ReSound's Bluetooth-infused Alera hearing aid: finally, you can toss that Loud N' Clear
By Darren Murph 
posted August 3rd 2010 10:27AM
posted August 3rd 2010 10:27AM
ReSound Announces Alera – The First Truly Wireless Hearing Aid with No Strings Attached
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--http://www.gnresound.com – ReSound, the technology leader in hearing solutions, has launched ReSound AleraTM, the industry's first truly wireless hearing aid.
"AleraTM makes this easy, streaming the sound from these devices directly to their hearing aids. AleraTM will allow a user to be successful in more situations than ever, making their overall satisfaction with hearing aids that much higher."
Operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency, ReSound AleraTM and the accompanying UniteTM wireless accessories introduce a new approach to the way a hearing aid receives sound from devices such as TVs, stereos, cell phones and computers. For the first time, the patient can receive sound directly from the device without cables, wires or the need to wear uncomfortable accessories. With AleraTM, the communication is wireless and direct – no strings attached.
"Other wireless technologies used in the hearing industry require the user to wear inconvenient accessories around their neck," said Dr. Laurel Christensen, Chief Audiology Officer, ReSound. "With AleraTM, there is no intermediary device, the signal goes directly to the hearing aid and users have complete freedom."
The release of AleraTM and UniteTM marks a significant step forward in hearing solutions, with ReSound achieving complete human/technology integration. Users are able to tune directly into their TV and connect their mobile phone to their hearing aid via Bluetooth technology. Users can participate in conversations while tuned into devices because environmental noise is not blocked out.
"Traditionally it has been hard for hearing aid users to connect directly to their TVs or telephones," said Dr. Christensen. "AleraTM makes this easy, streaming the sound from these devices directly to their hearing aids. AleraTM will allow a user to be successful in more situations than ever, making their overall satisfaction with hearing aids that much higher."
Because AleraTM uses 2.4 GHz wireless technology, it can be easily fitted without the use of a bulky device to connect the hearing aid to the fitting software. All that is needed is the AirLink fitting accessory, which is inserted into the USB port of a computer. This technology, though new to hearing aids, has been proven in the gaming industry and in the use of wireless keyboards.
"A big benefit for the hearing aid dispensers is the ability to fit AleraTM completely wirelessly," said Dr. Christensen. "Gone are the days of hunting around for the right cables and the patient having to wear a hook around their neck. For the first time, fitting is directly from computer to hearing aid."
Technology can not only take away your hearing, it's giving it to you as well.
Can I get this so I don't have a long mic on the side of my face like regular bluetooth ear pieces??
Someone needs to make this a regular bluetooth device for cellphones.
Mom, why does Grandpa look like a douche?
Shhhh. he can hear us now.
The picture would imply its water resistant? That is the thought this leaves me with!
@maty ..The hearing aids are protected with nanocoating. This is a process where completed devices are treated with an ionized gas in a vacuum chamber. This changes the surface properties of all the components inside and out to be extremely liquid repellent. The idea is to prevent conditions that usually cause corrosion, wax build-up, etc and leads to repairs, although it's still not recommended to deliberately get the hearing aids wet. Nanocoating is also used to treat things like fabrics and sports shoes to be moisture and stain resistant.
@maty..... probably because it is water resistant? while we hard of hearing people don't swim with the buggers in we have to take hearing aids out at the first sign of rain.... electric shock to the ear cant be very pleasant.
after seeing the ad and all the features this is on my must have "gadget" list :D and not only grandpas have hearing aids ya know @friarNurgle but i appreciate the joke :D
am not sure @plasmicFlame.... but i think you need that little clip on thing to use it as bluetooth headset thing so if you want to walk around looking like a mental talking to your self, you go ahead :D
Oh man, I wish I was hearing impaired.
@Jacob1 No, you don't.
I'm guessing $2K per ear...at least. Maybe as high as $3K.
Digital hearing aids are expensive and not covered by insurance
@gn7465
Try more than that. I have two and the cost is over 7k for the pair!
I have been waiting for this...now I can use my android phone and hear too!
these are awesome i know when it comes time to renewal im asking about these
@drballzee I couldn't believe it when I started looking into my latest set of hearing aids. I ended up spending $4k on a pair of Phonaks, and the place I got them from gave me the bluetooth add-on. Can't wait for the ability to do bluetooth without an additional piece to make it to more hearing aids.
@drballzee
Man, we need to lobby for insurance coverage and more reasonable prices.
@drballzee I wouldn't be surprised if the price was higher either. Lots of great innovation here, though. There are, however, a lot of companies out there trying to address the needs of value conscious consumers. Companies like Songbird Hearing (who I work for), Hearing Help Express and HearPod have great, if not somewhat basic, technology at much lower prices for consumers that don't need a lot of bells and whistles with their aid and might only need to hear better in certain situations. Hopefully more companies will start meeting those needs and passing the value along.
@gn7465
$5K for a pair that my wife bought last year, and they're no where near as fancy as these. But then again, they primary function is the help her hear better, and they do that much better than the 10 year old pair they replaced. Digital hearing aids are pretty amazing.
Old people are gonna look so cool!
@DougieBear not all old people wear hearing aids im 16 and i wear them
@DougieBear I am 27 and just purchased a new set of hearing aides. I had my first hearing aide when I was 17.
@DougieBear
Lol my girlfriend is 19 and has one, its not just old people
@DougieBear
In ten years I expect hearing aides for 30-somethings will be quite common.
G....dougiebear....don't have to be old to wear hearing aids...soooo smart the young one are these days! :>)
does anyone know how good is re-sound in build/quality? I've only used seiman's & phonak in the past. I'm looking 2 purchase a new aide in about 3 months & don't want their bulky bluetooth add-ons.