Interview with Chiquita Ewert Au.D., Training and Education Manager Bernafon Inc. Somerset, New Jersey
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Topic: Bernafon: Product Line Review
Beck: Hi Chiquita, thanks for meeting with me today.
Ewert: Good morning, Doug. Thanks for the invitation.
Beck: Chiquita, please tell us about your professional education and background?
Ewert: I received my master's in audiology in 1987 from the University of Utah. After that I worked in a few different arenas, such as; ENT support, neurological rehab and a private audiology practice. Then in 1990, I went into hearing aid manufacturing , and have been working within the industry ever since. In March, 2004, I received my Au.D. from the Arizona program at A.T. Still University.
Beck: Congratulations Chiquita...that's wonderful. What positions have you held within the manufacturing community?
Ewert: I've worked as a researcher on digital algorithm development, I've provided product management and technical support, and I've also done extensive professional education and training.
Beck: Very good Chiquita. Please tell me about Bernafon?
Ewert: Bernafon has been producing hearing aids for over 60 years, and we're headquartered in Switzerland. Our primary office in the USA is in New Jersey. We have trainers and audiologists all across the United States. Bernafon only offers digital products and has focused on quality and innovation in hearing instruments.
Beck: Although most people are aware of it, I should mention that your "entry level" digital products are about the same price as the previously available analog products. Why don't we start with the entry level products and then we'll work our way up through the product line?
Ewert: Sure. The entry product is called the "Win." It's a three-channel instrument with adaptive noise reduction, passive feedback control, directional microphones, one memory, has expansion, and as you mentioned, it is very affordable. It can be configured for direct audio input and is available in all shell configurations. Additionally, it's programmed through Oasis Plus, our standard programming platform
Beck: Is the entire Bernafon line-up programmed using Oasis Plus?
Ewert: Yes. All of our instruments are programmed using the Oasis Plus. Once you know how to program any of our products, you can program all of them.
Beck: You know, it really is impressive...The characteristics of the Win, even though it's an entry level instrument in 2005, were essentially the "premium" product characteristics, just 4 or 5 years ago.
Ewert: You're right...the consumers are getting a lot more hearing technology for their dollars in 2005 than they did a few years ago.
Beck: Going up the ladder, what's the next product above the Win?
Ewert: The "Smile Plus" is the next instrument in our line-up. It features two memories and it's a two-channel instrument. It's fully configurable from wide dynamic range compression to linear with output compression limiting. It's available in all shells, and has an optional remote control.
Beck: What does the remote do? I suppose it controls the memory and volume controls?
Ewert: Yes, and importantly, the remote allows the CIC to have two memories, and allow the user to control the volume. .
Beck: So the Smile Plus offers the opportunity to maintain a linear fitting through digital technology, for patients that have previously benefited form linear, or just prefer the sound quality of linear?
Ewert: Right. I know most of us generally like compression and expansion circuits, but sometimes patients prefer a linear circuit, and the Smile Plus allows the dispenser to gradually move them into compression.
Beck: OK, and the next instrument above the Smile Plus?
Ewert: Neo is Bernafon's five-channel, fully configurable compression instrument. It has two memories, directional microphones, automatic noise reduction, automatic feedback control, and it too, has expansion.
Beck: How does the feedback control work?
Ewert: It supplies an out-of-phase signal to cancel the feedback peak. By approaching it this way, we don't sacrifice high frequency gain. The Neo also has a push-to-mute button, which mutes with the first push and reactivates with the next push. The user decides how long the instrument remains muted.
Beck: That's very nice...so you can mute the instrument when placing it in or out of your ears, and you could also mute it in various environmental situations. For example, if you're the driver in a car with a lot of noise from an open driver's side window...you can just mute the left instrument until the noise source has passed. OK, then...moving upward, I believe the final two products are the channel free products? Chiquita please explain the term "Channel Free."
Ewert: Sure. "Channel Free" means we handle the processing in a totally different way. We don't break the signal into channels or bands based on frequency, we process the signal in its' entirety, based on temporal characteristics. This has been done in the digital video world for a few years, and we've applied this to the audio world and the result is amazing. There are no filter skirts, no crossover areas, no areas for gain and compression to interact and no re-assembling the channels at the output stage...it's channel free.
Beck: Which product line offers Channel Free technology?
Ewert: The Symbio XT and the SwissEar are Channel Free. Symbio XT is fully automatic, uses phonemic compression so that the instrument processes sound 16 thousand times per second. The spectral characteristics of the sounds are maintained very well, and one thing that always impresses me is that patients report they hear background noise, they're aware of it, but it so far in the background that speech comes through loud and clear. It's one of those technologies that has to be heard to be appreciated. In fact, the sound quality is so good, we don't have a separate noise reduction circuit in the Channel Free Symbio XT.
Beck: And I think there was a report in the Hearing Journal from the NAL analysis?
Ewert: Yes. The Hearing Journal article was published in April, 2003, by Dylan et.al. The title was "Sound Quality Comparisons of Advanced Hearing Aids." They found that Channel Free sound quality was equal to, or better than, other high-end competitors. Users found that music sound quality was particularly good with Channel Free, too. Normal hearing listeners reported the quality of their own voice was better with Channel Free technology. The NAL report was very important to us, and we're excited about the results.
Beck: What about directional options?
Ewert: We offer the Symbio XT with an omni-directional and optional directional microphones. We've also recently introduced adaptive signal unification to enhance open canal fittings. As you know vents allow low frequencies to escape, but they also allow sound to go in through the vent! And if those signals interact or cancel each other out via phase differences, they can be difficult to diagnose and manage...so adaptive signal unification addresses those concerns.
Beck: And lastly, please tell me about your newest premium hearing aid, please?
Ewert: The newest product is the SwissEar. It will be released Mid-July, 2005, and it too, is Chanel Free. The SwissEar is a slim design mini-BTE, and it has been designed as an open fitting instrument for people with high frequency hearing loss, who may need even more gain in years to come. SwissEar can go from a thin tube fitting to a full ear mold, it can also be used as a full spectrum, full gain instrument. So it really is an amazingly flexible hearing aid, and I think it will fit specific niche markets, as well as mainstream hearing aid patients.
Beck: Chiquita...it has been a pleasure speaking with you. Thanks so much for your time and energy!
Ewert: Thank you too, Doug. It's been a lot of fun for me.
*************************************************************
For more information, vist www.bernafon.com
Recommended Readings:
Understanding the Noise Problem
Steven James Aiken, Audiologist. Reg. CASLPO, F.A.A.A
www.audiologyonline.com/articles/arc_disp.asp?id=722
More Channels are Better, Right?
Anna O'Brien, M Aud, Audiologist, Bernafon AG, Bern
www.audiologyonline.com/articles/arc_disp.asp?id=340
Temporal Aspects of Hearing Aid Signal Processing
Tom Scheller, Audiology Profession Manager, Bernafon
www.audiologyonline.com/articles/arc_disp.asp?id=368
Interview with John R. Luna, Chief Operating Officer and President of Bernafon LLC (USA), Bernafon Update: Symbio XT, Neo and Bernafon's business model
www.audiologyonline.com/interview/displayarchives.asp?interview_id=329
Ewert: Good morning, Doug. Thanks for the invitation.
Beck: Chiquita, please tell us about your professional education and background?
Ewert: I received my master's in audiology in 1987 from the University of Utah. After that I worked in a few different arenas, such as; ENT support, neurological rehab and a private audiology practice. Then in 1990, I went into hearing aid manufacturing , and have been working within the industry ever since. In March, 2004, I received my Au.D. from the Arizona program at A.T. Still University.
Beck: Congratulations Chiquita...that's wonderful. What positions have you held within the manufacturing community?
Ewert: I've worked as a researcher on digital algorithm development, I've provided product management and technical support, and I've also done extensive professional education and training.
Beck: Very good Chiquita. Please tell me about Bernafon?
Ewert: Bernafon has been producing hearing aids for over 60 years, and we're headquartered in Switzerland. Our primary office in the USA is in New Jersey. We have trainers and audiologists all across the United States. Bernafon only offers digital products and has focused on quality and innovation in hearing instruments.
Beck: Although most people are aware of it, I should mention that your "entry level" digital products are about the same price as the previously available analog products. Why don't we start with the entry level products and then we'll work our way up through the product line?
Ewert: Sure. The entry product is called the "Win." It's a three-channel instrument with adaptive noise reduction, passive feedback control, directional microphones, one memory, has expansion, and as you mentioned, it is very affordable. It can be configured for direct audio input and is available in all shell configurations. Additionally, it's programmed through Oasis Plus, our standard programming platform
Beck: Is the entire Bernafon line-up programmed using Oasis Plus?
Ewert: Yes. All of our instruments are programmed using the Oasis Plus. Once you know how to program any of our products, you can program all of them.
Beck: You know, it really is impressive...The characteristics of the Win, even though it's an entry level instrument in 2005, were essentially the "premium" product characteristics, just 4 or 5 years ago.
Ewert: You're right...the consumers are getting a lot more hearing technology for their dollars in 2005 than they did a few years ago.
Beck: Going up the ladder, what's the next product above the Win?
Ewert: The "Smile Plus" is the next instrument in our line-up. It features two memories and it's a two-channel instrument. It's fully configurable from wide dynamic range compression to linear with output compression limiting. It's available in all shells, and has an optional remote control.
Beck: What does the remote do? I suppose it controls the memory and volume controls?
Ewert: Yes, and importantly, the remote allows the CIC to have two memories, and allow the user to control the volume. .
Beck: So the Smile Plus offers the opportunity to maintain a linear fitting through digital technology, for patients that have previously benefited form linear, or just prefer the sound quality of linear?
Ewert: Right. I know most of us generally like compression and expansion circuits, but sometimes patients prefer a linear circuit, and the Smile Plus allows the dispenser to gradually move them into compression.
Beck: OK, and the next instrument above the Smile Plus?
Ewert: Neo is Bernafon's five-channel, fully configurable compression instrument. It has two memories, directional microphones, automatic noise reduction, automatic feedback control, and it too, has expansion.
Beck: How does the feedback control work?
Ewert: It supplies an out-of-phase signal to cancel the feedback peak. By approaching it this way, we don't sacrifice high frequency gain. The Neo also has a push-to-mute button, which mutes with the first push and reactivates with the next push. The user decides how long the instrument remains muted.
Beck: That's very nice...so you can mute the instrument when placing it in or out of your ears, and you could also mute it in various environmental situations. For example, if you're the driver in a car with a lot of noise from an open driver's side window...you can just mute the left instrument until the noise source has passed. OK, then...moving upward, I believe the final two products are the channel free products? Chiquita please explain the term "Channel Free."
Ewert: Sure. "Channel Free" means we handle the processing in a totally different way. We don't break the signal into channels or bands based on frequency, we process the signal in its' entirety, based on temporal characteristics. This has been done in the digital video world for a few years, and we've applied this to the audio world and the result is amazing. There are no filter skirts, no crossover areas, no areas for gain and compression to interact and no re-assembling the channels at the output stage...it's channel free.
Beck: Which product line offers Channel Free technology?
Ewert: The Symbio XT and the SwissEar are Channel Free. Symbio XT is fully automatic, uses phonemic compression so that the instrument processes sound 16 thousand times per second. The spectral characteristics of the sounds are maintained very well, and one thing that always impresses me is that patients report they hear background noise, they're aware of it, but it so far in the background that speech comes through loud and clear. It's one of those technologies that has to be heard to be appreciated. In fact, the sound quality is so good, we don't have a separate noise reduction circuit in the Channel Free Symbio XT.
Beck: And I think there was a report in the Hearing Journal from the NAL analysis?
Ewert: Yes. The Hearing Journal article was published in April, 2003, by Dylan et.al. The title was "Sound Quality Comparisons of Advanced Hearing Aids." They found that Channel Free sound quality was equal to, or better than, other high-end competitors. Users found that music sound quality was particularly good with Channel Free, too. Normal hearing listeners reported the quality of their own voice was better with Channel Free technology. The NAL report was very important to us, and we're excited about the results.
Beck: What about directional options?
Ewert: We offer the Symbio XT with an omni-directional and optional directional microphones. We've also recently introduced adaptive signal unification to enhance open canal fittings. As you know vents allow low frequencies to escape, but they also allow sound to go in through the vent! And if those signals interact or cancel each other out via phase differences, they can be difficult to diagnose and manage...so adaptive signal unification addresses those concerns.
Beck: And lastly, please tell me about your newest premium hearing aid, please?
Ewert: The newest product is the SwissEar. It will be released Mid-July, 2005, and it too, is Chanel Free. The SwissEar is a slim design mini-BTE, and it has been designed as an open fitting instrument for people with high frequency hearing loss, who may need even more gain in years to come. SwissEar can go from a thin tube fitting to a full ear mold, it can also be used as a full spectrum, full gain instrument. So it really is an amazingly flexible hearing aid, and I think it will fit specific niche markets, as well as mainstream hearing aid patients.
Beck: Chiquita...it has been a pleasure speaking with you. Thanks so much for your time and energy!
Ewert: Thank you too, Doug. It's been a lot of fun for me.
*************************************************************
For more information, vist www.bernafon.com
Recommended Readings:
Understanding the Noise Problem
Steven James Aiken, Audiologist. Reg. CASLPO, F.A.A.A
www.audiologyonline.com/articles/arc_disp.asp?id=722
More Channels are Better, Right?
Anna O'Brien, M Aud, Audiologist, Bernafon AG, Bern
www.audiologyonline.com/articles/arc_disp.asp?id=340
Temporal Aspects of Hearing Aid Signal Processing
Tom Scheller, Audiology Profession Manager, Bernafon
www.audiologyonline.com/articles/arc_disp.asp?id=368
Interview with John R. Luna, Chief Operating Officer and President of Bernafon LLC (USA), Bernafon Update: Symbio XT, Neo and Bernafon's business model
www.audiologyonline.com/interview/displayarchives.asp?interview_id=329
