processors, and better than or equal to 65 dB HL for use with the Cordelle II and Baha 5 SuperPower Sound Processors.
· Bilateral fitting is intended for patients who meet the above criterion in both ears, with bilaterally symmetric moderate to severe conductive or mixed hearing loss. Symmetrical bone-conductive thresholds are defined as 10 dB average difference between ears (measured at 0.5, 1,2, and 3 kHz), or less than a 15dB difference at individual frequencies.
· Patients who suffer from unilateral sensorineural deafness in one ear with normal hearing in the other ear (i.e. Singlesided deafness: SSDTM). Normal hearing is defined as a pure tone average air-conduction hearing threshold (measured at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz) of better than or equal to 20 dB HL.
· Baha for SSD is also indicated for any patient who is indicated for an air conduction contralateral routing of signals (AC CROS) hearing aid, but who for some reason cannot or will not use an AC CROS.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span>☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> <span>☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
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#### K171088
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Cochlear, a company that specializes in hearing solutions. The logo features a stylized, golden-yellow spiral shape resembling a cochlea, which is the part of the inner ear responsible for hearing. Below the spiral is the company name, "Cochlear™", in a simple, sans-serif font.
Sound Processors of the Baha system: K080363, K090720,
K110996, K132278, K142907, K153245, K161123
Hear now. And always
# 510(k) Summary A. Submitter Information
Secondary System Predicates:
| Submitted by: | Cochlear Americas<br>13059 East Peakview Ave.<br>Centennial, CO 80111 |
|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| On behalf of the manufacturer | Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB<br>Konstruktionsvägen 14<br>SE-435 33 Mölnlycke<br>Sweden<br>(Establishment Number 9616024) |
| Contact: | Beth Murray<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Cochlear Americas<br>bemurray@cochlear.com<br>(303) 264-2318 (o)<br>(303) 524-6825 (f) |
| B. Date Prepared | April 11, 2017 |
| C. Device Class | II |
| D. Device Name | Cochlear™ Baha® SoundArc |
| Trade/Proprietary Name: | Baha SoundArc |
| Common/Usual Name: | Headband for Bone Conduction Hearing Aid |
| Classification Name: | Hearing Aid, Bone Conduction, Implanted<br>21 CFR 874.3300, Class II |
| Classification Panel | Ear, Nose, and Throat |
| Product Code: | LXB |
| E. Predicate Device(s) | |
| Trade or Proprietary Name: | Cochlear™ Baha® system |
| Common/Usual Name: | Implanted Bone Conduction Hearing Aid |
| Classification Name: | Bone Conduction Hearing Aid |
| Classification Status: | Class II, 21 CFR §874.3300 |
| Product Codes: | LXB |
| Panel: | Ear Nose and Throat Devices Panel |
| Primary System Predicate | Baha headband/Softband, K002913 |
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#### K171088
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the Cochlear logo. The logo features a stylized yellow seashell-like symbol to the left of the word "Cochlear" in black font. To the right of the company name is the phrase "Hear now. And always" in a handwritten-style font.
## F. Purpose of Submission
The purpose of this Special 510(k) is to introduce a new style of headband, known as Baha SoundArc, which can be used by people of any age and attaches to the existing cleared Baha sound processors. Baha SoundArc provides a more discrete alternative to the currently marketed non-surgical bone conduction options offered by Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions (CBAS).
## G. Device Description
Baha SoundArc is an encapsulated spring wire that wraps around the back of the head and sits behind and above the ears. SoundArc is designed with a symmetrical disc holder that holds the Baha sound processor in place, and is compatible with existing Baha sound processors. The design of SoundArc enables the Baha device to be placed against the skull for operation without the need for a Baha implant to be placed.
# H. Intended Use
The Baha system is intended for treatment of patients who have conductive or mixed hearing loss as a result of certain medical conditions such as bilateral atresia and chronic supportive otitis media, and for those who have Single-Sided Deafness (SSD) caused by a congenital condition, surgery, trauma or disease.
The Baha SoundArc, the subject of this Special 510(K), provides a discreet point for connection of existing external Baha sound processors for long-term use on persons of any age, without the need for surgery. The Baha SoundArc may also be used in test situations. The Baha SoundArc does not modify the intended use, functionality, or fundamental operating principles of the Baha svstem.
## I. Indications for Use
The Cochlear Baha® SoundArc is intended for test situations and for patients who cannot or choose not to have an implant for the following indications for use:
- Patients of any age who have a conductive or mixed hearing loss and can still benefit . from sound amplification. The pure tone average bone-conduction hearing threshold (measured at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3kHz) should be better than or equal to 45 dB HL for use with the BP100, Baha 4 and Baha 5 sound processors, 55 dB HL for use with the BP110 Power and Baha 5 Power sound processors, and better than or equal to 65 dB HL for use with the Cordelle II and Baha 5 SuperPower Sound Processors.
- Bilateral fitting is intended for patients who meet the above criterion in both ears, with bilaterally symmetric moderate to severe conductive or mixed hearing loss. Symmetrical bone-conductive thresholds are defined as less than a 10 dB average difference between ears (measured at 0.5, 1,2, and 3 kHz), or less than a 15dB difference at individual frequencies.
{5}------------------------------------------------
#### K171088
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image contains the Cochlear logo, which features a stylized yellow spiral shape. Next to the logo, the word "Cochlear" is written in a simple, sans-serif font. Below the logo, the tagline "Hear now. And always" is written in a cursive font.
- Patients who suffer from unilateral sensorineural deafness in one ear with normal hearing . in the other ear (i.e. Single-sided deafness: SSDTM). Normal hearing is defined as a pure tone average air-conduction hearing threshold (measured at 0.5, 1. 2. and 3 kHz) of better than or equal to 20 dB HL.
- . Baha for SSD is also indicated for any patient who is indicated for an air conduction contralateral routing of signals (AC CROS) hearing aid, but who for some reason cannot or will not use an AC CROS.
# J. Technological Characteristics
Like the existing Baha Softband and headband, SoundArc transfers vibrations from the sound processor to the mastoid through the skin, without the need for surgery. SoundArc has the same intended use as the currently cleared Baha system, and the same fundamental operating principles and functional characteristics as the existing non-surgical bone conduction headband and Softband for Baha. The existing cleared range of Baha sound processors attach to the SoundArc in the same manner as the predicate device, through snap coupling.
#### K. Materials
The following new materials in direct and prolonged contact have been evaluated per 10993-1 and shown to be biocompatible and safe for human use:
- Silopren LSR 4040 ●
- Grilamid L 25 (polyamide) Natural 6112
## L. Performance Data
Performance testing was conducted based on a comparison between the proposed SoundArc and the legally marketed Softband and the current Baha sound processors of the predicate Baha system. Substantial equivalence to the predicate system was accomplished through functional and performance tests, design and specification analysis, and biocompatibility evaluation. The results demonstrated the Baha SoundArc is functionally equivalent to the predicate system.
## M. Conclusion
Based on the indications for use, technological characteristics, and substantial equivalence comparison to the predicate system, SoundArc has been shown to be safe and effective for its intended use.
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Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.