The Latest in Hearing Aid Technology

Hearing Aids

Technology keeps on moving forward, and hearing aids are a prime example of this progress. They’re getting better at recharging, performing well in noisy places, and constantly getting smaller. Since we’re well into 2023, let’s explore at some of the most recent developments in hearing aid technology.

OTICON REAL

Oticon real graphicOticon’s premium hearing aids are based on the ‘brain hearing’ concept using the Deep Neural Network. The Polaris R chip in the new Real takes sound processing to a whole new level by introducing two new features – Wind & Handling Stabilizer and SuddenSound Stabilizer.

The Wind & Handling Stabilizer minimizes the impact of wind and handling noises – think hair rustling, glasses clinking, or facemask straps brushing against the hearing aid microphones. In practical terms, this patented innovation significantly enhances speech clarity and overall auditory comfort, effectively eliminating undesirable wind and handling sounds.

The SuddenSound Stabilizer, utilizes innovative sensors embedded within the DNN to actively monitor auditory surroundings which keeps both soft and loud sudden sounds, not only audible but also balanced and comfortable. This helps reduce listening effort and protect the ear from sudden sounds. These active changes happen without impacting speech understanding.

Oticon has also made an update to their app calling it the ‘Oticon Companion app’. The app has the ‘find my hearing aids’ feature to assist in finding lost hearing aids and provides access to remote counselling when needed.

These aids come in the mini RITE and mini BTE (behind the ear) styles with both rechargeable and Telecoil options, in addition to 3 technology levels. With Oticon Real you can make hands free calls from the iPhone and iPads as well as stream directly from compatible apple and android devices.

Oticon’s premium hearing aids are based on the ‘brain hearing’ concept using the Deep Neural Network. The Polaris R chip in the new Real takes sound processing to a whole new level by introducing two new features – Wind & Handling Stabilizer and SuddenSound Stabilizer.

The Wind & Handling Stabilizer minimizes the impact of wind and handling noises – think hair rustling, glasses clinking, or facemask straps brushing against the hearing aid microphones. In practical terms, this patented innovation significantly enhances speech clarity and overall auditory comfort, effectively eliminating undesirable wind and handling sounds.

The SuddenSound Stabilizer, utilizes innovative sensors embedded within the DNN to actively monitor auditory surroundings which keeps both soft and loud sudden sounds, not only audible but also balanced and comfortable. This helps reduce listening effort and protect the ear from sudden sounds. These active changes happen without impacting speech understanding.

Oticon has also made an update to their app calling it the ‘Oticon Companion app’. The app has the ‘find my hearing aids’ feature to assist in finding lost hearing aids and provides access to remote counselling when needed.

These aids come in the mini RITE and mini BTE (behind the ear) styles with both rechargeable and Telecoil options, in addition to 3 technology levels. With Oticon Real you can make hands free calls from the iPhone and iPads as well as stream directly from compatible apple and android devices.

PHONAK SLIM LUMITY

Armed with Phonak’s latest platform, Lumity, the Phonak Slim – a fully rechargeable RIC (receiver in canal), has been recently added to the Audeo collection. While a slim design has been previously introduced by other manufacturers, the Phonak Slim is unique in that the shape is ergonomic and curvy to naturally rest behind the ear. The right and the left sides are uniquely designed providing a more nestled fit on each side. The Phonak Slim’s Bluetooth connectivity is ‘Made for All’ where streaming and hands-free calls are possible.

UNITRON VIVATE

Unitron VivateUnitron Vivante is an update to the previous Blu. Both Blu and Vivante utilize the PRISM chipset, implying that there is no fresh chip introduction, instead enhancements have been focused on improving existing features.

Unitron has introduced the AutoFocus 360 with HyperFocus, a pioneering addition that automatically fine-tunes the hearing aids to optimize auditory experiences in loud background noise. Moreover, a 360 Conversation in car manual program option has been integrated, ensuring automatic speech prioritization regardless of the passengers’ seating arrangement.

At this stage, Vivante is exclusively available in the rechargeable RIC (Moxi) style. Unitron has also introduced their Vivante Slim RIC aid, which is similar to the Phonak Slim that was released earlier this year. The recharger has also had an upgrade and is more compact and easier to manage.

Unitron Vivante’s Bluetooth connectivity is ‘Made for All’ where streaming and hands-free calls are possible.

RESOUND OMNIA

Resound OmniaResound’s latest platform called Omnia was released end of last year and was limited to just the RIC style of aids. This year, Omnia has been released across rest of the hearing aid styles to include both rechargeable and nonchargeable custom aids and BTEs (behind the ear). It comes in 3 different technology levels. The Custom Rechargeable hearing aids in this range, seamlessly resemble contemporary earbuds. Engineered to provide a custom, snug fit, these devices boast superior sound quality and the convenience of rechargeable batteries.

Apart from the CIC (completely in the canal) model, all other styles will seamlessly connect to ReSound’s HearMax App. They also offer Bluetooth streaming for audio and phone calls, including hands-free calling compatibility for apple and android devices.

BELTONE ACHIVE

Beltone AchiveBeltone is the sister company of Resound and they share the same technological foundations. Hence the new Achieve technology range is identical to Resound’s Omnia and comes in both the rechargeable and nonchargeable options in all styles cross three different technology levels. The hearing aids have both the MFi and ASHA Bluetooth compatibilities allowing for hands free calling and audio streaming.

At Knox Audiology, we continue to keep up to date with the very latest in hearing aid advancements. We take pride in our team of university qualified and experienced audiologists, who are committed to providing trusted, friendly, and professional hearing services, catering to all your unique hearing needs. Don’t hesitate to take reach out to us to find out more by calling 03 9800 5697 or contact us online.
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