If you’re one of the millions of individuals who suffer from hearing loss you know first hand how difficult and uncomfortable hearing aids can be. Devices are commonly large, visible, and often don’t work as well as intended. However, Siemens recently introduced a new hearing instrument that promises customizable sound and comfort levels while at the same time being hidden from view.
Siemens Eclipse
For almost 50 years Siemens has offered state-of-the-art hearing technology with their various in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. However, this new product is suspected to change the way ITE devices are developed throughout the market. The Eclipse was developed using new positioning techniques that allow for the hearing device to be placed in ones ear canal, versus the traditional visible hearing aid. The device being placed so close to the eardrum allows for the occlusion effect (often a main reason for why one’s hearing and speech gets distorted with previous ITE products) to no longer be a factor. With the Eclipse, speech is said to be at a higher comprehensive level and have better balance of sound. The device has a cylinder, comprised of foam (coming in three different sizes), which allows for it to be placed deeper in the ear canal than traditional hearing devices. This not only allows for the hearing aid to be better hidden from view (often times, a factor that deters those suffering from hearing loss from getting a hearing aid in the first place) but also, allows for better sound enhancement overall. In addition, the device was developed using the best and newest hearing technology within the BestSound Technology family known as “XCEL.” This technology was developed by Siemens and promises top of the line sound management capabilities, allowing consumers to easily control their hearing preferences and become quickly acclimated to their new device.
Another great advantage of this new in-the-canal device is that it can be “installed” and removed quickly, painlessly, and without threat of causing any damage to one’s inner ear. This allows the consumer to enjoy the heightened efficiency of this new product while also being able to maintain proper hygiene and technology issues that may arise (such as replacing a dead battery). The device can be purchased for two different hearing levels, light and mild loss, further ensuring that the consumer’s needs are tended to at the correct level.
The creation of this device started with development of the Agenda 2013 initiative, which included a plan to construct a product that would be able to be placed directly next to the eardrum. Thus far, the initiative seems to be a great success and is gaining momentum from various hearing loss groups, such as from the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) who recently presented the Eclipse at the AudiologyNOW! Congress. If you, or someone you know, suffers from hearing loss make sure to keep an eye out for the Eclipse in coming months as it may be the product you, or your loved ones, have been looking for.
