New Watertight Hearing Instrument

 Manufacturing a hearing aid that not only repels water but also is truly waterproof represented a particular challenge for the engineers. In traditional hearing aids, there are a number of points through which water can penetrate and damage the sensitive technology inside. These include not only the tiny screws that normally hold the casing together but also the battery compartment and the microphone and earpiece sockets. To cope with this, Siemens developed a one-piece casting for Aquaris. A scratchproof, rubber-like surface holds the device securely behind the ear and prevents it from slipping. The battery compartment is equipped with a waterproof but air-permeable membrane. As a result, environmentally friendly zinc air batteries can be used, which always require "air to breathe." The cover clip is attached to the top of the casing via ultrasound. It also protects the waterproof but acoustically transparent microphone membrane, which was specially developed for Aquaris. A nano-coating and a seal protect the earpiece.
The result speaks for itself: Siemens engineers tested Aquaris under severe climatic conditions, including in tropical Australia. Independent institutes also tested the device for compliance with the relevant standards. For example, it was submerged for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter without water penetration. As a result, Aquaris can officially be described as "waterproof".
Aquaris hearing aids are ideal for anyone with impaired hearing who undertakes sweat-inducing activities either as part of their job or in their leisure activities or who spends time in a damp or dusty environment. They are equally reliable even in floury bake houses and building sites. They can be worn when sailing, surfing, or even swimming. A swimming program developed by Siemens itself deals with the special acoustic conditions encountered during swimming while the cover clip on top of the device absorbs even the strong wind noise.
The casing protects the sensitive inside workings not only from damp and dirt but also from impacts and jolts, such as can occur when playing sport. When the wearer is involved in sports such as mountain biking, jogging, and beach volleyball, where there is extensive movement, a slip-on sports clip holds the device securely behind the ear.
Just like the entire latest generation of Siemens hearing aids, Aquaris is equipped with the BestSound Technology developed by Siemens, which ensures true sound comfort and excellent speech understanding. The wearer is able to make adjustments using Siemens "Tek" and "miniTek" remote operation and can link the hearing aids wirelessly with modern communication and entertainment electronic devices. Siemens produces a waterproof "Aquapac" to protect this remote operation facility.
The planned market launch date for "Aquaris" is June 2011.
 Source: Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/ healthcare)