The new Siemens "Aquaris" hearing instrument is watertight and robust

Chicago, USA / Erlangen, Germany, Whether it is being used during leisure activities

or in a work environment, the new Siemens "Aquaris" hearing aid copes with many

challenges. It is not only watertight and dustproof, but also robust and impact-

resistant. These qualities are achieved by features such as a special casing with a

sealed battery compartment, a watertight microphone membrane and a protective cover.

A slip-on sports clip holds the hearing instrument securely behind the ear, even

when the wearer is moving around or being jolted. The "BestSound Technology"

developed by Siemens guarantees enhanced hearing comfort, even in difficult noise

environments.

Manufacturing a hearing aid that not only repels water, but is truly waterproof,

represented a particular challenge for the engineers. In traditional hearing aids,

there are a number of points through which water can penetrate and damage the

sensitive technology inside. These include not only the tiny screws that normally

hold the casing together, but also the battery compartment and the microphone and

earpiece sockets.

To cope with this, Siemens developed a one-piece casting for Aquaris. A

scratchproof, rubber-like surface holds the device securely behind the ear and

prevents it from slipping. The battery compartment is equipped with a waterproof but

air-permeable membrane. As a result, environmentally-friendly zinc air batteries can

be used, which always require "air to breathe". The cover clip is attached to the

top of the casing via ultrasound. It also protects the waterproof but acoustically

transparent microphone membrane, which was specially developed for Aquaris. A nano

coating and a seal protect the earpiece.

The result speaks for itself: Siemens engineers tested Aquaris under severe climatic

conditions, including in tropical Australia. Independent institutes also tested the

device for compliance with the relevant standards. For example, it was submerged for

30 minutes at a depth of one metre without water penetration. As a result, Aquaris

can officially be described as "waterproof".

Aquaris hearing aids are ideal for anyone with impaired hearing who undertakes

sweat-inducing activities either as part of their job or in their leisure

activities, or who spends time in a damp or dusty environment. They are equally

reliable even in floury bakehouses and building sites. They can be worn when

sailing, surfing or even swimming. A swimming program developed by Siemens itself

deals with the special acoustic conditions encountered during swimming while the

cover clip on top of the device absorbs even the strong wind noise.

The casing protects the sensitive inside workings not only from damp and dirt, but

also from impacts and jolts, such as can occur when playing sport. When the wearer

is involved in sports such as mountain biking, jogging and beach volleyball, where

there is extensive movement, a slip-on sports clip holds the device securely behind

the ear.

Just like the entire latest generation of Siemens hearing aids, Aquaris is equipped

with the BestSound Technology developed by Siemens, which ensures true sound comfort

and excellent speech understanding. The wearer is able to make adjustments using

Siemens "Tek" and "miniTek" remote operation, and can link the hearing aids

wirelessly with modern communication and entertainment electronic devices. Siemens

produces a waterproof "Aquapac" to protect this remote operation facility.

The planned market launch date for "Aquaris" is June, 2011.

The products mentioned here are not yet available for purchase in some countries.

Due to regulatory reasons, future availability in any country cannot be guaranteed.

Please contact your local Siemens organization for further details.