The Latest & Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids in Ireland

Oticon

Opn 1 Mini RITE Rechargeable

This is a wireless slimline Rechargeable 'Mini-Receiver-In-Ear (miniRITE)' hearing aid using a rechargeable Silver Zinc 312 battery (can also use disposable hearing aid batteries). All Oticon Opn miniRITE hearing aids sold since the introduction last year and going forward can be retrofitted to be rechargeable.

They are so small they are practically invisible and come in a range of shades and bright colours. Four levels of receiver power allowing hearing losses from mild to severe to profound to be fitted with a discreet solution. The internet-enabled Oticon Opn comes with a number of additional features because it can connect to devices via the internet and Bluetooth. The hearing aids will connect directly to your Smartphone so you can make phone calls and listen to music without any intermediate streaming device.

Phonak

Audeo Belong Rechargeable Hearing Devices

The Audeo Belong hearing device range was the first of the Lithium-ion devices to be released. It is also the very first Phonak hearing device range with a rechargeable option. However, Phonak offered the option as part of their new range of Belong hearing aids which came with an upgraded operating system, the latest version of Phonak's SoundRecover2 and new microphones and programme buttons. 

The range uses the existing Venture chipset and is available in four technology levels, the 90, the 70, the 50 and the 30. The rechargeable option is not available in the lowest 30 level of technology which means that if you want to get this amazingly popular device you will have to move up to the 50 level at the least. I would expect Phonak to expand the rechargeable hearing aid range to BTE devices this year, the technical challenge involved isn't huge, however, it may mean a new case.  

What are the key features

• Rechargeable lithium-ion power cell
• 24 hours continuous use with up to 5 hours streaming
• Easy charging
• Unique OneShell design
• Only available in the 90, 70 and 50 level of tech

Phonak

Bolero Belong Rechargeable Hearing Devices

Phonak has launched its new Bolero Belong platform of BTE hearing aids, including the anticipated lithium-ion rechargeable Bolero B-PR. It is the first Lithium-ion rechargeable BTE to the market and the first Phonak BTE hearing device range with a rechargeable option. They say that it will deliver 24 hours of hearing with one simple charge (expected results when fully charged, and up to 80 minutes wireless streaming time).

The range will be a full model line up with Bolero B models—including B-M, B-P, B-SP, and the rechargeable B-PR. It will run on the new improved AutoSense OS and will come in the usual four levels of technology. There was no word on the availability of the rechargeable device in the 30 level of technology but we assume that as is the case with the Audeo, it will not be available in the lowest tech level.

What are the key features

• Rechargeable lithium-ion power cell
• 24 hours continuous use with up to 5 hours streaming
• Easy charging
• Unique OneShell design
• Only available in the 90, 70 and 50 level of tech

Resound

LiNX 3D LT61 DRWZ

The new addition to the LiNX 3D range is a completely new form factor and is similar in size if a little different from their existing LT61. The device is officially designated the LT61-DRWZ and it runs on a 312 rechargeable battery which is supplied by Z Power as is the recharging cradle technology. That means there should be plenty of power for a full day of use even if you are streaming audio and taking phone calls. The device is expected to available on the market in September.We would expect the prices to be similar to the LiNX 3D prices.

Unitron Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Unitron

Stride M R Hearing Aids

A Rechargeable BTE

Unitron has rounded out their rechargeable offerings with a new rechargeable BTE, the Stride M R. It is their first ever rechargeable behind the ear hearing aid. here is what they said.

"Wearers simply charge the hearing instrument overnight, for just 5 – 7 hours, and the hearing instrument is ready to perform for a full 24 hours, including 90 minutes of streaming or 16 hours of continuous streaming. Because hearing happens around the clock, Stride M R offers wearers the flexibility to swap rechargeable battery cells with traditional zinc-air batteries at any time, ensuring patients will never run out of charge."

It appears that the new rechargeable runs on Silver Zinc rechargeable batteries and a similar charger to their Moxi. It also looks like they have made sure there is an auto on feature when you take the hearing aids out of the charger. Something that many users will welcome. The system that Unitron picked is a pretty good all round rechargeable system. It offers some pretty serious running time and also the benefit of being able to shove disposable batteries in when you forget to charge. 

Unitron

Moxi Fit R Hearing Aids

Smallest Rechargeable Hearing Aids Ever

Unitron has introduced a new rechargeable hearing aid option with the new Tempus platform. In typical Unitron style though, they have done it their own way, not just is it not an integrated option, but it is also backwards compatible! The New Moxi Fit R is the smallest rechargeable hearing aid ever, the rechargeable kit can also be bought separately and be fitted to existing Moxi Fits.

What are the key features

• 30 hours of use on one charge (24 hours with streaming)
• The most stable battery tech
• Smallest ever rechargeable hearing aid
• Easy to change to a disposable if you forget to charge
• Backwards compatible with older models
• Offered in all levels of tech, Pro, 800, 700, 600 and 500 

With the introduction of the Moxi Fit R, Unitron now has both the smallest ever RIC hearing aid, the recently introduced Moxi Now, and the smallest ever Rechargeable hearing aid in their line-up. Using the silver-zinc technology gives them real advantages that are similar to the Starkey option. They have also made the tech backwards compatible which is an outstanding idea. The tech is very stable and very safe, lastly, it has a much smaller footprint than Lithium-ion which means much smaller hearing aids. Not just that, the system is also more forgiving for users, forget to charge your hearing aids and you can just slot in a disposable battery, no harm, no foul. On top of that, the rechargeable option will be available in every technology level.

Signia

Cellion Hearing Aids

Signia quickly followed Phonak with the Cellion™ primax™ hearing aids. Signia have always had a rechargeable option in their hearing aid line-up, but this was the first time they moved to Lithium-ion to power them. The devices have been designed to be smart, they turn off when dropped into the charger and turn on automatically when they are taken out again. Signia say that the rechargeable lithium-ion power cell lasts 24 hours straight without charging with unlimited audio streaming.

The Cellion is a Receiver in Canal hearing aid and it can be used with a variety of receivers which will allow them to cover hearing losses from mild to profound. Signia have three levels of technology, and the devices are available in all levels of technology. The devices are also rated to ip68 which is for all intent and purpose almost waterproof. Again, I would expect Signia to offer Lithium-ion powered BTE devices this year as well. 

What are the key features

• Rechargeable lithium-ion power cell
• Auto on function when the aid comes out of the charger
• Auto-off function when it is put into the charger
• 24 hours continuous use with unlimited streaming
• Contactless, inductive charging
• Unique OneShell design
• Available in all three levels of tech

Starkey

Muse™ micro RIC 312t R

The Muse™ micro RIC 312t R is just one of the styles available on Starkey’s® “made for music” hearing aid platform. The rechargeable offering is not a Lithium-ion device and nor is the power pack integrated. The power pack is actually ZPower’s innovative silver-zinc battery technology. Which is used with their charger to give at the very least 24 hours of use. Going with this option will allow Starkey customers to switch to normal disposable batteries if they are caught out. From what we can see the Muse micro RIC 312t R will be available in the full three levels of technology. 

What are the key features

• Rechargeable silver-zinc power cell
• 24 hours continuous use,  no word on streaming yet
• Available in all levels of tech
• Easy to replace battery pack
• User can use disposable batteries if needed