Companies Collaborating to Develop a Rechargeable Hearing Aid System.
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 20, 2013 – Starkey Hearing Technologies, one of the world’s leading hearing technology companies, has announced a technology partnership with silver-zinc battery manufacturer ZPower. Under the agreement, the companies have partnered to develop a first-of-its-kind rechargeable battery and recharging system that will be used with Starkey Hearing Technologies hearing aids.
“ZPower is a leader in silver-zinc battery technology and electronics, and we are confident that this partnership will result in a reliable rechargeable hearing system for our patients,”said Jerry Ruzicka, President, Starkey Hearing Technologies.
Utilizing silver-zinc rechargeable technology that originated in aerospace and military applications, Starkey Hearing Technologies and ZPower have been working together for the past four years on development and field-testing of a rechargeable battery that can be used for hearing aids. A rechargeable battery system would provide many benefits to hearing aid wearers including allowing users to wear aids during the day and then provide convenient charging at night. They also generate less environmental waste as compared to disposable batteries and are fully recyclable.
“We’re very pleased that Starkey Hearing Technologies partnered with ZPower,” said Ross Dueber, President and CEO of ZPower. “Our rechargeable, silver-zinc chemistry delivers nearly twice the energy of nickel metal-hydride batteries currently used in rechargeable hearing aids. This means patients can be confident their battery will last all day.”
About Starkey® Hearing Technologies
Starkey Hearing Technologies is a privately held, global 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 Hearing Technologies currently employs more than 3,500 people, operates 21 facilities and conducts business in more than 100 markets worldwide. The company develops, manufactures and distributes hearing aids via four distinct brands – Audibel, NuEar, MicroTech and its original brand, Starkey. For more information, visit StarkeyHearingTechnologies.com or the Starkey Expo Page on AudiologyOnline.
About ZPower, LLC
ZPower is a leader in the development of rechargeable, silver-zinc batteries for microbattery applications whose headquarters and manufacturing facility is in Camarillo, Calif. The company provides a total solution for hearing instrument manufacturers that includes advanced silver-zinc battery technology and electronics. The ZPower solution simplifies new product development and speeds time-to-market. For end users, ZPower batteries deliver unmatched performance, improved user experience and are better for the environment. For more information, visit www.zpowerbattery.com.
