ReSound has announced Remote Microphone Technology, a new method for improving the performance of their hearing aids. Hearing aids featuring the new technology are designed to have the microphone placed in the outer ear. ReSound claims that in addition to reducing the size of their hearing aids, this new microphone placement will reduce wind noise and will allow the wearer to better discern where sounds are coming from. The company’s new "be by ReSound" hearing aid is the first to incorporate Remote Microphone Technology.
From the press release:
The Remote Microphone Technology uses a thin tube to connect the hearing aid to a microphone that is tucked into the concha cymba area of the external ear. The remote microphone utilizes the natural effects of the pinna, as they relate to directivity, high frequency amplification and wind noise reduction. The body of the hearing aid is placed in the ear canal to create device retention and cosmetic appeal.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) and some traditional custom hearing instruments have less-than-ideal microphone placement compared to the natural ear, causing distortions to occur if sound collection from the pinna is not utilized. Remote Microphone Technology takes advantage of the pinna effect to preserve natural localization (including front-back localization performance) and directional cues.
Press release: ReSound Creates Revolutionary Design in Custom Hearing Aids…
Product pages: Remote microphone vs traditional custom hearing aids…; be by ReSound…