Question
I have seen the brite hearing aid from Bernafon. It has a different shape than most hearing aids and I also understand that it uses directional microphones. Can you give me some background on the shape of the device and how the microphones perform?
Answer
brite has been designed not to look like a conventional hearing instrument. The aim is to offer a device with a unique difference to those currently available in the market and offer appeal to the fashion sense of its wearers, who we expect to be active middle aged individuals in the majority. The shape is complimented by extensive customization options.
The brite amplifier unit and housing is comparable in size to the latest RITE devices. It incorporates a 312 battery, a remote control coil, and has been designed to create the flowing lines that are unique in the industry. This oval shape is designed to add tactile appeal. Retaining this organic and streamlined appearance was a priority in brite development as it sets the design apart from all others in the industry.
brite offers 10 different color options for customization of appearance of the device. This is done in the clinic, by the HCP, and not by the end user. It takes a matter of minutes. A purpose specific tool enables easy removal of parts.
Regarding microphone performance, since the brite does not have a pre-defined position behind the ear, the directionality index has been measured for different discrete angles relative to the horizontal.
Directional performance of brite device at different angles:
The ideal position for brite behind the ear is with the microphones at between 15-20 degrees to the horizontal. Electro-acoustic tests confirm that this delivers the most effective AI-DI response and comfort pairing. Provided the correct speaker unit size is selected at fitting, this will be the angle that brite should sit on the ear. Acceptable angling of brite on the ear has been deemed to be within an angle range from the horizontal of 0-35 degrees (+/- 15 degrees from optimal position). At an angle of more than 35 degrees, directionality is deemed to be compromised, as the AI-DI index drops by more than 0.5dB from the value at 0 degrees.
Duane Higginbotham earned his M.S. in Communicative Disorders/Audiology from the University of Wisconsin/Stevens Point, and his MBA from Eastern University. He joined Bernafon-US in early 2007 as an Audiolgy & Education Specialsit. He has 30+ years experience in Audiology dispensing and training, including positions as Director of Audiology at Saint John Regional Hospital (Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada), Director of Audiology at the Veterans Administration, Manhattan, New York, and Trainer and Regional Business Development Manager for Miracle Ear / Amplifon.