Move over, smart watches! Smart earpieces are the latest frontier in wearable technology
For the one in six Australians who find it hard to hear[1], help is at hand in the form of a ground-breaking device introduced by Australian Hearing.
Soundhawk is one of the first wearable technologies in the Australian market, which revolutionises the way people experience sounds. Soundhawk cuts through noisy environments to amplify specific frequencies and help people hear soft sounds and understand speech.
Developed by a team of leading hearing experts, ex-Apple engineers and entrepreneurs, Soundhawk incorporates the innovative science found in hearing devices into a stylish in-ear gadget which resembles a Bluetooth earpiece.
Soundhawk is also supported by a mobile app which can be used to personalise the earpiece to specific environments, such as indoors, outdoors or in the car.
Gina Mavrias, Director of Operations and Clinical Services at Australian Hearing, said Soundhawk is an innovative device that will help the thousands of Australians who find it hard to hear, but aren’t ready for a hearing aid.
“Hearing loss is a growing issue in our community, however it typically takes seven years for people to take action. Many times this is because people are embarrassed or they consider hearing loss a sign of ageing.”
“On the other hand, we’re becoming more and more comfortable with wearing devices on our wrists, attaching gadgets to our clothes or even on our glasses. In fact, 35 per cent of Australians are already using wearable technology[2].”
“The new Soundhawk device brings together the very best in hearing science and wearable technology, and will go a long way in helping people hear and stay connected in every situation. Soundhawk is great alternative option for people who want to hear better in specific situations but aren’t ready for a hearing aid,” says Ms Mavrias.
Soundhawk consists of three parts: a wireless microphone, ear piece and charging case, all supported by a mobile app.
- The Soundhawk app: The app allows people to personalise the earpiece to their listening preferences and environment. The app is free to download to iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
- Wireless microphone: The microphone can be placed on a table or worn by a friend or colleague to deliver sounds directly into the earpiece. The microphone can pick up sounds from up to 10 metres away.
- Earpiece: The earpiece is approximately three centimetres in length and can be used alone or with the wireless microphone, if the source of the sound is further away or drowned out by background noise.
- Charging case: The earpiece and microphone can be charged in the case via a USB cable that plugs into an outlet or computer.
Soundhawk is exclusively available at Australian Hearing centres nationwide. For more information on your nearest centre or to find out if you’re eligible for Australian Hearing services, please contact 1300 639 549 or visit www.hearing.com.au.
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About Australian Hearing
Australian Hearing is Australia’s leading hearing specialist, researcher and largest provider of government funded hearing services. Australian Hearing provides subsidised hearing care for eligible people, including pensioners and most veterans. To find out if you or your loved ones are eligible, or to contact your nearest Australian Hearing centre call 1300 639 549 or visit www.hearing.com.au.
Media contact: Grace Gabriel (0431 528 127 or grace.gabriel@hearing.com.au)
[1] https://www.audiology.asn.au/public/1/files/Publications/ListenHearFinal.pdf, page 11
[2] http://www.cmo.com.au/article/526906/australians_quick_embrace_wearable_technology/