Originally Published MEM Fall 2003
ADVANCED IC TECHNOLOGY
Ultra-Low-Power ASIC Enables New Hearing-Aid Technology|
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AMI Semiconductor (Pocatello, ID) has developed a new application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for use in an extended-wear hearing device. The custom ASIC was developed in conjunction with InSound Medical (Newark, CA), that will soon market an ultralight, disposable hearing aid that lasts for as long as six months.
For many reasons, some people who are hard of hearing choose not to wear a hearing aid. Often, the performance of the device can be limited, or a hearing aid may also be uncomfortable to wear. Some models are very expensive. Many of the more conspicuous designs make it difficult for wearers to conceal the device, resulting in some people preferring not to wear one.
The new device from InSound Medical helps address these issues. It is designed to be placed deep within the ear canal during a procedure that takes just a few minutes. The device is completely invisible and is reportedly quite comfortable. It eliminates the need for the wearer to insert and extract the device on a daily basis. Instead, users can simply keep the device in place continuously, even when showering, swimming, or sleeping. The device is disposable after four to six months, and thus never requires repairs, cleaning, or battery changes.
The ASIC sits at the heart of the hearing aid and uses less than 10% of the energy of that consumed by conventional hearing aids. The complete hearing aid has a battery drain comparable to that of the microphone in a conventional device .
The device also incorporates a proprietary long-life battery, which extends the operation from the usual 4–10 days to 4–6 months. The level of miniaturization and integration has resulted in a hearing device, including the battery, weighing less than 1 g.
Copyright ©2003 Medical Electronics Manufacturing
