PCA: Hearing Aids For Cool People

When your vision starts to go, you can pick up a slick pair of glasses and still look hip. The same can’t possibly be said about hearing aids, but these devices are aiming to change that perspective that most people have. Phonak Group of Switzerland has developed what they call Personal Communication Aids, which are basically hearing aids that look better than the big clunky things you see in retirement homes.

Naturally, Phonak refuses to acknowledge that their PCAs, as they’ve come to be called, are “hearing aids”, instead referring to them as the “Ultimate high-tech accessory.” Instead of just amplifying the volume, the aids promise to enhance the quality of the sound as well. They’ve also separated the microphone from the speaker to prevent high-pitched squeals due to audio feedback.

Priced from $1500 to $3500, the Phonak Personal Communication Aids weigh less than an ounce and measure fractions of an inch. They’re also available in a variety of colors and designs. More information here.