Tinnitus, a transformation GN ReSound

TInnITus, a TRansfoRmaTIon

GN ReSound is a global leader in the design and manufacture of intelligent audio hearing products and solutions. It has transformed traditional hearing-aid systems with its smart GHz- technology and advanced medical and consumer sound solutions. Philip Yorke reports on a company that continues to see strong growth as a result of its unrivalled audio solutions.

ReSound is part of the global GN ReSound Group, one of the world’s largest providers of hearing-aid instruments and diagnostic instrumentation products. With roots that go back to 1943, ReSound has been responsible for many audiology firsts. These include the WDRC (Wide Dynamic Range Compression) system, which broke new ground for sound processing, and DFS (Digital Feedback Suppression). This was the first system to effectively eliminate howling and sound distortion on headsets.

In addition, the world’s first open-standard digital chip set new standards for flexibility in programming, and furthermore, the introduction of ‘ReSound AIR’ signalled the creation of an entirely new type of hearing instrument. This new system provided more natural sound and eliminated the discomfort associated with plugin hearing devices.

Headquartered in Ballerup, Denmark, GN ReSound is represented in more than 80 countries worldwide. The company draws on its comprehensive range of R&D resources at its technology centres around the globe, where its researchers work to apply new technologies to improve the quality of life for millions of people. Today the GN Group has more than 5000 employees and its parent company, GN Store Nord, is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen stock exchange.

Personalised hearing care

The revolutionary LiNX 3D hearing-aids developed by GN ReSound have recently seen further advances in audio technology with the introduction of a new rechargeable battery option. The company’s latest rechargeable solution is made available to users based on a clear understanding of their expectations and ReSound’s on-going commitment to empower users to select the solution best suited to their needs and preferences.

This announcement follows the company’s release of its innovative 5th generation 2.4GHz wireless technology, ReSound LiNX 3D hearing-aids. These offer unrivalled sound quality, enhanced fitting experience and unique remote fine tuning that gives users a new hearing-care experience. Now with overnight charging, users will be able to benefit from the advantage of all-day power, without the need to change batteries. Users will also save time and effort with even less impact on the environment, to create freedom, convenience and confidence.

GN Hearing’s President & CEO, Anders Hedegaard, said, “This new rechargeable battery solution allows hearing-care professionals to offer an additional option to their clients, and gives hearing-aid users even more choices to tailor their hearing experience to their unique preferences.”

Ringing the changes

Following a major international study, it was revealed that over 15 per cent of the world’s population are affected by temporary, or permanent tinnitus. The symptoms include a ringing or buzzing in the ears, which can be caused by a number of conditions, of which the most common are the exposure to high noise levels experienced in the workplace or those experienced at a loud concert.

A Danish study comprising over 14,000 participants revealed that 27 per cent of those in the study experienced either temporary or

permanent tinnitus. This is equal to one quarter of the Danish population suffering from the distressing symptoms of tinnitus.

The idea of helping people to focus on something other than invasive sound is the basic concept of a new app developed and produced by GN ReSound. It is called ‘ReSound Relief’ and offers a unique combination of audio therapy and relaxation exercises. One important feature of the new app is that it allows you to create your own soundscapes. After downloading the app, users can listen to music via a smartphone as usual, and if wireless hearingaids or headphones are being used, it is possible to stream the sounds directly through them.

This new app also contains a feature called ‘My Relief’, which keeps a record of how the app is being used and creates a personalised plan that allows you to track your own progress, in a similar way to an exercise app. “The idea of ‘My Relief’ is that you can use it as part of a treatment programme provided by hearingcare professionals. Because ‘My Relief’ keeps a record of your use, it provides useful information that a hearing-care professional can use as part of tinnitus counselling,” said Michael Piskosz, Senior Audiologist at GN Hearing. Transforming lives

GN ReSound transforms people’s lives through the power of sound with smart hearing-aids that enhance the lives of those suffering from hearing loss. The company’s integrated headset and communications solutions assist professionals in all types of businesses to be more productive.

Today GN’s innovative power has paved the way for a stream of ground-breaking solutions, such as its revolutionary 2.4GHz-technology for hearing aids, and unified headsets with active noise cancellation. This is in addition to its all-in-one ear-worn training solutions with built-in heart rate monitor. It is worth noting that GN ReSound was responsible for the world’s first ‘Made for iPhone’ hearing aid with direct stereo-sound streaming.

The lives of those with severe hearing disabilities have also been transformed with the world’s smartest ‘Super-Power’ hearing-aid, the ReSound ENZO2™, which offers the renowned benefits of its LINX2 ™ system to people with severe-to-profound hearing loss that are in need of ‘Super-Power’ solutions. n

For further details of the GN Resound Group’s innovative products and services visit: www.resound.com