Sources at the Starkey Laboratories 2012 Hearing Innovations Expo in Las Vegas report that company representatives today provided a glimpse of a new Xperia brand of “Instant-Fit Custom Hearing Aids” that will integrate Starkey’s popular Wi-Series wireless technologies featuring Bluetooth phone connectivity, TV audio and MP3 streaming, and other communication direct into the hearing aids.
The new hearing aids feature an innovative in-the-canal (ITC) design which has a removable earbud that fits in the ear canal, with a housing for the processor unit that sits in the concha of the outer ear.
The unit looks like a custom hearing aid but can be fitted for most ears. And, rather than an old-fashioned half-shell or full-shell design, it bears more of a resemblance to a contemporary Bluetooth earpiece or high-tech earphones.
A big selling point apparently will be the same Starkey wireless capabilities now found in company’s very popular open-fit on-the-ear Wi series, including pairing with the Starkey Surflink remote streamer for communication direct to the hearing aids with multiple peripheral devices and binaural wireless communication between the left and right hearing aids.
There was also talk of a broader line of in-the-ear products to come, including a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) SecretEar hearing aid with the same complete wireless feature set.
Starkey has raced to compete with other major manufacturers in delivering wireless functionality following major announcements over the past two years by Widex, ReSound, Oticon, Phonak and others. Starkey sources say the Wi Series wireless feature set has proven highly popular with audiologists, who have asked for the same functionality in more form factors, especially in-the-ear custom-style products.
Kobus says
Hi. I am a sales representative for an Engineering company in South Africa and being on the road and in noisy factory’s I need a hi tech quality and comfortable bluetooth device and the once you buy commercially does not fit the bill.
Can I use these stunning ear pieces for a normal bluetooth devices for making and receiving calls.
Your Soonest Response will be very very much appreciated.
Kind Regards.
Andrew Roth says
Peter, email me directly at aroth@aah.net and I can provide you the answers you need.
Andrew Roth
peter says
hi I’m just considering buying one of these ( not as a hearing aid ) but as a means of listening to audio throughout my day a e.g. podcasts from my iPhone WITHOUT drawing attention to myself.
how much are these to purchase and can they be purchased individually ?
thanking you,
Peter Fry