Technology partners, Starkey Hearing Technologies, Eden Prairie, Minn, and ZPower, Camarillo, Calif, have released the new VFusionTM hearing aid charger. The  system has ZPower silver-zinc rechargeable batteries and works with more than 900 models of hearing instruments in the Starkey Hearing Instrument family of products.

The two companies are the first to offer this advanced rechargeable battery and charging system, which is compatible with Starkey Hearing Technologies non-wireless 13 and 312 custom, receiver-in-canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE) devices.

“Patients are looking for a reliable rechargeable battery option for hearing aids,” says Jerry Ruzicka, president of Starkey Hearing Technologies. “Our new VFusion Rechargeable Battery System gives patients the flexibility of all-day performance and a simple-to-use solution for recharging, addressing the needs of a wide variety of patients.”

ZPower batteries offer several advantages over nickel metal-hydride batteries currently used in rechargeable hearing aids, such as higher performance. ZPower says its rechargeable batteries deliver up to three times the energy and provide more than 18 hours of continuous use in both 312 and 13 sizes, while easily recharging in the VFusion charger overnight.

“The VFusion rechargeable system with ZPower batteries is just one more example of Starkey Hearing Technologies being the leading technology innovator within the hearing aid market,” says Dr Ross Dueber, president and CEO of ZPower. “VFusion is an important first step in our vision to shift hearing aid technology from using primarily disposable batteries to ZPower rechargeable batteries over the next several years.”

In addition to manufacturing silver-zinc rechargeable batteries, ZPower also offers design support services in the areas of power management and charger design for hearing instrument manufacturers. “Our design support is a key enabler in helping manufacturers quickly adapt their existing hearing aid products and electronics to ZPower batteries,” says Dueber. “Our goal is to make the transition to ZPower batteries a seamless, simple process for our manufacturer partners so patients can begin enjoying the benefits of a better battery today.”

ZPower rechargeable silver-zinc batteries are only compatible with select Starkey Hearing Technologies hearing aid models.

Source: ZPower