Recent changes made by the Minister For The Department of Social Protection in Ireland mean that for the first time ever, people who are self employed will now be entitled to avail of the hearing aid grant when purchasing hearing aids if they fulfill the required contributions.
Apparently some 500,000 self-employed people in Ireland will now be able to access the hearing aid grant, free dental and optical benefits that ordinary workers are allowed to for the first time. The opportunity opens this week, as the Irish Department of Social Protection introduces a measure signalled in last October’s Irish budget.
The move means that the self-employed, farmers and their dependent spouses, who were previously excluded from the hearing aid grant, receiving a free annual check-up with their dentist or a free eye check, on the grounds that they paid a different category of PRSI, will now be entitled to it. Minister for Social Protection Mr Leo Varadkar signed the legislation last week, and the scheme is to commence on March 27th.
Financial Assistance For Hearing Aids
The Department of Social Protection in Ireland operates the scheme which is officially called The Treatment Benefit Scheme, under which grants for hearing aids are obtainable. Up to now, qualifying people and their dependant spouses who have full PRSI cover may obtain a grant towards the cost of a hearing aid.
This would include full contributory pensioners, invalidity pensioners, those on disability benefit and their dependant spouses. (Conditions apply.) However, the scheme is now open to the self employed who meet the proper contribution threshold.
The grant is extremely generous, in the case of one hearing aid being required the grant is 50% of the purchase price of a hearing aid up to a maximum of €500. If two hearing aids are required the maximum grant is 50% of the cost of those hearing aids up to a maximum of €1000. The grant for the purchase of hearing aids is recurring and becomes available once every 4 years.
The grant also covers contributions towards the repair of a hearing aid during the four year cycle. The grant is a substantial contribution to the cost of hearing aids, and it takes some financial pressure of people. Ireland is one of the few countries in the world that supplies any financial assistance for the purchase of private hearing aids.
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I was talking recently to Sarah Vokes of Correct Hearing who provides hearing care and hearing aids in Nottingham. Sarah is currently the President of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists and she has a great interest in the future of hearing healthcare. As both President of the organisation and an Independent hearing healthcare profession she is committed to providing hearing care in a manner that meets the changing needs of consumers. She has decided to lead that particular charge by offering a new concept in hearing healthcare.
We were talking about the changing face of hearing care and the market pressures that face us. She explained that she had been considering this for a long time and was going to change her own Practice offering to reflect her thoughts on the matter.
She said that for the past six months Correct Hearing has been working on a concept for delivering its services in a way that will make it stand out from the competition in Nottingham.
They are calling this new concept TotalCare and will be launching it early in the New Year. TotalCare embraces everything in the practice from the way it looks, the consultation, marketing and the ongoing relationship of the practice with its clients.
Sarah said “We’ll stop talking about hearing aids and focus on hearing healthcare. TotalCare is a four year hearing healthcare package that focuses on each client’s specific need, determined at the initial consultation and makes visible and tangible everything the client is entitled to with the hearing aids they chose. It is more than just ‘bundling’ service into the price, it’s a demonstration of value and a promise to deliver.”
I think all of us in the hearing care profession realise that consumers have changing needs and indeed desires. It is up to us within the profession to work towards delivering products and service offerings that meet those needs.
We will let you know more about TotalCare when it is introduced in the New Year. Until then, if you happen to be looking for hearing aids in Nottingham, Correct Hearing is a good place to start.
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This really has been a huge year for hearing aids and it doesn’t look like it is going to stop. Apparently Widex have something up their sleeve for later this year? Should be interesting to see. On this page we look at Phonak’s new Bolero range and the expanded Oticon Opn range.
Phonak Introduce First Ever Lithium-ion Rechargeable BTE Hearing Aid
Phonak didn’t stop with the introduction of the groundbreaking Virto, they also introduced their brand new Bolero range on the Belong platform. Again they went for something ground breaking with the introduction of the first ever Lithium-ion powered rechargeable BTE hearing aid. Let’s take a look at the Bolero Belong range.
Phonak
Bolero Belong Hearing Devices
Bolero Belong Prices
We would expect the range depending on technology level, to be sold at prices from £800.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1000.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1000.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
Phonak launched the much anticipated lithium-ion rechargeable BTE. Many within the hearing healthcare profession were expecting it with the success of the Audeo rechargeable device. The surprise was that Phonak made their power offering rechargeable. The Bolero B-PR. It is the first Lithium-ion rechargeable BTE to the market and the first rechargeable BTE for Phonak. They say that the battery pack will deliver 24 hours of hearing with one simple charge (expected results when fully charged, and up to 80 minutes wireless streaming time) which is in line with the performance of the Audeo B-R.
The P hearing aid style is quite a powerful aid and can be expected to be fitted to people with severe hearing loss. The device has a programme button, volume control and a telecoil onboard. The amplification output of this aid demands a lot of power, so Phonak must be very confident with the battery technology.
The Bolero Range
The Bolero range is a full model line up with four Bolero B models. They will include B-M, B-P, B-SP, and the rechargeable B-PR. Let’s do a quick run down of those devices.
Phonak Bolero B-M
The B-M model is the smallest of the range, a micro BTE powered with a 312 battery it will cover Moderate to Severe hearing losses. The device comes with a programme button and has an onboard telecoil.
The device can be fitted with a thin tube fitting or a traditional tube and mould configuration. The device will be available in the four levels of technology, the 90, the 70, the 50 and the 30.
Phonak Bolero B-P
The B-P model is slightly larger, it is powered by a 13 battery cell and comes with a programme button, volume control, telecoil and will cover up to severe hearing losses.
The device can be fitted with a thin tube fitting or a traditional tube and mould configuration. The device will be available in the four levels of technology, the 90, the 70, the 50 and the 30.
Bolero B-SP
The B-SP is the largest model, again it is powered by a 13 battery and comes with a programme button, volume control and telecoil. The device will cover severe to profound hearing losses.
The device can be fitted with a thin tube fitting or a traditional tube and mould configuration. The device will be available in the four levels of technology, the 90, the 70, the 50 and the 30.
Bolero B-PR
The B-PR is the rechargeable model which runs on a sealed and integrated lithium-ion powerpack. The device is similar in size to the Bolero B-SP. It also has a programme button, volume control and telecoil. The device can be fitted with a thin tube fitting or a traditional tube and mould configuration. It will cover moderate to severe hearing losses and it will be available in the 90, the 70 and the 50 levels of technology only.
What are the key features of the Bolero P-R
Rechargeable lithium-ion power cell
24 hours continuous use with up to 5 hours streaming
Easy charging
Unique OneShell design
Probably only available in the 90, 70 and 50 level of tech
Oticon
Oticon Opn Hearing Aids
Oticon Opn Prices
We would expect the range depending on technology level, to be sold at prices from £1100.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1400.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1500.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
Oticon’s Latest Most Advanced Premium Solution
Oticon introduced a new ground breaking hearing device last year with the Opn which has been exceptionally well received by both users and professionals alike. The internet-enabled Oticon Opn came with a number of additional features because it can connect to devices via the internet and Bluetooth. The hearing aids will connect directly to your Smartphone so you can make phone calls and listen to music without any intermediate streaming device. They are also water resistant to 1m.
The devices can be connected to any device that has a Bluetooth connection. This means that the hearing aids can also be connected to things like doorbells, appliances, or even baby monitors. Then when the doorbell rings, for example, the person gets a small ‘ring’ in their ear to let them know.
Open Up A Closed World
Oticon spoke heavily about a complete change in how their hearing aids work by introducing a whole new way to process the directionality of sound. They say that their new strategy opens the world of sound to a user, hence the name Opn. Many of us are finding it a little difficult to get concrete answers to how this is done, but the results seem to speak for themselves, users seem to love it.
Three levels of BrainHearing™ support
Oticon speak about supporting the brain in order that our natural cognitive abilities are encouraged. The call this BrainHearing™ support which is delivered by a unique combination of technologies working together to reduce listening effort and provide the brain with better conditions to perform in.
Technology Levels
The Oticon Opn range has now been expanded into three levels of technology, Level 1 which is the top of the range, level 2 and level 3.
All three members of the Oticon Opn™ family provide the open sound experience that is proving so popular in varying levels. Each model gives the brain a different level of assistance – a different level of BrainHearing™ support. With the introduction of the new levels they have also expanded the fitting range of the Opn devices and they can now fit even profound hearing losses.
Oticon Opn is available in a compact, newly designed miniRITE that sits discreetly on the ear. Oticon Opn offers a wealth of new features and functionalities all incorporated in a sleek and modern 312 battery-based design. The Opn is available in a range of colours. Oticon is expected to expand the Oticon range to more device types this year and we will update you when that happens.
Oticon Opn Mini RITE: wireless slimline ‘Mini-Receiver-In-Ear (miniRITE)’ hearing aid using a 312 battery
Oticon On App
The Oticon ON app lets you adjust volume, switch programs and check the battery level. The app also offers convenient ‘find my hearing aid’ search feature, counseling advice and links to user instructions. The app is also where the connection to the IFTTT network happens.
Signia has also introduced something else new for 2017, they introduced an instant fit custom hearing aid on the Primax range called the Silk. Although the hearing aid is billed as a CIC, in some users it can be more of an IIC sitting hidden well into the canal. Let’s take a look at the Signia Silk.
Signia
Insio Primax Silk
Signia Insio Primax Silk Prices
We would expect the range depending on technology level, to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1200.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1200.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
Signia have had instant fit custom hearing aids in the past, however they say that Silk is the first completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid that’s both almost invisible and ready to wear. The device is a new offering on their latest primax chipset and are designed to fit up to 80% of all ear canals. While the device is labelled a CIC, for some lucky people it is actually an invisible hearing aid.
The device is a modular type hearing aid that uses a flexible Click Sleeve to provide an immediate and comfortable fit. There are several sizes of click sleeves to fit as many ears as possible.
Instant Fit Invisible Hearing Aid (almost)
The Click Sleeves are made of soft silicone and are available in six different types which allow the device to fit in the majority of ear canals and to fit the majority of hearing losses. With the right Click Sleeve in place the hearing aid sits quite deep in the canal making the device either invisible or almost invisible.
Because Silk is powered by Signia’s Primax platform, users of the device can benefit from all of the outstanding features of that platform including their binaural OneMic directionality system and all of the other features that the Primax chipset offers. The device is also wireless so you can use your smartphone to adjust your hearing aids via the Signia touchControl™ app, and wirelessly stream virtually any audio device with the optional easyTek™ accessory.
We thought it was important to give you a new definitive article on the best hearing aids for 2017, so here goes. This year has been one of the busiest years for new hearing aids I can ever remember. It seems that there was a new announcement every few weeks. Already this year we have seen new introductions from a few hearing aid brands. GN Resound dropped their latest Made For iPhone hearing aid ranges the LiNX 3D and the Enzo 3D. Signia first introduced a brand new Made For iPhone hearing aid, then they introduced a whole new Made For iPhone hearing aid range. Phonak introduced three new product ranges, Unitron introduced a whole new platform, Oticon has expanded their Opn range and Siemens have introduced a new instant fit CIC device on an existing platform.
Hearing Aid Prices
Just to be clear, we don’t set prices here and they differ from Practice to Practice across the World so our expectations aren’t binding, they are just a guess and some research. Always remember, we all like to shop around, but always be clear about what is being delivered. You will need care and support, make sure you will get it. You will also need your hearing aid validated or verified to get the best experience, paying a little more to ensure your experience is good, is not wasted money. That’s our price rant for the day over, let’s talk about the devices.
Widex announces new WIDEX CUSTOM™
Update 21/10/2017: Widex has announced a new custom hearing aid type which will be added to the Unique platform. The devices are completely redesigned in the ear hearing aids. Widex say that they have made the amplifier module much smaller and changed how the battery door is positioned.
The CUSTOM chipset is based on the UNIQUE platform and will feature all the benefits delivered by that platform. They have completely re-designed the faceplate of the CUSTOM and it offers dual microphones, it also offers the option of a programme button and a volume control, both of which have been missing from Widex in the ear hearing aids for years.
Tired of Listening to Bla? We Got You Covered
Our buying guide, no Bla, just clear easy to understand info, we guarantee it will help you pick the right hearing aid for you.
Signia Release The New Nx Hearing Aid Platform
Update 21/10/2017: Signia introduces their new hearing aid platform the Nx. Three Models at Three Technology Levels, All Made For iPhone, a Better Own Voice Experience, an outstanding live remote fine-tuning feature, oh, and a Completely New Open Directionality Experience
So, I think Signia have plenty to talk about here, the big news for them has been the introduction of this new system to handle the user’s own voice. However, there is so much more to talk about, like the expansion of their well-received direct connection (Made For iPhone) system across two more styles, newly updated Telecare and that new “Open” directionality experience. Let’s take a look at what they have to say.
Three Models, Three Levels of Tech
As I said, there are three models initially available across three levels of technology. As is the norm with their tech levels naming system, the levels are the premium 7, the mid-range 5 and the entry level 3. The models themselves are two Receiver In Canal devices and a BTE.
Resound introduces New Super Power Made For iPhone Hearing Aid Range
Update September 18th: We somehow missed adding this but Resound have now introduced a brand new Made For iPhone Super Power range called the Enzo 3D. The technology within the range is based on their fantastic LiNX 3D range and they will offer all of the features and the benefits of that platform.
A Solution For Severe To Profound Hearing Loss From Resound
Resound Enzo 3D Hearing Aids
Resound have just launched their latest hearing device for people with severe to profound hearing loss. They have updated the Enzo Made For iPhone (MFI) hearing aids with their new 3D platform which brings all of the benefits of that new system to people with severe and profound hearing loss. Those benefits include better spatial awareness and much better speech understanding in noise. With Made for iPhone® technology, you can stream phone calls, music and more from your iPhone, iPad® or iPod touch® directly to your hearing aids. If you have an Android or any Bluetooth-enabled phone, you can still stream calls, music and more with a discreet ReSound Phone Clip+ wireless accessory.
Vibrant and crystal clear sound
Like the LiNX 3D range from ReSound, Enzo 3D hearing aids come with the superior sound quality of Surround Sound by ReSound. They work together, continuously exchanging data about your sound environment for optimized performance. The hearing aids are available in three levels of technology, the top of the range 9, the 7 and the 5.
Enzo 3D Prices
We would expect the range to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1400.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1400.00 to $3200.00 in the USA. Just to be clear, we don’t set prices here and they differ from Practice to Practice across the World so our expectations aren’t binding, they are just a guess and some research.
Two Models, Huge Power
There are two hearing aid models in the range both of which are Behind The Ear hearing aids and both of which are extremely powerful. The BTE 88 is the smaller of the two and takes a size 13 battery. The BTE 98 is larger but takes the 675 battery that many people with this hearing loss are used to.
The 98 is also more powerful than the 88, although not by much. However, Resound say that the 98 will get twelve days of use on the 675 battery, that’s fantastic battery life for a smart hearing aid.
Widex introduces Rechargeable Beyond Z RIC
Update September 14th: Widex have today announced the launch of a rechargeable version of their popular Beyond Made For iPhone hearing aids. The device will be powered by the now almost ubiquitous Z Power system (should have bought shares!!!). The new rechargeable Beyond is named the Beyond Z and it is expected that it will be released in quarter four in the United States and Quarter 1 of 2018 everywhere else. As with the other manufacturers that have gone down the Z Power route, Widex will be offering the rechargeable kit in order that existing Beyond users can retrofit their devices.
Unitron introduce their new custom hearing aids and a new rechargeable device
Update September 4th: While the Tempus platform has been around for a while, Unitron had not up to now released custom in the ear hearing aids using the new chip. They have finally done so and they are expected to be available in October worldwide.They have also introduced a brand new rechargeable BTE based on their Stride M, let’s take a look at both
Unitron
Stride M R Hearing Aids
A Rechargeable BTE
Unitron has rounded out their rechargeable offerings with a new rechargeable BTE, the Stride M R. It is their first ever rechargeable behind the ear hearing aid. here is what they said.
Wearers simply charge the hearing instrument overnight, for just 5 – 7 hours, and the hearing instrument is ready to perform for a full 24 hours, including 90 minutes of streaming or 16 hours of continuous streaming. Because hearing happens around the clock, Stride M R offers wearers the flexibility to swap rechargeable battery cells with traditional zinc-air batteries at any time, ensuring patients will never run out of charge.
It appears that the new rechargeable runs on Silver Zinc rechargeable batteries and a similar charger to their Moxi. It also looks like they have made sure there is an auto on feature when you take the hearing aids out of the charger. Something that many users will welcome. The system that Unitron picked is a pretty good all round rechargeable system. It offers some pretty serious running time and also the benefit of being able to shove disposable batteries in when you forget to charge.
It is early yet, but we believe the hearing aids should be available in most of their levels of technology. As we receive more information, we will update you.
Unitron
Insera Hearing Aids
Unitron has now introduced the custom in the ear hearing aid range on their new Tempus Chipset. Like their sister company Phonak, the Insera hearing aids will use Biometric Calibration, which take your individual ear anatomy and hearing needs into account.
They say that they will identify over 1600 biometric data points in and on your ear, and the unique calibration settings are calculated for each Insera hearing aid. In this way, the hearing aids are able to more reliably sense where sound is coming from, thereby giving you access to better hearing performance.
They say that the new process will deliver a 2dB signal to noise ratio improvement. Basically means it will make the signal (what you want to listen to) 2dB higher than the noise. While 2dB doesn’t sound like much, but combined with all the other strategies that Unitron use it should deliver some real improvement. The Insera will be available in six models to match your hearing needs and in all of their usual levels of technolgy
Resound Introduces Rechargeable LiNX 3D Made For iPhone Hearing Aid
Update August 24th: Resound have announced the introduction of a new rechargeable model in the LiNX 3D range. They are the latest hearing aid manufacturer to introduce these popular options to their line up. They have also gone down the route of using the Z Power Silver Zinc battery technology.
Resound
LiNX 3D LT61 DRWZ
The new addition to the LiNX 3D range is a completely new form factor and is similar in size if a little different from their existing LT61. The device is officially designated the LT61-DRWZ and it runs on a 312 rechargeable battery which is supplied by Z Power as is the recharging cradle technology. That means there should be plenty of power for a full day of use even if you are streaming audio and taking phone calls. The device is expected to available on the market in September.We would expect the prices to be similar to the LiNX 3D prices.
The device will be available in the three levels of technology, the 9, the 7 and the 5. They will also have the full feature set and will have access to the remote fine-tuning option. I said earlier this year that I expected Resound to introduce a rechargeable option, however, I didn’t expect them to introduce a completely new model. The device is pretty neat, close to the size of the LT61 just with a slightly different shape.
LiNX 3D LT61 DRWZ Prices
UK: From £1100.00 to £2200.00
Ireland: From €1400.00 to €3000.00
USA: From $1500.00 to $3200.00
Phonak Made For iPhone Arrives
Phonak is now expected to launch their first ever Made For iPhone hearing aids in September. In fact the rumour mill was correct, Phonak have just introduced their very first Made For iPhone hearing aid. However, it is more than Made For iPhone. Let’s take a look at the newest hearing aid technology from the top rated hearing aid brands for 2017, the latest hearing aids first.
Phonak
Audeo B-Direct
Phonak Delivers Made For Any Phone
Phonak have just introduced a device called the Audeo B-Direct. It is a revolutionary hearing aid that changes wireless connection to a mobile phone forever. The Audeo B-Direct connects to any Bluetooth® enabled mobile phone, directly without a streamer. Even better, it offers true hands-free calling. As it supports the classic Bluetooth protocol, it provides direct connectivity to cell phones – including AndroidTM, iPhone® and even classic cell phones – with no extra body-worn streaming device required.
Audeo B-Direct Hearing Aid Prices
We would expect the range depending on the technology level, to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1200.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1200.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
True hands-free calling is now a reality
The hearing aids offer real hands-free voice calling. The wearer can answer or reject a phone call by simply pressing the push button on their hearing aid. The ringing of the phone is heard through the hearing aids and once the call is accepted, the conversation is instantly streamed. You don’t even need to pick up your phone. Your voice is picked up by the hearing aid’s intelligent microphone network and transmitted to the other caller similar to a wireless headset.
No Music Streaming
Unfortunately for people who like to stream music or audio books from their phone, this hearing device isn’t the answer. While it delivers astonishing new power over mobile phone calls, it doesn’t allow the type of streaming that delivers music or other audio. However, they have thought about music lovers and your TV viewing habits.
Hearing aids that double as wireless TV headphones
They have also introduced an accompanying TV Connector, which uses their proprietary AirStreamTM technology. It is designed to be a state-of-the-art compact multimedia hub that seamlessly connects wearers to their favourite TV programming for an immersive audio experience. It’s a plug and play solution that automatically turns a pair of Audéo B-Direct hearing aids into wireless TV headphones. The TV Connector can also connect and transmit to multiple sets of Audéo B-Direct hearing aids simultaneously. That’s a pretty good solution for couples with hearing loss.
Delivering direct streaming to an underserved group
Android is the predominant player in the smartphone market with an estimated four out of every five smartphones being Android. The Audéo B-Direct will now bring direct streaming to this neglected market while also providing compatibility with Apple’s iPhone. More than that though, the new solution allows users who own a classic cell phone to avail of direct streaming as well.
The device is a receiver in canal (RIC) hearing aid which means that it will be suitable for a wide range of hearing losses and users. It is also the first device to make use of Sonova’s revolutionary SWORD chip and wireless radio technology. They say that the low-voltage radio chip has the lowest power consumption of any hearing aid using Bluetooth Classic.
The device uses a size thirteen battery and Phonak reports some excellent battery life figures. They say that the battery should last for six days with one hour of phone use and 3 hours of TV per day. That isn’t bad, I would say though real-world experience will vary, some people like to talk more and watch a lot more TV. Even though the device is a size thirteen, it isn’t actually much bigger than their Audeo B 312.
Three levels of technology
The new device will be available in three levels of technology, the 90, the 70 and the 50, so no entry level device this time around. Although that was to be expected based on the introduction of the rechargeable devices.
New Accompanying App
There is a new app to go with the devices for smartphones; the app offers the typical features you would expect.
Volume adjustment, programme changes, you can also rename the programmes to make them easier to remember. The app will show a list of the available audio sources and allow the user to control the balance of audio when streaming.
Phonak
Virto B Hearing Aids
Meet The New Phonak Virto B Range
Phonak have now introduced the full range of their new Virto B in the ear products. They say that they are custom-made to perfectly fit in your ear, Phonak Virto B is the world’s first hearing aids with Biometric Calibration, which take your individual ear anatomy and hearing needs into account. That’s an interesting description.
They say that they will identify over 1600 biometric data points in and on your ear, and the unique calibration settings are calculated for each Virto B hearing aid. In this way, Virto B is able to more reliably sense where the sound is coming from, thereby giving you access to a better hearing performance.
What does that all mean? Well, we think that Phonak is the first ever hearing aid manufacturer to carefully map the outer ear to take advantage of its natural abilities. They say that the new process will deliver a 2dB signal to noise ratio improvement. Basically, it means it will make the signal (what you want to listen to) 2dB higher than the noise.
Four Levels of Technology
2dB doesn’t sound like much but combined with all the other strategies that Phonak use it will be a marked improvement. Phonak Virto B is available in six models to match your hearing needs. The Virto B-10 NW O, Virto B-10 O, virto B-10, Virto B-312 NW O, Virto B-312 and the Virto B13. It is also available in the usual four levels of technology, the 90, 70, 50 and 30. That means that Phonak custom hearing aids are now all available with their Belong platform.
Even More Made For iPhone Hearing Aids
It was a long wait, but Resound have finally unveiled their latest Made For iPhone hearing aids, but it seems the wait was worth it.
Resound
LiNX 3D Hearing Aids
Linx 3D Hearing Aid Prices
We would expect the range depending on technology level, to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1200.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1200.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
GN Resound has finally updated it’s Made For iPhone hearing aids by introducing the new LiNX 3D hearing Aid range. They are seriously impressive hearing aids. The new range is just that, a full line up of models (eleven) in three levels of technology. They are making impressive claims about the devices:
It is up to 50% better at identifying speech across various environments
It enables users to hear up to 80% more of the sounds around them, and
It enables users to understand up to 40% more speech in noise
Those are interesting claims and in fact, we are more than inclined to believe them. Having experienced the devices at the launch I think they are pretty excellent. Steve (Co-Writer) has been wearing them and he is blown away. But what exactly is new and what is driving them, what’s different and how does it deliver? Let’s take a look at the underlying tech.
Binaural Directionality III
This is their latest directionality strategy and is a further upgrade to what they have been doing. It involves continuous information exchange between the hearing aids which allows the optimal directionality in the hearing aids for the situation you are in. It delivers pretty impressive focus on the sounds you want to hear.
Spatial Sense
This combines and preserves natural cues so that the brain has the optimal information for localisation of sound and spatial awareness. In essence, it tries to deliver a natural sense of spatial awareness and seems to do it well.
Binaural Environmental Optimizer II
This feature allows the hearing aids to work together to analyse the listening environment you are in. It then automatically adjusts the features and amplification to deliver the best experience for you. This is in essence, the feature that manages all the other features to deliver the best results for you.
Noise Tracker II
This is a unique noise reduction system that works on the basis of spectral subtraction. It reduces unwanted noise without affecting the speech signal. It allows you to hear speech clearer in the noisy situations
DFS Ultra II With Music Mode
A high precision feedback system that allows the cancellation of feedback with extreme accuracy. The Music mode is a slower acting system which allows better handling of music.
Resound Assist
Resound Assist is the really big news for both Providers and Users. Resound Assist will allow your provider to adjust your hearing aids remotely. That means if you want adjustments on the go, they can be provided without you having to attend the clinic. The system is really easy to use and is quite intuitive.
The App, Resound Smart 3D
The accompanying app also allows you personalise your hearing experience in a deeper way. It has been re-designed to be more intuitive and easier to use and it offers real control. Again, this might not be for everyone, but for those who want it, it will enrich their experience. Again, this has to be seen as an excellent thing.
The Latest Made For iPhone Hearing Aids
Signia is the latest hearing aid brand to introduce a Made For iPhone hearing aid to their line-up. It is a very interesting device and it represents some real firsts for the hearing aid industry
Signia
Pure 13 BT Primax Hearing Aids
Pure 13 BT Primax Prices
We would expect the range depending on technology level, to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1200.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1200.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
Signia ( owned by Sivantos, formerly Siemens) have introduced a completely new concept for them. The Signia Pure® 13 BT px is their first ever Made For iPhone hearing aid technology. They say that it delivers uncompromising sound, industry-leading connectivity, and revolutionary remote hearing care, along with great battery life. Wearers will be fully connected to their environment, each other, their iPhone® and to their hearing care professional. The devices will be introduced worldwide in May 2017, they are based on the Primax platform and will be available in the usual three levels of technology.
As I said, the devices represent a few firsts for the industry, they will be the world’s first telehealth-supported hearing aid with iPhone audio streaming capabilities, the first hearing aid to use iPhone motion sensors to improve hearing in certain situations and the first hearing aid to provide both “high-definition binaural hearing” and Bluetooth® audio streaming (from a connected device). The devices will be powered by a size 13 battery which is good news for users, the 13 battery combined with the low energy use should mean less battery changes.
As with all Made For iPhone hearing aids the Signia Pure® 13 BT will stream audio directly from iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices. It will use the Bluetooth® low energy (LE) standard. This will enable high fidelity stereo streaming with reduced energy consumption. Signia have also retained their own wireless radio on the devices, which means that when you are streaming audio, you don’t lose the benefit of the ear 2 ear communication. This is important for the user, Signia’s ear-to-ear (e2e™) wireless system is used to provide better spatial awareness and speech understanding.
Motion Detection
People frequently move while they are speaking, and Signia think that their hearing aids should react dynamically and adjust to their changing listening situation. The Pure® 13 BT is the first hearing aid to utilize the iPhone motion sensors to deliver input that allows adjustments in sound processing based on your activities. Signia say that the devices understand when a user is in motion and for the first time ever this data will allow them to deliver optimal hearing in that situation.
Essentially when a wearer is walking, running or driving, the hearing aids understand they are in motion, and will automatically adjust to better hear a conversation partner at their side or from the back while maintaining awareness of environmental sounds like sirens, approaching vehicles, or pedestrians. Signia claims that motion detection will make their environmental classification system even more robust, by adding a valuable data point. I can not fault them here, it is an outstanding idea and a sign of real innovation.
Companion App
The new myControl™ App is made specifically for Pure 13 BT hearing aids. It offers a range of advantages beyond direct streaming of audio. It acts as a remote control for quick and easy changes to settings like volume and programs, and delivers advanced adjustment options to the user for personalization of sound.
The new app will allow you to make personalized adjustments to programs, volume, microphone directionality, and treble/bass, during audio streaming. Pure 13 BT hearing aids will help users look after their hearing health. Similar to a fitness tracker, they create a personal sound profile over time based on noise exposure, so you can protect your hearing health.
The app tracks your daily noise exposure, and displays the information in an easily readable way. This is an interesting little datum point, it will allow you to understand what levels of noise you are exposing yourself to on a daily basis allowing you to understand the possibilities of damaging your hearing through noise exposure.
Telecare 2.0
The Pure® 13 BT is the first Signia hearing aid to utilize TeleCare 2.0. This upgrade introduces additional capabilities such as advanced data logging, secure end-to-end encrypted data transfer, and improved remote hearing aid adjustments. The professional can now adjust your hearing aids remotely across four frequency bands (previously only gain and tone control were available to providers). The user will interact with your provider via the Signia myHearing App, which is available for both iPhone and Android smartphones.
The Smallest Rechargeable Hearing Aid Ever
Unitron introduced a brand new platform called the Tempus and not to be left behind in the rechargeable stakes they introduced the smallest rechargeable hearing as well. Let’s take a look at both.
Unitron
Tempus Hearing Aids
The new Tempus range is a full family of hearing aid solutions with five technology levels. They say that it is a truly ground-breaking technology that is focused on simply driving your conversations. The platform has only been released with the Moxi (their RIC family) and The Stride BTEs, but as we said, it is the first time that Unitron has offered a rechargeable hearing aid option. Unitron says their platform has introduced several new improvements all focused on delivering better conversations for users. The feedback that we have gotten is that the new Tempus range is outstanding and the sense of localisation of sound that is delivered is fantastic.
The Moxi Tempus Range
Technology Levels
The Tempus range is available in five different levels of technology
T Pro – These premium hearing aids work together to automatically help you hear your best in all types of conversations. When background noise is high, your hearing aids will focus on speech from any direction. You will also enjoy effortless, natural hearing and enhanced music performance.
T 800 – Both hearing aids communicate to automatically help you hear better in all types of conversations, especially when background noise is high. You will enjoy effortless, natural hearing and enhanced music performance.
T 700 – Both hearing aids communicate to automatically help you hear better, especially when background noise is high. You will enjoy effortless, natural hearing.
T 600 – These hearing aids automatically help you hear better in some types of conversations and when you are simply relaxing.
T 500 – These hearing aids help you hear better, especially in quieter environments.
The Stride Tempus BTE Range
The Smallest Ric, Now The Smallest Rechargeable Hearing Aids Ever
The introduction of the Moxi Fit R, means that Unitron now has both the smallest ever RIC hearing aid (Moxi Now) and the smallest ever Rechargeable hearing aid in their line-up. The Moxi Fit R is based on rechargeable batteries using silver-zinc technology. It gives them some advantages over Lithium-ion. Unitron has also made the tech backwards compatible so if you own a Moxi Fit, you can make it a rechargeable hearing aid. It is a very stable and very safe system with a much smaller footprint than Lithium-ion which means much smaller hearing aids. It is also a very forgiving system for users, forget to charge your hearing aids and you can just slot in a disposable battery. The rechargeable option will be available in every technology level. That’s a lot of benefits.
What The Moxi Fit R Offers:
30 hours of use on one charge (24 hours with streaming)
The most stable battery tech
Smallest ever rechargeable hearing aid
Easy to change to a disposable if you forget to charge
Backward compatible to older models
Offered in all levels of tech, Pro, 800, 700, 600 and 500
Phonak introduces the most discreet custom hearing aid ever
At the same time as Unitron were making their introductions, Phonak expanded on their Belong range with two new offerings. The introduced a completely new concept in custom hearing aids and a new range of BTE hearing aids that includes the first-ever Lithium-Ion rechargeable option. Let’s take a look at them.
Phonak
Virto B-Titanium Invisible Hearing Aids
Virto B Titanium Prices
We would expect the range depending on technology level, to be sold at prices from £1500.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1800.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1900.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
They introduced the new Virto hearing aid type as part of their Virto Belong range. The device is a completely new concept in custom hearing aid design, it is the first hearing aid device to use medical grade titanium to form the custom shell. While this alone is innovative, they have used the properties of the metal to ensure that they can offer discreet custom hearing aids to more people than ever.
A Titanium Shell
As I have said, using a titanium shell for a hearing aid is a radically new move. It is the first time that titanium has been used in the manufacture of a custom hearing aid. It means that they can deliver a super discreet hearing device and they say that the Virto B-Titanium is the smallest Phonak in-the-ear hearing aid ever!
Three Levels of Receiver
The device comes available with three levels of receiver which allows it to cover even more hearing losses than ever before. Because of the use of Titanium, it also allows for bigger vents in their hearing aids which means less occlusion problems for people with good low-frequency hearing.
Technology Levels
The Virto B-Titanium will only be available in the 90 and the 70 levels of technology for the moment. So if you want ultimate discretion you will have to consider higher levels of technology.
Will Fit More People Than Ever
The material is exceptionally strong, which allows Phonak to make the shell much thinner than ever before with even more strength. This combined with new component design allows them to deliver an invisible hearing device that they say will fit 68% more ears.
I am actually quite excited to meet the latest Linx Made For iPhone hearing aids from GN Resound. Steve has been wearing them for the last two weeks and is absolutely blown away by them. I will leave him to tell you more about that, which he will in a series of articles next week. For now, let’s meet the Linx 3D.
So what have I learned today
I am actually really surprised by the feedback from Steve my business partner. He has been wearing hearing aids for nearly thirty years, so he knows what he is talking about. He is really impressed with the hearing aids, however, I won’t steal his thunder and you can read what he has to say next week.
In relation to the hearing aids, they are excellent devices as you would expect from modern hearing aids. The really new and exciting story is probably both the new updated app and the remote assistance. Firstly, the app gives a user far more control over their hearing.
I think this is an excellent advance, it might not be for everyone, but the people who want that will be pleased. The remote assistance feature is delivered effortlessly. It is intuitive and easy for the user, and it supplies excellent information for the provider.
Delivering the assistance is easy and the process of applying the changes for the user is simple. I think that this manner of delivering assistance is the way forward. I would not see it as a replacement for face to face time, but as a compliment to it. There are times that users just want some help with one or two situations in a hurry.
The system allows you to deliver it, that has to be a good thing for both the user and the provider. We will discuss the new aids in a series of articles, for now, I am pretty impressed, let’s see what happens when they are in the loud.
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It is clear from many of the things I have heard from many people across the world, both professionals and users, that the Oticon Opn is a pretty good hearing aid system. Steve’s recent article “Superb hearing experience in restaurants with Oticon’s OPN hearing aids” just went to confirm what has been said about the devices. Oticon say it is a brand new and innovative strategy, having discussed the features with one of their representatives, I am inclined to agree. So what do you need to know about Oticon Opns?
Confusing But Worth It
Firstly, if you are an experienced user of hearing aids and you wish to try out the Opn, it is important that you understand that this is unlike anything you may have tried before. All of the reports including Steve’s conversations with me point to the fact that initially, the sound presentation is confusing, odd, even overwhelming. If you are a new user, any hearing aid can be confusing, odd and even overwhelming.
Stick With It, The Brain Needs Time
However, the brain (your one) will adapt to it over a varying period of time,it may be two weeks, it may be a month. The adaptation period seems to vary a little from person to person. But the brain will adapt and that is when the hearing aids will come into their own.
Getting The Full Picture
Oticon continually talk about an “Open Experience” and giving the full sound picture. They say that this is at the core of their new hearing aid strategy and what makes the difference. Deciphering the marketing language is what we try to do here, we also try to turn the gobbledygook of technical language into easily understandable language. I don’t often feel over taxed doing this, however, there is always a first time right? So here goes, try my best, because this actually excites me and it really seems to be a whole new way to deal with sound.
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Delivering All Speech, Attacking The Noise
What Oticon is doing is very different to what anyone else is doing when it comes to the over riding strategy. They have changed the way directionality (directional microphones) is used and the way speech is handled. In essence, the hearing aids are always providing a full view of your surroundings. But they present all speech and noise in different ways and with different strategies.
Without getting too technical, all speech from the sides and front are presented to you for best audibility. All speech from the rear is also presented to you for audibility but at a lower level of volume. Steve described this in his article, what he said was that instead of the wall of noise or babble he was used to, he could discern and pick out conversations all around him.
He didn’t know what they were saying and he didn’t need to, but he could discern the nuances of speech and conversations. Oticon believe that following this strategy delivers the best and most natural sound picture to your brain. It makes sense, natural hearing delivers exactly this sound picture to us. So what they are delivering is a nuanced sound picture when it comes to speech, but what about noise?
Attacking The Noise
They still attack noise, handling it in a different manner to speech. This is where it gets a bit technical, but stick with me, I will try. The standard way to deal with noise across all of the manufacturers is to identify it and attack it through directional microphones and special processing features. Oticon is doing it differently, they aren’t using what you would call a traditional directional strategy. The traditional directionality strategy is to focus the microphones to the front. That’s where the speech usually is right?
Using this strategy is changing the natural sense of things, but it works really well. Oticon aren’t using a traditional directionality strategy, they are using the understanding of localisation and analysis of noise to attack the noise in both traditional and non traditional ways. In essence, they are using the beneficial effect of directionality without focusing the microphones to the front. Confused much?
Directionality and The Null
Directionality works by applying a null, that means an area that is ignored by the processing and the microphones. Oticon are using the null and applying it in the processing to reduce the effect of noise. In fact, the top of the range Opn 1 can do this with sixteen different noise sources and react to their changing state. This strategy, combined with the way they are handling speech from all angles delivers the more natural sound picture and the cues that they believe your brain needs to work it all out.
Speech from everywhere combined with the art of directionality, without the directionality! Confused Much?
I think Steve described it perfectly when he said that he is used to hearing a wall of noise. By that he didn’t mean an overpowering sensation, he meant simply a solid background of un-discernable noise. What the Opn seems to deliver is a much more nuanced sound picture, where the background speech is discernable and nuanced, but the background noise is still controlled. I think it is the first time I have ever heard somebody describe their experience like that.
I would never have been a fan of Oticon as a manufacturer, I never believed in the directionality strategy that they used in the past. However, I have had to readjust my thinking, the word on the street as it where, was that the Opns were really successful. So I decided to take another look, the new strategy they are using is radically different from before. In fact it seems to be highly different than anyone else.
The strategy is fascinating and they say that it is the new chipset and its speed that allows them to deliver it. Steve’s experience speaks for itself really, I hope to get a hold of the aids soon so I can play with them. I will follow up with some more technical explanations of the features over the next while.
As you may know, Steve recently had a pair of LiNX 3D 9s fitted, he hasn’t stopped raving about them since. Steve’s Audiologist has joined the Hearing Know Hearing Aid Centre Network, so we thought it was a good time to introduce him and tell you a bit about him. Meet Kaz.
Or to give him his full and proper title, Mr Kaz Shiraz – BSc (Hons), RHAD, BAA. Kaz is a qualified Audiologist, graduating in 2009 from the BSc Audiology course at Aston University. His on the job training was undertaken primarily at Wycombe General Hospital, Amersham Hospital & Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
Clinical Research Post
On graduating Kaz worked as a Clinical Research Associate for MED-EL in Innsbruck, Austria, who specialise in cochlear implants and middle ear implants. After that he began to work for one of the big hearing aid manufacturers as a Technical Support Audiologist, supporting audiologist and hearing aid users with the troubleshooting/technical advice and training to achieve effective outcomes.
He soon progressed to Product Manager and Head of Technical Support for the UK operations and he was involved in bringing new and innovative solutions to the market. However, he had the bug that many of us have and yearned to go back to dealing direct with people with hearing loss. He started his own independent business offering hearing care services from assessment, fitting & rehabilitation to ear care services offering wax removal.
Fitting Steve
This is where he met Steve, if you have read the LiNX 3D 9 review by Steve you will know he is pretty happy with the hearing aids. Steve hasn’t covered the process to reach that success and we both know that even the best hearing aids are only good as the person who fitted them. Kaz looked after Steve well, taking time to understand what he needed and when.
Steve’s residual hearing is limited so Kaz had to make the hearing aids dance within a narrow window of residual hearing. The max power output for some sounds was initially a problem but they soon worked out the comfortable loudness level for Steve to normalise loud sounds without causing irritation. All in all it was pretty skilled work, although I am sure Kaz doesn’t need me to tell him that.
So, if you are looking for a good audiologist and you are in the market for hearing aids in High Wycombe, Kaz Shiraz is probably a great place to start.
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Widex recently introduced a brand new in the ear model range that they are simply calling the Custom. It is a departure for Widex, offering a powerful but discreet in the ear hearing aid model with a programme button and volume control for the first time, in a long time. Let’s take a look at the new model.
New Design
The model is completely re-designed, it has a new battery door aspect which is similar to their CIC. Brand new amplifier design, microphone design and receiver design. It all adds up to a smaller, neater device than the existing XP. The device is available in two levels of power using two receivers, the P (which is the most powerful) and the M receiver. They cover losses from Minimal down to severe.
Wireless Hearing Aids
The custom is a wireless hearing aid model, which means that it can be connected to all of the existing wireless accessories from Widex. It also means that it will have the full Widex feature set including all of the inter-ear features at each level.
A Host Of Options
The new model is not a replacement for the XP, it is to sit side by side with it in the lineup. The new model does not come equipped with a telecoil, however, it offers a host of options, you can have it completely automatic, or with a mix of programme buttons and volume control. Widex hasn’t offered these options on their XP since the Mind range. The introduction of the Clear and the wireless chip ensured that they could no longer put either on the XP.
Better Control
Widex now uses an intelligent programme button which means it is multi-functional depending on the length of the press. On the Custom, it can mean that devices with programme buttons will offer manual programme changes with a long press, and a volume up or down with a short press. They have defaulted this to Volume Up with a short press on the right aid, and Volume Down with a short press on the left aid.
I like this type of thinking, it means that you have good control over your hearing aids even without a remote control. Remote controls are great, and the Widex RC Dex is a fantastic little remote. It is light, small and easy to carry. However, it is better to have physical controls on the aids for the time when the battery runs out or you just forget the remote.
The introduction of the hearing aid model gives people more choices. Even though the device is powered by a 312, it is also pretty discreet. That’s got to be seen as a good thing, it means longer battery life in a relatively discreet package. It is also well past time that Widex offered manual controls on their custom hearing aids, so I am glad to see it happen now.
As far as I know, the devices are now available for order.
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When Widex introduced sound classes with the Unique hearing aid platform, I have to admit I groaned with frustration, damned Widex, following the herd. Company gone to the dogs you know! As with many things in my life, I was wrong. Having used the system for some time now, I just get happier and happier that they have done it. Read on to find out what sound classes are, why I felt Widex were a sell out and more importantly why I was wrong and why it might matter to you if you are looking for a decent hearing aid.
Sound class settings or automatic programme settings are something that were introduced several years ago by hearing aid manufacturers. They are basically automatic classifications of different sound environments. The classifications allow a certain sound environment to be recognised and a certain set of parameters to come into effect. For instance, if you go into a noisy environment with speech, the hearing aid adapts the directionality, activates aggressive noise reduction and gives speech frequencies a boost.
This happens automatically and you just get on with it. Widex were late to the game with this type of feature, prior to the Unique range they never had active sound classes. Oh they did in the background, but not in the way other manufacturers did it. Widex theselves say:
Distinct sound classes based on real-life measurements We have devised a precise processing system to give users significantly improved sound in every sound environment. WIDEX UNIQUE™ Sound Class technology divides listening environments into distinct sound classes.
It searches for specific characteristics in the incoming sound and determines whether prominent speech is present. When prominent speech is present, the system targets audibility; when there is no prominent speech, it targets comfort.
Widex up to this introduction had always concentrated on high definition analysis of a sound situation and automatic handling of the features and amplification to deliver the best sound. They did it really well. So when I saw the Unique come out with sound classes I have to admit I was a little exasperated. Damned Widex following the herd, company gone to the dogs you know! As I said, I was oh so wrong, the system in fact has given me a fantastic ability to fine tune and customise hearing aids for customers in an amazingly targeted way.
Fine Tuning The Situation, Not The Hearing Aid
When a Patient comes back during the rehabilitation period we discuss how they have got on and where the problem areas lie for them. More often than not, the problems, if any are restricted to very specific areas. Very specific situations. The sound class settings in the Unique offer me the ability to focus just on that area and make changes there.
This means that I can change how the hearing aid reacts in just that situation without a change in global settings. In other words it delivers a versatility to what I do that wasn’t there before. My experience so far has been pretty excellent, customers really like the idea and the results. I really like the ability to make targeted changes without having to set up an experimental programme.
So my opinion changed, eating some humble pie, I have to agree that the introduction of sound classes with the Unique was a pretty good idea. I was in fact wrong, just don’t tell the wife, she will use it as evidence against me
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