MED-EL recently launched what it calls the world’s first cochlear implant powered by wireless charging, while Cochlear has teamed with Apple to make the first “made for iPhone” cochlear implants using a sound processor that allows direct streaming from Apple devices. We take a look at the technology behind these new products and find out how hearing aids are set to benefit from innovations in accessibility.

We also review a recent breakthrough which has enabled researchers to grow bone from human stem cells and find out what it could mean for the potential culture of cellularised bone grafts, learn how ‘disruptive’ technology start-ups can help to drive innovation in the NHS, and hear from Silicon Valley Bank about the ins and outs of funding early stage medical technology development.

As always, we also round up the latest news from the medical device industry and get comment and analysis from GlobalData’s healthcare analysts, including a recap and review of business, market and product developments from 2017.

Susanne Hauner, editor