The evolution of hearing aids

Hearing loss is something our ancestors would have endured, just like we do. In the absence of modern technology, they sought rudimentary treatments. Even the very first person to cup their hand behind their ear was trying to achieve better hearing! When this started exactly is unknown, but early records show that the first hearing aid dates back to the 13^th century. This is what we call an ear horn, derived from animals such as cows and rams.

Naturally, we have come a very long way since then. In the last ten years alone, the hearing aid industry has completely changed. Phonak launched the Quest range in 2012 and, at the time, it was quite the impressive product.

The Quest range was based on the unique Binaural VoiceStream Technology^TM, which improves speech understanding by up to 45% in challenging situations. It was available as an in-ear model, as well as over-the-ear.

To enable streaming from your smart device or TV, an accessory called the compilot was required, worn around the neck or clipped onto a collar. This technology was available from the entry-level Q30 to the premium-level Q90.

Manufacturers undertake a great deal of research into hearing aids, including Phonak. Every few years, innovative technology is developed – improving the user experience each time.

After Quest, Phonak launched the Venture range in 2014, which added further improvements to sound quality.

Two years later, Phonak released the Belong model, including 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. It also included a new algorithm, making high-frequency information audible for a wider range of hearing loss, alongside an enhanced listening experience.

In 2017, the Belong range took another step up, with B-direct hearing aids. These were designed to easily connect to any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or TV.

Two years later, the Phonak Marvel arrived. This was a sizable improvement in technology and sound quality. A revolutionary hearing aid family, combining the benefits of exceptional speech understanding with reduced listening effort in noisy environments. Marvel streams all audio content seamlessly from iPhone, Android smartphone and countless Bluetooth-enabled devices, to both ears in stereo quality. Marvel hearing aids are rechargeable and empower all users to benefit from real-time, voice-to-text transcription of phone calls, as well as remote support via smart apps.

Which brings us to the Paradise range! Launched in 2020, it was comprised of sparkling hardware. Paradise takes hearing performance to the next level, with several new features. This results in an unrivalled hearing experience, including crisp, natural sound, brilliant speech understanding and dynamic noise cancelling. In addition, clients can discover personalised digital solutions with the myPhonak app, as well as universal connectivity. Users access Bluetooth-enabled functionalities via a double tap on pinna, thanks to the Tap Control feature. There’s nothing like the sound of Paradise.

So, if your hearing aid is over three to four years old, a whole new world of hearing awaits! Countless customers have told us what a significant difference they notice between their older model and the Paradise range. If you’d like to discover how our technology can change your quality of life, shop the range or get in touch today. It’s time to invest in you.

Senior Asian woman sitting at table, shopping for hearing aids on her smartphone

July 15, 2022

The evolution of hearing aids

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