Phonak, a hearing aid provider, announced that it is extending the benefits of Marvel hearing aid technology to children and infants with Sky Marvel (M). The Sky M was designed and engineered to provide pediatric wearers “the best hearing solution possible for optimal speech and language development as well as speech intelligibility and ease of use,” according to the company’s announcement.
It’s said to offer “the first operating system designed for children, 24% better speech understanding in noise1, maximum access to all speech sounds, and a powerful, rechargeable battery that lasts all day.” All Sky M devices now have RogerDirect integrated, which allows the Roger microphones to stream directly to Marvel hearing aids without having to attach an external receiver and the children to fully participate in conversations even in very noisy environments such as school activities. Sky M also offers universal Bluetooth connectivity to Android and iOS devices, says Phonak. Given that 78% of elementary students report they regularly use a tablet or smartphone and almost 80% of schools report using tablets in the classroom2, Sky M will help ensure that children with hearing loss in the classroom have equal access to all these technologies. Sky M devices are available in a range of colors and sizes, and designed to help children with mild, moderately severe, severe, and profound degrees of hearing loss.

Facilitating the Building of Strong Relationships, Essential for Children’s Development

According to the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, children experience the world through relationships3. The quality and stability of these relationships lay the foundation for a wide range of developmental outcomes, including self-confidence, a sense of well-being, motivation to learn, and achievement in school and later life. Research shows that back-and-forth interactions and turn-taking conversations are critical for building important bonds.

“Establishing close relationships is essential for a child’s optimal social, emotional, and cognitive development, and Phonak is committed to offering every child with hearing loss the best possible start in life,” said Martin Grieder, Group Vice President of Marketing for Sonova. “Enabling children of all ages to communicate more effectively allows them to fully nurture their important relationships from the first moment, be it in family life, in school, or socially.”

Meet the other members of the Marvel 2.0 Family

The latest update of the Marvel portfolio now comprises the Phonak Audéo M-RT Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) model, the Phonak Bolero Marvel Behind-The-Ear (BTE) model, and the Phonak Sky Marvel pediatric models.

The Audéo Marvel-RT, Bolero Marvel and Sky Marvel will begin shipping in select countries on August 26. Additional information, visuals and videos about Phonak Marvel technology are available at: www.phonak.comwww.phonakpro.com/marvel, and on YouTube here.

References

1. Phonak. Wolfe J, Jones C, Rakita L. Noise technologies: What do kids need and what do they want?. Published 2018. www.phonakpro.com/evidence.

2. Ofcom. Children and parents: Media use and attitudes report 2018. Published February 21, 2019. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research-and-data/media-literacy-research/childrens/children-and-parents-media-use-and-attitudes-report-2018. Accessed August 19, 2019.

3. National Scientific Council on the Developing Child.Young children develop in an environment of relationships.  Published October 2009. https://46y5eh11fhgw3ve3ytpwxt9r-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2004/04/Young-Children-Develop-in-an-Environment-of-Relationships.pdf.

Source: PhonakImage: Phonak