Audio-Technica launches Mimio brand with two assistive hearing products

Audio-Technica has announced their latest brand, Mimio, with two new products targeting users who have some form of hearing loss - the Mimio Assist One earbuds and Mimio Sound Move speakers.

Hearing loss is common especially as one ages, with sensitivity in higher frequencies often declining first. Those affected find it harder to understand what others are saying, but even more important, have a higher risk of developing dementia.

The Mimio products target those who do not need doctor-prescribed hearing aids. They can be considered personal sound amplification devices as described by the FDA and do not require a prescription for purchase and use.

The Mimio Assist One earbuds (ATMM-SHD1) are wireless earbuds with a similar design to A-T's conventional models (such as the ATH-CKS50TW sold on Amazon). They can be used as regular earbuds by those without hearing issues with any Bluetooth audio source.

For the targeted users, hearing mode is immediately active when the earbuds are taken from the case and worn, even without pairing to an external audio source. They come with three modes, TV, conversation, and outdoors, and the ability to suppress the user's own voice to help increase the intelligibility of voices heard. The smartphone app is used to fully set up the earbuds for each user's hearing needs. The earbuds are IP55-rated against dust intrusion and water jets.

The Mimio Sound Move speakers (ATMM-SP780TV) are wireless, battery-powered speakers that can be placed close to the user, up to 30 m (98 ft.) from the TV. The transmitter/recharging dock is connected to the TV set and is AC powered. Two Clear Sound settings increase the intelligibility of speech. The Sound Move can be used in the kitchen and is IPX2-rated for resistance against water droplets falling on it.

The Assist One is scheduled for sale starting August 1 in Japan, while the Sound Move is scheduled for August 8. The earbuds are priced at 49,500 yen (~$340) and the speakers are priced at 21,780 yen (~$150). A rental service is offered for 20 nights and 21 days at 3,980 yen (~$27), or 3 months for 13,440 yen (~$92), to allow customers to try the products before purchase.

Readers outside Japan wanting to hear their favorite TV shows better might consider the Mirai speaker sold here on Amazon.