Phonak announced that it will launch the next generation hearing aid product platform Belong, which includes pioneering lithium-ion rechargeable battery technology in hearing aids. Built on the superior Palio 3 technology and specially designed to simplify consumers' lives, the new Audéo B Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) products and the first of its kind lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid, Audéo B-R, will be released to the US market in August, with Europe to follow in September 2016.
Highlights of the announcement include: Phonak to launch next generation hearing aid platform Belong with the new Audéo B RIC products less than 24 months after successful introduction of Phonak Venture platform; New platform includes Audéo B-R the first ever hearing aid to feature a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery providing 24 hours of hearing; Audéo B-R represents the quickest charging, longest lasting rechargeable hearing aid ever produced.
"Consumers are becoming increasingly active and require hearing solutions which can automatically keep up with their lifestyles. Audéo B is evidence of our clear commitment to pioneer life-changing innovative hearing solutions in the marketplace. This ground-breaking industry-leading technology provides consumers with the first of its kind lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid, offering 24 hours of hearing with one simple charge," said Martin Grieder, Group Vice President Phonak.
According to Phonak, research revealed that rechargeable batteries and rechargeable hearing aids are top of the list of features that hearing aid users are seeking. In response to this insight and based on years of research, development and intensive testing, Phonak Audéo B-R opens a new era to those affected by hearing loss. Today, lithium-ion is the fastest growing and most promising battery technology that offers 40% more power than conventional rechargeable batteries. This makes Phonak Audéo B-R the quickest charging, longest lasting rechargeable hearing aid ever produced. The new pioneering solution is another result of Phonak's unwavering commitment to change people's lives for the better.
The Phonak rechargeable hearing aid is the first ever hearing aid to feature a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery, providing 24 hours of hearing with a simple charge of just 3 hours. The 30-minute fast-charging option gives 6 hours of immediate use. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries last through the lifetime of a hearing aid, even after years of repeated charging. This combined with the fact that the battery compartment is sealed, frees customers from the cumbersome task of regularly changing their batteries. The new technology is also environmentally friendly with users typically going through around a 100 batteries per year and hearing aid.
Designed for those constantly on the move, Phonak rechargeable hearing aids also come with smart charging options. The power pack, which is easily attached to the Phonak Charger Case, provides power for seven full charges of two hearing aids, designed for short trips where no power source is available. In addition, Phonak offers a compact mini charger giving users full flexibility.
