Siemens Launches Breakthrough 'Intelligent' Hearing System

Main Category: Hearing / Deafness
Article Date: 26 Jan 2005 - 9:00 PDT

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The world's first hearing system featuring hearing devices that 'talk' to each other -

A breakthrough system featuring synchronised hearing instruments will offer improved hearing for millions of Britons who suffer from hearing loss in both ears. Unlike traditional digital hearing aids, which work independently of each other, the new ACURIS� system from Siemens Hearing Instruments features interactive wireless technology that allows the hearing devices to 'talk' to each other for the first time ever.

One in seven people in the UK suffer from hearing problems and around 80% of these have a degree of loss in both ears [1]. The ear-to-ear wireless� technology of ACURIS� features a newly developed radio system - the smallest in the world - which enables synchronised adjustments automatically and continuously between the two hearing devices in a process similar to natural hearing.

"Previously users had to operate each hearing aid independently to make adjustments when faced with different listening environments," said Rob Ryman, hearing therapist and audiologist at Siemens. "With ACURIS�, users can now make adjustments to volume or programme by touching just one of the hearing instruments or by using the ePocket� - a unique binaural remote control for maximum discretion."

"It is the most advanced technology, not seen in any other digital aid," said Rob Ryman. "The wearer attains maximum hearing performance via binaural hearing - the wearing of two hearing aids - with benefits of synchronisation and automatic control."

In a UK trial of the new system, 89 per cent of users reported significant improvements in challenging listening situations and in particular in their ability to distinguish speech from noise in a busy office, restaurant or at a party.

Janet Lynch (aged 53 and a complementary therapist from Buckinghamshire) who took part in the UK trial said: "I have been wearing hearing aids for years but hearing my clients had become a problem for me, particularly when there was a lot of background noise. Since using ACURIS�, my hearing has improved and my confidence has been restored, which has made me a lot less self-conscious. I can also adjust the system if need be with the remote control, without losing my client's eye contact."

The ACURIS� hearing system from Siemens Hearing Instruments starts from �1,850 depending on hearing loss and care package. ACURIS� can be worn as one (monaural) hearing aid with upgrade to the full system depending on patient requirements. For further information on the product, please call 01293 423789 or visit www.siemens.co.uk/hearing.

ENDS

Issued by:
Pegasus Public Relations
On behalf of:
Siemens Hearing Instruments
Press enquiries:
Vicky Wilford / Karina Aguirre / Vicky Tinkler (01903) 821550
vwilford@pegasuspr.co.uk / kaguirre@pegasuspr.co.uk / vtinkler@pegasuspr.co.uk

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