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The new Siemens "Aquaris" hearing instrument is watertight and robust


WEBWIRE

Chicago, USA / Erlangen, Germany, Whether it is being used during leisure activities or in a work environment, the new Siemens “Aquaris” hearing aid copes with many challenges. It is not only watertight and dustproof, but also robust and impact-resistant. These qualities are achieved by features such as a special casing with a sealed battery compartment, a watertight microphone membrane and a protective cover. A slip-on sports clip holds the hearing instrument securely behind the ear, even when the wearer is moving around or being jolted. The “BestSound Technology” developed by Siemens guarantees enhanced hearing comfort, even in difficult noise environments.

Manufacturing a hearing aid that not only repels water, but is truly waterproof, represented a particular challenge for the engineers. In traditional hearing aids, there are a number of points through which water can penetrate and damage the sensitive technology inside. These include not only the tiny screws that normally hold the casing together, but also the battery compartment and the microphone and earpiece sockets.

To cope with this, Siemens developed a one-piece casting for Aquaris. A scratchproof, rubber-like surface holds the device securely behind the ear and prevents it from slipping. The battery compartment is equipped with a waterproof but air-permeable membrane. As a result, environmentally-friendly zinc air batteries can be used, which always require “air to breathe”. The cover clip is attached to the top of the casing via ultrasound. It also protects the waterproof but acoustically transparent microphone membrane, which was specially developed for Aquaris. A nano coating and a seal protect the earpiece.

The result speaks for itself: Siemens engineers tested Aquaris under severe climatic conditions, including in tropical Australia. Independent institutes also tested the device for compliance with the relevant standards. For example, it was submerged for 30 minutes at a depth of one metre without water penetration. As a result, Aquaris can officially be described as “waterproof”.

Aquaris hearing aids are ideal for anyone with impaired hearing who undertakes sweat-inducing activities either as part of their job or in their leisure activities, or who spends time in a damp or dusty environment. They are equally reliable even in floury bakehouses and building sites. They can be worn when sailing, surfing or even swimming. A swimming program developed by Siemens itself deals with the special acoustic conditions encountered during swimming while the cover clip on top of the device absorbs even the strong wind noise.

The casing protects the sensitive inside workings not only from damp and dirt, but also from impacts and jolts, such as can occur when playing sport. When the wearer is involved in sports such as mountain biking, jogging and beach volleyball, where there is extensive movement, a slip-on sports clip holds the device securely behind the ear.

Just like the entire latest generation of Siemens hearing aids, Aquaris is equipped with the BestSound Technology developed by Siemens, which ensures true sound comfort and excellent speech understanding. The wearer is able to make adjustments using Siemens “Tek” and “miniTek” remote operation, and can link the hearing aids wirelessly with modern communication and entertainment electronic devices. Siemens produces a waterproof “Aquapac” to protect this remote operation facility.

The planned market launch date for “Aquaris” is June, 2011.

The products mentioned here are not yet available for purchase in some countries. Due to regulatory reasons, future availability in any country cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens organization for further details.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world’s largest healthcare solution providers and a leading manufacturer and service provider in the fields of medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, hospital information technology and hearing instruments. It offers solutions covering the entire supply chain under one roof - from prevention and early detection to diagnosis and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows oriented toward the most important clinical pictures, Siemens also strives to make healthcare faster, better and, at the same time, less expensive. Siemens Healthcare currently has some 48,000 employees worldwide and is present throughout the world. During fiscal 2010 (up to September 30) the Sector posted sales worth 12.4 billion euros and profits of around 750 million euros. For further information see: http://www.siemens.com/healthcare

Reference Number: H20110426e



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