Bloomington, Minn — GN ReSound announced that it has entered into a technology development and license agreement to supply 2.4 GHz wireless technology to Cochlear America’s implantable bone anchored hearing devices.
The 2.4 GHz wireless spectrum is a widely used and globally accepted frequency band that is used by most cordless phones, video game consoles, home wireless networks, garage door openers, and many other common everyday wireless items.
An alternative wireless technology is near field magnetic induction technology, but ReSound states that near field technology does not provide the sound quality, signal strength, or range that 2.4 GHz offers, often requiring a streaming device.
"One of the benefits of 2.4 GHz technology is that it enables the end-user to receive streamed sound directly without wearing an intermediary device around the neck," said Jennifer Groth, MA, GN ReSound. "We know that eliminating body worn streamers is a priority for hearing aid users. Coupled with superior sound quality, 2.4 GHz addresses core user needs."
Similarly, hearing aids with digital wireless transmission based on near field magnetic induction don’t use the 2.4 GHz platform and also require the user to wear a neck loop to transmit the signal to the hearing aids. ReSound’s press release adds that 2.4 GHz is convenient for the consumer, in addition to providing superior sound quality, a far-reaching signal range, and stable transmission.
According to GN ReSound, it is currently the only hearing aid manufacturer using 2.4 GHz wireless technology.
SOURCE: GN ReSound
