Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct - Order now at Key to Hearing, Bournemouth

Phonak release a hearing aid that is Made For All mobile phones

Phonak have announced the launch of their new Made For All (MFA) hearing aid the Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct. The Audéo™ B-Direct directly connects to iPhones however unlike their competitors products it can also connect to Android and Windows phones without the need for a body worn streamer or microphone. Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct features Phonak's new propitiatory SWORD™ (Sonova Wireless One Radio Digital) chip and uses the innovative Belong platform on the AutoSense OS (Operating System).

Bluetooth Connectivity works with all mobile phones

The Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct works with all mobile phones that have Bluetooth® 4.2 wireless technology or newer and will work for phone calls with any mobile phone supporting at least Bluetooth 2.1. This should cover any Bluetooth mobile phone released in the last 10 years and may even work with phones older than this.

Remote Control App

The updated Phonak Remote is an app that primarily allows you to control the volume and change the program of your Audéo™ B-Direct hearing aids. The Phonak Remote app will work on smartphones that feature Android OS 6.0 or iPhone 5s and newer running iOS Version 10.2 or newer.

Truly Hands Free

The Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct is truly hands free. As long as your hearing aids are connected to your mobile phone you can accept calls by a short press of the button on the hearing aid. The most amazing part is that you do not need to hold the phone to your mouth to talk with the microphones on the back of your hearing aid picking up your voice. The iPhone and Android compatible hearing aids released to date have required you to have your mobile phone microphone within range of your mouth or required an intermediary device to allow the caller to hear your voice.

Easier TV listening with new TV Connector

Phonak are also releasing a new TV Connector which, using Phonak's new AirStream technology, connects the Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct hearing aids to your TV via a headphone jack or optical out connection. Unlike their previous TV Link which required an intermediary streamer to pass the sound to your Phonak hearing aids the new TV Connector will connect directly to your Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct hearing aids as soon as the TV is turned on. The TV Connector is also capable of connecting to multiple Phonak Audéo B-Direct hearing aids simultaneously, ideal for watching the TV with your partner or friends who may also wear Audéo B-Direct devices.

Don't miss a call whilst listening to the TV

If you are using the TV Connector and have an incoming call the TV audio will cease and an alert will be played in your Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct hearing aids. Once the call has finished the TV audio will automatically begin streaming into your hearing aids.   

Colours, Size and Fitting

The Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct will be available in nine colours and can be fitted with domes, SlimTips or cShells. It is powered by a size 13 zinc-air battery which makes the Audéo™ B-Direct larger than the current Audéo B-10 and Audéo B-312 models. 

Our thoughts

This looks to be a significant technological advancement by Phonak. Over 80% of smartphones purchased are Android and Phonak are the first major manufacturer to launch a phone that caters to the largest user base. 

The fact that the Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct hearing aids do not require you to hold your mobile phone to your mouth or alternatively use a neck worn microphone is really impressive. As a comparison the recently released Apple AirPods have forward facing Dual beam-forming microphones that point towards your mouth so it will be interesting seeing how the microphones on the back of the Audéo™ B-Direct hearing aids cope with picking up your voice when using the phone in noisy situations.

The Phonak Remote app does not currently appear to have as many features as those offered by Starkey and ReSound for use with their smartphone compatible hearing aids. Will Phonak develop the app to allow the user more individual adjustments or allow setting to automatically change based on GPS location tags?

How long will the batteries last? For those that use there Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct hearing aids to talk more on the phone or use the TV Connector for long periods of time the battery will drain more quickly. Will they last a minimum of 5 days?

The new SWORD™ chip will be used in future releases across the Sonova platform so expect to see this Bluetooth connectivity in future releases from Unitron next year.

We look forward to finding out more at the official UK launch on Friday 8th September in London.

Register your interest

The Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct is available to pre-order from today with delivery in the UK from Friday 1st September. Find out more by looking at the official Phonak Audéo™ B-Direct brochure and if you are interested by drop us a message on our contact page and we'll keep you updated.

References

[Phonak]: Phonak to release a game-changing Bluetooth hearing aid that connects directly to any cell phone* and TV, based on a revolutionary new chip technology [https://www.phonak.com/uk/en/press/bluetooth-hearing-aid.html]: [Aug 17 2017]

Unitron Tempus – The best in conversations

Introducing Unitron’s latest platform

April saw the launch of Unitron’s new Tempus platform. The Tempus platform is 50% more accurate and 36% faster in recognising and locating speech compared to Unitron’s previous North platform. The Tempus platform aims to ensure that you can hear your absolute best in every type of conversation including those in background noise whilst delivering Unitron’s most natural sound ever.

Unitron Tempus hearing devices available from Key to Hearing

Platform highlights

• Available in eight designs three of which are prestigious Red Dot award-winners.

• Featuring the world’s smallest receiver-in-the-canal hearing aid Moxi Now.

Learn more about the Unitron hearing devices available at Bournemouth based, Key to Hearing.

The world’s smallest rechargeable hearing instrument

The new Moxi Fit R is the smallest rechargeable hearing device in the world (based on exterior dimensions when compared to other products in its class). Unlike Phonak’s rechargable hearing devices, the Moxi Fit R can also use traditional zinc-air batteries in emergencies ensuring that even if you forgot to charge them overnight you are never caught out. They also feature a telecoil and push button for ultimate control.

Highlights

• Offers more than 24 hours of use

• Charge while you sleep, in just 6-7 hours

• One rechargeable battery lasts an entire year

• 100% fully recyclable battery

• Available in six colours

• Compatible with existing Unitron accessories

Backwards compatible rechargeable kit

For existing Moxi Fit users they now have the option of making their hearing devices rechargeable thanks to a new rechargeable kit. Ideal for those that don’t want the hassle of changing batteries at inopportune moments or who struggle with dexterity issues.

What we say

Keeley had first-hand experience and training at the UK launch in London at the beginning of April and we now have stock of the Tempus devices available for customers to trial. The Unitron Tempus platform looks to continue the recent success Unitron have had with the previous North platform which has been a great success with our customers.

Available now

If you would like to see how the Unitron Tempus platform can improve your conversations contact us to arrange your demonstration.

Phonak Bolero B now available from Key to Hearing

The Bolero family is the latest behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing device to join Phonak’s Belong platform. Like the previously released Audeo B the Bolero B will also feature a lithium-ion rechargeable model (Bolero B-PR).
 

Phonak Bolero B-PR & Mini Charger available at Key to Hearing, Bournemouth

Highlights

• With Bolero B-PR, Phonak extends its ground-breaking built-in lithium-ion rechargeable technology to a BTE, delivering 24 hours of hearing with one simple charge.

• Features Phonak’s highly acclaimed AutoSense Operating System which delivers better speech understanding over patients’ manual selection and unmatched hearing performance in everyday listening situations over two leading competitors.

A recent study by Phonak showed that 9 out of 10 hearing aid wearers were “very satisfied” with the battery life of their Phonak rechargeable hearing devices and found them easy to use. The study also found that hearing care professionals would highly recommend the rechargeable technology to other colleagues.

Available from 1st April the Phonak Bolero B will be available in four different models and nine colours and is suitable for those with a mild to severe hearing loss. For further information please see the Phonak Bolero B brochure. If you live in the Bournemouth area and are interested in the Bolero B contact us to register your interest.

References

[Phonak]: Phonak continues to break ground with a new lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid and its first titanium-made custom device [https://www.phonak.com/uk/en/press/phonak-launches-first-titanium-made-custom-device.html]: [Feb 21 2017]

The Super Discreet Phonak Virto B-Titanium

Phonak’s first titanium made custom device

Next month sees Phonak extend its Belong platform. The new Virto-B Titanium is a discreet custom hearing device made from titanium. It is the smallest and most discreet custom instrument Phonak has ever produced.

Phonak Virto B-Titanium available from Key to Hearing, Bournemouth

Titanium is very strong, durable and lightweight. Its properties see it used in applications including aerospace, marine engineering, medical, automobile and motorcycling racing as well in the finest sporting goods including tennis rackets and golf clubs. Its characteristics has allowed Phonak to create its smallest ever custom device.

Highlights

• Super-discreet when worn, perfect for first-time hearing aid wearers
• A titanium shell is half as thin as traditional acrylic shells, reducing size significantly
• Fits patients with smaller ear canals who were not good candidates for invisible-in-the-canal devices previously.

The Phonak Virto B-Titanium is available from 1st April. Take a look at the Phonak Virto B brochure for further information and if you live in Bournemouth or the surrounding area contact us to register your interest.

References

[Phonak]: Phonak continues to break ground with a new lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid and its first titanium-made custom device [https://www.phonak.com/uk/en/press/phonak-launches-first-titanium-made-custom-device.html]: [Feb 21 2017]

Let us help you take care of your hearing aid

Hearing Aid Care Advice

Caring for your hearing aid is important to ensure long life and reliability. Damage to you hearing aid can be caused by exposure to sweat, earwax and dirt. By maintaining your hearing aid’s physical condition you can assure a long-term functioning device.

Oticon Alta hearing instruments

General Advice to Protect your Hearing Aid

Protect from Dirt

Ensure that your hands are clean and dry when inserting or removing your hearing aid. The microphone area is very small and can become blocked if not handled correctly.

Protect from Moisture

Hearing aids like to be kept clean and dry. Ensure that you do not expose your hearing aid to excessive moisture. Remove your hearing aid(s) before showering/bathing or swimming.

General Tips for Hearing Aid Maintenance

• Store your hearing aid in a cool dry place.
• Protect your hearing aid from excessive heat.
• Protect your hearing aid from sprays such as hairspray.
• Use the cleaning tools provided to brush or wipe any excess wax or moisture off of the device/earmould.
• Do not insert the tools into the sound outlet (receiver) as this could damage the hearing aid.
• Only use the wax filters and instructions provided.
• Change the wax filter regularly.
• Switch your hearing aid off when not using it.
• If you are not wearing the hearing aid for a long period of time, remove the battery

Let us help you take care of your hearing aid

Ask your hearing care professional if you are unsure about cleaning and maintenance.