April 2019 Newsletter
Are Hearables a Fit for Audiologists?
♦ Oaktree TV Clip Discusses Why Hearing Professionals Should Consider Wear & Hear ♦ New Assistive Hearing Blog Launched ♦ Point-by-Point Comparison Between Bose Hearphones and BeHear NOW Published ♦ Visit Wear & Hear at HLAA in Rochester, NY ♦
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Dutch Customer Weighs in on BeHear NOW Personal Hearing Device
Veteran In-ear Hearing Aid User Reviews Assistive Hearing Solution
♦ Having struggled for some time with an in-ear hearing aid, I noticed the BeHear NOW headset. The problem with the in-ear system was that earwax (which seemingly I produced more than usual) quickly clogged the small speakers. Also, using many throw away batteries did not appeal to me. Changing to small rechargeable batteries solved that partly but not fully.
I did hesitate to switch to a hearing band [form factor] but this was overcome as I could make use of a trial period.
The BeHear NOW headset is a kind of multi-function device. Apart from acting as a hearing aid, one can also use it a hands-free mobile phone or as one’s private speaker connected via Bluetooth (without -noticeable- transmission delay).
As a hearing aid, one has to match the required amplification over the frequency range which is easily done via the app. The nice thing is that one can “cheat” though that is -of course- not advised.
Once properly set, the app is not needed, so it will work stand-alone.
When losing the Bluetooth transmission, the device will give you a notification. Same when you are back within range. No hassle of pairing again when momentarily going out of range.
I was pleasantly surprised by the good quality when using it as a Bluetooth headphone playing music via a tablet. The volume controls worked nicely.
Just some notes:
On the website you will find a more extensive user manual) which I recommend to read.
The band uses a battery which is charged via micro usb.
There is a microphone in each of the control boxes.
There is a microphone in each of the earpieces.
Be prepared to play with the settings.
And, enjoy this headset!
Alango BeHear NOW and Bose Hearphones Features Compared
Hearables Comparison Published on Hearing Tracker
♦ Bose Hearphones were introduced in 2016. They feature active noise reduction, directional microphones, Bluetooth audio and call streaming, smartphone app control, and more. But with the hearables market heating up, there are now multiple alternatives to consider, some of which offer similar technology at a lower price point.
Alango’s BeHear NOW headset, launched in 2018 by Alango’s Wear & Hear (W&H) assistive products line, is the most noteworthy Bose Hearphones alternative. Both the Alango and Bose headsets aim to enhance hearing, and both support Class II Bluetooth connectivity. And because both use an in-ear neckband form factor, they are strikingly similar in appearance.
“But with BeHear NOW coming in at just $249 (versus $499 for the Bose), price is a major differentiator between the two.”
And aside from price, there are a number of key differences to consider when comparing the Bose Hearphones with Alango’s BeHear NOW. To read the entire comparative article, click here.
Globes Article Traces Alango’s History
From Hands-free Phone Tech to Assistive Hearing
♦ This article published in the Globes newspaper traces Alango’s history from its founding to present day sound technology enhancements in the form of assistive hearing devices.
The Globes writer, Gali Weinreb, interviewed Alango’s CEO, Dr. Alexander Goldin. The article traces Dr. Goldin’s career prior to founding Alango two decades ago, and documents how he used the company’s expertise in sound enhancement technology to launch its new line of personalized hearing devices called Wear & Hear. Furthermore, benefits of BeHear NOW, the recently launched first product in the Wear & Hear line, are described. For example:
“…at least for people with slight hearing problems, the product can be adapted without an audiologist.”
To read the entire article, click here.
לגירסה בעברית
February 2019 Newsletter
Give the Gift of Better Hearing
♦ Alango CEO Interviewed at CES ♦ Leading U.K. Charity for Hearing Loss Rates BeHear NOW ♦ Oaktree Products to Distribute Wear & Hear Solutions in North America ♦ Visit Wear & Hear at AAA in Columbus, Ohio ♦ BeHear NOW Showcased in Israeli Innovation Exhibition ♦
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Oaktree Products to Distribute Wear & Hear
Leading multi-line distributor of products and supplies to the hearing industry in North America partners with Alango to offer personalized hearing devices to hearing professionals
♦ Alango has signed a distribution agreement with Oaktree Products (“Oaktree”), the leading multi-line distributor of products and supplies to audiologists and hearing professionals. According to the agreement, Oaktree will sell Alango’s “Wear & Hear” line of personal hearing devices via their catalog, online store, and specialty channels in North America.
Assistive Hearing Products Form New Hearables Category
To address the needs of the millions of people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss worldwide (who are not currently benefiting from hearing aids), Alango has incorporated its field-proven digital sound processing technologies into a line of affordable, wearable consumer electronics devices that provide personalized hearing enhancement to the wearer. The result: a new product line under the brand name “Wear & Hear”.
Leading Provider of Clinical Hearing Supplies Connects Professionals with Solutions
“Amongst hearing professionals, the name Oaktree represents a competent resource for a wide variety of quality hearing supplies,” states Dr. Alexander Goldin, CEO and founder of Alango Technologies, Ltd. “We are excited to partner with Oaktree to bring our unique Wear & Hear solutions to hearing clinics in North America. We believe audiologists and other hearing professionals will appreciate the opportunity to offer the Wear & Hear alternative to clients who are not ready, for whatever reason, to use hearing aids.”
“In addition to clinical supplies, Oaktree Products has been involved in offering audiologists and other practitioners a wide scope of communication solutions beyond traditional hearing aids,” states Bob Kemp, founder and owner of Oaktree Products, Inc. “Wear & Hear is a product line that represents a viable option for adults who need some help but are not quite ready for regular hearing aids. One feature it has that is totally unique, is the ability to slow down speech on the phone, which could help a lot of people.”
Hearables Line Combines Alango Sound Enhancement Technology with State-of-the-Art Consumer Electronics
The Wear & Hear line of stylish, affordable, always-on, always-connected wearable audio devices is designed to enhance user’s hearing and deliver customized, crystal clear and pleasantly natural audio and voice directly to an individual’s ears.
The first member of the Wear & Hear product line, BeHear® NOW, is a multi-functional, high-performance, low-cost alternative to traditional hearing aids. It is a truly personal Bluetooth headset featuring advanced signal processing with self-fitted ambient hearing enhancement and assistive listening capabilities. After a simple hearing preferences assessment performed via an intuitive smartphone application supporting both Android and iOS devices, all sounds (ambient, phone calls or music) are customized for the wearer.
HearLink™ is a Bluetooth transmitter that connects to the standard analog audio output of most audio devices or television sets. It sends the audio signal directly to the paired BeHear® NOW headset, thus eliminating ambient noises, room reverberation, and other types of sound interference which hamper intelligibility of speech and music appreciation.
About Oaktree Products
Established in 1992, Oaktree Products is the leading multi-line distributor of products and supplies to the hearing industry. Oaktree Products offers everything beyond the hearing instrument to audiologists and other hearing health care professionals with over 4200 products for use in the clinical environment. (https://www.oaktreeproducts.com/)
About Alango Technologies, Ltd.
Alango Technologies, Ltd. (www.alango.com) has been developing sound enhancement technologies since 2002, selling over 40 million software licenses that improve the audio experience in automotive, entertainment, and smart home applications around the world. Realizing the importance and opportunity of combining the sound enhancement technology found in hearing aids with the advances and costs in the consumer electronics world, the Company is now using its field-proven expertise in sound technology to create products for personal hearing enhancement: the “Wear & Hear” product line (www.WearAndHear.com).
Action on Hearing Loss Reviews BeHear Now
Blogger Gives Top Marks to Wear & Hear Hearables
♦ Kevin Taylor, a blogger at Action on Hearing Loss – the largest charity for people with hearing loss in the UK, recently published a comprehensive review of the BeHear Now headset and HearLink transmitter. He notes: “… BeHear NOW is a take anywhere device. Its built-in microphones aim to help you hear nearby conversation more easily, while Bluetooth means you can pair it to your smartphone for phone calls, or stream your favourite music tracks.”
In summary, he writes:
“BeHear NOW ticks the boxes for performance and it certainly packs in the features. If you have a mild to moderate hearing loss, BeHear NOW could be the answer if you don’t yet want to go down the prescribed hearing aid route.”
To read the entire article, click here.
December 2018 Newsletter
Give the Gift of Better Hearing
♦ BeHear® NOW & HearLink™ Will Benefit You and Your Family ♦ Blogger Compares BeHear Now to BOSE Hearphones ♦ See us at #CES2019 – Sands, Health & Wellness Marketplace ♦ Roadmap Revealed: Upcoming Assistive Hearing Product Releases for 2019 ♦
To get these newsletters sent directly to your inbox, register here. ♦
BeHear Now Headset Takes On Bose Hearphones
Hearing Mojo Blogger Compares Hearables
♦ David Copithorne, a blogger at Hearing Mojo, recently published an article comparing the Wear & Hear BeHear Now headset with the Hearphones hearable launched by Bose. While noting many similarities in functionality, he also mentioned important distinctions in the products, pricing, and distribution methods.
“[The Wear & Hear line’s] combination of innovations in product, price and distribution position it to compete successfully with established brands like Bose in the emerging hearables market.”
To read the entire comparative article, click here.
CMS to Distribute Wear & Hear in Canada
Alango’s Wear & Hear line of personalized hearing devices to be distributed in Canada by hearing supply company, CMS
♦ Alango has signed a distribution agreement with Clinic Management Services Inc. (“CMS”), a healthcare consulting company which also created the hearables marketplace in Canada. According to the agreement, CMS will sell Alango’s “Wear & Hear” line of Personal Hearing Devices via their online store, specialty channels, and traditional consumer electronics channels in Canada.
Assistive Hearing Products Form New Hearables Category
To address the needs of the millions of people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss worldwide (who are not currently benefiting from hearing aids), Alango has incorporated its field-proven digital sound processing technologies into a line of affordable, wearable consumer electronics devices that provide personalized hearing enhancement to the wearer. The result: a new product line under the brand name “Wear & Hear”.
Experienced Healthcare Clinic Consultants Connect Hearing Professionals with Solutions
CMS recently participated in the annual Canadian Academy of Audiology (CAA 2018) event, exhibiting the Wear & Hear products alongside other hearables in their booth. It was an opportunity to meet progressive audiologists looking to make a difference in their practices and introduce them to differentiated products that solve real client issues.
“With their real-world healthcare clinic experience, CMS is a trusted consultant for hearing professionals,” states Dr. Alexander Goldin, CEO and founder of Alango Technologies, Ltd. “I believe they are well-positioned to launch our Wear & Hear line of affordable, stylish, comfortable personalized hearing devices in Canada.”
“The hearing industry is at a crossroads. Multi-purpose hearing devices will bring the same catalytic change that smart phones brought to the mobile industry,” predicts Sharad Ojha, CEO of Clinic Management Services and hearableworld.com. According to Sharad, “This is the time for forward-thinking clinicians to embrace hearables and make them an inclusive part of their practices, to help the majority of clients who come into their clinics. We are very excited about our partnership with Alango because the Wear & Hear line of products provides a tangible, cost-effective solution to people who have a hearing challenge but do not choose to use hearing aids.”
Hearables Line Combines Alango Sound Enhancement Technology with State-of-the-Art Consumer Electronics
The Wear & Hear line of stylish, affordable, always-on, always-connected wearable audio devices is designed to enhance user’s hearing and deliver customized, crystal clear and pleasantly natural audio and voice directly to an individual’s ears.
The first member of the Wear & Hear product line, BeHear® NOW, is a multi-functional, high-performance, low-cost alternative to traditional hearing aids. It is a self-tunable, truly personal Bluetooth headset featuring advanced signal processing with ambient hearing enhancement and assistive listening capabilities. After a simple hearing assessment performed via an intuitive smartphone application supporting both Android and iOS devices, all BeHear sounds (ambient, phone calls or music) are customized for the auditory system of the wearer.
HearLink™ is a Bluetooth transmitter that connects to the standard analog audio output of most audio devices or television sets. It sends the audio signal directly to the paired BeHear® NOW headset, thus eliminating ambient noises, room reverberation, and other types of sound interference which hamper intelligibility of speech and music appreciation.
About Client Management Services (CMS)
CMS is a leading business solutions provider for independent clinic owners and healthcare providers. With deep expertise in managing businesses and operating successful clinics, CMS’ world class solutions are designed to make healthcare practices more efficient. CMS works with leading research labs across the world to bring the latest in hearable technology to the Canadian market. With a wide distribution network, our mandate is to make hearable technology available to communities across Canada. (https://thecms.ca/)
About Alango Technologies, Ltd.
Alango Technologies, Ltd. (www.alango.com) has been developing sound enhancement technologies since 2002, selling over 40 million software licenses that improve the audio experience in automotive, entertainment, and smart home applications around the world. Realizing the importance and opportunity of combining the sound enhancement technology found in hearing aids with the advances and costs in the consumer electronics world, the Company is now using its field-proven expertise in sound technology to create products for personal hearing enhancement: the “Wear & Hear” product line (www.WearAndHear.com).
Updated Review Published in Hearing Aid Know
Geoff Cooling Evaluates BeHear Now Commercial Version
♦ Geoff Cooling, an Irish hearing aid blogger who has been involved with the hearing aid industry for over ten years, recently received delivery on the commercial version of the BeHear NOW assistive hearing headset. Among other things, he writes:
“They delivered amazingly crisp sound across all applications. Phone calls were excellent, especially with the slow down feature, music was crisp and really full, ambient sound was sharp and clear.”
To read the entire BeHear Now article, click here.
Customer Praises BeHear NOW Personal Hearing Device
On-line Search Results in Enhanced Hearing
♦ One of our first on-line customers was sufficiently moved by his experience with the BeHear NOW headset to write us about it in detail.
Thanks for your assistance in receiving the Wear & Hear.
It arrived yesterday.
At first I just tried it w/o hearing test or other adjustments except gain.
I was amazed at how much better it enhances sound than what I was using before.
Then I charged it and performed the standard test and later the advanced test.
It was incredibly good after the standard test was applied.
Then even a bit better after the advanced test.
A little additional fine tuning resulted in a bit better performance.
The android app worked well and was generally straight forward to use.
I was able to hear sounds that I don’t remember ever hearing before such as the crinkling sound when I opened the small plastic bags with the ear bud ear hooks, etc.
Dave Blackburn
October 2018 Newsletter
Assistive Hearing Headset Available for Sale Worldwide
♦ BeHear® NOW & HearLink™ Available in On-line Store ♦ Next Stop: WCA South Africa ♦ Amplicom to Represent Alango ♦ Good Vibes at IFA Berlin ♦
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Amplicom to Represent Alango
U.S.-based Access Technologies Firm to Develop Sales and Distribution Channels
♦ Alango has signed a representation agreement with Amplicom USA, a seasoned provider of quality-of-life technology products in North America. According to the agreement, Amplicom USA will develop sales and distribution channels, and provide fulfillment and support services, for Alango’s “Wear & Hear” line of assistive hearing products in the United States and Canada.
Assistive Hearing Products Form New Hearables Category
To address the needs of the millions of people with hearing loss worldwide who are not currently benefiting from hearing aids, Alango has incorporated its field-proven digital sound processing technologies into a line of affordable, wearable consumer electronics devices that provide customizable hearing enhancement to the wearer. The result: a new product line called “Wear & Hear”.
Veteran Technology Firm Brings Market Knowledge and Connections
Amplicom USA, a leading manufacturer and distributor of quality-of-life solutions since 2010, provides tools that help consumers overcome accessibility issues. With a seasoned staff of industry professionals, modern infrastructure, and long-standing channel relationships, Amplicom USA is an outstanding resource for the launch of Alango’s Wear & Hear line in the U.S. and Canada.
“We are excited to partner with Amplicom USA,” states Dr. Alexander Goldin, CEO and founder of Alango Technologies, Ltd. “I believe they can leverage their existing industry connections and marketing expertise to bring our innovative hearing enhancement solutions to those who need them most.”
“Amplicom USA is looking forward to partnering with such a forward-thinking company like Alango Technologies,” according to Michael Abramowitz of Amplicom USA. “Their software has been powering many products within our industry, so the development of their own product line should be quite successful.”
Hearables Line Combines Alango Sound Enhancement Technology with State-of-the-Art Consumer Electronics
The Wear & Hear line of stylish, affordable, always-on, always-connected wearable audio devices is designed to enhance user’s hearing and deliver customized, crystal clear and pleasantly natural audio and voice directly to an individual’s ears.
The first member of the Wear & Hear product line, BeHear® NOW, is a multi-functional, high-performance, low-cost alternative to traditional hearing aids. It is a self-tunable, truly personal Bluetooth headset featuring advanced signal processing with ambient hearing enhancement and assistive listening capabilities. After a simple hearing assessment performed via an intuitive smartphone application supporting both Android and iOS devices, all BeHear sounds (ambient, phone calls or music) are customized for the auditory system of the wearer.
HearLink™ is a Bluetooth transmitter that connects to the standard analog audio output of most audio devices or television sets. It sends the audio signal directly to the paired BeHear® NOW headset, thus eliminating ambient noises, room reverberation, and other types of sound interference which hamper intelligibility of speech and music appreciation.
Wear & Hear Products Availability
Both the BeHear NOW assistive hearing Bluetooth stereo headsets and the HearLink assistive listening audio transmitters are currently available for sale worldwide. For pricing and shipping information, visit www.WearAndHear.com/shop.
About Amplicom USA
Amplicom® USA (www.AmplicomUSA.com) is a leading manufacturer and distributor of solutions focused on improving the quality of everyday life. Since 2010, Amplicom USA continues to harness modern technology with superior functionality and design to bring quality resources and tools to consumers. With seasoned industry professionals, infrastructure and relationships, Amplicom USA now assists technology companies from across the globe that develop products for the hard of hearing and other disabilities, by representing and acting as their US base of operations.
About Alango Technologies, Ltd.
Alango Technologies, Ltd. (www.alango.com) has been developing sound enhancement technologies since 2002, selling over 40 million software licenses that improve the audio experience in automotive, entertainment, and smart home applications around the world. Realizing the importance and opportunity of combining the sound enhancement technology found in hearing aids with the advances and costs in the consumer electronics world, the Company is now using its field-proven expertise in sound technology to create products for personal hearing enhancement: the “Wear & Hear” product line (www.WearAndHear.com).
“Gotta Love It” Reviews BeHear NOW
Lifestyle Blogger Reviews Wear & Hear Headset
♦ Dee Long, writer at the “Gotta Love It” blog (which offers reviews of books and products that readers should know about to add quality to their lives), recently reviewed the BeHear NOW headset. She writes “The clarity is amazing and the device is very comfortable to wear and simple to recharge.”
To read the full article, click here.
Second Testimonial for BeHear NOW Assistive Hearing Headset
BeHear NOW Indiegogo Backer Shares Experience
♦ Prior to officially launching the BeHear NOW assistive hearing headset to worldwide markets, we launched an Indiegogo campaign to attract Beta testers. We wanted to gather opinions from “early adopters” regarding the product’s effectiveness, usability, and comfort.
After shipping the Beta version to the registered Indiegogo backers we sent out a survey to gather feedback.
However, in addition to the standard survey responses, one backer was so impressed he sent us an e-mail with the following content:
I can tell you right now, unequivocally, I love this product. I’m only using it for hearing amplification, though. Right out of the box, my voice sounded to me as if I were in a barrel or had a bad head cold. After changing out the earpiece to the rubber ones with slits on the sides…all’s well! The battery charges quickly and lasts for the day, although the device is not always powered up all day. The preprogrammed settings work ok (although I can’t tell much of a difference between the four. I keep it on the indoor #1 setting), and the volume adjustments are easy. The earbud fitting is ingenious as they stay in and are not the least bit uncomfortable.
Finally, the appearance of the entire device is pleasing as due to a bit of vanity, I’m glad they don’t look like hearing aids…(I feel as I’m blending in with what the kids wear for their music).
Great product, and I won’t even say “so far”.
Dave Johnson