New Product Is Good News For Those Who Struggle To Hear

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. (CBS4) - There is good news for people struggling to hear. In late March a new product will hit the market that could help turn up the volume.

The device is more affordable than hearing aids and was invented by a company in Wheat Ridge.

In a crowded restaurant clatter and loud chatter can make it hard to communicate. It's nearly impossible for those who have trouble hearing.

"It's very difficult for me to hear," Kevin Semcken said.

Semcken has 30 percent hearing loss in his left ear. But Semcken's business is sound. His company Able Planet is known for its noise cancelling headphones. Now Semcken is adjusting the audio with a tiny new product.

"It's truly an innovation that I think is going to change the world for many people," Semcken said.

The trade name is "Personal Sound." The device is a near ear amplifier and it easily fits into the ear.

"It's virtually invisible," Semcken said.

It houses patented technology that can clarify speech and amplify hard to hear frequencies. It's designed to help people who have trouble hearing in noisy places, watching TV, and even listening on the phone.

Personal Sound has four settings that can be adjusted to a particular environment.

Semcken himself is a believer.

"I wear it every day."

Semcken's market will be aging baby boomers and all others frustrated by difficulty hearing. He says a pair of hearing aids can cost $3,500, but Personal Sound is $900.

The first chance to be able to purchase Personal Sound will be the end of March. The product will be available at select Brookstone stores and Family Hearing Centers in Colorado.

Personal Sound was an award winner at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show. The company says the device should be widely available by this summer.

LINK: Able Planet