GN ReSound Announces New Wireless Connectivity Solution

April 2010

Editor: I think this is a very interesting development and I'll enjoy watching how it plays out. You may know that other hearing aid manufacturers are providing wireless connectivity by using a "gateway device" which talks to other devices using Bluetooth. The "gateway device" then communicates with the hearing aids using near field magnetic induction (NFMI) technology. This system has the advantage of capitalizing on mainstream technology (Bluetooth), but the disadvantage of requiring a "gateway device" hung around the neck.

The GN Resound system appears to include multiple transmitters at 2.4 GHz (which are interfaced to the devices a person wants to hear) and a receiver incorporated into the hearing aid which communicates with the transmitters. The advantage of this system is that no "gateway device" is required, and the disadvantage is that you have to connect a transmitter to each device you want to hear. (This is all conjecture on my part; we'll see if it's right when more information becomes available.)

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Today, GN ReSound is pleased to introduce ReSound AleraTM - its new groundbreaking advance in wireless hearing aids. The official announcement takes place at the annual conference for the American Academy of Audiology - AudiologyNOW! 2010 in San Diego, USA. ReSound AleraTM receives crystal clear sound directly from the TV, computer and other audio sources from up to 7 meters away, saving the user from the hassle of carrying a device around the neck as required when using current wireless hearing aids. This is made possible by ReSound UniteTM which is a series of easy-to-use wireless accessories to be attached to the audio source.

Unique sound quality is one of the key features in ReSound AleraTM which is employing the revolutionary Surround Sound by ReSoundTM technology delivering a rich and crisp 360-degree sound.

ReSound AleraTM uses 2.4 GHz wireless technology which has a stronger, clearer and more stable signal than the inductive technology used in current wireless hearing aids. With this technology users avoid echoes and issues related to the lack of synchronization between images and sound. The 2.4 GHz technology can be used in all markets through-out the world and does not interfere with other electronic devices.

The slim, curved shape makes for an extremely discreet design and provides a comfortable fit and natural feeling, and ReSound AleraTM has recently received the prestigious red dot design award for its groundbreaking design.

GN ReSound's SVP for Research & Development, Peter Ulrik Scheel says: "With Re-Sound AleraTM we have taken a huge step in making wireless hearing aids easier to use, and at the same time we are delivering unique performance and design. Our technology is delivering groundbreaking advances in the field of wireless hearing aids. With the launch of ReSound AleraTM, GN ReSound has delivered a significant advance on a research initi-ative that has been under way for some time."