VIC:New low-cost hearing aid launched

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2011
VIC:New low-cost hearing aid launched

By Edwina Scott

MELBOURNE, April 27 AAP - When Tim Thwaites found himself turning up the TV volume
too high he knew he'd need a hearing aid soon.

But like many Australians, the $10,000 needed for an aid forced the science broadcaster
and writer to put those plans on hold, despite the inconvenience of his deteriorating
hearing.

Mr Thwaites is now reaping the benefits of a new hearing aid that he fitted himself
using bionic ear technology.

Developed by a team of five Melbourne researchers, the tiny device is designed to reduce
the stigma of hearing aids, can be fitted without needing to visit an audiologist and
costs less than $3000 for a pair.

Using software and a small box fitted into a computer, the installation process usually
takes less than an hour.

Settings can be fine-tuned with a "wand", for settings such as the home, workplace or the pub.

"My wife tells me that I don't speak as loudly as I did before," Mr Thwaites says.

"I can now hear the background hum of the environment. It really has made a difference
in that sense."

The aid can be used by people with mild, moderate or severe hearing loss, or about
90 per cent of the population with hearing loss.

More than 3.5 million Australians suffer a degree of hearing loss, a figure that is
expected to reach eight million by 2050.

Australia Hears aid co-founder Elaine Saunders says hearing loss can cause people to
leave the workforce early or suffer financial impact, particularly those aged over 45.

"When you can't hear, it affects your communication ability, affects your work life,
affects your family life, perhaps your relationships, affects your mental health, it can
lead to feelings of lack of safety, security," Ms Saunders said.

She advises people to ask a partner or friends for advice about their hearing before
leaving the decision until later in life.

"We have a generation of middle-aged Australians whose quality of life has already
been affected by hearing loss due to loud music or occupational noise," Ms Saunders said.

The Australia Hears aid can be bought online and set up at home.

The battery-powered device lasts for up to four years.

AAP ees/gfr/jhp

KEYWORD: HEARING (PIX AVAILABLE)

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