Phonak

Virto B-Titanium Invisible Hearing Aids

Phonak have just introduced this brand new device across the world. Phonak announced that they were introducing a new Virto hearing aid type as part of their new Virto Belong range. The Belong range is Phonak's latest platform. They said that the new hearing aid would be something brand new and never seen before. They were right on all counts.

A Titanium Shell

They named the hearing aid as the Virto B-Titanium and said it will be the most discreet in ear device they have ever made. It really is groundbreaking as it is the first ever hearing device that uses titanium for the shell instead of the usual hard acrylic. This is the first time that titanium has been used in the manufacture of a custom hearing aid.

Will Fit More People Than Ever

Titanium is exceptionally strong, which has allowed Phonak to make the shell much thinner than ever before with even more strength. This combined with a brand new internal component design allows them to deliver an invisible hearing device that they say will fit 68% more ears than ever before.

Who will the Virto Belong-Titanium be suitable for?

Phonak say that their new designs and materials will in fact make the hearing aids suitable for more people than ever. While that will most definitely be the case, there will still be some limitations on the ability to fit the device. If the bends in your ear canal are too tight, or if your hearing loss is too severe, it will preclude this device from being suitable.

Other contra indications are the same as every other invisible hearing aid such as excessive waxy ear canals, history of mid ear infections or perforated eardrums. If you face these issues, this will not be the product for you. In these cases other discreet hearing aids may be more advisable to consider.

The device will offer three receiver levels which means that it will cover more hearing losses than ever before. The device will only be available in the V90 and V70 technology level.

Phonak

Virto Venture Nano Invisible Hearing Aids

The Venture Nano is the older invisible hearing aid option available on the Venture platform from Phonak. It will remain available this year for some time so we have included it here. The Phonak Venture Nano was and still is the latest Nano invisible hearing aid from Phonak. I believe that Phonak will continue to offer the Nano for some time. It is a typical invisibe hearing aid which sits deep in the ear canal.

The deep position of the Nano in the ear canal allows the device to use the natural shape of the ear to funnel sound to the microphone which delivers excellent directional hearing, as well as virtual invisibility.

The Nano sits very deep in the ear canal, it is manufactured in order that the front of the hearing device is in permanent shadow because of the depth it sits at.

Who is the device suitable for?

The Nano Venture is typical of hidden hearing type devices, it is not suitable for everyone for two reasons. Firstly, the device will only fit certain shapes and dimensions of ear canal, if your ear canal is too narrow or has too tight a bend it might not be suitable. The other contra indications are things such as excessive waxy ear canals, a history of ear infections or perforated eardrums.

Outstanding features of the Phonak Nano include: ,

• Perfect fit: each IIC hearing aid is custom made to ensure a perfect fit
• Better localisation: tight fit means users can better determine where sounds are coming from
• All-purpose use: can be worn in all listening situations
• Durability: all components are contained in one unit making it extremely durable
• More comfort: no joined parts mean there are no hard edges

Oticon

Oticon Invisible Hearing Aids

Oticon introduced a new type of invisible hearing aid that had wireless communication last year although we expect them to update them this year. They have introduced a new range of hearing aids called the Opn. At present, the devices are only behind the ear hearing aids, however they have already indicated that they will introduce a range of in the ear hearing aids this year.

The introduction of Oticon's IIC instruments with wireless technology meant that for the first time choosing discretion did not mean you would lose out on the benefits of wireless technology. It meant that for the first time it was possible to combine the discretion of hidden hearing aids, with wireless access to communication and entertainment and an optional remote control.

The device is shaped to fit so deep inside your ear that no one will see it, or even realise you are wearing it. The placement also means that the hearing aid will not affect your use of headsets or telephones, nor how you wear your glasses. As it is placed deep inside the ear, Oticon IIC captures sound in the same way that your ears were designed to do. The devices available currently, are based on Oticon’s Inium Sense technology and are available at three technology levels to suit all budgets.

Starkey

Starkey SoundLens Synergy

Starkey introduced the original SoundLens several years ago and updated it last year making the device even smaller and they added a second wireless invisible hearing aid to the line up. 

Wireless Invisible Hearing Aid

The wireless version of the SoundLens is no bigger than the older SoundLens type, so it will be a discreet deep fitting hearing aid. 

Technology Levels

The Soundlens is available in three levels of technology

The Premium i2400 

The Advanced i2000 

The Standard i1600 

Let's Talk Styles

The Starkey SoundLens Synergy comes in two styles

There are a number of completely hidden hearing aid products available from various hearing aid manufacturers. There are two types of invisible completely hidden hearing aids on the market.

The first of these type of instruments is the Starkey Soundlens that fits just millimeters away from the eardrum beyond the outer 1/3 of the ear canal where the cerum/wax glands are and the aid sits comfortably in the bony portion of the ear canal, special training is required to take the ear impressions as this instrument fits a lot further down than traditional CIC (completely in the canal) aids.

 

How it works

The Soundlens hearing aid is a “deep canal” aid, meaning it rests comfortably in the second bend of your ear canal.
This allows it to use the ear’s natural acoustics and anatomy to deliver more precise, natural sound. But it’s also completely digital and fully programmable — almost like having a computer chip your ear. The result is a completely invisible hearing aid that provides:

• The smartest noise reduction and speech preservation system designed to filter out unwanted background noise
• Virtually no wind noise interference
• A comfortable fit, made and programmed specifically for you.

The second type of invisible hearing aid does not go as far down the ear canal as the Soundlense yet the faceplate is hidden further inside the ear canal thus making best use of the natural localization properties of the Pinna and ear canal.      

Models Currently available:-

Siemens iMini    

Individually crafted to perfection. – Advanced hearing technology in its tiniest form.

 

For your ears only. 
The luxe, new Siemens iMini™ lets you stylishly and colorfully express yourself with the ultimate invisible hearing instrument designed just for you. It’s fun having such a colorful secret. The impressive iMini is all about handmade quality and cool, even pearlized shades that let you convey your true self. Compared to other miniature hearing aids available, iMini packs in more advanced technology to help you hear your best. So go ahead and wear purple to the interview if you want. iMini – it’s designer fashion for the ears.

Out of sight.

Engineered to be incredibly small, iMini is prestige craftsmanship in miniature. It’s a feat of uncompromising precision that stays unseen. Fitting snugly and inconspicuously in the ear canal with no external components, you’ll forget iMini is even there.

Made to measure.
From initial consultation to fine tuning and finishing, you’re completely involved in the creation of your iMini hearing aids. Handcrafted iMini is where excellent technology meets art. Down to the last detail. Like iMini’s final polish, which ensures that iMini is smooth to the touch and comfortable on the ears.  Each distinctive, polished iMini is a masterpiece with miniature, precision-engineered components.

Phonak Nano

 

 

Phonak nano