LOS ANGELES—
MyWay™, a new digital hearing aid that will be sold directly to consumers, will be introduced September 22 at the AARP Life@50+ National Event and Expo in Los Angeles.
Developed by Audiotoniq (www.audiotoniq.com
), an Austin, Texas-based technology company, a pair of the MyWay behind-the-ear hearing aids will cost $1949. While the device isn’t expected to be available until December, the company will begin taking pre-orders this week
Audiotoniq says that the direct-to-consumer distribution method allows consumers “to control their hearing aid settings without having to schedule time-consuming appointments with a service provider.” According to the manufacturer, MyWay lets users make a wide range of adjustments at the touch of a finger.
The new hearing aid is coupled with the patent-pending MyWay™ smartphone app available on Android and iPhone operating systems.
The hearing aid is adaptable for use with digital media devices such as MP3 players and contains a rechargeable lithium ion battery that lasts approximately 24 hours between charges.
Audiotoniq was formed in 2009 by a group of engineers and entrepreneurs whose stated goal was to develop unconventional and improved options for hard-of-consumers at a lower cost than was available on the market.
SELF-TESTING DEVICE OFFERED
In June 2011, Audiotoniq introduced a self-testing hearing-evaluation system at the Hearing Loss Association of America Convention. The device does not require an operator to administer the test, and it has wireless connectivity that allows results to be printed or sent to an electronic medical record system.
The portable testing system provides an audiogram and baseline hearing assessment. Testing can be conducted in various settings, including schools, physicians’ offices, and pharmacies.
Russ Apfel, founder and CEO of Audiotoniq, said, “The system will make hearing testing easy and affordable, helping to identify hearing problems for those who might have never planned on getting tested.”
The company said that MyWay hearing aids are fitted to the individual’s needs based on the audiogram they provide, similar to how they would be fitted in an in-person visit to an audiologist. The audiogram can be obtained through an audiologist, or by taking the Audiotoniq hearing test, which will be available in various convenient locations.
After being fitted, customers can make additional adjustments as needed by using an Audiotoniq smart-phone app. The company will also provide after-sale support, such as access to an audiologist via phone, e-mail, or live online chat. Consumers can also make appointments for Audiotoniq’s customer care representatives or an audiologist.
