Phonak's latest 'Virto Black' device is a small hearing aid that delivers a level of customization and designed to look like a wireless earbud. The shape of the device is custom molded to sit comfortable on one's ear canal as the small external component looks like an earbud, which is the angle many brands are exploring when it comes to hearing aids.
The impressive technology of the Virto Black delivers natural sound -- together with the comfortable design, wearers can forget they are wearing any sort of device at all. Notably, when wearers transfer through different environments, whether that be in a quiet room or busy public spaces, the device is able to adapt around the surroundings to silent sharp background noises. For further control, there is the 'companion' app to adjust settings universally or by each ear to create presets.
Image Credit: David Carnoy/CNET
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Custom-molded Hearing Aids
- There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to explore making custom-molded hearing aids that are not only functional but also sleek and stylish.
- Wireless Earbud-looking Hearing Aids
- There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to create more hearing aids that look like wireless earbuds to reduce the stigma of wearing a visible hearing device.
- Adaptive Hearing Aids
- There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to develop hearing aids with more advanced sound detection and adaptability capabilities.
Where This Applies
- Hearing Aid Manufacturing
- Hearing aid manufacturing companies have an opportunity to innovate and invest in the creation of more customizable, sleek and stylish devices.
- Wearable Technology
- Wearable technology companies have an opportunity to expand their offerings to include more discreet hearing aid devices that can also serve as wireless earbuds.
- Healthcare Technology
- Healthcare technology companies have an opportunity to invest in new technologies and partner with hearing aid manufacturers to create more advanced and adaptive hearing aid devices.
