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A Soft Solution To A Hard Problem.
Please read a brief story on how the SoftEar technology for hearing devices was brought to life. Click on the photo of the product you are interested in for specific information on that device.
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The SoftEar Concept
SoftEar custom molded hearing devices represent years of dedicated (and sometimes frustrating) research and development. It all started with a simple question: Why place a hard, irritating acrylic shell into the outer ear canal - a tender, dynamic environment?
Acrylic shell technology originated within the dental industry. Custom acrylic molding was used in the production dental prosthetics. Although the electronics of hearing devices changes every one to two years, outdated acrylic shell technology has remained virtually unchanged since the 1960's.
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No air space
The major problem that had to be overcome, however, was the separation of the silicone body and the faceplate. Once the critical chemical bonding issues were resolved, other developments quickly followed. Replacing copper wire with more robust non-corroding stainless steel wire was another industry breakthrough.
One of the most important, and patented features of SoftEar Technology is that the body is not only soft, but completely solid - meaning no internal airspace. This reduces internal feedback and cushions the delicate electronic components.
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One small obstacle
A soft, flexible hearing device seemed like the obvious solution. However, development of this concept proved to be a daunting task. Of the many challenges our R&D department faced, the most difficult was to get medical grade silicone to bond to plastics, a necessary step in the construction of custom devices. This was a similar obstacle that engineers at Dupont faced when trying to get Teflon to stick to frying pans!
Early attempts to mold various soft materials to plastic have failed. Polyvinyl, polyurethanes and semi-soft acrylics were not durable over time. Unlike silicone, these materials would harden, shrink, and crack or disintegrate.
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SoftEar, shaping the future
Today, the multi-patented SoftEar technology (sold under various names) is the only true soft and solid hearing device on the market. Other "flexible" devices in addition to cracking, shrinking, and hardening, are hollow. In addition, these plastics must be “glued” to the faceplate, guaranteeing faceplate separation.
SoftEar continues to shape the future of the hearing industry. Its success has lead to its use in other applications such as embedded stent technology, earmolds, electronic hearing protection, and ReadyWear devices.
Soft technology is exclusively manufactured by General Hearing Instruments, Inc.
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| 175 Brookhollow 504-733-3767 |  | New Orleans, LA 70123 |
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