Somerset, NJ June 29 --- Fluctuating sound quality, intermittent feedback, instruments that are bulky to wear and clumsy to use - these are just some of the compromises made by people trying to find powerful solutions for their severe to profound hearing loss. Now, Sumo DM, the world's smallest and most advanced digital Super Power hearing aid, will enable severely hearing impaired people to adapt instantly and automatically to new and dynamic sound situations without compromising sound quality or comfort. With the new, fully digital hearing aid, users will experience a new freedom from feedback, increased speech clarity in noise and more comfort in challenging sound environments.
One of the most frustrating side effects in high-power hearing instruments is feedback - often caused by such everyday actions as smiling, chewing food or even a slight shift in position of an earmold. Sumo DM's effectively addresses this problem with the advanced, highly effective Dynamic Feedback Cancellation that eliminates feedback instantly without reducing power or distorting sound.
"The ability to perform everyday activities and exploit the full range of the instrument's volume control without the frustrating whistling will make a tremendous difference in quality of life," says Gordon Wilson, Vice President of Marketing at Oticon, Inc. "Sumo DM will greatly improve users' overall listening experience and satisfaction."
The advanced digital hearing aid also features a unique Noise Management system which maximizes audibility and sound quality even in the most challenging situations. Until Sumo DM, most people with profound hearing loss had to turn their hearing instruments down significantly or even off in noisy places, such as a street with busy traffic. Sumo DM's state-of-the-art TriState Noise Management system - using the proven VoiceFinder technology - offers a speech-controlled system that makes challenging sound situations more pleasant experience and conversation around noise possible.
People in Focus
Since people with a severe-to-profound hearing loss need to wear their hearing instruments all day, size and ergonomics are important. As the smallest and lightest digital Super Power hearing instrument in the world, Sumo DM allows the users to experience a new level of comfort and confidence.
To maximize the limited residual hearing of severely hearing impaired users, Sumo DM offers unmatched fitting flexibility. The instrument uses eight individual channels for precise frequency shaping and provides a unique ability to focus on speech. Precise programming for loud, soft and speech level inputs results in better audibility, understanding and comfort for a truly individualized fitting.
"Because they represent a smaller percentage of hearing impaired people, the needs of individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss are sometimes overlooked when developing new technologies," states Wilson. "At Oticon, we have a long-standing history of producing high quality, state-of-the-art power hearing instruments for this special group of users. We understand their unique needs and focus on those needs and preferences in every aspect of design."
Suma DM's unique features make it the most user friendly hearing instrument available today. The instrument's small, thin and lightweight shell design makes it suitable for infants as well as adults. A tactile "Off" position in the numbered volume control and three programs give the user more convenience.
Sumo DM also includes important design features for children with hearing loss and their parents and teachers, including a small LED on the hearing aid that stays on to indicate the instrument is working and flashes when the volume control is set properly. This feature can also prove valuable for caregivers assisting older adults with their hearing aidsl.
For further information about Sumo DM, contact Gordon Wilson, VP of Marketing at Oticon, gyw@oticonus.com or visit www.sumodm.oticonusa.com
Or please visit the Oticon website www.oticonusa.com
