Individually crafted to perfection. - Advanced hearing technology in its tiniest form.
For your ears only.
The luxe, new Siemens iMini™ lets you stylishly and colorfully express yourself with the ultimate invisible hearing instrument designed just for you. It’s fun having such a colorful secret. The impressive iMini is all about handmade quality and cool, even pearlized shades that let you convey your true self. Compared to other miniature hearing aids available, iMini packs in more advanced technology to help you hear your best. So go ahead and wear purple to the interview if you want. iMini – it’s designer fashion for the ears.
Out of sight.
Engineered to be incredibly small, iMini is prestige craftsmanship in miniature. It’s a feat of uncompromising precision that stays unseen. Fitting snugly and inconspicuously in the ear canal with no external components, you’ll forget iMini is even there.
Made to measure.
From initial consultation to fine tuning and finishing, you’re completely involved in the creation of your iMini hearing aids. Handcrafted iMini is where excellent technology meets art. Down to the last detail. Like iMini's final polish, which ensures that iMini is smooth to the touch and comfortable on the ears. Each distinctive, polished iMini is a masterpiece with miniature, precision-engineered components.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Friday, October 22, 2010
Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids
Dennis Van Vliet, Au.D & Jason A. Galster, Ph.D.
A Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) hearing aid can be defined by the location of the faceplate, 1-2 mm inside the aperture of the ear canal (Gudmundsen, 1994). For years the CIC has been the benchmark for small, near-invisible hearing aids. Publications have documented the benefits of CIC fittings, including decreased occlusion (Mueller, 1994), increased satisfaction (Ebinger, Mueller, Holland & Holland, 1994), decreased amplification wind noise (Fourtune & Preves, 1994), and improved localization when compared to Behind-The-Ear (BTE) fittings (Best, Kalluri, McLachlan, Valentine, Edwards & Charlile, 2010). All of these benefits were realized as a result of the fitting style.
Advances in digital modeling, laser-shell fabrication and modern microchip packaging techniques have resulted in hearing aids that are smaller and more powerful than those of the past. Today, custom hearing aids that fit deeply into the ear canal can be built on a routine basis. In fact, hearing aids can now be built to fit past the second bend of the ear canal, allowing the faceplate to be seated deeply in the ear, providing an invisible hearing aid fitting. The performance and cosmetic advantages of this fitting style appeal to a wide variety of hearing aid candidates, many of whom may not consider more visible hearing aid options.
A New Category of Hearing Aid
The convergence of hearing-related technologies allows the CIC to be made smaller than ever; small enough that they can be fit past the second bend of the ear canal. These deeply inserted hearing aids are effectively invisible to others. When the hearing aid is fit to the second bend of the ear canal, it may be considered an Invisible-In-The-Canal, or IIC, a new category with respect to size and position of the device. An IIC hearing aid is one in which the faceplate is at or near the second bend of the ear canal, and the medial aspect of the shell is much closer to the eardrum. The deeper position of the hearing aid allows for several technical advantages.
Acoustic Benefits of Canal Hearing Aid Fitting
The ear canal and pinna filter the natural spectrum of sound before it reaches the eardrum. Microphone placement on BTE hearing aids reduces some of these beneficial effects. The loss of these acoustic cues results in degradation of the wearer's ability to localize sounds. Data collected at Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Suggest that canal placement of the hearing aid microphone retains some aspect of the ears' natural filtering as compared to the microphone placement of a BTE style hearing aid. Data supports the expectation that canal placement of the microphone, as provided by the IIC hearing aid, will allow for improved localization ability when compared to a BTE hearing aid fitting (Best et al., 2010).
The reduced residual ear canal volume associated with an IIC fitting also affects the sound pressure level at the eardrum, effectively increasing the overall efficiency of the hearing aid. As Boyle's law states, as volume decreases, pressure increases. Thus, a smaller volume between the end of the hearing aid and the tympanic membrane yields a greater sound pressure level for equal receiver output.
Impressions for the IIC
The key to an accurate and comfortable fit with IIC hearing aids is an ear impression that extends 10-12 mm beyond the second bend. A good understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the ear canal along with deliberate technique make it possible to safely and easily obtain the impressions necessary for building IIC hearing aids. No special equipment is necessary for IIC impressions. However, instrumentation to illuminate and view the ear canal beyond the second bend is valuable. Silicone impressions take with a high flow, low viscosity material will typically fill the entire canal accurately and completely.
After taking a careful patient history and observing clinically appropriate safety procedure, a flattened oto-dam is placed deep in the canal, very near to the tympanic membrane. Lubrication of the oto-dam with Oto-Ease or a similar agent will improve comfort while placing the oto-dam and ease release of the silicone impression from the ear. Starkey as developed a vented cotton oto-dam that can be used to equalize pressuring during the removal of the cured impression. With proper counseling, the patient experience during impression taking and removal is very similar to standard impressions.
Summary
Modern hearing aid processing and laser shell fabrication have made the creation of small, deep-fitting hearing aids a possibility. Existing worries of feedback have been addressed with feedback cancellation and the patient's experience is being improved by advanced directional and noise reduction technologies. The end result is a highly-featured, premium hearing aid that is invisible when worn, meets the needs of the most discriminating patient.
References
ANSI (2004). ANSI S3.35 "Method of measurement of performance characteristics of hearing aids under simulated real-ear working conditions" (American National Standards Institute, New York).
Best, V., Kalluri, S., McLachlan, S., Valentine, S., Edwards, B., & Charlie, S. (2010). A comparison of CIC and BTE hearing aids for three-dimensional localization of speech. International Journal of Audiology, Early Online, 1-10.
Edinger, K.A., Muller, G.H., Holland, S.A., & Holland, J.W. (1994). Assesing the speech-understanding benefit from CIC hearing aids. The Hearing Journal, 47(11), 35-42.
Fourune, T., & Preeves, D. (1994). Effects of CIC, ITC, and ITE microphone placement on the amplification of wind noise. The Hearing Journal, 47(11), 23-27.
Gudmundsen, G. (1994). Fitting CIC Hearing Aids-Some Practical Pointers. The Hearing Journal, 47(11), 10, 45-48.
Muller, G.H. (1994). CIC hearing aids: What is their impact on the occlusion effect. The Hearing Journal, 47(11), 29-35.
A Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) hearing aid can be defined by the location of the faceplate, 1-2 mm inside the aperture of the ear canal (Gudmundsen, 1994). For years the CIC has been the benchmark for small, near-invisible hearing aids. Publications have documented the benefits of CIC fittings, including decreased occlusion (Mueller, 1994), increased satisfaction (Ebinger, Mueller, Holland & Holland, 1994), decreased amplification wind noise (Fourtune & Preves, 1994), and improved localization when compared to Behind-The-Ear (BTE) fittings (Best, Kalluri, McLachlan, Valentine, Edwards & Charlile, 2010). All of these benefits were realized as a result of the fitting style.
Advances in digital modeling, laser-shell fabrication and modern microchip packaging techniques have resulted in hearing aids that are smaller and more powerful than those of the past. Today, custom hearing aids that fit deeply into the ear canal can be built on a routine basis. In fact, hearing aids can now be built to fit past the second bend of the ear canal, allowing the faceplate to be seated deeply in the ear, providing an invisible hearing aid fitting. The performance and cosmetic advantages of this fitting style appeal to a wide variety of hearing aid candidates, many of whom may not consider more visible hearing aid options.
A New Category of Hearing Aid
The convergence of hearing-related technologies allows the CIC to be made smaller than ever; small enough that they can be fit past the second bend of the ear canal. These deeply inserted hearing aids are effectively invisible to others. When the hearing aid is fit to the second bend of the ear canal, it may be considered an Invisible-In-The-Canal, or IIC, a new category with respect to size and position of the device. An IIC hearing aid is one in which the faceplate is at or near the second bend of the ear canal, and the medial aspect of the shell is much closer to the eardrum. The deeper position of the hearing aid allows for several technical advantages.
Acoustic Benefits of Canal Hearing Aid Fitting
The ear canal and pinna filter the natural spectrum of sound before it reaches the eardrum. Microphone placement on BTE hearing aids reduces some of these beneficial effects. The loss of these acoustic cues results in degradation of the wearer's ability to localize sounds. Data collected at Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Suggest that canal placement of the hearing aid microphone retains some aspect of the ears' natural filtering as compared to the microphone placement of a BTE style hearing aid. Data supports the expectation that canal placement of the microphone, as provided by the IIC hearing aid, will allow for improved localization ability when compared to a BTE hearing aid fitting (Best et al., 2010).
The reduced residual ear canal volume associated with an IIC fitting also affects the sound pressure level at the eardrum, effectively increasing the overall efficiency of the hearing aid. As Boyle's law states, as volume decreases, pressure increases. Thus, a smaller volume between the end of the hearing aid and the tympanic membrane yields a greater sound pressure level for equal receiver output.
Impressions for the IIC
The key to an accurate and comfortable fit with IIC hearing aids is an ear impression that extends 10-12 mm beyond the second bend. A good understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the ear canal along with deliberate technique make it possible to safely and easily obtain the impressions necessary for building IIC hearing aids. No special equipment is necessary for IIC impressions. However, instrumentation to illuminate and view the ear canal beyond the second bend is valuable. Silicone impressions take with a high flow, low viscosity material will typically fill the entire canal accurately and completely.
After taking a careful patient history and observing clinically appropriate safety procedure, a flattened oto-dam is placed deep in the canal, very near to the tympanic membrane. Lubrication of the oto-dam with Oto-Ease or a similar agent will improve comfort while placing the oto-dam and ease release of the silicone impression from the ear. Starkey as developed a vented cotton oto-dam that can be used to equalize pressuring during the removal of the cured impression. With proper counseling, the patient experience during impression taking and removal is very similar to standard impressions.
Summary
Modern hearing aid processing and laser shell fabrication have made the creation of small, deep-fitting hearing aids a possibility. Existing worries of feedback have been addressed with feedback cancellation and the patient's experience is being improved by advanced directional and noise reduction technologies. The end result is a highly-featured, premium hearing aid that is invisible when worn, meets the needs of the most discriminating patient.
References
ANSI (2004). ANSI S3.35 "Method of measurement of performance characteristics of hearing aids under simulated real-ear working conditions" (American National Standards Institute, New York).
Best, V., Kalluri, S., McLachlan, S., Valentine, S., Edwards, B., & Charlie, S. (2010). A comparison of CIC and BTE hearing aids for three-dimensional localization of speech. International Journal of Audiology, Early Online, 1-10.
Edinger, K.A., Muller, G.H., Holland, S.A., & Holland, J.W. (1994). Assesing the speech-understanding benefit from CIC hearing aids. The Hearing Journal, 47(11), 35-42.
Fourune, T., & Preeves, D. (1994). Effects of CIC, ITC, and ITE microphone placement on the amplification of wind noise. The Hearing Journal, 47(11), 23-27.
Gudmundsen, G. (1994). Fitting CIC Hearing Aids-Some Practical Pointers. The Hearing Journal, 47(11), 10, 45-48.
Muller, G.H. (1994). CIC hearing aids: What is their impact on the occlusion effect. The Hearing Journal, 47(11), 29-35.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Advantages Beyond Cosmetics Of Deep Canal Hearing Aids
1. Acoustic advantages: The deep canal aid fits deep within the ear canal which allows your ear's natural acoustic features to work their greatest efficiency. This improves the performance achieved by the instrument.
2. Elimination of the volume control: The special features of a deep canal aid eliminate the need for a volume control wheel common to most hearing aids.
3. Wind noise: A hearing aid contained completely within your ear canal reduces the problem of wind noise.
4. Sleeptime wear: The fit, comfort and reduced feedback of a deep canal aid makes it possible to wear during sleep. This allows you to continue to hear important sounds such as speech or alarm signals.
5. Less distortion: A deep canal aid produces greater real-ear output which means that less sound amplification is needed. This reduces the likelihood of sound distortion.
6. A fit for active people: The sureness of a deep canal aid's fit makes it ideal for use during exercise and vigorous work.
7. Less feedback: This aid's position close to the eardrum, secure fit, and minimal venting work together to minimize acoustic feedback.
8. Comfort: A shell precisely made from a mold of your ear usually results in a deep canal aid that is very comfortable to wear.
9. Telephones: With a deep canal aid, you will experience less acoustic feedback. You will also find that this instrument's deep fit helps eliminate the discomfort of placing a telephone to your ear.
10. Easy removal: The permanently attached cord and small size of this aid make it easier to remove from your ear than most in-the-ear instruments.
11. Appearance: This may be the most popular feature. A deep canal aid is virtually invisible when worn.
12. Circuitry: Because of the reduction in the size of electronics, today's deep canal hearing aids are available in 100% digital signal processing.
2. Elimination of the volume control: The special features of a deep canal aid eliminate the need for a volume control wheel common to most hearing aids.
3. Wind noise: A hearing aid contained completely within your ear canal reduces the problem of wind noise.
4. Sleeptime wear: The fit, comfort and reduced feedback of a deep canal aid makes it possible to wear during sleep. This allows you to continue to hear important sounds such as speech or alarm signals.
5. Less distortion: A deep canal aid produces greater real-ear output which means that less sound amplification is needed. This reduces the likelihood of sound distortion.
6. A fit for active people: The sureness of a deep canal aid's fit makes it ideal for use during exercise and vigorous work.
7. Less feedback: This aid's position close to the eardrum, secure fit, and minimal venting work together to minimize acoustic feedback.
8. Comfort: A shell precisely made from a mold of your ear usually results in a deep canal aid that is very comfortable to wear.
9. Telephones: With a deep canal aid, you will experience less acoustic feedback. You will also find that this instrument's deep fit helps eliminate the discomfort of placing a telephone to your ear.
10. Easy removal: The permanently attached cord and small size of this aid make it easier to remove from your ear than most in-the-ear instruments.
11. Appearance: This may be the most popular feature. A deep canal aid is virtually invisible when worn.
12. Circuitry: Because of the reduction in the size of electronics, today's deep canal hearing aids are available in 100% digital signal processing.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
CIC vs IIC
Monday, August 23, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Starkey OtoLens
Starkey has developed the first custom, completely invisible, fully programmable digital hearing aid called the OtoLens. The new OtoLens is placed so deep in the ear canal it cannot be seen. What's so amazing about this product is that it features top of the line technology.
OtoLens delivers:
Unlike other deep insertion hearing aids which must be inserted by an audiologist (such as the Lyric) OtoLens can be inserted or removed by the patient at anytime. This not only promotes ear health, it also allows the patient to remove the hearing aid when showering or swimming. I don't know about you but I like to clean my ears when I shower!
Safety
Most people take their hearing aids off at night to sleep, as it maybe hard to sleep when you can hear everything. Since the Lyric cannot be removed, the patient will probably turn it off at night. When the Lyric or other deep insertion hearing aid is turned off it is like having ear plugs in. The patient will then experience additional hearing loss up to 40 dB. This can be especially dangerous as the patient may not be able to hear a fire alarm at night. However with the OtoLens the patient can remove the hearing aid at night and still have their natural hearing.
Cost
Not only does the OtoLens have superior digital technology it comes with a much smaller price tag. The OtoLens is priced at $6,995 and will last up to 5 years. The Lyric on the other hand which uses analog technology costs $3,600 per year. Over a 5 year period the cost to have the Lyric would be $18,000.
The OtoLens is the best invisible hearing aid on the market today! Where other companies have created analog standard fit hearing aids, Starkey has created a product that has superior technology, costs less, and promotes ear health.
For more information please visit our web page about the invisible hearing aid at EdisonStanfordHearing.com.
OtoLens delivers:
- Industry-leading feedback eliminator
- 16 channels and 16 bands for high-resolution sound imaging
- A remote function that allows patients to adjust volume and memories using a standard touch-tone phone
- Wide fitting range with up to 60 dB of real ear aided gain
- Voice iQ noise reduction and speech prevention system, which utilizes dynamic voice identification coupled with a spectral noise control that calculates appropriate gain on a per channel basis providing unprecedented sound quality
- Uses the ear's acoustics for natural sound quality
- Custom fit product to the patients specific hearing needs
Unlike other deep insertion hearing aids which must be inserted by an audiologist (such as the Lyric) OtoLens can be inserted or removed by the patient at anytime. This not only promotes ear health, it also allows the patient to remove the hearing aid when showering or swimming. I don't know about you but I like to clean my ears when I shower!
Safety
Most people take their hearing aids off at night to sleep, as it maybe hard to sleep when you can hear everything. Since the Lyric cannot be removed, the patient will probably turn it off at night. When the Lyric or other deep insertion hearing aid is turned off it is like having ear plugs in. The patient will then experience additional hearing loss up to 40 dB. This can be especially dangerous as the patient may not be able to hear a fire alarm at night. However with the OtoLens the patient can remove the hearing aid at night and still have their natural hearing.
Cost
Not only does the OtoLens have superior digital technology it comes with a much smaller price tag. The OtoLens is priced at $6,995 and will last up to 5 years. The Lyric on the other hand which uses analog technology costs $3,600 per year. Over a 5 year period the cost to have the Lyric would be $18,000.
The OtoLens is the best invisible hearing aid on the market today! Where other companies have created analog standard fit hearing aids, Starkey has created a product that has superior technology, costs less, and promotes ear health.
For more information please visit our web page about the invisible hearing aid at EdisonStanfordHearing.com.
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