Phonak microPower

Technology is always evolving. The latest technology from Phonak separates the transmitter (output of sound) from the receiver (microphone) putting the transmitter inside the ear. Previously the transmitter and receiver were a single unit resting outside the ear and sound was then piped into your ear through a plastic tube. What makes this new technology so desirable is that wearing hearing aids can be done much more discretely now. The BTE (behind-the-ear) case is much smaller and lighter making it less noticeable and more comfortable and instead of a 'large' tube going over and into the ear there is a small wire. The new design also helps minimize "feedback" (the squealing noise) because the sound is produced in the ear instead of outside and piped through the tube. Internally there are several other new features (compared to my Supero 413 AZ at least). Among them are an increase in the number of manual modes allowed from 3 to 5, hands-free automatic mode (automatic switching between the different modes depending on surroundings), and Easy Phone's hassle-free telephone use (auto-Tcoil mode).

All comes at a price though ... best I can tell from the web is roughly $2,400 each. I'll have to wear the life out of my current ones before I can justify new ones ..... =(

Read more about the microPower on Phonak's site.

Google Picasa

I've finally gotten around to setting up Google Picasa. It's powerful and really easy to use! Makes it easy to organize photos, setup web albums, do simple image processing and post quick blog entries using images. Check out my public album! Check back often or subscribe to its RSS feed!

Public Album