Tuesday, February 8, 2011

New Hearing Aid Technologies - Fall 2010

Just like cell phones and computers, hearing aid technologies are continually evolving.  The latest innovations include new and better management of speech in noise, hearing aids that communicate with each other to allow for more natural listening, and custom hearing aids that are truly invisible. 


 
Oticon Agil hearing aids come in a variety of styles from completely-in-the-canal to mini receiver-in-the-ear to power behind-the-ear.  The hearing aids communicate wirelessly to one another which allows for the preservation of important sound cues that allow the listener to better pick out speech in a noisy environment.   

Image obtained from www.oticon.com.
In addition, when noise is to one side of the wearer and speech to the other, such as when driving or riding in a vehicle, the wireless communication allows the hearing aids to soften on the noise side and give a boost in amplification to the important speech signal on the other side.  They also process sound in a new way, by separating the speech signal from noise and processing them independently to preserve the integrity of the speech.  This allows for a clearer signal and more comfortable listening.  Agil can also be connected with optional wireless accessories to allow the listener to connect to TV, cell and home phones, and mp3 players. 

Image obtained from www.starkey.com
 
 

Starkey Otolens is the first truly invisible custom digital hearing aid.  It is custom molded sits deep in the ear canal for optimal acoustics and cosmetics.  Despite the small size, the Otolens employs the latest premium technologies on the market, including top of the line feedback cancellation as well as iQ, which works to preserve the speech signal while reducing interference from background noise.   
Image obtained from www.starkey.com

For those with an active lifestyle, the position of the Otolens offers better performance in wind and on the phone.  In addition, the Otolens is able to offer volume control and multiple memories which can be adjusted using your cell phone, offering more control while keeping the hearing aid discreet.         

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