Oticon launches Internet-connected hearing aid

Oticon said today it launched its internet-of-things connectible Oticon Opn hearing aid, touting its ability to handle noisy environments, reduce cognitive load for users and provide dual communication systems.

The newly launched device is designed to handle multiple speech and noise sources, even in complex listening solutions, the Somerset, N.J.-based company said. The newly released hearing aid features a 30% improvement in speech understanding over the previous generation device, a 20% improvement in conversation recall and a 20% reduction in listening effort.

“Oticon has always been about audiology and technology working in harmony, and with Opn we’re introducing new and groundbreaking technology to address real issues that affect those with hearing loss. Opn opens up a whole new world of sound, allowing users to manage multiple speakers in difficult situations such as dinner conversations, and to benefit from technological advances that were previously out of reach. Opn can make a real difference to the lives of people, young and old, who suffer from hearing loss,” prez Søren Nielsen said in a prepared statement.

The company said the newly launched hearing aid is the 1st to be able to connect to the “Internet of Things,” designed to connect to devices and services that provide improved health monitoring, convenience and entertainment offerings.

“With Opn we’ve taken a giant leap forward – for both hearing aids and the Internet of Things. The potential of IoT is vast, but on a consumer level we’ve largely seen devices that focus on convenience. With Opn, the Internet of Things starts to matter – you could say that this will change people’s lives,” Nielsen said.

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