Sonic
Innovations, the U.S.-based hearing aid manufacturer, recently
conducted moisture-resistance tests using two of its products and eight
from major competitors. The results? Sonic outlasted its nearest
competitor by 44 percent.
“Moisture can be a hearing aid’s worst enemy, but most
people don’t think about that when they are purchasing one. When
subjected to moisture, devices can actually give out and require repair,
either from blockage in the receiver, tubing or microphone, corrosion in
the battery compartment or internal damage.”
“A younger demographic and more active seniors led us to test our
products to make sure they could withstand the lifestyle of our users,”
says Sonic Innovations Vice President of Auditory Research Michael
Nilsson, Ph.D. Nilsson noted that according to the National
Academy on an Aging Society more than 5 million people
age 18 through 64 and nearly 500,000 children have hearing loss.
Changing needs of hearing aids:
Nilsson said, “Moisture can be a hearing aid’s worst enemy, but most
people don’t think about that when they are purchasing one. When
subjected to moisture, devices can actually give out and require repair,
either from blockage in the receiver, tubing or microphone, corrosion in
the battery compartment or internal damage.”
“Today’s active hearing aid wearers are counting on products that can
stand up to heat, humidity and sweat-prone environments,” says Nilsson.
“In these tests, Sonic Innovations’ devices proved to lead the industry
in moisture resistance.”
Product testing:
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Used industry standard protocol originally created to test
automotive products which helps determine potential failure from metal
corrosion due to moisture.
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Hearing devices were exposed to a 95-degree Fahrenheit environment
with very dense fog.
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Majority of the competitors’ devices died within either the first,
second or third days, while Sonic Touch and ion devices lasted 10 days.
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All products tested were receiver-in-the-canal or thin tube style
devices.
Sonic Innovations’ moisture-resistant devices include:
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