The Panasonic Healthcare Group has expanded its hearing-aid product line with the new R1-W Series of receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing instruments that moves the company closer to the top ranks of global hearing-system manufacturers.
Among other things, the new product line features a Hearing Hub offering wireless connectivity with peripherals including Bluetooth phones and a transmitter that sends TV audio signals directly into the hearing aids.
Panasonic, which has been selling hearing aids in Japan for decades, only recently entered the North American market with its 4 Series and JZ Series open-fit and body-worn hearing aids. The new R1-W Series provides more power to address a broader range of users’ hearing problems including moderate-to-severe hearing loss. In addition to the wireless peripherals, other new features such include remote volume control and the ability to record voice memos such as personal reminders and phone numbers that can be played back through the hearing aids.
Although Panasonic is still playing catch-up to the world’s largest hearing-aid brands such as Phonak, Oticon, Widex, Starkey and ReSound, the new more powerful hearing aids plus wireless peripherals are a big step toward more parity with competitors who have made wireless communication a key selling point in their new products over the past year.
“With the new R1-W series, Panasonic has introduced a line of hearing instruments with sound quality design that equals or exceeds anything we have seen in the industry,” said Delain D. Wright, Director of Sales, Panasonic Healthcare Group, who called the R1-W series “the next phase” of Panasonic’s long-term plan to establish a major presence in the global hearing-aid market.
The Hearing Hub allows users to wirelessly connect the hearing instrument to Bluetooth®-compatible* mobile phones, landlines and a Panasonic Audio Transmitter, which plugs into a television’s audio-output port to transmit sound wirelessly into the R1-W Series hearing aids. And the remote control allows users to easily and discreetly adjust the volume level and programs of their hearing instruments.
“As a new player in the US hearing market and with our brand strength, we are finding that professionals are embracing our vision to deliver meaningful solutions to a broad segment of people who want to hear better,” Wright said.
izhak Ran says
Please note I am using two kind of hearing aids one produced by OTICON Danish company, considered as among the top in this kind of technology. Handling a professional office employing high level Audio technicians, providing ongoing free of charge guidance assistance. Second is AcoSound a Chinese company using a technology somewhat less sophisticated technology but still enabling as a second choose but still non effective for me.
Having profound respect to the Japanese technology i anticipate an offer from your company to improve my poor hearing situation
Tim Pinter says
Panasonic hearing aids are almost non existent in Australia. I’d love to know some client reviews from them, and professional audiology reviews also.