LONDON, September 15 /PRNewswire/ --

- With Photo

A new device that gives people a hi-tech hearing boost when they most need it is to be launched on the high street.

About the size of a jelly bean, the HearPlus personal hearing assistant (PHA) has been introduced in response to growing demand from the baby boomer generation who are looking to boost and enhance their hearing in certain social situations. The intelligent device, which has a modern and sleek design, will cost only GBP149 and will be available exclusively from David Ormerod Hearing Centres located in selected Boots Stores and David Ormerod Hearing at Home. .

Boots Opticians Marketing Manager David Muldoon said: "Increasingly consumers in their 50s and 60s are taking steps to look and feel younger by dressing differently, taking more vitamins, buying anti-ageing products, and even in some instances having cosmetic surgery. Traditionally people have put up with hearing that holds them back in certain situations, but now they can effectively 'turn back the clock' with a hearing boost when they want it. We are expecting a huge interest from consumers in the HearPlus."

Karen Shepherd, hearing audiologist, said: "Despite a younger attitude, sound definition can naturally deteriorate with age, meaning people are unable to be at their best in situations from the bar to the boardroom. Technological advancements have enabled the development of the HearPlus which will give consumers enhanced, youthful hearing when they most want it. It is easy to use and available within an hour."

Approximately 4 million people* experience some form of hearing loss but don't feel ready for a hearing aid - in fact most wait up to 15 years before seeking help*. The HearPlus will meet this demand as it can be discreetly slipped into the ear as required to enhance hearing.

It has a pre-programmed volume control, which automatically changes the level of sound amplification depending on the loudness of the noises in your environment. The HearPlus also has an innovative compression system that shapes noise frequencies to provide clear sound quality and clarity of speech. It is the hearing assistant for the 21st century.

HearPlus uses the latest digital technology available to deliver amplified sound from the device into the ear - with a battery life of 114 hours. It is available exclusively from selected Boots stores with associated David Ormerod Hearing Centres and David Ormerod Hearing at Home. Visit your nearest centre or call 0845-270-3903 for further information.

Notes to Editors:

Photography and product samples are available on request

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.

* RNID statistics, 2008

Press enquiries: David Greenwood / dgreenwood@pegasuspr.co.uk / +44-(0)1903-821-550