Siemens Hearing Instruments Inc. introduced a new generation of its BestSound™ Technology. XCEL accelerates hearing aid acceptance by optimally balancing speech intelligibility and sound quality for each individual. Five of its hearing aid models feature the new technology, including the new Eclipse™ XCEL, a deep-fit CIC hearing aid that is nearly invisible and extremely comfortable and entails a simple impression procedure.

"First impressions count the most with new hearing aid wearers," said Scott Davis, CEO of Siemens. "Achieving a good first fit is critical to ensuring wearer adoption and satisfaction. The best experience for hearing aid wearers requires a perfect combination of sound quality and effective audibility - what Siemens has coined 'Soundability.' We've achieved this preferred balance with XCEL."

With its custom shell and deep positioning, Eclipse minimizes typical occlusion effects and offers a more natural hearing experience than traditional CICs.

"Eclipse is virtually invisible and delivers beautiful, natural sound," said Davis. "It's the first solution that provides the benefits of a deep-fit hearing aid using the simple, safe, standard impression methods hearing care professionals employ every day. With Eclipse professionals can offer an advanced custom product with greater comfort and without the occlusion effect, providing a clear differentiation from the myriad of standard offerings in the market."

The new XCEL platform technology, hearing instruments and VoiceLink were featured at AudiologyNOW! 2012 recently in Boston.