Resound Alera Hearing Aids & Reviews

Written by Paul Harrison

In the summer of 2010, ReSound launched their Alera range of hearing aids. They are available in four technology levels, the Resound Alera 9 Hearing Aids, Resound Alera 7 Hearing Aids, Resound Alera 5 Hearing Aids and Resound Alera 4 Hearing Aids. Using cutting edge technology, they introduced a product line that was not only innovative, but suitable for almost everyone as it is available in a wide range of styles.  These styles include:

• CIC  (Completely in Canal)
• MC  (Mini Canal)
• ITC  (In the Canal)
• ITE  (In the Ear)
• ITE  (In the Ear)
• RIC (Receiver In Canal)
• BTE (Behind The Ear)

This range also features the Alera TS, a hearing aid that not only offers a solution to your everyday hearing needs but has an extra feature that helps to relieve the symptoms of Tinnitus.  The TSG (Tinnitus Sound Generator) produces sounds that take the focus away from the noise of your tinnitus, making it less noticeable and more manageable.

The Alera range also includes a wide range of excellent features designed to help you get the best out of your hearing aids. These features include:

• Up to 17 Channels – Each channel processes a range of frequencies so the more channels you have, the more specifically it can be programmed to suit your hearing needs.
• Up to Four Programmes – These are settings that can be programmed for certain environments or situations i.e. Restaurants, listening to music, basic speech.
• Surround Sound Processor - This processes the different frequencies to preserve the sound quality. It also has a built in wind noise suppression system.
• DFS (Digital Feedback Suppression – Helps to eliminate any irritating whistling noises
• Advanced Noise Tracker II - This is a sophisticated system designed to suppress background noise leaving speech clearer.
• Onboard Analyzer II – This feature allows your audiologist to analyse the data from your hearing aid by logging the activity that takes place. The audiologist can then feed the data into a computer and review it.
• Natural directionality – Only available on the Alera 9, this means the microphones use different systems having one ear as the ‘focus’ ear and the other as the ‘monitor’ ear. The focus ear directs the microphone to the front for speech while the monitor ear will pick up sounds from other directions so you can still hear what’s going on around you as well.
• Softswitching – This feature detects levels of sound and speech then slowly adapts the microphones to ensure a continuous comfortable listening environment. 

 All Alera hearing aids feature ReSounds  iSolate Nanotech. This is an innovative new process that involves using nanotechnology to apply a highly waterproof coating to the hearing aid. This can prolong the life of the hearing aid by protecting it from substances such as earwax or water. 

The Alera are wireless compatible hearing aids, so ReSound have developed a range of accessories specifically to help you enjoy this experience. What’s more, these products do not require you to wear an extra streamer around your neck, giving you discreet,  but  perfect wireless technology. These accessories include:

• ReSound Unite TV
• ReSound Unite Mini Microphone
• ReSound Unite Remote Control
• ReSound Unite Phone Clip

In conclusion, the Alera are excellent hearing aids with a range of colours and styles to suit your individual taste. They are available in a choice of technology levels and have wireless capability without the need for extra devices to be worn. If you are interested in this type of hearing aid but would like to take advantage of the newest technology available from Resound then you may want to try the Verso which has now superseded the Alera. 

Author: Paul Harrison