Phonak, Warrenville, Ill, a provider of hearing instruments and wireless communication solutions, has announced that its next-generation hearing aid product platform Belong, which includes lithium-ion rechargeable battery technology in hearing aids, is now commercially available in the US market.

Phonak Audéo B-R

Phonak Audéo B-R rechargeable hearing aid

Phonak also reports the release of the new Audéo B Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) products and the lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid, Audéo B-R, which come in a new design and will be available in 4 performance levels and 9 colors. Audéo B-R hearing aids with the rechargeable battery provide 24 hours* of hearing. According to the company, these hearing aids represent the quickest charging, longest lasting rechargeable hearing aid ever produced.

Research revealed that rechargeable batteries and rechargeable hearing aids are top of the list of features that hearing aid users are seeking. The Phonak Audéo B-R was developed in response to this insight and based on years of research and intensive testing. During product testing, reaction from both hearing care professionals and patient was extremely positive.

“Having the Phonak platform in a rechargeable option has been the best thing for both my patients and myself,” said Tiffany Sexton, AuD, of Lifestyle Hearing, Rochester Hills, Mich, in a press statement. “The Phonak platform is leaps and bounds above anything that I fit previously, and having it in a rechargeable option has made my job so much easier and it’s made my patients so much more willing to try hearing aids. I see a lot of working people in their 40s and 50s that now are willing to get hearing aids because Phonak has a rechargeable option.”

Audéo B-R in charging case

Audéo B-R hearing aids in charging case

Today, lithium-ion is the fastest growing and most promising battery technology that offers 40% more power than conventional rechargeable batteries. The fast 30-minute charging option Audéo B-R is said to give 6 hours of immediate use. For those wearers on the go, Phonak rechargeable hearing aids also come with smart charging options. The power pack provides power for 7 full charges for two hearing aids, which is suitable for short trips where no power source is available. In addition, Phonak offers a compact mini charger, giving users full flexibility.

“There is no other hearing aid on the market that gives you those options for different patient needs,” said Soriya M. Estes, AuD, of Estes Audiology, Austin, Tex. “Some patients need a power pack to travel and to have that extra charging option, and some patients need a desktop unit for their work environment because they’re streaming so much with that option.”

Audéo B runs on AutoSense OS, the operating system from Phonak, which has been further enhanced with features such as adaptive SoundRecover2 to offer better hearing performance in everyday listening situations.

“This is a just a completely different product than any other rechargeable that’s been on the market,” said Kelli House, MA, of Estes Audiology. “From sound quality to ease of use to how long it lasts and ease of charge, this in my opinion, is the game changer for rechargeable hearing aids, without a doubt.”

With its headquarters located near Zurich, Switzerland, Phonak is a member of the Sonova Group.

Source: Phonak