A cochlear implant converts sound into information that the brain can understand. This solution is for individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Electric Acoustic Stimulation (EAS) EAS combines a cochlear implant with hearing aid technology. An ideal solution for individuals with partial deafness.
Phonak has launched its new Audéo Marvel receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid which brings binaural sound to virtually any form of Bluetooth streaming—IOS, Android, or otherwise—with a unique sound classification technology yielding audio quality that impressed a group of industry experts and hearing aid users last week during a special media event and sneak-peek of the device at the company’s US headquarters in Warrenville, Ill, near Chicago. Based on the third version of Phonak’s Sonova Wireless One Radio Digital (SWORD) chip, the Audéo M is also designed to place the user at the center of the audiological process with an array of new Smartphone apps, remote fine-tuning, and sound processing capabilities, says Phonak US President Jan Metzdorff.
PARC Research Audiologist Lori Rakita, AuD, explains how the AutoSense OS 3.0 technology classifies streamed media in real-time for optimized listening.
New levels of binaural sound quality and universality. One key feature that immediately jumps out in Audéo M is its sound quality. For real audiophiles and others accustomed to hi-fi systems, the sound quality in today’s hearing aids is very good, but can still prompt them to ask why the devices can’t sound like stereo headphones. Of course, the problem—which has been around even before made-for-iPhone (MFi) systems became available—stems primarily from the venting of the aid for real-life environmental speech and sounds. This provides the important natural sound benefits associated with open-fit aids, but has required a trade-off in streamed sound quality. With the Audéo M, Phonak has reinserted a clear richer sound into streamed music, TV, or other devices via hearing aids—and demonstrated fairly dramatic differences in a paired comparison test. The system features AutoSense OS 3.0 which reportedly classifies streamed media for optimized listening.
Phonak staff members Barb VanSomeren; Lori Rakita, AuD; Kailen Berry, AuD; Jan Metzdorff, Abby Poyser, AuD; Christine Jones, AuD, Nicole Klutz, AuD, and John Urbaniak at Phonak US headquarters near Chicago.
“We have the first classifier that also operates on the streamed signal,” said Christine Jones, AuD, Phonak US vice-president of Audiology and director of the Phonak Audiology Research Center (PARC) in Warrenville during a presentation at the media event. “Some of the early work we did highlighted that there was an opportunity with streaming—as with the unique listening environments that can also be encountered by patients—where someone’s preferences may be very different than when listening to streamed speech, or dialog in media, movies, etc. Listening goals can be different, and sound quality preferences can be different. So, now we are not only classifying the environmental sounds, but we can also classify those streamed sounds to deliver the best possible experience under all listening conditions.”
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Although the advanced design of the previous Audéo B-Direct model is award-winning, it does not feature binaural streaming. With the new Audéo M, wearers can now binaurally stream audio content, including smartphone calls, music, eBooks, and more, to both ears from any Bluetooth device.
Phonak points out that iPhones account for only 13% of smartphone use worldwide compared to 86% for the Android OS, and wearers’ choices have been limited primarily to hearing aids that utilize the MFi protocol. Additionally, even with IOS-compatible devices, some forms of MFi hearing aid streaming (eg, streaming from MacBooks and iMacs) were unavailable until now. SWORD 3.0 is capable of running Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth LE, AirStream Technology (for TV), and Binaural VoiceStream Technology for high-speed data transmission between the two hearing aids in a binaural fitting. The new system even works with Siri and LiveListen. (Phonak’s proprietary Roger 2.4 GHz signal will also have direct streaming capabilities to the hearing aid next fall.)
“This means we now have universalbinaural wireless connectivity,” said Dr Jones. “In order to have the best access to speech on the phone, it’s best to hear well with both ears. And, beyond that, we are the only product that now connects to not just Apple and Android, but any Bluetooth device. This opens up a new world of connectivity for people because of its universal nature…What this means is, that in those cases where something is not accessible through the Apple iPhone or device, it should be accessible through the hearing aid.”
Jones explained that Phonak has also created a sophisticated system called “Environmental Balance” that controls how users hear the streaming in addition to how they hear the surrounding environment, both of which can still be adjusted via the basic volume control. All of this has the potential to open up even more of the popular streaming applications.
Audéo Marvel wearers also benefit from hands-free Smartphone operation. Previously, hearing aid wearers using the MFi (and future ASHA) protocol needed to hold the smartphone up to their mouths and talk into the phone’s microphone to converse. The new hearing aids feature microphone inlets built directly into the housing, allowing wearers to have phone conversations by literally talking through their hearing aids.
Better processing and noise reduction, reducing cognitive load. Additionally, the enhanced SWORD OS incorporates Binaural VoiceStream Technology™ into Marvel hearing aids, a technology most recently employed in Advanced Bionics’ Naida CI sound processor. This four-microphone technology is reportedly capable of improving speech understanding by up to 60% in noisy places like restaurants, while simultaneously reducing the amount of effort by 19% required to listen and understand.1,2
“Audiology is at the heart of everything we do at Phonak,” said Sonova Group VP Martin Grieder in a press statement. “That’s why Marvel is such a game-changer for our industry. Marvel technology empowers people and provides a true ‘love at first sound’ experience. We believe the sound quality is second to none, and it begins the moment the person puts the hearing aids on.”
Lithium-ion rechargeable technology for “a full day of streaming.” While no reliable statistics exist on the market penetration of rechargeable hearing aids, most experts estimate that about 17-20% of all hearing aids now feature rechargeability. Phonak has been a pioneer in rechargeable hearing aid technology, creating in 2016 the first lithium-ion hearing aids—a technology that appears to be gaining ground with hearing aid manufacturers.
According to Phonak, Marvel hearing aid wearers can enjoy a full day of hearing aid use—including streaming— on a single charge. The Audéo M rechargeable hearing aid also offers new features, automatically turning on or off when taken out or being placed into the charger. The system includes new LED lights and a new mini charger.
Remote fine-tuning and live voice-to-text transcription apps. With Marvel hearing aids comes the introduction of a suite of convenient smart apps. The myPhonak app allows wearers to have their hearing aids adjusted in real-time, in any situation, anywhere via videocall by the hearing care professional. It also gives consumers the ability to rate their hearing aid satisfaction in various environments and directly send this feedback to their hearing care professional.
The myCall-to-Text app reportedly provides live transcription of phone calls from the other party in more than 80 languages. This provides an extremely useful option for hearing aid users in noisy environments, or for people who prefer additional visual captions when using the phone.
New marketing campaign and rollout. A suite of marketing materials has been developed to promote the Marvel launch. Phonak US Vice-president of Marketing Barb VanSomeren explained that the marketing surrounding Marvel emphasizes its multifunctionality, providing consumers with access to the world of sound that we all want via enhanced sound quality, a constellation of devices and streaming options, and phone calls. The new marketing assets highlight Phonak technology, audiology leadership, and Marvel’s diverse capabilities, and includes a video series that features two women exploring all the different ways Marvel can be used in a contemporary format (eg, the women’s dialog resembles the TV show Grace and Frankie) .
The rechargeable Audéo M-R will be available in November along with the zinc air Audéo M-312, and Phonak will add the Audéo M-312T and Audéo M-13T in February 2019. A rechargeable version of Marvel with T-Coil (Audéo M-RT) and RogerDirect functionality will be available as a firmware upgrade in Fall 2019.
References
Roger is a new digital wireless technology standard - an alternative to fm. The Roger digital radio system operates in the 2.4GHz band, which is globally licence free, with intelligent adaptive protocols. The Roger digital protocol has an end to end audio delay of less than 25ms.A nice Roger feature is that the system is private and cannot be eavesdropped.
The new Roger digital radio protocol is unique to Phonak.
How does Roger sound?
Roger provides an audio bandwidth signal up to 7300 Hz, with low acoustic delay, high internal signal-to-noise ratio and no noticeable distortion.
Roger Touchscreen mic transmitter:
The successsor to the Roger inspiro, the Roger Touchscreen Mic is ideal for any student in an interactive modern classroom, providing better access to teacher and peer communication, boosting speech understanding and engagement in all activities.
Designed to be used in education, the Roger Touchscreen Mic maintains a modern, stylish appearance as well as excellent durability. It also has an easy-to-use, intuitive interface with touchscreen, indicator light and handy icons for quick access to Roger functions.
Roger Pen Transmitter
The Phonak Roger Pen transmitter is a fantastic new novel radio aid transmitter.
The Roger Pen offers a choice of both omni and directional microphone pickup characteristics as well as a Bluetooth connection for mobile phones or similar. Up to 10 Roger Pen transmitters can be used in a network for group use.
There are three colour option, sliver, petrol & ruby
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By the way - the one thing you cannot do with a Roger Pen is write!
Roger Clip-On Mic transmitter
The Phonak Roger Clip-On Mic transmitter is small and very light in weight.
The Roger Clip-On Mic has a very effective directional microphone characteristic and works equally well when clipped to clothing, near the mouth, or hand held pointing towards the person talking.
Multiple Roger Clip-On Mics and roger Pens can work together in a network of up to 10 transmitters.
Both the Roger Pen and Roger Clip-On Mic were designed for use in the adult market, reflected by the mobile phone Bluetooth and directional microphone features, however they are equally suited for use by independent students.
Please note that Roger Pen and Roger Clip-On Mic transmitters will not operate in the same network as Roger Inspiro transmitters
Please see below for more information on how a Roger Pen and Roger Clip-On mic can be used.
Roger ear level receivers
Roger X receivers look similar to an existing MLxi, however when you look more closely they are 35% shorter.
The universal Roger X receiver is the 3 pin europlug version however integrated receivers, for Phonak hearing aids, are also available.
Two versions of all Roger receivers are available, type 02 for education or group use and type 03 for independent student or adult use. (more information on type 02 and type 03 receivers here).
A Roger receiver only works with Roger transmitters. Roger receivers do not lose their network association when power is lost, eg when changing a hearing aid battery.
What are the benefits of Roger?
The Roger radio aid system sees a number of nice system improvements.
The sound quality and speech recognition with the system is improved with less chance of interference. Designed to be simple to use, Roger has one-button connectivity and you don’t need to worry about having users on the same fm channels so system management is easier. MultiTalker networks can now include up to 35 Roger inspiro or Roger DynaMic transmitters, plus there is the addition of an EqualTalker network option where all transmitters have the same priority - particularly good in group work situations.
There is also now the concept of a SubNet where you can temporarily connect a user to a different Roger transmitter for a private conversation or detailed explanation of a topic.
With Roger Pen and Roger Clip-On Mic transmitters you can have a MultiTalker network of up to 10 mixed Pen or Clip-On Mic transmitters.
(Please note that Roger Pen & Roger Clip-On Mic transmitters do not have a SubNet capability and also cannot be used in the same network with Roger inspiro transmitters).
A Connevans Tip: if you are using a Roger inspiro transmiter it is possible to introduce and run both Roger and fm radio aids side by side. In fact to trial using the new Roger technology, if you already have an inspiro premium transmitter available, you only need to add a couple of Roger X receivers.
* inspiro & DynaMic Premiums supplied since January 2012 can have a free firmware upgrade. The firmware upgrade is simple to do and can be done by anyone with an internet-enabled computer using the inspiro USB lead. The inspiros do not need to be returned to us for upgrading. Older non-premium units are not Roger compatible and cannot be upgraded.
How does Roger affect your existing fm radio aids?
Roger and conventional fm radio aids can operate side by side without any effect of interference. However the new Roger digital system is not compatible with fm radio aids.
What about DynaMic premium transmitters?
Good news, just as for inspiro premium transmitters they can have a free firmware upgrade to become Roger DynaMics*.
What about the SmartLink+, ZoomLink+ and EasyLink+?
These are not Roger compatible - the Roger replacements for these are the Roger Pen and Roger Clip-On Mic
What about WallPilots?
There is a new Roger WallPilot which will connect passing Roger X receivers to the active MultiTalker Network.
What about the MyLink+ receiver?
There is a new Roger MyLink receiver which looks the same as the previous MyLink+. Please note that existing MyLink+ units cannot be upgraded.
Roger Dynamic SoundField
Pre Roger Phonak Dynamic SoundField systems can have a free firmware update to give them full Roger Dynamic SoundField functionality. There is no change to the way that the Dynamic SoundField works other than to give it compatibility with Roger receivers and an increase to a maximum of 35 transmitters in a MultiTalker network.
What are the differences between Roger type 02 and type 03 receivers?
Information here.
How to choose - Roger or fm?
If starting a completely new system... begin by selecting the most appropriate transmitter for you. If your transmitter choice is Roger then choose Roger receivers - they will be future proofed and have the latest features and benefits. If a non Roger transmitter is more appropriate, then match this with traditional fm receivers; Phonak traditional fm equipment will be available and supported for many years to come.
If you are currently using inspiro Premium transmitters... you can use either Roger or fm ear level receivers. Once you have done the firmware upgrade to make your inspiro Premium a Roger inspiro, you can run Roger and fm side by side without interference. Having said that, there are operational advantages of users in a class all having the same equipment.
If you are currently using SmartLink+/ZoomLink+/EasyLink+transmitters... then traditional fm is the route for you. Roger receivers are not compatible with these transmitters - check that the products you are buying all have the fm logo.
David's Roger techy corner
An established inspiro feature is the MultiTalker network with multiple inspiro or DynaMic transmitters working together. What you may not have known is that 2.4GHz has always been used for the MultiTalker network and likewise for the Phonak Dynamic SoundField.
The new Roger system works using an upgraded version of the 2.4GHz radio protocol that is currently in an inspiro premium transmitter - which is why you can upgrade it - and is in the 2.4GHz ISM (Industry, Science and Medical) radio band.
The audio bandwidth is 7.3KHz and the end-to-end audio delay is well below 25ms. Roger audio signals are digitized and packaged in very short (160μs) bursts of codes and broadcast 3 times at different channels between 2.4000 and 2.4835GHz. If the first is not received then the second is looked for etc. Digital codes inform receivers which signals are for them and which are not, ensuring privacy for the user. Roger systems monitor continuously which channels are free and adaptively hop around channels occupied by other systems at 2.4GHz.
The power consumption of a Roger X receiver, when it is active, is 3.2mA , almost the same as an MLxi.
Hello - if you would like somebody from Connevans to visit your education service for a session about the current range of radio aid equipment please email [email protected] or phone 01737 247571 and ask to speak with Roger :)
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