Breaking barriers in hearing tech: Olive Max’s market debut
In an exciting start to 2024, Olive Union has launched an innovative 2-in-1 product – the Olive Max. This latest offering is a true wireless earbud and hearing aid hybrid. The device stands out with its adaptable sound settings and a contemporary wraparound design, which aligns more with today’s popular consumer earbuds than traditional hearing aids.
Owen Song, Founder and CEO of Olive Union, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch.
“We are thrilled to start 2024 with the arrival of the Olive Max. This is the next step in our mission to bring affordable and attractive wearables to the hearing loss community and help reduce the stigma associated with hearing loss.”
Song’s statement echoes a vital health concern. According to the World Health Organization, over 5% of the world’s population – or some 430 million people – require rehabilitation to address their ‘disabling’ hearing loss. This information is part of the WHO’s efforts to raise awareness about hearing loss and its impact on individuals and societies. By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss. At least 700 million of those will require hearing rehabilitation.
Olive Max aims to address this gap by offering a solution that is both functional and fashionable.
An upgrade in every way
The Olive Max, retailing at $398 USD on OliveUnion.com, represents a different take on its predecessor, the Olive Pro. This device not only offers louder and clearer sound but also stands out for its unique blend of functionality and style.
Crafted as an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid, the Olive Max is specifically designed for individuals experiencing hearing loss within the 26 to 55 dB HL range. Beyond that, it skillfully merges the functionality expected of a hearing aid with the modern look and feel of Bluetooth headphones – offering true wireless music listening.
This innovative design effectively challenges the traditional perception of hearing aids. It makes the Olive Max a more appealing option for a wider audience, including those who are typically reluctant to use conventional hearing aids such as the younger generation.
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The Olive Max’s technical features sound particularly impressive. The device provides tailored noise amplification, adeptly reducing background noise while amplifying clearer conversations. This capability demonstrates Olive Union’s commitment to creating inclusive hearing solutions that cater to the needs of those often underserved in the hearing aid market.
A key innovation in the Olive Max is the integration of AI-recommended presets, accessible via the My Olive App. This feature enhances the user experience by adapting to different auditory environments and individual preferences, ensuring a more personalized hearing experience. Additionally, the device comes with various eartips to guarantee a comfortable fit for each user.
For daily practicality, the Olive Max boasts a rechargeable battery that provides up to 10 hours of continuous use. It also comes with a rapid 30-minute recharge feature. This makes the device especially suitable for active individuals who rely on their hearing aids throughout the day, ensuring uninterrupted usage and convenience.
The gadget was previously available on Indiegogo where it raised more than $1 million towards product development. Now the company is making it available to all.
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