Products
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can help you re-establish connections to the world. They are made to selectively increase the volume of the sounds you want to hear. They can make soft sounds audible, while at the same time making moderate or loud sounds comfortable. Hearing aids are designed to provide relief in both noisy and quiet situations. Wearing hearing aids can put you at ease during conversations and make you less likely to have to ask others to repeat themselves.
How Hearing Aids Work
Every electrical hearing aid has three parts; a microphone, an amplifier and a receiver.
The Microphone - This collects the sound and converts it into electrical impulses. These reproduce the rise and fall of pitch of the sound (high or low) and the intensity (loudness measured in decibels).
The Amplifier - This modulates the electrical impulses, makes sounds louder or quieter. It can have an integrated circuit with up to 30 transistors or a combination of circuits. The digital aid uses the efficient micro-chip.
The Receiver - It converts the amplified signal into sounds and feeds them into the ear.
Hearing aids get their power from tiny batteries.
Hearing Aid Technology can be divided into two different categories:
Analog Hearing Aids – This conventional technology amplifies all sounds equally. Your Audiologist sets the amplification level, though it can be adjusted later. Loud sounds may require you to manually turn down the volume on your hearing aid. This type of technology is best for people who do their communicating in relatively quiet situations. Basic analog is the least expensive technology. Analog hearing aids are slowly being phased out. Some companies make only digital hearing aids.
Digital Hearing Aids – With this type of technology, a computer chip converts incoming sound into digital code, then analyze and adjusts the sound based on your hearing loss and listening needs. The signals are then converted back into sound waves and delivered to your ears. The result is sound that’s more finely tuned to your hearing loss. Digital hearing aids are available in all styles and the price you pay will depend on the features you choose. More advanced digital signal processing capabilities tend to translate into higher cost. If price is a concern, let your Audiologist know and choose the best combination of features in your price range.
Hearing Aid Accessories
Directional Microphones – Helps you focus on sounds coming in front of you by reducing sounds coming from the side and behind you. This technology improves your ability to hearing when you’re in an environment with a lot of background noise. The latest directional microphone systems automatically adapt and reduce multiple noise sources around you. This system now includes the use of three microphones.
Telephone adapters – This technology, also referred to as telecoils, makes it easier to hear when talking on the telephone. Flipping a switch directs your hearing aid to eliminate sounds from the environment and pick up sounds from the telephone only. Keep in mind this feature only works with telephones that are hearing aid compatible.
Speech and Noise Management – This technology allows for special listening programs to be set that offer personalized sound processing for specific listening needs such as listening to music.
Feedback Cancellation - Continually analyzes incoming signals and adjusts seamlessly and instantaneously to minimize feedback (whistling) Also, maintains excellent sound quality
Multiple Listening Programs - Adjusts the way sound is processed to adapt to specific listening situations including listening on the telephone or to music.
Wireless Technology - Highly advanced instruments use wireless technology to literally communicate with each other when wearing two hearing instruments (binaural amplification). Sound processing is synchronized for optimized sound quality. Wearers can use one control to operate both instruments No hearing aid can solve every hearing problem or restore normal hearing, but they are designed to provide amplification so that you can hear and understand better.
A Design for Every Lifestyle
Micro-CIC™
Completely-in-the-Canal
Fit deeply inside your ear canal. Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing instruments are the smallest, custom-designed hearing instruments. Hidden in the shadow of your ear canal, they fit deep inside your ear and are virtually invisible.
Siemens Micro-CIC™ is the smallest CIC available today.
CIC hearing instruments are created to fit your unique ear shape. Due to their small size, CIC hearing instruments don’t usually have any manual controls, so all features and functions are programmed to perform automatically – making them easy to use and comfortable to wear.
CICs are aesthetically pleasing, and can help a variety of hearing losses. Your Hearing Care Professional can help you decide what type and style hearing instrument is best for you and your hearing needs.
Benefits at a glance:
- • Almost invisible when worn
- • Custom designed to fit your unique ear size and shape
- • Completely automatic.
ITC
In-the-CanalSmall enough to fit almost entirely in your ear canal. In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing instruments are custom-designed to fit almost entirely in the ear canal. Less visible than In-the-Ear models, ITCs take up only about one quarter of the concha – the indented, bowl-like outer portion of your ear. ITC hearing instruments are created specifically to fit your unique ear size and shape. They may have manual controls for volume and special listening programs, or these features may function automatically – giving you the option of how much or how little you control your instrument.
ITCs may be appropriate for a variety of hearing losses. Your Hearing Care Professional can help you decide what type and style hearing instrument is best for you and your hearing needs.
Benefits at a glance:
- • Small and discrete model
- • Custom designed to fit your unique ear size and shape
- • Automatic or manual controls
- • Available in a range of colors to match hair and skin tones
ITE
In-the-EarMade to fit within the external ear. In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing instruments are custom made to fit within the concha – the indented, bowl-like outer portion of your ear. ITEs are the most widely recommended hearing instrument style for adults because of their design and control options. Custom hearing instruments are not usually recommended for children since their ears are continually growing.
ITE hearing instruments are made to fit your unique ear shape. Because of their size, ITEs can have many features and options that make wearing hearing instruments more comfortable and user-friendly. They may have controls for manual adjustment of volume or special listening program, or these features many function automatically – giving you the option of how much or how little you control your instrument.
Of the custom instruments, ITEs can help the widest variety of hearing loss. Your Hearing Care Professional can help you decide what type and style hearing instrument is best for you and your hearing needs.
Benefits at a glance:
- • Most widely recommended custom instrument
- • Custom-designed fit to your unique ear size and shape
- • Automatic or manual controls
- • Available in a range of shades to match skin tone
BTE Behind-the-Ear
Fit snugly behind the ear and are attached to a custom earpierce. Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing instruments fit comfortably and snuggly behind your ear. BTEs are attached to a custom earpiece molded to the shape of your outer ear. They are the most versatile hearing instruments, with models that can aid people with all types of hearing loss – from mild to severely profound. For children, BTEs are most often recommended since the earpiece can be easily changed to accommodate their growing ears, and can be connected external devices, which can assist them in the classroom.
BTEs can be connected to other sound sources such as televisions and infrared listening systems. Infrared listening systems can be helpful in public gatherings and for children in school. Volume control and other listening adjustments can be made manually or determined automatically by your BTEs, offering you the most control over your own hearing instruments. Your Hearing Care Professional can help you decide what type and style hearing instrument is best for you and your hearing needs.
Benefits at a glance:
- • Most versatile to address all types of hearing loss from mild to severely profound
- • Capable of being attached to external sound sources
- • Automatic or manual controls
- • Available in a range of fun, fashion colors as well as those to match hair or skin tone
Open Ear SolutionUltra-thin tubing is virtually invisible. Open Fit Behind-the-Ear Unlike BTEs which utilize a custom molded earpiece, Open Ear BTEs are small, sleek hearing instruments that attach to ultra-thin, almost invisible tubing and soft, comfortable tips that are inserted into your ears. A common complaint of hearing instrument wearers is the feeling of their ears being plugged up. This is known as occlusion and is caused by the earmold or custom instruments being placed into the ear. By utilizing special tubing and tips, Open Ear BTEs dramatically reduce occlusion by creating a more comfortable listening experience.
Open Fit BTEs do not require ear impressions, and therefore you may be able to be tested and fit in one appointment. The flexible tips are available in various sizes for you and your Hearing Care Professional to choose from, ensuring optimal comfort. Since Open Ear BTEs have no visible controls, they function automatically and are easy to wear and use. Your Hearing Care Professional can help you decide what type and style hearing instrument is best for you and your hearing needs.
Benefits at a glance:
- • Small, ergonomic design
- • Reduces occlusion
- • Automatic controls
The chart below shows the levels of
Siemens state-of-the-art technology and the products available.
ULTIMATE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
CENTRA
CENTRA ACTIVE
VALUE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
ARTIS 2
CIELO 2
CIELO 2 ACTIVE
NITRO CIC
BASIC DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
INTUIS
CENTRA
The ideal hearing solution would ultimately function more like a hearing partner. It would provide the most natural, personal, and comfortable listening experience possible. It would tune out annoying noises. But leave voices intact. Let you identify precisely where a sound is coming from. And even remember your preferred volume setting and adjust automatically. The ideal hearing solution is here.
CENTRA is the newest, most advanced hearing solution available today.
- SoundSmoothing™ technology – instantly recognizes and reduces annoying noises like rustling paper, clanging dishes, and breaking glass, while preserving the sound of voices and conversations
- DataLearning™ – learns based on your volume changes, and automatically adjusts itself to match your preferences
- e2e wireless™ communication – keeps your instruments properly balanced at all times, so you can easily and naturally tell where sounds are coming from. Also makes instruments easier to use by enabling you to control the volume and program of both instruments at the same time
- Most Advanced Adaptive Feedback Cancellation – reduces or eliminates the high-pitched whistling common with many other hearing instruments
- eWindScreen – an electronic wind noise reduction system that detects wind conditions and adapts automatically to reduce annoying wind noise
- Directional Microphone System – so advanced it automatically adapts to your listening environment and can reduce multiple noise sources. This makes it easier to focus on what really matters – like speech and conversations.
CENTRA is the result of wearer-focused engineering, meaning its features and performance are focused on you.
CENTRA ACTIVE
Made for active living. Today’s generation of hearing instrument wearers are more active than ever before. They need a hearing solution that’s easy to wear, water-resistant, rechargeable, and offers unrivaled hearing performance.
AquaProtect™ system for worry free activity
CENTRA Active wearers don’t have to worry about working up a sweat. AquaProtect™ system is an array of innovations that make the instrument resistant to sweat, moisture, humidity, and other debris.
- Clip-on microphone cover with integrated GORE™ membrane provides an effective barrier against perspiration, water, other liquids, dust, dirt, and microparticles
- Housing features nanocoating, a Siemens exclusive, repels water and prevents moisture and debris from leaking into the instrument
- Dome features C-Guard™, a membrane-like barrier that seals off the receiver to protect against cerumen and humidity and can easily be replaced by the wearer
Rechargeable freedom
CENTRA Active’s charger is easy to use. Up to two instruments can be charged at the same time, and they don’t even have to be turned off because the charger will do it automatically. A single night’s charge – about five hours for a fully drained battery – provides enough power for a full day and evening. CENTRA Active also runs on regular size 13 batteries if desired.
Unsurpassed hearing performance
Like all CENTRA instruments, CENTRA Active provides the most natural, personal, and comfortable hearing experience possible thanks to superior technology:
- Sound Smoothing™ is the first and only sound suppression system that automatically distinguishes transient noises from speech
- Data Learning™ does more than simply collect data, it actually learns the wearer’s volume preference for each program and automatically adjusts for optimal hearing in any environment
- e2e wireless™ synchronizes the signal processing of both instruments in a binaural fitting, continually sensing the listening environment and automatically aligning selected core sound processing
- Automatic feedback cancellation features a new algorithm with adaptive speed control that selects the optimal adaptation speed to eliminate or reduce feedback
- Automatic speech and noise management reduces distracting sounds without compromising speech and provides comfort and excellent sound quality
- Automatic and adaptive directional microphone system improves speech intelligibility in noisy situations where there may be several competing noise sources
- Optional ePocket™
remote control for easy wearer control and data read-out
ARTIS 2
Life continually presents opportunities to explore, discover, and share. ARTIS™ 2 hearing instruments were developed specifically to help people with hearing loss appreciate all that life has to offer.
Leading-edge technologies and features.
ARTIS 2 recognizes and supports wearers’ needs and preference providing confident and comfortable communication in a variety of hearing settings. With a unique blend of state-of-the-art technologies, ARTIS 2 enables people with hearing loss to share in many of life’s sources of inspiration.
- Data Learning™ - actually learns the wearer’s volume preferences for each hearing program and automatically adjusts, also logs data to assist Professionals in fitting and counseling in follow-up visits
- e2e wireless™ - creates natural and effortless binaural hearing including precise sound localization, synchronized volume & program settings, and better hearing comfort in noisy environments
- ePocket™ remote control option – for wearers who want control without fuss, volume adjustment, program changes, as well as instrument status (including battery power level) can be made with the touch of a button
- Feedback cancellation – optimal adaptation speed to eliminate feedback and avoid artifacts is automatically selected
- Speech and noise management – reduces background noise for improved hearing comfort without compromising speech intelligibility
- Automatic and multi-channel, adaptive directional microphone system – adapts to the listening situation and optimizes system settings to improve speech intelligibility in noisy situations, even when multiple moving noise sources are present
- eWind Screen™ - reduces the bothersome turbulence of wind, even in mild wind conditions
- Auto Phone™ - automatically engages a dedicated telephone or telecoil program during phone use, and returns to the last program used when finished
NITRO CIC
One small instrument for hearing, one big advantage for people with severe hearing loss.
If you have severe hearing loss, you may have been told that Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing instruments aren't for you. Simply put, CICs have never been powerful enough to meet the needs of people with severe hearing loss. Until now!
Brains to go with the brawn.
While NITRO CIC packs up to 70 decibels of gain into a tiny package (significantly more than other CIC products), it has more to offer than just out-of-this-world power. NITRO CIC also has a variety of features that will enhance your listening experience
- Feedback Cancellation. Provides a more pleasant listening environment by eliminating or reducing feedback sounds (whistling).
- Data logging. Records important data that your Hearing Care Professional can use to better fine-tune your instrument.
- Stationary noise reduction. Reduces steady-state noises such as cars and fans, and makes listening more effortless.
- Microphone noise reduction. Reduces low-level background noise in quiet environments.
- C-Guard ™ wax protection system. Protects the receiver, and enhanced durability and reliability.
- Optional push button. Access multiple programs for optimum hearing in a variety of situations.
The CICs you've been waiting for.
Hearing technology has finally caught up to your needs. NITRO CIC offers the power of Behind-the-Ear hearing instruments, but in a much smaller package that fits entirely in the ear canal. It also offers improved feedback cancellation technology, which reduces or eliminates the unwanted feedback noise that can be associated with CICs. Thanks to NITRO CIC, more people can enjoy the desirable cosmetic advantages of CICs. In fact, when it's in your ear, NITRO CIC is practically invisible. So people will notice that you're hearing better and nothing else.
CIELO 2
The special moments in life – spending time with family and friends, participating in activities we love, even simply listening to music – often bring us the greatest joy. CIELO 2, the newest family of hearing instruments, is made for life’s precious moments.
Established technologies and features.
Building upon the success of its predecessor, CIELO 2 offers even greater hearing comfort and convenience. Thanks to proven technologies and features, CIELO 2 makes it easy to find joy in the everyday moments of life.
Data logging – collects information on hearing preferences such as duration of use, volume changes, and program usage that can be used for easier fine tuning
- Automatic and adaptive directional microphone system – proven to improve speech understanding in noisy situations
- Speech and noise management – minimizes intrusive noises that can interfere with listening enjoyment, without compromising speech intelligibility
- AutoPhone™ - automatically engages a special program for use with a hearing instrument compatible telephone, and then automatically returns to the last listening program when the phone call is finished
- Wind noise reduction – detects and automatically reduces wind noise
- ePocket™ remote control option – controls the volume, changes listening programs and reads out the instrument status without having to touch the hearing instrument
- Environmental classification system
– automatically aligns the digital signal processing to the present listening situation
CIELO 2 ACTIVE
No worries. No fuss. No kidding.
With CIELO™ 2 Active, your patients just might forget they're wearing hearing instruments. It’s that small. That comfortable. And that simple to use.
Go ahead, ride that extra mile.
CIELO 2 Active is small but mighty. Siemens unique AquaProtect™ technology actually repels sweat, water, and other moisture. All while preventing debris from leaking into the instrument. (Yes, even ear wax). With CIELO 2 Active, wearers can take a stroll on a warm day, spend time in the garden, or relax by the pool without a second thought. Siemens exclusive AquaProtect technology makes it more resistant to humidity and moisture than any other hearing instrument.
With CIELO 2 Active, hearing better is natural. Intuitive. Automatic.
With a number of built-in technology features, CIELO 2 Active is designed to enhance the overall listening experience. Your patients can get even more enjoyment out of the things they already love to do.
- 6-Channel digital signal processing. Provides the flexibility you need to successfully fit a variety of hearing loss types and configurations. Simple and efficient programming using Siemens CONNEXX™ fitting software enables precise and professional results for each patient’s unique hearing needs.
- Speech and noise management. CIELO 2 Active provides advanced, adaptive noise reduction and speech enhancement in six independent channels. Softens intrusive noises, like banging doors and barking dogs, while simultaneously enhancing speech.
- Automatic and adaptive directional microphone system. Improves speech understanding in noisy environments like parties, weddings and gatherings where multiple speakers and other sounds are present.
- Data Logging. Collects useful information about hearing instrument use and patient preferences including volume control and program changes, duration of use, and listening environments. This information results in easier and faster customized fittings.
- Feedback cancellation system. Reduces or eliminates feedback automatically — without responding to signals like music or microwave beeps that can create audible artifacts for patients.
- Wind noise reduction. Reduces wind noise automatically and enables enjoyment of outdoor activities without any interference.
- ePocket™ remote control. Lets the wearer make adjustments to the instrument in a convenient, discreet and simple manner. Also includes a read out function for patients to check instrument status.
INTUIS
Easy to wear
The INTUIS™ family of hearing instruments offers more features than any other in its class, designed to deliver some of the latest hearing technology advances in performance, reliability, and comfort – at an affordable price. INTUIS is an intelligent hearing system that effectively responds to the changing situations of everyday life.
Intuitive technology
INTUIS brings a new level of hearing technology to a simpler class of solutions:
- Directional microphone technology in most models: the only technology proven to improve speech understanding in noisy environments
- Feedback cancellation is standard in every model: so intuitive, it actually reduces or eliminates feedback without affecting sound quality
- Noise reduction technology is standard in every model: steady-state sounds like the hum of an air conditioner or traffic noise are instantly reduced
- AutoPhone automatic telecoil available on most custom models: automatically engages the telecoil program when a hearing instrument compatible telephone is used
INTUIS is engineered for long-lasting performance, using advanced technological breakthroughs, as well as tried-and-true standards in dependability and quality. Custom models are manufactured using a new, exclusive receiver placement that ensures maximum mechanical stability. Plus, all custom models are available with the optional C-Guard™ wax protection, which prevents cerumen, moisture, and other microparticles from entering the receiver. INTUIS BTEs feature nanocoating, a protective finish pioneered by Siemens. Nanocoating repels perspiration, moisture, and other debris and decreases the likelihood that these substances will damage the instrument.
INTUIS is available in a full range of models and colors to appeal to every type of hearing loss and cosmetic preference.
Custom:
- • Micro-CIC™
- • Mini canal
- • Half shell
- • In-the-Canal
- • In-the-Ear
References BUPA. 1996-2007. Retrieved October 25, 2007 from: http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/Mosby_factsheets/Hearing_Loss.html
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 1998-2007.
Retrieved October 25, 2007 from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hearing-loss/DS00172
Siemens Hearing Instruments. 2007.
Retrieved October 25, 2007 from: http://www.siemens-hearing.com
UCSF Medical Center. 2002-2007.
Retrieved October 25, 2007 from: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/
