Piscataway, N.J., November 22, 2004 - Siemens Hearing Instruments introduces the world's first binaural hearing system, ACURIS™ with e2e wireless™. ACURIS hearing instruments utilize Siemens proprietary e2e wireless technology that allows two independent hearing instruments to function as one hearing system. Included within all ACURIS models, e2e wireless synchronizes the system's core advanced digital signal processing and wearer operated controls. William Lankenau, president and CEO of Siemens Hearing Instruments says, " With seventy four percent of hearing instrument fittings being bilateral, this is a huge step forward in terms of moving the industry to the next technological level. First, there was analog, then digital and now e2e wireless." ACURIS hearing instruments with e2e wireless are available in all custom and Behind-the-Ear models.
Synchronized Digital Signal Processing
Designed to fully realize the benefits of binaural fitting and hearing, e2e wireless enables two independent hearing instruments to continuously share information about the listening environment, and simultaneously synchronize the trendsetting core digital signal processing at the heart of every ACURIS instrument. Incoming signals are evaluated and the hearing system automatically synchronizes the instruments by selecting the microphone mode, as well as the speech and background noise management settings most appropriate for the listening environment. This results in optimized hearing from both ears according to the dynamic listening situation.
Synchronized Wearer Controls
ACURIS with e2e wireless simplifies the fitting and wearing of two hearing instruments. ACURIS automatically adjusts itself to the wearer's listening situation, but if desired, synchronized controls allow wearers to adjust volume or program on one instrument to simultaneously make changes to both.
"The benefits resulting from synchronized controls are indisputable, explained Thomas Powers, Ph.D., Chief Research Officer for Siemens Hearing Instruments. Patients will find ACURIS instruments easier to use. Only half of their effort is required to adjust volume or program. And since the controls may be separated on the two instruments, they can avoid confusion when making adjustments."
Trendsetting Core Digital Technology
In addition to e2e wireless, ACURIS delivers superior performance across the board: from sound quality, to comfort, to functionality and convenience. All ACURIS instruments feature:
- Audiometric and Dynamic Range Compensation - 16-channel system which allows for precise audiometric shaping and re-packaging of sound within the patient's dynamic range
- Digital Speech and Noise Management - reduces noise and enhances speech digitally in 16 channels
- High Speed Digital Feedback Cancellation - quickly and continuously adapts to avoid feedback with no reduction of gain or change in frequency response, while accurately distinguishing between internal and external signals to avoid the inappropriate reduction of environmental sounds such as microwave beeps, alarms, tones, etc.
- Multi Dimensional Directional Optimization - transitions between omnidirectional (focusing on sounds from all directions) and directional modes (focusing on sounds coming from directly in front of the wearer) automatically, and can even reduce multiple moving noise sources simultaneously
- Precision Environmental Classification - continuously analyzes and aligns the signal processing based on new algorithms for accurate and comprehensive classification of the external environment, including accurate detection and processing of music
About Siemens Hearing Instruments:
Siemens Hearing Instruments, part of Siemens Medical Solutions, is one of the leading manufacturers of hearing aids in the United States. Headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, the Company offers a range of innovative products, solutions and services to Hearing Care Professionals across the United States. Among its innovative products, the Company designs and manufactures a variety of digital hearing aids in all styles to improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss. Visit www.usa.siemens.com/hearing for more information.
