uHear(TM) iTunes medical application a top 10 download as concerned Americans test their hearing

PLYMOUTH, MN, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ - Today represents a milestone for the uHear(TM) application as it surpasses the quarter of a million download mark. uHear, a self-administered hearing screening test for the iPhone(TM) and iPod touch(R), has seen a continuous position on iTunes top 10 medical downloads since its release. There are approximately 36 million Americans afflicted by hearing loss(1) and it is projected that by the year 2015 the number of Americans suffering from hearing loss will increase between 20 to 25 percent.(2) Consumer are becoming more aware and seeking discreet, free testing options.

To date more than 300,000 people have taken advantage of uHear, the most widely distributed hearing screening test ever. "We know that people downloading uHear typically share the application with two to four others," commented Cameron Hay, President and CEO of Unitron worldwide. "This makes it possible that over a million people have tested their hearing and taken the first step towards healthy hearing."

In September, Apple announced that their iTunes selection exceeded over 140,000 applications. Though a handful of applications have exceeded the millions of download mark (Facebook, Myspace), the majority average only 3000, while uHear is 300,000. "It's great to see the response to uHear when compared to these numbers. It emphasizes the concern people may have about hearing loss, their own or family members," notes Hay. The uHear application continues to be amongst the top 10 health downloads having been 1st or 2nd place on iTunes in over seven countries. "With uHear's worldwide success and continuous downloads, we are now giving even more people across the world an easy way to screen their own hearing performance. Unitron is committed to increasing hearing awareness and improving the lives of people living with hearing loss," says Hays.

The application created by Unitron is available worldwide, in both English and French, and can be downloaded free of charge through Apple iTunes at: http://itunes.com/apps/uhear

About uHear(TM)

Designed by Unitron, uHear(TM) is a hearing loss screening test which enables you to test your hearing on your own time, in your own space. uHear helps you assess whether your hearing is within normal range, through any one or all three of the following tests: Hearing Sensitivity, Speech in Noise and a Common Listening situations questionnaire.

About Unitron

Unitron is a global innovator of technologically advanced hearing instruments. We care deeply about people with hearing loss and work closely with hearing healthcare professionals to make advanced, purpose-driven solutions available to everyone. Headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada; Unitron, a member of the Sonova Group, meets the needs of customers through 16 international offices and through distributors in a further 53 countries. For more information, please visit us on the web at unitron.com.

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    (1) American Academy of Audiology
    (2) Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports

SOURCE Unitron