Hearing Aids

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Looks like Phonak are planning a new instant fit hearing aid

Posted on 30/06/2011 14:47:00

Looks like Phonak are busily reinventing their product range once more, no doubt looking to outdo the Starkey AMP in the instant fitting range of hearing aids.

Shame on Starkey for providing the AMP exclusively to their buddies at Ascent Hearing in the UK.

In the States it's available nationwide to any authorised dealer.

Another example of rip-off Britain?


Anyway it looks like the new Phonak instant fit hearing aid is still in the prototype stage as they only filed for an Americam patent earlier this year.

Here's an exclusive glimpse of the engineers drawings.

More at http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20110116668.pdf

Phonak introduces high-tech ceramic housings

Posted on 16/06/2011 14:28:00

With Audéo S SMART now available in high-tech ceramics, Phonak is combining superb performance with luxurious appeal.

With the introduction of the worldwide first high-tech ceramic housing, Phonak once again leads the way in the industry by addressing the end-user’s even most demanding needs for high-value, durable, comfortable and cosmetically appealing hearing aids.
The slightly greater weight supports the added value feel of these new deep black hearing aids compared to polymer housings.

Based on their unique properties such as extreme hardness and high mechanical strength, excellent biocompatibility, esthetic appeal and thermal shock resistance, high-tech ceramics are being used for example in the luxury goods industry as well as in aerospace applications. Phonak is very proud to introduce this first class material to hearing aid housings, available for Audéo S SMART at two price levels.

The extremely durable, abrasion-resistant surface ensures a scratch-free shine that lasts for years. The polished finish makes the housing smooth to the touch and offers unmatched comfort when worn behind the ear. Another feature of this fantastic material is its ability to quickly reach and maintain body temperature, thus preventing perspiration behind the ear.

Last but not least, the hypoallergenic properties make the material especially kind to the skin and make ceramics hearing aid housings very hygienic. Lotion, sweat and other daily influences will not alter these qualities.

We’re very excited about this new product and strongly believe it will create a real buzz. Our hearing aids have never looked more valuable and stylish as they do now. Next to excellent functionality, this is what the end-consumer is ultimately looking for.

The small and elegant hearing aid Audéo S SMART was the obvious choice for introducing the high-tech material into the Phonak portfolio.

Audéo S SMART is part of the award-winning Audéo product family, a collection of tiny and stylish hearing aids with the power, flexibility and durability to fit different hearing needs and lifestyles - and now empowered by the newest Spice technology. Audéo S SMART delivers top hearing performance and unlimited connectivity, is easy to use, is built to last, and now, with high-tech ceramic housing, will have a high-value appeal and be eternally beautiful.

The new Siemens Aquaris fully waterproof hearing aid

Posted on 20/05/2011 07:44:00

When we first heard that Siemens were bringing a new waterproof hearing aid, the Siemens Aquaris, to market we were a little sceptical until we heard it had an Ingression Protection rating IP57

An IP rating is an international classification for the sealing effectiveness of the case.

In this instance in order to achieve the IP57 rating the instruments had to withstand immersion in water up to 1 metre in depth for 30 minutes. They were also subject to 8 hours in a dust chamber without degradation in the performance of the instrument.

It's not often we praise Siemens over Phonak but there were plans in the pipeline at one point, to make the Phonak Lyric waterproof but trials/tests were unsuccesful.

So what are the features of the Siemens Aquaris which have made it a success?

Siemens hearing have designed a one piece main housing whereas most other on-the-ear instruments are made of two halves screwed together.

The battery door has a watertight silicone seal but also a breathable membrane to allow air to the battery which is a requirement for zinc air batteries.

The microphone is protected by an ultra thin membrane which for all intents and purposes is acoustically transparent.

The receiver housing incorporates a nano coated grill to protect the receiver from moisture ingression and a purpose designed earmould is available for swimming.

For high impact activities such as mountain biking or other off-road adventures the instruments have an optional sports lock and soft touch laquering for stable retention behind the ear.

They are also sweat and shock resistant which is also a boon for people who work in physically demanding occupations.

The Aquaris also includes features such as SpeechFocus, SoundLearning 2.0 and FeedbackStopper .

We're going to ask Siemens a little bit more about the protective silicone seal and soft touch laquering to see if it's resistant to chlorine oxidation and heat.

Until then folks don't try one in the hot tub!