WHY MAKE INVISIBLE HEARING AIDS WITH TITANIUM? – THE BENEFITS ARE NUMEROUS

November 19, 2018

World leading hearing aid manufacturer Phonak has released the first custom invisible hearing aid made with a titanium shell. Titanium is a strong, corrosion resistant metal often used in medical implants and aero-space technologies. The use of titanium to build the shell of custom in the ear canal fitting hearing aids offers numerous benefits over traditional acrylic materials.

Increased Strength This stronger material has enabled the shell to be up to 50% thinner. Enhanced strength means a reduction in shell breakages and downtime for re-shelling.

Size reduction: The thinner shell of about 0.2mm coupled with 60% smaller electronic components as enabled an approximate 26% reduction in size. This results in an improved fitting rate of about 64% for people who want an invisible in the canal hearing aid (IIC). This is especially relevant for female hearing aid wearers who typically have smaller ear canals.

Reduced Blocked Feeling (Known as the Occlusion Effect). Due to the reduced size and thinner shell a deeper canal fitting can be attained as well as increased vent size. This reduces the blocked up feeling and booming sound of one’s own voice. A larger vent enables better air flow and reduces humidity in the ear. This reduces the likelihood of ear infections or fungal growth.

Increased Battery Life has been increased by about 20% due to the reduction in size of the electronics and improved efficiency of components.

More Secure Fitting Enhanced 3D modelling and the titanium laser printing process allow for a more accurate and deep custom fitting to your unique ear canal shapes. This reduces unwanted slippage or movement of the hearing aid.

Increased Power & Fitting Range There is now more space in the shell for more powerful amplifiers & receivers (Speakers). We are how able to fit from mild up to severe hearing loss with an invisible hearing aid solution.

Non- Allergenic Material Titanium is an inert metal that is not known to cause any allergic reactions. Whereas some people are allergic to acrylic.

Improved Speech Understanding and comfort in Background Noise Phonak Virto B Titanium comes in either Advanced or Premium models on the latest Belong chip platform. This incorporates the patented Phonak Autosense OS modes to optimise performance in different listening environments both automatically and seamlessly .

Highest Moisture & Dust Resistance of Any In the Canal Aid – Now IP 68 Rated Due to the improved modular micro-phone and battery housing and new materials the ingress protection rating has been increased to IP68 which is a world first for an in the canal aid to have this level of resistant to moisture, sweat and dust. This is especially important to deeper canal fitting hearing aids which sit in a humid, waxy and moist environment. This significantly reduces the chance of device failure, previously a major problem for this style of hearing aid.

These new generation hearing aids can be trialled for at least a month to experience the benefits they can provide in every day life. Please don’t hesitate to contact your nearest Harmony Hearing Centre.

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