California-based Advanced Bionics announced last week that it won approval in China for its Neptune hearing aid, which the company calls "the world’s 1st and only swimmable, waterproof cochlear implant sound processor."

The device is indicated for use in oceans, lakes, rivers and pools in addition to showers and baths, AB said. The implant is designed to assist hearing both in and out of water, unlike other devices which must be removed or enclosed before swimming.

"Neptune is unique for the China [cochlear implant] market," AB China general manager Fei Liu said in prepared remarks. "This is the 1st truly swimmable CI processor in China which means the ability to hear in the pool, shower, and bath. More importantly, there is no longer a need to worry if you are caught in the rain or during the humid China summer season."

The Neptune CI also pairs with AB’s AquaMic headpiece, a waterproof microphone, as well as the company’s ClearVoice, AutoSound and HiRes Fidelity 120 hearing technologies.

The China win is more good news for AB, which earlier this year won a jury verdict slapping rival Cochlear Ltd. (ASX:COH) with a $131.2 million fine for infringing a pair of cochlear implant patents licensed to AB by the Alfred E. Mann Foundation.