Trends reporters set out like paparazzi to get a glimpse of this year's new premieres, stars and major players in the exhibit hall of AudiologyNOW!, the annual conference of the American Academy of Audiologists held in San Diego in May. Here are their finds.
Great strides continue to be made in application of digital signal processing strategies (DSP) for hearing aids. Each generation of technology benefi ts from the lessons of the past and progress seems to be exponential. And, there is a new buzzword: "insta-fit," referring to open-fit, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids that do not require an earmold impression or custom earmold. Some manufacturers have also introduced modular in-the-canal (ITC) models that do not require earmold impressions either.
audifon USA featured elia, arriva and avero hearing aids, each presenting a DSP algorithm based on the company's Storm platform. elia is available in receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), BTE, in-the-ear (ITE) and superpower custom devices with up to 70 decibels (dB) of amplification and super-fast DSP. arriva, available in BTE and ITE styles, features audifon's AFC2 automatic feedback control algorithm, and a slower DSP algorithm to save 15 percent on battery consumption. Both devices are digitally programmed. In contrast, the avero achieves even longer battery life and can be adjusted outside of a hearing healthcare professional's office via trimpots (trimming potentiometers), making it an ideal choice for individuals living in rural areas and receiving home medical services, or those living in nursing homes. More information can be found at www.audifon.com.
Audina® Hearing Instruments debuted INTELLIO® and fl x®. INTELLIO features advanced DSP algorithms including EnviroScan (high-precision listening in any environment), IntelliScan (automatic scanning of the environment to enhance listening experience and improve comfort), IntelliSense (adaptive directional microphone and digital volume control) and Softwave® (data logging and high fidelity audio processing). The fl x, a BTE/ over-the-ear instrument, is now available with the Clarujust™ phoneme-based optimization fi tting program. Developed with Audigence and the University of Florida, this fitting method uses speech sounds to program digital hearing instruments in conjunction with active patient participation. This Clarujust fitting program will be incorporated into Audina's ezFIT programming software and will soon be released with other Audina instruments. For more information, visit www.audina.net.
Bernafon's Veras offers Bluetooth® capability and a versatile selection of fitting options, including Nano, Micro, Power BTE and custom choices. Music lovers, take note of Bernafon's proprietary ChannelFree™ technology that treats incoming signals as a whole, maintaining the original balance between low and high frequency harmonic energy. Learn more at www.channelfreehearing.bernafonus.com.
Clik® is a full-featured, open-fit, fully digital BTE hearing aid, developed by Ear Technology Corporation, that allows fitting without programming via a computer. Clik's interactive design provides a host of programming options with the simple push of a button. See www.clik-hearing.com for more details.
ExSilent, a Netherlands-based newcomer to hearing aid production, believes a hearing aid should not look like a hearing aid and is therefore dedicated to the development of next-generation technology and design. ExSilent presented two completely-inthe- canal (CIC) products: Q and Qleaf. The Q is invisible while wearing and ear impressions are not necessary due to its modular design and patented, fl exible, hypo-allergenic soft tip available in a variety of sizes. The Q comes with four channels and six bands, which include adaptive noise reduction, adaptive feedback management and four programs for different sound environments. There is also the Q8, with eight channels and 12 bands.
Smaller than the Q is the Qleaf, also a modular CIC, designed for people with smaller ear canals or curved ear canals. Qleaf has four channels, 12 bands, adaptive noise reduction and adaptive feedback manager, and Qleaf8 has eight channels, 12 bands, adaptive noise reduction, adaptive feedback manager and data logging. Visit www.exsilent.com for a preview of their innovative design.
"Tailored to your needs" is ReSound's new slogan and the company is introducing a new generation of hearing instruments featuring 2.4 gHz technology. The Alera™ delivers wireless technology that doesn't require a body-worn streamer, has cable-free fitting and programming, and increased transmission capacity that provides patients with a greater range of TV streaming and remote-control operation. The instruments receive crystal-clear sound directly from TVs, computers and other audio sources up to about 20 feet away via Unite™, the transmitter that attaches to the audio source. More information can be found at www.gnresound.com.
Hansaton USA, responding to the need to recharge, recycle and reuse, has introduced the AQ Custom Rechargeable Hearing System, with patented overnight rechargeable battery technology, eliminating the cost and hassle of changing small hearing aid batteries. Overcoming previous limitations, AQ instruments hold a charge for 20 to 30 hours of wear time and are backed up by a six-year battery guarantee. AQ's award-winning ITE design is suitable for a wide range of hearing losses. Check them out at www.hansaton-usa.com.
Oticon has introduced the Agil Pro, a second-generation wireless hearing instrument featuring Spatial Sound, which helps listeners organize sound and make sense of where it is coming from, intuitively and effortlessly. Agil Pro also offers Speech Guard, which preserves the natural characteristics of speech-like timing and loudness of sounds while enriching sound quality. Additionally, Connect (+) features Power Bass, which produces a rich low-frequency sound experience and preserves fidelity in the low frequencies where sound is reduced due to leakage from an open fitting. Music Widening is a feature designed to give the listener a comfortable and authentic perception of the naturalness, depth and spatial fidelity of music. The system provides excellent speech understanding in noise, significant reduction in cognitive efforts to understand speech, improved audio through wireless technology for open fitting and enhanced 3D listening. Oticon's new Safari includes dedicated pediatric features, making it an attractive solution for children and teens, including extended bandwidth to allow audibility and access to all parts of speech, an LED status indicator to confirm if the child's hearing aid is working properly, and Spatial Sound to help preserve naturally occurring loudness cues that are important for maintaining localization cues. In addition, the Streamer can be worn with Safari, serving as a remote control and allowing transmission of any audio signal directly to both hearing aids. More information can be found at www.oticonusa.com.
"Life is on" with Phonak which features SoundRecover, a propriety non-linear frequency compression algorithm that gently compresses and shifts high frequencies, ensuring that the full range of sounds is audible, thereby enhancing natural sound quality. Versta Art and Certna Art complete the product family that Exlia Art began, extending SoundRecover benefi ts to all wearers regardless of hearing loss, lifestyle, personal preference, age or budget. Phonak introduced ZIP into the Audeo product line, a discreet, modular, instant-fi t CIC hearing solution available in three faceplate colors (pink, cocoa and brown) and three performance levels (III, IV, V). The InstantFit CIC Audo ZIP is a perfect solution for first-time users with mild to moderate hearing loss. The open TwinVent eliminates occlusion and the MultiFlex Canal guarantees a level of wearing comfort expected from a custom-fitted device. A size range of hypoallergenic silicone domes and/or SecureFit Tabs offer better retention than ever before. See www.phonak-us.com for more information.
The new Cobalt+ and Gem+ are Rexton's latest receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) instruments, packed with features including Feedback Preventer, Wireless Assistant, Focus 360, Sound Radiance and much more. These products are examples of Rexton's ongoing commitment to make better hearing more accessible to all people with hearing loss. Visit www.rexton.com for more details.
Siemens Hearing Instruments launched a new product line based on the company's BestSound™ Technology platform, a sophisticated suite of device features which include SpeechFocus™, FeedbackStopper™ and SoundLearning® 2.0. SpeechFocus ensures that the optimal directional pattern for speech understanding is automatically engaged, even in the noisiest environments. FeedbackStopper employs Siemens' Acoustic Fingerprint Technology to distinguish between feedback and external signals that mimic feedback. Siemens' SoundLearning 2.0 learns the wearer's listening preferences in specific situations and automatically adjusts itself when in similar sound environments. Tek®-compatible, discreet and comfortable, BestSound Technology is featured in Pure®, Life™ and Motion® hearing instruments which are designed for mild to severe hearing losses. For more information, visit www.siemens.com/hearing.
Sonic Innovations' Touch™, a micro RIC device from last year, was named Best of Innovations Honoree in the Health and Wellness category at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show. This year, Sonic unveiled Endura™, a slim, fullyfeatured superpower BTE with direct audio input (DAI) for iPod and Bluetooth connectivity when paired with the company's DAI cable accessory. It also has adaptive and automatic directionality, digital noise reduction, an automatic, hands-free program, four manual programs, 11 predefined listening environments, data logging and voice alerts. Endura provides enough power to assist those with even the most profound hearing loss. For more information visit http://us.sonici.com.
Sonitus Medical™, founded in 2006, developed the SoundBite™ hearing system, the world's fi rst and only nonsurgical and removable hearing solution designed to transmit sound via the teeth and help people with single-sided deafness. Nearly invisible when worn, the SoundBite system consists of an in-the-mouth hearing device, custom made to fi t around either the upper left or upper right back teeth, and a small BTE microphone. This system is currently available for investigational use only pending FDA 501(k) clearance to treat single-sided deafness. Future applications are intended for conductive and mixed hearing loss. Visit www.sonitusmedical.com for more details.
Starkey presented OtoLens™, an invisible, ITC hearing aid with minimal occlusion. This custom-molded device is built using the Comfort Fit process and resides in the second bend of the ear canal beginning where a traditional CIC would end. This device features the same technology and DSP as Starkey's new Series iQ devices and provides a wide fi tting range with 60 dB of effective gain. OtoLens takes advantage of Starkey's T2 Remote technology that allows for adjustments of volume or memory using any touchtone phone. OtoLens uses a size 10 battery that can be changed by the user.
Starkey Pediatrics is a comprehensive program with an evidence-based approach to technology, service and the critical interaction between audiologists, patients and their families. Starkey is the only hearing aid manufacturer authorized to feature Nickelodeon™ characters from the network's most popular TV shows, including SpongeBob SquarePants™, iCarly™, Go, Diego, Go!™ and Dora the Explorer™. Visit www.starkey.com.
Unitron showcased SmartFocus™, propriety technology combining multiple adaptive features into one powerful algorithm featured across all of Unitron's core product line, including premium-level Passport™ and advanced-level Latitude™. Also featured was Fuse™, an open, instant-fit, deep ITE with standard-sized domes. Features include SmartFocus technology, self-learning capabilities, automatic programs and the convenient Smart Control remote. Ziel™ is a BTE insta-fit counterpart to Fuse and is available in two models, the Zeil and Zeil+; three power levels, standard, power and high-power; and in two battery sizes, 13 for standard power and 675 for high-power. Learn more at www.unitron.com.
Widex offered a sneak preview of their highly-anticipated Clear440. This innovative product will offer consumers wireless communication between the user's two hearing aids, resulting in better performance in noise; a high-defi nition locator microphone; the Audibility Extender (frequency transposition) where high-pitch sounds that are currently out of a wearer's range of hearing are brought into their range of hearing; and optional accessories to help users enjoy listening to music, TV and cell phone conversations. The Mind Series, including the Mind440, the most advanced hearing instrument in the series, drew interest not only for its ultimate sound quality and speech enhancement, but also for Zen, a music program that has shown promise as a sound therapy tool for tinnitus management. In addition, Mind220, a lower-cost version, offers outstanding features like the Audibility Extender, SmartSpeak (where the hearing aids actually talk to you to guide you through certain processes), a high-definition locator microphone, noise reduction, multidirectional active feedback cancellation and many more features. Learn more at www.widexusa.com.
Implant Technology Stars
Advanced Bionics launched the fi rst Web site supporting and connecting cochlear implant (CI) candidates and recipients. This online community, called Connect to Mentor (www.bionicear.com/ctm), allows CI candidates to search for mentors who include parents of implanted children, relatives of CI recipients and CI recipients themselves. Each volunteer mentor has a profile complete with a personal photo and facts such as favorite sound, personal interests, hometown, age they were implanted, severity of hearing loss and how they can help CI candidates. It is social networking for the purpose of supporting CI candidates.
The Harmony Listening Check lets clinicians, educators and parents check a CI recipient's microphones, FM systems or other connected audio input by listening to the output.
Advanced Bionics also recently partnered with Skinit to offer custom-made covers for Harmony® and Auria® sound processors. With Skinit designs, recipients can customize their sound processors to match their mood or wardrobe or simply to make a fashion statement. Processors can be dressed with favorite colors, sports team logos, motifs or works of art. The Skinit Web site offers thousands of designs to choose from or the option to upload graphics for a one-of-a-kind look. The designs are a great addition to the 20 colorful caps and covers that are already available to people with an AB implant (www.advancedbionics.com/CMS/Products/Skinits.aspx).
Cochlear™ Americas (www.cochlearamericas.com) announced that the FDA has approved the Nucleus® 5 System for adults and children with severe-to-profound hearing loss. The Nucleus 5 is water-resistant and has one of the smallest processors and thinnest titanium CI receivers. A wireless two-way remote assistant puts you in control of your (or your child's) processor without having to touch your ear. The remote looks like a small MP3 player and features a full-color display and easy-to-use navigation menu. The Nucleus 5 also features AutoPhone™ for telephone detection through an automatic telecoil and Zoom™ dual-omni microphone technology to enhance listening in noisy environments. Finally, the Set It and Go™ SmartSound™ 2 program is designed to automatically adapt to changes in the listening environment.
Last summer, Cochlear Americas released the Cochlear™ Baha® BP100 sound processor, a bone conduction implantable technology for conductive, mixed and single-sided sensorineural hearing loss. With advanced automatic digital signal processing, the BP100 was redesigned especially for children, sporting tamper-resistant battery doors, a key/lock function and titanium and plastic casing for maximum durability.
MED-EL's (www.medel.com/US) MAESTRO™ cochlear implant system includes two audio processors, different wearing options, two implant designs and a wide variety of electrode arrays. The PULSARci100 and SONATAti100 cochlear implant components offer the latest in technology. Audio processor options include the OPUS 1 and OPUS 2. The newest cochlear implant audio processor, MAESTRO OPUS 2, is ultra-thin and light. One or two OPUS 2s can be singularly controlled remotely with a FineTuner Remote Control, which features large buttons and allows users to change settings on the fly without having to miss sounds because of having to remove the processor.
Oticon ventured into a new area of care with the creation of a new division, Oticon Medical, and having received FDA clearance to market the innovative Ponto hearing system. Similar in application to Cochlear's Baha system, Ponto and Ponto Pro are fully digital and programmable implant systems for people with bilateral conductive or mixed hearing loss and single-sided deafness. As with all implants, a surgical procedure is required. The external component clicks on or can be secured with an elastic band. Check it out at www.oticonmedical.com.
Special Guest Stars
Tinnitus Relief/Management and
Assistive Listening Technology
Melmedtronics (www.tinnitustreatment.com) has a new FDAapproved hand-held device, The Inhibitor™, which offers temporary relief of tinnitus. It is placed directly on the bone behind the ear and, when turned on, emits a 60-second ultrasonic signal. According to Melmedtronics, patients have reported total or partial relief of their tinnitus, ranging from minutes to hours to days, and in some cases, weeks.
ReSound (www.resound.com) has a combination hearing aid and sound-generator device called the Live™ TS that is designed not only to amplify sounds for the person with hearing loss, but also to help relieve or reduce bothersome tinnitus. Typically, white noise (which has many frequencies) is used in tinnitus treatment devices, but Live TS provides fl exibility by allowing a low-frequency cut and/or high-frequency cut to maximize user comfort. Live TS can also be set to allow white noise to be modulated in amplitude over the course of two to eight seconds another method of increasing patient comfort with white noise. Unique to Live TS is Environmental Steering™, an automatic volume control that adjusts the loudness of the white noise, as environment noise levels vary. Patients with tinnitus will often complain that their tinnitus is worse in quiet settings. Thus when the environment is quiet, the white noise increases, and vice versa.
Artone Communication Solutions (www.artonecs.com), a relative newcomer to the hearing industry, develops, manufactures and exports a large variety of hearing assistance technology devices. They offer the Artone Bluetooth LoopSet, which turns a hearing aid into a wireless communicator. The TVB is a Bluetooth transmitter for television that sends a wireless signal to the Artone Loopset. The latest development is the TVB+, a personal communicator with an integrated microphone, which also has an option to connect to any audio device to stream audio signal to hearing aids.
audifon (www.audifon.com) offers the RadioLight DIR II, a wireless headset for use with TVs and radios, with a listening range of up to 100 meters. For hearing aid users who use mobile phones with Bluetooth technology, the looplink allows hands-free cell phone conversation.
The newest product from Bellman & Symfon (www.bellman.com) is the Bellman Visit 433 Smoke Alarm transmitter which, when activated, sends a radio signal to one of several Bellman Visit Receivers, which vibrate or fl ash and can be placed in a hightraffic area or carried using the pager receiver. The receivers are also compatible with the Baby-Cry transmitter, Door transmitter and Telephone transmitter. Bellman & Symfon has collaborated with hearing instrument manufacturer Unitron on the Smart Alert™ Project. People wearing Unitron's Passport, Latitude, or 360+™ product lines are able to receive audible alerting signals directly via their hearing aids, offering greater freedom of movement around the house or workplace.
In the Bellman Audio line, the Domino Classic is a wireless FM microphone transmitter and receiver system for use with telecoil-equipped hearing aids or without any aids at all, up to a range of 75 feet. These products are available from authorized distributors like Harris Communications (www.harriscomm.com) and Sound Clarity (www.soundclarity.com).
Bo Edin (www.edin.se) has developed the UniVox® DLS-50, a compact loop amplifier with a dual-action automatic gain control for home use and wireless listening with telecoil-equipped hearing aids. It features a thumb-wheel volume control as well as bass and treble controls. The DLS-50 can be connected to a TV, stereo, MP3 player, microphone or any other sound source you want to hear clearly. A choice of loop pad, sofa loop or 100-foot room loop cable is offered.
ExSilent (www.exsilent.com) introduced its wireless audio integration (WAI) system, a technology developed to provide one platform for the integration of wireless systems. The WAI works with radio waves, unlike other wireless hearing aids that work with induction. The "Y," coming soon, is the ExSilent modular hearing system equipped with WAI technology. The Y headset consists of a pair of programmable BTE hearing modules with microphone and receivers in the canal, rechargeable batteries and a recharging cradle. Specific mobile Web applications for smartphones turn these devices into a remote control for the headset. Features which can be controlled through the Web app include changing programs and adjusting the volume.
The newest product from Etymotic Research (www.etymotic.com) is etyBLU2, a Bluetooth noise isolating, hands-free headset. Though not designed as an assistive listening device, the etyBLU2 may be an option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss who do not use hearing aids. It does two great things: the earpiece design isolates the user from extraneous noise and the noise-canceling directional microphone sits very close to a person's mouth to block out background noise for the person at the other end of the call. The result is an improved mobile phone listening experience at both ends of the conversation.
Kidzsafe™ Earbuds, available from Oaktree Products (www.oaktreeproducts.com) and designed specifi cally for children, control the output level of audio devices no matter how high the volume is turned up. Even when the volume in the music goes up, the output is automatically adjusted to keep it below 85 dB for safe hearing. Complete with a storage pouch, the earbuds feature a rubberized earbud casing and premium gauge cord to prevent tangling and increase durability. They are compatible with any audio device.
Phonak's (www.phonak-us.com) connectivity interface is the iCom, enabling hearing instrument users to connect to a diverse range of communication systems like telephones, televisions, MP3 players, computers or other audio sources. TVLink is Phonak's new wireless TV listening system with a Bluetooth transmission range of approximately 90 feet. TVLink's base station doubles as a charging cradle for the iCom.
Humantechnik (www.humantechnik.com) has three new alerting devices: The popular shake awake™ vibrating alarm clock for travel or home has been modernized and features a high-contrast color scheme for better visibility. The new travelTim vibrating alarm clock is compact and has a fresh, modern look. And visuTone is a flashing, acoustic alerting device to help with hearing the telephone or doorbell.
The newest addition to the PhonicEar® family (www.phonicear.com) is the HearIt Mobile Bluetooth neck loop for mobile phones, offering wireless, hands-free communication between mobile phones and headphones or telecoil-equipped hearing aids.
TV Ears® (www.tvears.com), well known for its wireless TV listening device system, now offers the TV Ears TV, a 32" HD, LCD "senior-friendly" TV equipped with an automatic selfpairing headset. Features include an automatic sleep timer that shuts the TV off after four hours of no volume or channel activity, and voice clarifying circuitry that increases the loudness of speech while decreasing background noise, particularly useful when watching action films.
Oticon Pediatrics (www.oticonpediatrics.com) offers the Amigo Arc, an attractive neck loop that delivers an FM signal to telecoil-equipped hearing aids, CIs and osseo-integrated devices such as the Oticon Ponto or Cochlear Baha. In addition, earphones or DAI cords can be plugged into the receiver.
Williams Sound® (www.williamssound.com) introduced the Digi-Wave™, a two-way, digital, spread-spectrum, wireless listening system, featuring portable transceivers for one- or two-way operation and receivers for digital, one-way listening applications. With patented frequency- hopping technology, Digi-Wave minimizes interference from other devices. Digi-Wave is ideal for such applications as portable language interpretation, guided tours, conferences (two-way communication) and wireless intercom, as well as personal FM.
Best Supporting Actors
Able Planet, winner of 25 international consumer electronics show awards for innovation, design and engineering, is on top of their game! Able Planet embeds their patent-pending LINX AUDIO™ technology into an extensive line of headphones and audio and communications products that enhance sound quality and speech clarity and are usable by people with all levels of hearing. LINX AUDIO creates high-frequency harmonics that enhance sound quality and speech clarity of difficult-to-hear words or notes, which increases the perception of loudness without increasing volume. Visit www.ableplanet.com.
The newest additions to the Ear Gear (www.gearforears.com) family is the Ear Gear BAHA model and Ear Gear Eyeglasses, for hearing instruments and glasses across all models. Hearing device users go crazy for Ear Gear join them on the user-created Facebook page: search "IMy Ear Gear!!!" Oticon Pediatrics has recognized the value of Ear Gear and includes these protective products in every Oticon Pediatric Care Kit.
E.A.R. Inc. (www.earinc.com) is new to the scene with HearPlugz-DF™, a multifunctional, dual-filter, hearing protector: (www.hearplugz.com). This earplug is designed to improve speech understanding in noisy situations and to hook up to a two-way radio communication device.
The Dry & Store® Global II conditioning system for all types of hearing instruments traditional hearing aids, cochlear implant equipment, noise maskers and ear monitors is new and improved with a redesign from Ear Technology Corporation (www.eartech.com) that includes the addition of a UV lamp to sanitize hearing
instruments.
Ever-Dry™ (www.ever-dry.com) is an innovative new hearing aid dryer that combines silica gel (a desiccant) with a gentle heater to automatically reactivate the desiccant while the hearing aids are not inside the drying box. Maintenance-free convenience eliminates the need to bake, microwave or replace the desiccant.
"Loopum™ or Loseum," (www.loopum.com) is the motto! Loopums are small loops that join the hollow tube of BTE hearing aids and the stem of eyeglass frames to prevent loss of hearing aids. A set of six Loopum connectors (three sizes) costs $5.95 plus shipping the cheapest insurance against loss of hearing aids you can buy.
Introducing Micro-Cera and Micro-Glaze, Microsonic (www.microsonic-inc.com) has targeted designs for individuals with severe allergic reactions to conventional acrylic earmold materials. Micro-Cera is a new earmold material and Micro-Glaze is a new process used to coat the entire earmold with an antibacterial material, thereby reducing skin irritation.
uHear™ is Unitron's (www.unitron.com) self-administered hearing screening test for the iPhone™ and iPad™, and has continuously maintained its position as one of iTunes' top 10 medical downloads (of 140,000 applications) since its release. Search "uHear" from within the iTunes program on your computer, or download iTunes software for free at http://itunes.com.
Varta (www.varta-microbattery.com) features innovative chargers and power one ACCU plus rechargeable cell-type batteries in p 13 accu, p 312 accu, p 10 accu and p 675 models. High-performance rechargeable batteries utilizing Ni-MH technology are fast charging. The power one Card Charger (www.poweronebatteries.com) is a convenient and portable quick-charging system shaped like a credit card, so you won't leave home without it. It charges up to two rechargeable hearing aid batteries, depending upon which battery insert adapter is used. The 675 Charger will be introduced in the fall, charging one or two cells in about five hours.
Nannette Nicholson, Ph.D., is an associate professor and director of audiology with a joint faculty appointment in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), and a clinical staff appointment at Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH).
Samuel R. Atcherson, Ph.D., is an assistant professor with a joint faculty appointment at UAMS and UALR and is director of the Auditory Electrophysiology and (Re)habilitation Research Laboratory located in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology.
The authors would like to thank Andrea Boidman for her assistance with this article. Please contact Nannette Nicholson at NN@uams.edu with any questions or comments.
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