We sat down to interview Anthony Florek, President and Founder of Soundwave Hearing, and learn...
Hearing loss is a common concern as we age, and it can be particularly frustrating for those who are active and between the ages of 50-75. Conversations in noisy restaurants, the sounds of the great outdoors, and the joy of music can become increasingly challenging to enjoy.
That's where Sontro® Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids come into play. Priced at $749 per pair, you might wonder what sets them apart and why they are worth the investment. In this article, we'll explore the unique features of Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids and why they're the perfect choice for active adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Understanding OTC Hearing Aid Categories
Before delving into the specifics of Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids, it's essential to understand the different types of over-the-counter hearing aids available today. OTC hearing aids are designed to improve your hearing by amplifying sounds from the environment and delivering them to your ear through air conduction. They are worn either behind the ear or in the ear canal. OTC hearing aids are designed for adults 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Here are the three main categories of OTC hearing aids:
QUF - Hearing Aid, Air Conduction, OTC
- Technical Method: Air-conduction hearing aids are acoustic amplification devices for hearing impaired
- Class 1 Medical Device
- 510 k exempt
QUG - Hearing Aid, Air Conduction with Wireless Technology, OTC
- Technical Method: Wireless hearing aids are acoustic amplification devices for the hearing impaired that utilize wireless technology.
- Class 2 Medical Device
- 510 k exempt
QUH - Self-Fitting Hearing Aid, Air Conduction, OTC
- Technical Method: A self-fitting air-conduction hearing aid is a wearable sound-amplifying device that is intended to compensate for impaired hearing and incorporates technology, including software, that allows users to program their hearing aids. This technology integrates user input with a self-fitting strategy, enabling users to derive and customize their hearing aid fitting and settings independently.
- Requires FDA clearance with a 510K, ensuring safety and effectiveness
- Class 2 medical device
Introducing Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids
Now, let's focus on QUH, the Self-Fitting Hearing Aid category. Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids fall into this category, and here's why they stand out:
1. Self-Fitting Technology
Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids utilize advanced AI technology and software to allow users to self-fit and program their hearing aids independently. This means you have control over configuring parameters, settings, and listening modes to tailor your hearing experience to your unique needs.
2. FDA Clearance
To ensure safety and effectiveness, self-fitting hearing aids like Sontro undergo a rigorous process, including FDA clearance with a 510 k premarket submission. This clearance ensures that these devices are safe and effective before making them available to customers.
3. Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC)Technology
Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids use BTE technology, providing comfort and convenience. The receiver in the canal (RIC) technology delivers a more natural sound experience, helping you stay connected with your surroundings.
4. Adaptive Directionality
One of the most common complaints among those with mild to moderate hearing loss is difficulty hearing in noisy environments, such as restaurants. Sontro's Adaptive Directionality feature tackles this issue effectively by automatically adjusting the microphone settings in the hearing aid to focus on specific sound sources while reducing background noise.
Sontro Self-Fitting Hearing aids come equipped with two microphones that are directionally sensitive to noise and conversations. The hearing aid automatically adjusts these microphone settings to focus more on the primary conversation than the noise. This helps you hear speech in a noisy environment. If you turn to face a different direction, the primary sound source shifts to a new conversation, and the adaptive directionality shifts accordingly.
5. Automatic Mode Selection
Are you worried about constantly adjusting your hearing aids? Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids takes the guesswork out of it. They automatically switch between quiet, noise, and entertainment modes, ensuring you always have the best listening experience.
The hearing aids and software contain sensors and algorithms that continually analyze your acoustic environment. When the hearing aids detect a quiet environment with minimal background noise and speech is not the dominant sound source, it will adjust to quiet for your comfort and the audibility of subtle sounds. The hearing aid will switch to noise mode in noisy environments with significant background noise. It will focus on reducing background noise and enhancing speech clarity, making it easier to understand conversations. When the hearing aid detects a TV or listening to music as entertainment, it will provide a balanced and enjoyable listening experience.
In addition to automatic mode selection, the Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids allow you to set your preferences for volume, bass, and treble in each mode.
6. Smart Fit AI Technology
Sontro takes personalization to the next level with its Smart Fit AI Technology, powered by otoTune. This innovative feature conducts a quick 3-minute in-situ hearing test with your hearing aids on, automatically programming the results for each ear. This means your hearing is truly personalized for your unique needs.
7. Clinically Validated
Soundwave’s Smart Fit otoTune technology has been clinically validated at the Northwestern Department of Audiology, providing confidence that this three-minute test is backed by scientific research and expertise.
While other hearing aids may use presets or simply amplify all sounds, Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids go the extra mile to deliver truly personalized customization and an adaptive hearing experience. With Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids, you can reclaim the joy of hearing in all the situations that matter most to you.
Don't let mild to moderate hearing loss hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Invest in Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids and experience the difference today. Enjoy better conversations, clearer music, and the sounds of the world around you, all tailored to your unique preferences.
