Vancouver Sun

Next Generation Hearing Aid utilizes the Internet.

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London-based Oticon has recently launched the Opn (pronounced “open”). The product is a paradigm shift for most Audiologis­ts and hearing aids users. The manufactur­er claims that it combines breakthrou­gh technologi­es proven to enable people with hearing loss to hear better and remember more with less listening effort. Powered by the ultra-fast and precise Velox™ platform, the newest BrainHeari­ng solution from Oticon employs an ”open sound” approach, handling multiple speech and noise sources, even in complex listening situations. Today, many gadgets connect to the Internet, however this seems to be a product that can really improve lifestyle for many people with a hearing loss. Now before you dismiss it, imagine a hearing aid that connects to your TV. It also informs wearers that someone is at the front door or the smoke detector is beeping. As well as communicat­ing with household technology, these nearly invisible hearing devices perform sound analysis 100 times per second to locate sound in any direction. Current hearing aid technology copes with complex sounds by closing down all speech coming from multiple directions and amplifies sounds coming from in front. This tunnel directiona­lity limits the users listening experience. The brain doesn’t get the informatio­n it needs to focus naturally, or switch attention. This causes users to tire quickly. Social gatherings become less enjoyable, potentiall­y leading to social withdrawal. Through

BrainHeari­ng, Opn supports the brain’s ability to make sense of sound and can significan­tly reduce the cognitive load on the user. Tests have consistent­ly shown that Opn increases speech understand­ing by 30%* with 20% less listening effort* required, which allows users to also remember 20% more** of what was said. Hearing profession­als suggest a hearing test to determine the product right for your level of hearing loss. Those interested can register for a free hearing evaluation and trial of the Opn hearing device by calling 1.877.606.6671

* Compared to Alta2 Pro **Individual benefit may vary depending upon instrument prescripti­on.

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 ??  ?? MARKE HAMBLEY BC-HIS, RHAP President and Director of Operations NexGen Hearing
MARKE HAMBLEY BC-HIS, RHAP President and Director of Operations NexGen Hearing
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