ReSound's Bluetooth-infused Alera hearing aid: finally, you can toss that Loud N' Clear
It ain't the first hearing aid to sport Bluetooth, but it's probably the first one to make you think seriously about tossing that Loud N' Clear you purchased in a haze at 3:30AM last year. Operating on the 2.4GHz frequency, the ReSound Alera (and the accompanying Unite wireless accessories) actually allow those who are hard of hearing to pipe in audio from TVs, stereos, cellphones and PCs without any funky cables or fancy setup procedures. Better still, there's no blockage of environmental noise, so folks can continue yelling speaking to their grandkids while Judge Judy tears someone's soul apart in their left ear canal. There's nary a mention of price (we're guessing that doesn't bode well for bargain shoppers), but there's certainly a demonstration vid hosted up after the break. Just make sure to jack the volume to 11, cool?
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ReSound Announces Alera – The First Truly Wireless Hearing Aid with No Strings Attached
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--http://www.gnresound.com – ReSound, the technology leader in hearing solutions, has launched ReSound AleraTM, the industry's first truly wireless hearing aid.
"AleraTM makes this easy, streaming the sound from these devices directly to their hearing aids. AleraTM will allow a user to be successful in more situations than ever, making their overall satisfaction with hearing aids that much higher."
Operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency, ReSound AleraTM and the accompanying UniteTM wireless accessories introduce a new approach to the way a hearing aid receives sound from devices such as TVs, stereos, cell phones and computers. For the first time, the patient can receive sound directly from the device without cables, wires or the need to wear uncomfortable accessories. With AleraTM, the communication is wireless and direct – no strings attached.
"Other wireless technologies used in the hearing industry require the user to wear inconvenient accessories around their neck," said Dr. Laurel Christensen, Chief Audiology Officer, ReSound. "With AleraTM, there is no intermediary device, the signal goes directly to the hearing aid and users have complete freedom."
The release of AleraTM and UniteTM marks a significant step forward in hearing solutions, with ReSound achieving complete human/technology integration. Users are able to tune directly into their TV and connect their mobile phone to their hearing aid via Bluetooth technology. Users can participate in conversations while tuned into devices because environmental noise is not blocked out.
"Traditionally it has been hard for hearing aid users to connect directly to their TVs or telephones," said Dr. Christensen. "AleraTM makes this easy, streaming the sound from these devices directly to their hearing aids. AleraTM will allow a user to be successful in more situations than ever, making their overall satisfaction with hearing aids that much higher."
Because AleraTM uses 2.4 GHz wireless technology, it can be easily fitted without the use of a bulky device to connect the hearing aid to the fitting software. All that is needed is the AirLink fitting accessory, which is inserted into the USB port of a computer. This technology, though new to hearing aids, has been proven in the gaming industry and in the use of wireless keyboards.
"A big benefit for the hearing aid dispensers is the ability to fit AleraTM completely wirelessly," said Dr. Christensen. "Gone are the days of hunting around for the right cables and the patient having to wear a hook around their neck. For the first time, fitting is directly from computer to hearing aid."
