Eden Prairie, Minn. (April 2, 2008)—Starkey Laboratories (www.starkey.com) unveiled the next generation of hearing solutions today at AudiologyNOW! in Charlotte, N.C. Starkey's new ZÅ n features BluWave Signal Processing, a new proprietary signal processing system that allows Starkey's already best-in-class features to work more efficiently—both independently and as a system. ZÅ n delivers industry-leading performance and unprecedented patient satisfaction in a discreet, stylish receiver-in-canal (RIC) device.
Starkey developed this uniquely powerful, customizable RIC to be used for patients ranging from mild to moderately-severe loss. Multiple studies of the outer ear have led to an ergonomically-designed device that fits comfortably and discreetly in sophisticated color options. ZÅ n features include:
- Widest fitting range and most usable high-frequency gain of any instrument in class.
- Best-in-class feedback cancellation with up to 20 dB of added stable gain.
- Highest KEMAR DI scores in the industr y, lowest operational noise floor and most consistent directional performance over time.
- Research-driven design inside and out that emphasizes comfort and patient acceptance.
- Discreet design that virtually disappears behind the ear with minimal skin touch points, eliminating hot spots.
- A new level of environmental resistance with HydraShield, a combination of advanced materials incorporated into the design to achieve corrosion protection and consistent performance, regardless of the environment.
Only ZÅ n offers Active Feedback Intercept (AFI), the industry's leader for feedback elimination. With the most stable high-frequency gain possible in a RIC product, ZÅ n delivers more audible speech to more wearers, more often.
ZÅ n also features Starkey's Directional Speech Detector (DSD), an automatic system optimized by BluWave Signal Processing, to give patients the best performing directional system on the market today. With the highest free-field and KEMAR DIs available in a RIC and the lowest operational noise floor, patients are comfortable and speech is audible in almost any situation.
Starkey's Integrated Real Ear Measurement (IREM) allows for the fastest initial fitting leaving more time for patient consultation. When Starkey first introduced IREM, the response was overwhelming. Hearing care professionals reported this easy-to-use feature improved their fitting accuracy. ZÅ n is the only device in its class to offer this feature.
Starkey's ZÅ n with BluWave Signal Processing will be released in April. To learn more about ZÅ n, visit www.starkey.com.
About Starkey Laboratories
Privately held Starkey Laboratories, Inc. is a hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minn. The company is recognized for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Founded in 1967, Starkey currently has more than 4,000 employees and facilities in 25 countries. Divisions operating under the Starkey Laboratories family of companies include Audibel, Micro-Tech, NuEar and Starkey.
For more information on Starkey, visit www.starkey.com or the Starkey Web Channel on Audiology Online.
