Australia has a long history with the humble hearing aid, which makes it no surprise to discover that Melbourne based researchers have completely revolutionised the humble hearing aid with a new device that costs less than half the price of a traditional device and can be customised over the internet and fit by the end user.
Created by Melbourne company Australia Hears, the device costs between $1000 and $1500, or under $3000 for a pair, or significantly less than a traditional hearing aid. By using digital technology, the new device can boost or limit certain frequencies to make hearing more comfortable.
The most interesting element of the new hearing aid is the simplicity. The device can be ordered online, and will be shipped pre-customised to the user following a hearing test or by answering half a dozen questions online. Once received, it can be easily fine-tuned, with settings for different environments like, home, work or the pub.
It’s always great to see Australian ingenuity come to the fore, especially when Aussie technology is used to benefit people’s day to day living.
James Mac
Monday, May 2, 2011 at 4:07 PMI can’t wait till the military gets hold of something like this…
A device that will amplify select sounds, and dampen others… that could really save lives.
Katie
Monday, May 2, 2011 at 8:29 PM“By using digital technology, the new device can boost or limit certain frequencies to make hearing more comfortable”
Which makes it no different from any of the other hearing aids on the market today. Audiologists in Australia have been fitting digital hearing aids for approximately a decade now.
The only thing that sets this new hearing aid apart is the fact that you, the user, now have to program it yourself at home.
Gabriel
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 12:16 PMThe price is different. Not sure how many others can be easily adjusted to different environments in that price range either.
Sean
Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 10:20 PMThe price is not different. There are actually much cheaper options available from audiologists with the consultations included in the price. The cheapest hearing aid you can get from an audiologist including the fees for seeing the audiologist is around $800. So calling these new hearing aids cheap at $1500 is an absolute lie. They are mid-range priced. Don’t believe everything you read. Check for yourself.
hearing clinics
Monday, July 11, 2011 at 4:56 PMGetting a hearing aid is something toward which no one really looks forward. In fact, it’s usually considered a sign of aging and most people will do just about anything to stave off the specter of old age. Unfortunately, you may be doing yourself a great disservice by not getting a hearing device when you’re losing your sensitivity. These devices can make life much more enjoyable and, in certain regards, much safer. There are some common signs of hearing loss that you may be experiencing and which may be reversible with the proper medical equipment.