As the year comes to end, it’s natural to reflect on the past year while also getting excited for what’s to come in the year ahead! Let’s count down the top three hearing-related technologies released in the year 2015 and take a peek at what may be to come in 2016!
ZPower Rechargeable Batteries
A common frustration for hearing aid users is the short battery life. Depending on the size of the battery, charge time can be anywhere from 10 hours to 200 hours, and the batteries always seem to die at the most inconvenient of times. The ZPower Rechargeable System includes a battery that is charged over night and lasts for a year. Users simply swap out their hearing aid battery door and battery for the ZPower compatible option. Since the technology is just catching on, the batteries are not matched with every hearing aid on the market, but who knows what the future holds!
Jacoti Hearing Suite
Jacoti Hearing works to provide various hearing solutions that work in unison with hearing aids and other support systems to give users the most comprehensive hearing experience possible. Specifically, their Jacoti ListeningApp utilizes headphones in a way akin to hearing aids. By plugging headphones into a phone while using this app, sounds are magnified and users are able to hear voices and their various phone sounds at a more magnified volume. Check out Audicus’s posting of the top 6 mobile apps for hearing loss while you are at it! Jacoti Hearing also offers a self hearing test which aids users in determining hearing loss over time. CES even named Jacoti a runner up for their 2016 innovation award!
HRM Earphone Heart Rate Monitor
LG created a replacement for the standard strap and watch of a heart rate monitor – one that is sleeker and even smarter. Their earphone heart rate monitor will track metabolic heart rate, oxygen consumption, distance, and calories burned all while playing tunes while you work out. The earphones are connected to a small device that is easily clipped to your waistband or arm. It then syncs with your smart phone to provide the most up to date information on your workout. Exercise provides many benefits, including reducing some of the side effects of hearing loss. If you already wear hearing aids, this product may not be for you, but it is an exciting development in the wearable world.
Sneak Peak at CES 2016
The Consumer Technology Association will host the 2016 expo in Las Vegas from January 6 to January 9. Highlights include interactive conferences specializing in everything from FDA approval to “Mind-Blowing Wearbles” as well as specialty invitation only events where companies will unveil their newest and hottest products. Be on the look-out for the SleepPhone, eFit, and Resound Linx! With such a large expo, they have even prepared an app for your phone to make sure you don’t miss out on the conferences you wish to see. Before you go, take a closer look at the 2015 CES expo trends! The hearing world is abuzz with new technologies, so jump on board!