Fall 2018 Hearing Aid Releases

“Should I wait to get a new hearing aid? Is something better going to be released soon?”

I get asked this question all the time. The answer is yes and no. Yes, there is always something new around the corner. That is the nature of progress, but if you are always waiting then you will never get to appreciate the incredible products that we have available at this very minute. Hearing makes you happy.

As it happens, this is the time of year when a few new releases get dropped. We have not seen a complete unveiling of these at this time, but here are the basics we know so far. Some of the new hearing aids released include features like stronger Bluetooth connectivity, longer rechargeable battery life, and sensors to track steps and other health indicators. A hearing test and a demo are free in my office. If not now, then when?

Here is a quick run-down of what we know so far about the latest releases:

Starkey Livio:  Building off the already impressive Muse hearing aid, the Starkey’s new hearing aid, the Livio, combines artificial intelligence and exceptional hearing correction. An additional perk on this model is that Starkey has combined the ability to stream Bluetooth and also stream TV. Language translation, fall detection (like LifeAlert) and fitness tracking are all future promised features.

-Bluetooth streaming of phone calls and music

-Control your settings through your phone app

-Phone works as a live microphone

-Can be reprogrammed remotely

-GPS can track the hearing aids through the app in case they get lost

-Hearing Reality™ provides the clearest sound yet, especially in noisy places

-Customizable tinnitus relief

-Compatible with TV streamer

-Size 312 or size 13 battery

Starkey Livio AI: Includes elite features like fitness tracking using body sensors. Detecting these signals in the ear is actually much more accurate than the traditional trackers worn on the wrist.

-All of the above plus….

-Fitness tracking through the Thrive app

-A fall detection feature will be added in the future

Resound LiNX Quattro: Resound has long been a leader in Bluetooth streaming and now adds their own lithium-ion battery technology to their new hearing aid to complete their package. It appears to be one of the smartest charging units to date with 30 hours of battery life on a single charge and 8 days of charge built into the pocket-sized charging case.

-Control in the LiNX 3D app

-Bluetooth streaming of phone calls and music

-Phone works as a live microphone

-Can be reprogrammed remotely

-GPS can track the hearing aids through the app in case they get lost

-Layers of Sound™ provides the clearest sound yet, especially in noisy places

-Compatible with TV streamer

-Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery (30 hours of battery life on a single charge)

Signia Styletto: The biggest differentiator in this hearing aid is the new form factor. Bucking the traditional “look” of a hearing aid, the Styletto aims to fit into the box of “just another piece of tech that you are happy to wear”.

-Control settings in the touchControl App™

-Bluetooth streaming of phone calls and music

-Phone works as a live microphone

-Remote programming by a professional

-GPS can track the hearing aids through the app in case they get lost

-Own Voice Processing™ allows users to hear voices in full fidelity.

-Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery

We have limited information on these releases at this time so stay tuned for updates. Please feel free to comment if you have come across more enlightened information.

Hi! I’m Madison. I’m a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist (like my mother). I’m observing, learning, absorbing and sharing as I become a part of this beautiful South Charlotte Hearing community. I want to know you! So please leave me comments if my posts are meaningful to you or teach you something new, and feel free to tweet me at @LevineHearing!