Interview with Patrick Henry FM Products Manager, Phonak, Warrenville, Illinois
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AO/Beck: Hi Patrick. Thanks for your time today.
Henry: Hello Doug, It's always a pleasure.
AO/Beck: I'm looking forward to learning about new technological developments in the industry. However, before we get into that, I'd like to spend a few moments learning about you.
Henry: I got my BS in electrical engineering from Eastern Washington Technical College in the early 80s. Most of my practical experience has been in the hearing aid industry. I've been involved with management of FM product development and sales distribution of CROS, BICROS, FM Trainers and personal FM technology for the past 18 years or so. I oversaw Telex's FM department for many years and I've been with Phonak for the last year and a half.
AO/Beck: I'll bet the changes in FM have been startling over the last few years.
Henry: There really have been a lot of changes. When I was first introduced to FM systems, the technology was functional and durable, but also obtrusive to the user. The technology limited the wearing options to body configurations and the coupling methods incorporated cords and neckloops. In the mid 90s, FM BTEs came on the market and now with the introduction of Phonak's FM boots and Claro Watch Pilot remote controls, the cosmetic and signal processing advancements have made FM systems much smaller and a viable accessory to all people wearing BTE hearing instruments. The FM transmitters are also getting more sophisticated as we are using synthesized multi-channel, multi-microphone technology and providing the patient additional flexibility to choose the microphone mode most suitable to the listening environment.
AO/Beck: I have listened to the MicroLink FM system a number of times and the sound quality really is impressive. In fact, I think I'm on very solid ground saying that FM technology produces the highest sound quality and the best signal-to-noise ratio available.
What are the new applications and new technologies you're working on?
Henry: The MicroLink MLx has been so popular because it is compatible with most hearing aid manufacturer's BTEs on the market today. Companies, such as Siemens, Widex, Oticon, Unitron Hearing, GN ReSound and Sonic Innovations have modified their direct audio input systems to work with MicroLink. This cooperation essentially represents a major advancement in FM performance as well as making FM acceptable and accessible to more people wearing BTE hearing instruments.
The major milestone that has allowed us to provide these products was the FCC's allocation of the 216 MHz frequency spectrum for use to the ADA and ALD population segment. Because of the higher frequencies and the resulting change in bandwidth, we can design products much smaller, with less interference issues and eliminate external antennas, which meets the cosmetic improvements required to increase market penetration to our market. These products are deceptively small, extremely powerful, and they do yield the single best signal-to-ratio possible.
We think you'll view our new products as communication devices instead of hearing aid and FM products. We have 20 engineers alone, working on new proprietary FM technology that will allow us to do this. Our product pipeline has products that will improve communication in many listening situations; from talking on the telephone, watching TV, or listening to music in the home to communicating where noise or distance is a detriment to hearing in a business, educational, worship or social environment.
We are also working on products that incorporate FM technology with smoke and fire alarms, doorbells and other alert devices. These products will all transmit FM signal to the MicroLink receiver attached to the client's BTE hearing aid.
AO/Beck: How do you explain FM advantages to people who have never ordered it or listened to it?
Henry: When we talk about FM we use the analogy of adding a third ear. The FM transmitter acts as a third ear picking up the voice of the person speaking and delivering the signal directly to FM receiver attached to the hearing aid wearer's BTE. We describe the FM components as a radio system because that is really, what it is. The FM transmitter is the radio station and the person talking is the DJ. The MicroLink FM receiver is a FM radio tuned to the same frequency as the radio station. The FM signal is delivered to the direct audio input circuitry of the BTE and the electrical signal is processed through the BTE hearing aid circuitry. We also discuss the advantages of FM when noise, distance and reverberation are factors and we position FM as an accessory to the BTE hearing aid.
AO/Beck: What about gain ? If the hearing aid has 65 dB of gain, how much of that can you get through the FM system?
Henry: Basically, the FM system delivers the FM signal to the BTE. The BTE is still providing the signal processing of the output and the gain. Therefore, whatever the output and the gain characteristics are of the BTE, that's what the FM system should deliver. We are having good results with compatible BTEs whether they have analog, programmable or digital signal processing.
AO/Beck: Is that true of the spectral characteristics too?
Henry: Yes, the goal is to make the FM system transparent. Of course it does depend a little on the hardware chosen, but largely, the HA response and the FM response will be very consistent.
AO/Beck: What about distance? How far apart can the transmitter and the receiver be, while still maintaining a high quality, true signal?
Henry: The distance is variable. As these are radio systems, some environments will enhance transmission and others will degrade transmission. Indoors we usually see 30 to 50 feet transmission distance, but it depends on the building structure and materials, the computers in the area etc. Also, recall that FM not only goes out horizontally, but it also transmits vertically. Typical transmission outdoors is 75 to 125 feet, maybe a little more.
AO/Beck: How many manufacturers make FM systems in the USA?
Henry: There are probably about five or six primary manufacturers of personal ear level FM systems.
AO/Beck: If we assume that there are about 1.9 million hearing aids sold per year, how many FM units are sold per year?
Henry: Well, let me clarify a little. There are four basic types of FM systems, the personal FM, auditory trainer FM, wide area FM and the soundfield FM systems. So, if we look at just the personal FM systems such as MicroLink, there are about 75 thousand units sold annually, representing about 4 percent of the total hearing aids sold.
AO/Beck: What can you tell me about the demographics of those people buying the personal FM systems?
Henry: The vast majority of the systems, about 85 percent of all personal systems are going to the pediatric and educational markets, and about 15 percent go to the adult population. Of course, now that the technology is smaller, the market is growing, and so we anticipate that the MicroLink/HandyMic system will attract more adult users. It's a little like cell phones, if you recall bag phones and the really large early devices, we've come full circle now with the size of cell phones and of course their popularity has grown enormously. I think it'll happen with FM systems too. As they get smaller, better and easier to use, the market size will increase.
AO/Beck: Pat, what can you tell me about the cost of FM systems?
Henry: Most high-end systems retail at about $3000 dollars for a binaural FM system. Of course, that does not include the cost of the hearing aids or professional services. As the product gets better, smaller, and universal, and as we sell more units, we anticipate the price will probably drop over the next few years.
AO/Beck: What other new products and applications can you tell me about?
Henry: We have a new transmitter that will help people use their FM systems at home, called the TelCom. It's a fixed transmitter and connects to the telephone and the television. A typical scenario is, the MicroLink wearer is watching TV and hearing the sound of the TV via FM to his FM receivers. The phone rings and the patient will hear the telephone ring via the FM system, then when he picks up the telephone, the TV audio automatically mutes, and the telephone conversation is then transmitted via FM to the hearing aid wearer's FM receivers. One nice feature is the patient can walk all through the house using the telephone through the FM system, and of course, this replaces the need for the T-Coil for that system. Then, when the patient hangs up the phone, the TV audio signal automatically turns back on. The retail cost for the transmitter is around $500 dollars.
AO/Beck: How do you recommend marketing FM systems to adults?
Henry: FM sales to adults has special significance for Phonak. We believe the initial onus is on FM manufacturers to drive innovation and standardization around the 216 MHz frequency spectrum and cooperate on general frequencies for use in public facilities. Matching wide area FM transmitters to personal FM receivers would be attractive solutions and be a commercial success.
I think one very effective way to market these is through our new Listening Station. This new ALD demonstration system substantiates to the patient, spouse and friends the real benefits of adding FM to his BTE hearing aids. The TelCom FM transmitter is included in the demonstration and allows the patient to use the telephone system too. The benefit is usually very dramatic and the demonstration is well worth the time.
AO/Beck: Patrick, I want to thank you for your time. This information and the technology is very exciting. I hope we can get together again in the Spring and get an update from you.
Henry: I look forward to it Doug. Thank you and Audiology Online for your time. You have a great product and web site.
For more information on Phonak click here.
Click here to visit the Phonak website.
Henry: Hello Doug, It's always a pleasure.
AO/Beck: I'm looking forward to learning about new technological developments in the industry. However, before we get into that, I'd like to spend a few moments learning about you.
Henry: I got my BS in electrical engineering from Eastern Washington Technical College in the early 80s. Most of my practical experience has been in the hearing aid industry. I've been involved with management of FM product development and sales distribution of CROS, BICROS, FM Trainers and personal FM technology for the past 18 years or so. I oversaw Telex's FM department for many years and I've been with Phonak for the last year and a half.
AO/Beck: I'll bet the changes in FM have been startling over the last few years.
Henry: There really have been a lot of changes. When I was first introduced to FM systems, the technology was functional and durable, but also obtrusive to the user. The technology limited the wearing options to body configurations and the coupling methods incorporated cords and neckloops. In the mid 90s, FM BTEs came on the market and now with the introduction of Phonak's FM boots and Claro Watch Pilot remote controls, the cosmetic and signal processing advancements have made FM systems much smaller and a viable accessory to all people wearing BTE hearing instruments. The FM transmitters are also getting more sophisticated as we are using synthesized multi-channel, multi-microphone technology and providing the patient additional flexibility to choose the microphone mode most suitable to the listening environment.
AO/Beck: I have listened to the MicroLink FM system a number of times and the sound quality really is impressive. In fact, I think I'm on very solid ground saying that FM technology produces the highest sound quality and the best signal-to-noise ratio available.
What are the new applications and new technologies you're working on?
Henry: The MicroLink MLx has been so popular because it is compatible with most hearing aid manufacturer's BTEs on the market today. Companies, such as Siemens, Widex, Oticon, Unitron Hearing, GN ReSound and Sonic Innovations have modified their direct audio input systems to work with MicroLink. This cooperation essentially represents a major advancement in FM performance as well as making FM acceptable and accessible to more people wearing BTE hearing instruments.
The major milestone that has allowed us to provide these products was the FCC's allocation of the 216 MHz frequency spectrum for use to the ADA and ALD population segment. Because of the higher frequencies and the resulting change in bandwidth, we can design products much smaller, with less interference issues and eliminate external antennas, which meets the cosmetic improvements required to increase market penetration to our market. These products are deceptively small, extremely powerful, and they do yield the single best signal-to-ratio possible.
We think you'll view our new products as communication devices instead of hearing aid and FM products. We have 20 engineers alone, working on new proprietary FM technology that will allow us to do this. Our product pipeline has products that will improve communication in many listening situations; from talking on the telephone, watching TV, or listening to music in the home to communicating where noise or distance is a detriment to hearing in a business, educational, worship or social environment.
We are also working on products that incorporate FM technology with smoke and fire alarms, doorbells and other alert devices. These products will all transmit FM signal to the MicroLink receiver attached to the client's BTE hearing aid.
AO/Beck: How do you explain FM advantages to people who have never ordered it or listened to it?
Henry: When we talk about FM we use the analogy of adding a third ear. The FM transmitter acts as a third ear picking up the voice of the person speaking and delivering the signal directly to FM receiver attached to the hearing aid wearer's BTE. We describe the FM components as a radio system because that is really, what it is. The FM transmitter is the radio station and the person talking is the DJ. The MicroLink FM receiver is a FM radio tuned to the same frequency as the radio station. The FM signal is delivered to the direct audio input circuitry of the BTE and the electrical signal is processed through the BTE hearing aid circuitry. We also discuss the advantages of FM when noise, distance and reverberation are factors and we position FM as an accessory to the BTE hearing aid.
AO/Beck: What about gain ? If the hearing aid has 65 dB of gain, how much of that can you get through the FM system?
Henry: Basically, the FM system delivers the FM signal to the BTE. The BTE is still providing the signal processing of the output and the gain. Therefore, whatever the output and the gain characteristics are of the BTE, that's what the FM system should deliver. We are having good results with compatible BTEs whether they have analog, programmable or digital signal processing.
AO/Beck: Is that true of the spectral characteristics too?
Henry: Yes, the goal is to make the FM system transparent. Of course it does depend a little on the hardware chosen, but largely, the HA response and the FM response will be very consistent.
AO/Beck: What about distance? How far apart can the transmitter and the receiver be, while still maintaining a high quality, true signal?
Henry: The distance is variable. As these are radio systems, some environments will enhance transmission and others will degrade transmission. Indoors we usually see 30 to 50 feet transmission distance, but it depends on the building structure and materials, the computers in the area etc. Also, recall that FM not only goes out horizontally, but it also transmits vertically. Typical transmission outdoors is 75 to 125 feet, maybe a little more.
AO/Beck: How many manufacturers make FM systems in the USA?
Henry: There are probably about five or six primary manufacturers of personal ear level FM systems.
AO/Beck: If we assume that there are about 1.9 million hearing aids sold per year, how many FM units are sold per year?
Henry: Well, let me clarify a little. There are four basic types of FM systems, the personal FM, auditory trainer FM, wide area FM and the soundfield FM systems. So, if we look at just the personal FM systems such as MicroLink, there are about 75 thousand units sold annually, representing about 4 percent of the total hearing aids sold.
AO/Beck: What can you tell me about the demographics of those people buying the personal FM systems?
Henry: The vast majority of the systems, about 85 percent of all personal systems are going to the pediatric and educational markets, and about 15 percent go to the adult population. Of course, now that the technology is smaller, the market is growing, and so we anticipate that the MicroLink/HandyMic system will attract more adult users. It's a little like cell phones, if you recall bag phones and the really large early devices, we've come full circle now with the size of cell phones and of course their popularity has grown enormously. I think it'll happen with FM systems too. As they get smaller, better and easier to use, the market size will increase.
AO/Beck: Pat, what can you tell me about the cost of FM systems?
Henry: Most high-end systems retail at about $3000 dollars for a binaural FM system. Of course, that does not include the cost of the hearing aids or professional services. As the product gets better, smaller, and universal, and as we sell more units, we anticipate the price will probably drop over the next few years.
AO/Beck: What other new products and applications can you tell me about?
Henry: We have a new transmitter that will help people use their FM systems at home, called the TelCom. It's a fixed transmitter and connects to the telephone and the television. A typical scenario is, the MicroLink wearer is watching TV and hearing the sound of the TV via FM to his FM receivers. The phone rings and the patient will hear the telephone ring via the FM system, then when he picks up the telephone, the TV audio automatically mutes, and the telephone conversation is then transmitted via FM to the hearing aid wearer's FM receivers. One nice feature is the patient can walk all through the house using the telephone through the FM system, and of course, this replaces the need for the T-Coil for that system. Then, when the patient hangs up the phone, the TV audio signal automatically turns back on. The retail cost for the transmitter is around $500 dollars.
AO/Beck: How do you recommend marketing FM systems to adults?
Henry: FM sales to adults has special significance for Phonak. We believe the initial onus is on FM manufacturers to drive innovation and standardization around the 216 MHz frequency spectrum and cooperate on general frequencies for use in public facilities. Matching wide area FM transmitters to personal FM receivers would be attractive solutions and be a commercial success.
I think one very effective way to market these is through our new Listening Station. This new ALD demonstration system substantiates to the patient, spouse and friends the real benefits of adding FM to his BTE hearing aids. The TelCom FM transmitter is included in the demonstration and allows the patient to use the telephone system too. The benefit is usually very dramatic and the demonstration is well worth the time.
AO/Beck: Patrick, I want to thank you for your time. This information and the technology is very exciting. I hope we can get together again in the Spring and get an update from you.
Henry: I look forward to it Doug. Thank you and Audiology Online for your time. You have a great product and web site.
For more information on Phonak click here.
Click here to visit the Phonak website.
