RESOUND LAUNCHES LINX
The ReSound LiNX (resoundlinx.com) hearing aid was made for use with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, offering direct streaming of stereo sound from these devices without the need for additional equipment. The ReSound Smart App allows users to control their experience by presetting volume levels, geo-tagging frequented spaces, and locating misplaced hearing aids.
LiNX uses the SmartRange chipset, with Bluetooth Smart technology, and is the smallest wireless receiver-in-the-ear device brought to market by GN ReSound. The hearing aid, which is also available as Beltone First (beltone.com), includes Surround Sound by ReSound and was a 2014 honoree in the Accessible Technologies category of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovations Design and Engineering Awards.
ReSound also teamed up with the Foundation for Sight and Sound as hosts of a Help America Hear mission at AudiologyNOW! 2014, the American Academy of Audiology (AAA)’s annual meeting. The convention was held March 26-29 in Orlando, FL.
ReSound and Help America Hear have been collaborating since 2010 to provide free hearing aids and fitting services to those who need them. For the mission at the AAA meeting, 25 candidates were selected to receive hearing aids and fittings, and support was provided by Otometrics Audiology Systems, ReSound Global Audiology, and Orlando hearing healthcare professional Karen Butler.
OTICON INTRODUCES MFi DEVICE
Oticon's (oticonusa.com) first made-for-iPhone (MFi) connectivity device for hearing instruments provides true binaural signal processing at low power consumption. Users can control program choice, volume, and input source with the Oticon ConnectLine App, and have hands-free conversations on their iPhones. The product is compatible with all Oticon wireless hearing instruments.
STARKEY ANNOUNCES HALO, AWARD
Starkey Hearing Technologies’ (starkey.com) made-for-iPhone hearing aid, Halo, is compatible with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, enabling users to take full advantage of these devices. It connects through the TruLink Hearing Control App, which is available as a free download from the App Store. Halo works as a stand-alone hearing aid, offering feedback cancellation, adaptive noise management, and directionality.
Starkey also was named 2014 Manufacturer of the Year (large-size company) by the Manufacturers Alliance in Minnesota. A member of the alliance for about 20 years, Starkey was recognized for its efforts to assist other manufacturers. Last year, the company cohosted the Alliance's Tour of Excellence, supported educational tours from local universities, and hosted the facility visit for the SME MicroManufacturing Conference.
APPROVED: COCHLEAR HYBRID IMPLANT
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Cochlear (cochlear.com) Nucleus Hybrid Implant System, which combines the benefits of hearing aids and cochlear implants to help people with high-frequency hearing loss hear better. The hybrid system uses acoustic amplification to improve the low-frequency hearing the user has and cochlear implant technology to restore access to the high-frequency hearing that was lost. It is designed to offer improved sound quality and clarity, especially in noisy environments.
BERNAFON PRESENTS CARISTA 5 | 3
Carista 5 | 3, with Audio Efficiency technology, is available in Bernafon's (bernafon.com) two newest midrange families. Audio Efficiency technology encompasses both Adaptive Noise Reduction Plus for noise suppression and REMfit for rapid, precise, and individualized hearing instrument fitting.
The Carista 5 | 3 was presented at AudiologyNOW! 2014 alongside wireless connectivity devices: SoundGate 2, plus Phone Adapter 2 and TV Adapter 2, connect to devices like mobile and landline phones, televisions, computers, GPS systems, and MP3 players. Customers can use SoundGate 2, which acts as a wireless bridge, to control multiple sources.
The wireless device offers improved audibility through a better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the integration of a telecoil for streaming of induction looped venues. SoundGate 2 has an extended, rechargeable battery life.
MOXI KISS WINS DESIGN AWARD
Unitron's (unitron.com) Moxi Kiss received a Red Dot Award: Product Design 2014. The device was selected based on its innovation, functionality, emotional content, and ecological aspects, among other criteria. In designing Moxi Kiss, Unitron's goal was to create a stylish, discreet, and comfortable hearing instrument that offers high-fidelity natural sound. The design award is the product's second this year; Moxi Kiss received a 2014 iF Product Design Award in February.
Unitron also launched new global and U.S. websites aimed at providing hearing healthcare professionals with tools to build stronger practices. The professional and consumer websites were updated to be more accessible, with a clean design, mobile-friendly navigation, and jargon-free information.
For consumers, the website offers answers to common questions, search functionality, and an online hearing assessment tool with a hearing healthcare professional locator. For healthcare professionals, the website includes a practice support section with tools and resources, Unitron support team profiles, and succinct content.
NEW ACTIVE APPAREL FOR CI WEARERS
Ci Wear (ciwear.com), an apparel manufacturer, introduced a new swim and compression shirt that conceals cochlear implant processors and sound cords. The shirt has pockets on each sleeve with clips to hold cochlear implant processors in place. The sound cord is threaded through a small opening on the back side of the pocket to the inside of the shirt. Two small loops at the neckline guide the cord out of the collar to the attachment point on the head.
Eric Sherman developed the shirt so that his son, who has bilateral cochlear implants, could enjoy his time swimming without worrying about his processors. Ci Wear shirts are water-repellent and compatible with any device that fits in the pockets and has a cord of adequate length. Electronic devices must be waterproof for water use.
