Oticon says times have changed, with hearing loss set to affect one in four people by 2050, instead of one in six, as it is now. And hearing loss is no longer just affecting the over 65s – with more and more baby boomers being affected, notably Bill Clinton at age 51. And these tech-savvy individuals want to stay connected to their technology despite their difficulties with hearing.

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Enter the Epoq. This new hearing device claims to offer the most natural sounding, er, sound possible, as well as wireless connectivity to a number of devices including your mobile, MP3 player, GPS device or PC.

This is achieved via a portable Bluetooth streamer into which you plug your iPod or other device. The hearing device then syncs up with the iPod so you can listen in clearly.

Oticon also says that whereas in the past users would have had to remove their hearing aid or hold a mobile phone in an awkward position to avoid interference between the two devices, the Epoq overcomes this.

The Epoq is actually two hearing devices working as one, to create a more natural interpretation of where sounds are coming from. It also claims to eliminate background noise, when people are talking to

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you.

"What we have created with the Epoq is a personal communication hub based on a real need for the hearing impaired to enjoy access to modern communications technology that most people take for granted.   It offers unprecedented equality and freedom to the hearing device user and we believe it will appeal to discerning customers and business people alike," says oticon Senior Audiologist, Michael Gordon.

RRP: $10,000 for the pair + $500 for the optional Bluetooth streamer

See: www.oticon.com.au