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Premium Pediatric Hearing Aid: Oticon Play SI

Oticon, a flagship brand of Demant with over 120 years of history, introduces the Oticon Play SI today, July 22nd. This innovative hearing aid is available at specialized hearing aid stores, optical shops, and department stores nationwide.

The Oticon Play SI is created with next-generation AI sound processing, a 4D sensor designed for children's communication needs, and advanced connectivity options. The robustness of the device assures it can withstand the active lifestyle of children, making it ideal for daily use. It comes in two rechargeable styles: the Mini RITE R and Mini BTE R.

With this launch, Opticon aims to set a new standard in pediatric hearing care, allowing children with hearing difficulties to engage with the surrounding world, connect, learn, and communicate actively.

Development Background

Pediatric hearing aids need to be optimized and designed considering children's language development and learning environments during their growth. A key question that Oticon pursued was: "How should a hearing aid be designed so that children with hearing challenges can connect with the world and actively participate in learning and communication?" Through extensive testing and improvements, Oticon crafted this product.

The Play SI is engineered to seamlessly support development and participation even in noisy environments like classrooms and playgrounds. It boasts durable design features, long-lasting battery performance, reliable Bluetooth connectivity, and personalized sound delivery for individual needs.

The Play SI is tailored to naturally support children's hearing, enriching their experiences and facilitating connections with their surroundings for more active participation.

Key Features and User Benefits

Advanced AI Sound Processing

• - Powerful AI Technology: Built on Oticon's proprietary "Brain Hearing" approach, the second-generation AI operates continuously, trained on millions of sound environments.
• - Enhanced Noise Reduction: Featuring up to 12dB advanced noise suppression and a wide frequency range from 80Hz to 10,000Hz, it facilitates incidental learning from both speech and environmental sounds.

4D Sensor Technology

• - User Intent Recognition: The 4D sensor detects real-time changes in the hearing needs of children, automatically optimizing the hearing aid's performance.
• - This technology helps children focus more easily on important activities such as learning and conversations.

Next-Gen Connectivity

• - Excellent Streaming Experience: Supports Auracast through the Oticon Companion app, enabling a direct connection to iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and Mac devices.
• - Android Compatibility: Enhanced connection to Android devices and PCs via Bluetooth LE Audio.
• - Fast Pairing: Simplifies connections with Bluetooth LE Audio devices, making it easier than ever to connect Oticon Play SI to compatible devices.

This streaming capability enhances children's learning, communication, and self-expression. Parents can expect improved listening experiences for music, videos, and calls. Future applications include audio access in public spaces such as stations and theaters, offering opportunities for sound sharing between multiple devices.

Durability

• - IP68 Waterproof and Dustproof: Designed with allergen-free materials, ensuring resilience during children's vibrant daily activities.

Optimal Integration with EduMic

• - Works hand-in-hand with Oticon's digital wireless microphone system, ensuring clarity in educational settings, even with background noise or distance from instructors.

Long-lasting Battery

• - Despite advanced features, Play SI lasts throughout the day on a full charge. Quick charging capabilities allow for extended use—15 minutes of charging provides up to four hours of listening.

Evidence

Recent studies by the Boys Town National Research Hospital indicated significant improvements in listening abilities among children using the 4D sensor technology. Furthermore, 83% of teenagers preferred Oticon's Bluetooth LE Audio connection over traditional Bluetooth options.

Expert Comments

David Gordey, Director of Pediatric Audiology at Oticon, commented, "Oticon Play SI not only enhances access to sounds but also supports healthy development in children. The clarity they achieve in complex environments directly impacts their vocabulary acquisition and social interactions."

Oticon President, Tohru Saito, emphasized the company’s commitment to develop products aligned with the diversity of hearing needs in children to expand their potential during formative years.

In conclusion, Oticon continues to transform pediatric hearing care through thoughtful innovation, working alongside healthcare providers and parents for better hearing environments for children with hearing challenges.

Product Series: Oticon Play SI1, Oticon Play SI2

For more information, visit the Oticon Play SI product page.

About Oticon

Founded in 1904 in Denmark, Oticon is a leading hearing aid manufacturer under the Demant group. With a mission of eliminating limitations due to hearing loss, we continuously offer innovative hearing aids and audiological solutions. We leverage insights from the Eriksholm Research Centre to advance product development based on interdisciplinary research in audiology, neuroscience, and electronics.