Bernafon has now launched the new Viron range in the United Kingdom. As reported earlier on Hearing Aid Know, the range consists of four hearing aids over three levels of technology. Bernafon is calling their latest hearing aid management system a true environment processing system, and they have made much of their real-time processing abilities. They say "The super-fast sound detection and processing with Bernafon's DECS™ technology stimulates users with more precise information about the environment in real time. This enables the listener to focus on hearing what’s important to them while keeping the natural sound picture." The hearing aids are now available for order and here is what you need to know.
True Environment Processing
True environment processing has fascinated me since they first mentioned in their press release, they say in the blurb "Viron is the industry’s first True Environment Processing™ hearing aid that lets users immerse themselves in the sound environment making every situation sound more natural and real for them. Thanks to the powerful chip which detects and processes sound in real time, Viron leaves environment classification rules, restrictions, and artificial sound behind."
But what exactly does that mean? From what I can make out, they are referring to instantaneous processing of sound which is facilitated by their super fast new processor and the DECS system that they use. They say that the new chipset provides the ability to detect the sound environment with 32,000 data points a second and adjust the amplification 20,000 times a second.
Bernafon is also famous for not using any classification rules, they treat the world of sound as constantly adaptive and therefore defying rules of classification. They believe that hearing aids should just adjust automatically to changing sound situations. This means that the sound processing is not slowed down by and sound classification manager. This all adds up to super fast processing.
Dynamic Feedback Canceller
They say "We call this an innovation because it is the most powerful and effective feedback cancelling system ever from Bernafon. Dynamic Feedback Canceller™ in DECS™ eliminates feedback signals within milliseconds, so that feedback does not become an issue for users."
The new feedback system analyzes the input signal up to 126,000 times per second which allows it to recognise and eliminate feedback within milliseconds. It is the fastest feedback system that Bernafon have ever had and they say it makes feedback a thing of the past. The benefits it should deliver will be:
- Prevention of feedback even when rapid changes of the signal path occur like hugging
- It should mean a better target match of prescription because we have higher feedback thresholds
- It will allow more open fittings with minimized risk of acoustical feedback
- We should be able to fit more severe hearing losses by using the full gain of the instrument
As we discover more, we shall put up a couple of pages covering the different technology levels and what they have to offer. Let's take a brief look at the models available.
Viron Hearing Aid Models
Bernafon
Viron miniRITE
The Viron miniRITE hearing aid model is a very discrete wireless slimline 'Mini-Receiver-In-Ear (miniRITE)' hearing aid using a 312 battery. Powerful fully featured and offering amazing discretion.
Bernafon Viron miniRITE Prices
We would expect the Bernafon Viron miniRITE range to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1400.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1500.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
Bernafon
Viron miniRITE-R
The new mini-RITE-R is a wireless slimline Rechargeable Mini-Receiver-In-Ear hearing aid which uses a new lithium-ion rechargeable battery which offers 16 hours of use with five hours of streaming. The battery pack is easily replaceable in the clinic. Which means that when the battery pack begins to lose storage capacity you can get a new one from your professional. The device also has a telecoil.
Bernafon Viron miniRITE-R Prices
We would expect the Bernafon Viron miniRITE-R range to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1400.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1500.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
Bernafon
Viron miniRITE-T
The sleek and discreet wireless MiniRITE-T features a telecoil and double push button for easy volume and program control. It is powered by a 312 battery
Bernafon Viron miniRITE-T Prices
We would expect the Bernafon Viron miniRITE-T range to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1400.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1500.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
Bernafon
Viron BTE 105
The powerful and compact BTE 105 fits hearing losses up to 105 dB SPL to benefit people with severe-to-profound hearing loss. The plus power solution features a telecoil, a tactile double pushbutton for easy volume and program control.
Bernafon Viron BTE 105 Prices
We would expect the Bernafon Viron BTE 105 range to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1400.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1500.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
It will be interesting to see what the Viron sounds like. I am on record as saying I was pretty impressed with the Zerena hearing aids and the very different sound they offered me. Hopefully, I will be able to say the same of the Viron. I will, of course, keep you updated as we go. Like us on Facebook by clicking the button below to keep up with our latest ramblings, do it, do it, do it.
