Oticon announce their next generation of Performance Line hearing instruments

Oticon have recently announced the launch of their next generation of Performance Line hearing solutions featuring: -

• New, even more powerful Inium Sense processor
• Improved soft speech understanding
• Tinnitus relief

The new Inium Sense processor includes a new feature called “Soft Speech Booster” and enhances your ability to hear soft and quiet voices in delicate moments and private conversations. This feature will be available in the Alta2 and Nera2.

Oticon’s new tinnitus relief program features a comprehensive sound generator with unique ocean sounds and can be found in the Pro families of the Alta2, Nera2 and Ria2. Other improvements include a new Inium Sense feedback shield, back directionality and extra preset programs.

We hope to have the new Oticon product range available to us in the coming weeks. Check out our Oticon page or contact us to register your interest.

Which? customers rate independent providers as best for private hearing care

Which? Magazine conducted their first hearing-aids satisfaction survey quizzing 1,215 members about their experiences. A third of which bought hearing aids privately. Highlights of the report found: -

1. Levels of long term satisfaction among hearing-aid users are high - 94% of customers who paid to go private are marginally more satisfied versus 86% satisfaction for the NHS.

2. Independent providers were given five-star ratings in all categories and were rated higher than the 4 major high street providers who were ranked in the following order Boots Hearingcare (David Ormerod), Amplifon, Specsavers Hearcare and Hidden Hearing.

3. Many people aren’t sure what they should be paying as many companies do not publish their prices online and it’s therefore difficult to compare as packages don’t always include the same products and services.

4. A fifth of customers felt under pressure to select pricier hearing aids however this pressure was recorded as being less likely felt at independents.

5. Those using a private provider waited just under a week for an appointment whilst those using the NHS waited just under 4 weeks.

6. The average cost of those surveyed paid for their hearing aids was £2,523 but this varied by provider.

Which advised “The difference between a good and bad hearing-aid outcome is not often the aids themselves – it’s more to do with the fit and service given by the provider”.

What we say

This surveys shows that independents are a great provider for private hearing care and should not be ignored over the high street chains. Independents offer a great service for those who choose the benefits of private hearing care over our wonderful NHS service.

However, it is important to remember that all independents are different and you should always ensure that you understand what you are paying for when investing in hearing solutions and care. Make sure that you feel that you can build a relationship of trust with your dispenser.

To find out more check out the Which? website or click the link to find out about the independent hearing care provided by Key to Hearing.

Phonak introduce the Audéo V the first release off their new Venture platform

Last week saw the unveiling of the new Phonak Venture platform at the European Union of Hearing Aid Acousticians (EUHA) congress. For the new processing platform Phonak have looked at the needs of the wearer and focused on the following requirements: -

• Perform with accuracy and provision in a multitude of listening environments
• Offer seamless listening experiences with easy operation
• Appeal to wearer’s individuality and expectations
• Be discreet and require as little interaction as possible
• Provide easy mobile phone use.

The new AutoSense operating system (OS)

The Venture chip has a new analog to digital processor which features twice the processing power of the previous Quest chip but requires less power consumption. The Venture chip forms the foundation of Phonak’s new AutoSense OS.

The AutoSense OS is able to capture and analyse incoming sound and draw on more than 200 settings to match the sound environment exactly whilst seamlessly providing the best setting for that environment without manual interaction. The new Speech in Loud Noise program improves speech intelligibility when chatting with friends in noisy environments. Other new or improved AutoSense programs include a Speech in Car program that reduces broadband noise in the car to create a more stable listening environment and a Music program offering an expanded dynamic range and slower compression for a fuller and richer music experience.

New wireless accessories for the new generation

Along with the release of the new Venture platform came the announcement of the release of a series of new wireless accessories designed to improve connection, consume less power and to provide seamless integration with the platform.

Phonak EasyCall

A universal mobile phone streamer that can connect to any Bluetooth enabled phone. The device stays attached to the back of the phone and streams the conversation directly to both hearing aids in unmatched sound quality.

Compilot Air II

A newly designed clip-on audio streamer that removes the need for a neckloop. Focused on Bluetooth technology to connect Phonak Venture hearing aids wirelessly to mobile phones or Bluetooth enabled music sources. Ideal for connecting to tablets and laptops.

Phonak Remote Control App

Turns any smartphone into a remote control when combined with the Compilot II and Compilot Air II. Enables direct selection of hearing programs, audio sources as well as individual L/R volume control.

Also released are the Phonak ComPilot II, Phonak DECT II, Phonak RemoteMic II, Phonak PilotOne II and Phonak TVLink II. UK release dates to be confirmed.

Click the links to find out more about the Phonak Audeo V and Phonak's Wireless Accessories.

Starkey Z Series now available

Hear Better, Live Better

The Starkey Z Series has now been released. Last week Will and I attended an online tutorial by Starkey to learn about some of the exciting features that this new release from Starkey brings to the market.

Wireless hearing aid products are becoming increasingly more mainstream and their compatibility with equipment we use on an everyday basis is becoming progressively more important. We commonly now use wireless accessories to work alongside our hearing aids to help with the telephone, the television or as a remote control.

The new Starkey Z Series is based on 900 mHZ technology which gives reliable connectivity and signal strength and increased performance over distance. The Z Series is specifically designed to help work seemlessly with remote accessories including the new Surflink Mobile 2.

Surflink Mobile 2

Alongside the Starkey Z Series sees the release of the new Surflink Mobile 2 with an improved battery life, an updated user interface and integrated set up logic. The Surflink Mobile 2 acts as a remote control as well as having connectivity to all the latest mobile phones and tablets. The Surflink Mobile 2 can also be used as a remote microphone so sounds can be streamed over distance.

Introducing Acuity Directionality with Speech ID

Starkey are proud to introduce the new Acuity Directionality with Speech ID. The feature has been specifically designed to offer improved speech understanding in background noise with a directional benefit of 5 to 11dB and up to 70% improvement in speech understanding.

The Starkey Z Series is available in 5 technology levels and styles including Behind-the-Ear and In-the-Canal to suit your hearing requirements.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Starkey Z Series get in contact with us today.

Introducing Unitron Flex:trial the inspired new approach to investing in hearing aids

Try before you buy

We are proud to introduce the new Unitron Flex:trial program to our services. This program allows you to try a pair of hearing aids at home before you commit to buying anything.

We know that investing in hearing aids is often not a decision to be taken lightly and we want to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the hearing aids that you have chosen.

The Unitron Flex:trial program enables you to try out hearing aids at different levels of performance in the actual situations you need them.

At the end of the trial we can order you your own pair, you can try a different technology level or alternatively return them to us with no obligation.

Contact us today or click the link to find out more about the Unitron Flex:trial program.