Technology Update

Written by Edward Storzer M.Sc. Aud. (C)

 

 

Advances in hearing aid technology are exponential. Since our last newsletter (i.e. a short 6 months ago), most manufacturers have introduced new hearing aid technologies. This article is a synopsis of what is new.

 

The most significant innovation has to be the 'speaker-in-the-canal' type of hearing aids that have a small behind-the-ear portion connected to a speaker unit that is inserted directly into the ear canal. However, there are also a number of other technological advances in hearing aids available in a variety of traditional behind-the-ear and custom in-the-ear styles.

 

Bernafon has introduced a speaker-in-the-canal hearing aid, Brite, that has an organic shape and is available in many fashionable colours. Simple in design, it uses state-of-the art programmable technology.

 

ReSound’s new speaker-in-the-canal hearing aid, Dot, has the smallest behind-the-ear housing we have seen yet. This hearing aid is available in a large variety of neutral colours that 'blend-in', and available at three technology/price levels.

 

Oticon has introduced Vigo and Vigo Pro, which utilize many of the design and technology features of their high-end Epoq hearing aid, but at a significantly lower cost. This hearing aid is available in all styles, including custom in-the-ear, speaker-in-the-ear, and standard behind-the-ear.

 

Unitron’s latest hearing aid Yuu is unique in the way it can adapt to your listening needs by 'learning' your hearing preferences. The user can change their hearing aid settings and press a button to 'teach' the instrument preferred settings in specific listening situations. This is a high-end product, available in all styles and with a multi-purpose remote control.

 

Phonak has simultaneously introduced three new products. Exelia is a high-end hearing aid that combines advanced technology with convenient controls and the ability to connect to wireless devices. Naida is a high-powered hearing aid for people with severe to profound hearing loss which is unique in how it can compress and shift high-pitch sounds into a more audible range of sound. Phonak’s Inspiro (who thinks up these names?) is the new state-of-the-art transmitter for individuals that use a wireless FM system with their hearing aids.

 

Siemens Nitro is a powerful completely-in-the- canal hearing aid that is suitable for many people with severe hearing losses that have traditionally been challenging to fit with a tiny size aid. It packs a lot of power into a small package.

 

These are some of the new developments in the hearing aid industry, and there are always more just around the corner. Feel free to ask Brent or Edward about any of these new technologies. Like our clients, we get excited about advancements in hearing aids that assist with improving quality of life for people with hearing loss.

Jencam