As a promise to his daughter, Zounds Founder Sam Thomasson spent more than 10 years developing the patented technology behind Zounds Z1 hearing aids. That same advanced technology, reduced price-point and overall comfort is now available in the Zounds Z1 Power BTE (Behind the Ear) Hearing Aid released this month.

The Zounds Power BTE is designed and manufactured specifically for those individuals suffering from severe to profound hearing loss. With the release of the Power BTE, Zounds' line of hearing aids is capable of offering a solution for all individuals with treatable hearing loss. This means that an estimated 95 percent of the hearing-impaired population - or more than 29 million Americans - can experience the Zounds difference.

"The Zounds Power BTE release brings us one step closer to helping the world hear better," said John Costello, president and CEO of Zounds. "What began as Sam Thomasson's personal mission has grown into a nationwide company developing advanced, accessible and affordable hearing aids with exceptional performance."

The Z1 Power BTE is discreet compared to other power models and also offers the following technological and performance- enhancing features found in all Zounds aids:

- Amplification capabilities for severe and profound hearing loss (unique to Power BTE)
- Patented noise cancellation technology eliminates up to 90 percent of background noise
- Directional microphones continually scan the user environment to generate exceptional voice clarity in even noisy environments
- Custom programming of 16 frequency bands, up to 8000 Hertz
- Enhanced feedback cancellation virtually eliminates the squealing common with traditional aids
- Zounds patented foam sleeves make for a better fit, helping reduce occlusion and increasing comfort in the ear
- Rechargeable batteries don't need to be changed and last up to 22 hours.
- Custom testing, programming and fitting takes less than two hours by a licensed Zounds professional

Zounds also released an improved Mini ITC (In the Canal) Hearing Aid for mild to severe hearing loss. The aid features a streamlined design for better fit and performance, while maintaining the technological advantages of the original.

Only a year and a half ago, Zounds released its Z1 Hearing Systems at its first two retail hearing centers - one in Florida and one in Arizona. Since then, the company has seen great success in the form of positive customer feedback and national expansion. As of July 18 of this year, the company had 17 hearing centers across the country and plans to open another 13 before year's end.

Experience the Zounds difference for yourself: zoundshearing/test/customers/sounddemo/.

About Zounds

Zounds Hearing designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets high-performance hearing aids for use with mild to profound hearing impairments. Headquartered in Mesa, Arizona, Zounds offers a unique combination of patented breakthrough product technology, exceptional value, and a unique customer-friendly testing, fitting and purchase process. Zounds aids are available through a network of branded, state-of-the-art Zounds hearing centers in Arizona, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Oregon.

Zounds Hearing