Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) collaborated with GN Store Nord (CPH:GN), a company based in Denmark to create a hearing aid for the iPhone to remove the stigma of wearing such device, according to report from Reuters.
The partnership aims to bring the first hearing aid made for iPhone called ReSound LiNX to the market early next year. The new hearing aid is cool and stylish. It has the ability to connect directly to the iPhone without intermediary transmitters or “streamers.”
Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) and GN Store Nord (CPH:GN) integrated the 2.4 GHz band and Bluetooth 4.0’s low energy mode to the iPhone and ReSound LiNX allowing individuals wearing the hearing aid to stream phone calls and music. They can adjust the settings of the hearings using an iOS app.
In 2010, GN Store Nord started testing the 2.4 GHz technology with its devices while Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) integrated the same technology to its iPhone last year. When Apple started looking for a partner to create hearing aids, GN Store Nord (CPH:GN) was the perfect match because it is using the same technology. The two companies immediately formed a partnership.
According to Reuters, the LiNX ReSound will be sold in the United States as a premium product just like the GN Verzo range that cost $3,000. LiNX Resound will probably cost 5% to 10% higher than the price of the GN Verzo range. The new hearing aid made for iPhone is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2014.
GN Store Nord (CPH:GN) said the LiNX ReSouds offers smooth transitions between listening settings, feedback free because it is optimized for all types of sound environment. It is the smallest, most discreet wireless hearing aid. It is available in ten skin-tone colors and comes in five different sizes for exact physical fit, secure locking mechanism, new silicon microphone, and iSolate Nanotech coating.
In a statement, Lars Viksmoen, CEO of GN Store Nord (CPH:GN) said, “ReSound LiNX again underlines our core strength of bringing breakthrough innovations to the hearing impaired, making them consumers with choices rather than patients with challenges.” He added that the company will also work with other phone manufacturers.
The World Health Organization estimated that 5% or 360 million of the population worldwide are suffering from disabling hearing loss, but the production of hearing aid is limited. Berenberg analyst, Tom Jones is not convinced that the new hearing aid made for iPhone will change the current situation of the industry. He said, “I think it will provide new avenues for innovation … but I am less convinced it will structurally change the industry.”
On the other hand, William Demant Holding A/S (CPH:WDH), another hearing aid company based in Denmark said it is working with the mobile industry to develop a similar device. Its vice president of research and development, Finn Mohring stated, “We will have great stuff with connectivity for all types of mobile phones. William Demant represents 23% market share of the hearing aid industry.
