Oticon and Legendary Rock Band Styx to Stream World’s First Live Rock Concert to Hearing Aid Wearers
Hearing-impaired fans to rock on with Oticon’s Internet-connected Opn hearing aids
In a world’s first, Oticon, Inc. has joined forces with chart- topping rock band Styx for a live concert broadcast exclusively for fans wearing the company’s Oticon OpnTM Internet-connected hearing aids. Scheduled as part of the band’s nationwide summer tour, this will be the first time a live performance will be delivered directly to hearing aid wearers, enabling them to stream the heart-pumping sounds of an in-person concert directly to their hearing aids. The partnership will highlight Styx’s continued commitment to high-quality sound as well as Oticon Opn’s life-enhancing open sound experience.
Opn, Oticon’s family of Internet-connected hearing aids, can communicate directly with a full range of connected devices, so wearers can listen to TV; connect with doorbells, smoke detectors, and other smart devices; and even get the weather—all through their hearing aids. And now, hearing aid wearers can add “listen to the live broadcast of a rock concert” to the list.
The award-winning Opn also performs well at in-person events. The small, discreet hearing aid delivers a more natural, clear, and open sound that allows users to more easily participate in conversations in crowded, noisy environments such as restaurants, public venues or even live rock concerts. Now available as a rechargeable solution, Opn miniRITE hearing aids can be charged overnight to provide wearers with all-day power to last through any big event.
In addition to demonstrating the wireless connectivity of the Opn platform, the live broadcast will highlight Styx’s legendary production quality, which it has replicated on its new album, “The Mission,” released on June 16. Styx produced the album, the band’s first in 14 years, using many of the same analog production and recording technologies that gave the band its distinctive sound on hits such as “Renegade”, “Come Sail Away”, and “Blue Collar Man”.
“We are proud to announce a special alliance with Oticon to present the first live concert to be streamed to fans wearing Oticon Opn hearing aids,” said Tommy Shaw, lead vocalist and guitarist for Styx. “Hearing loss affects fans of all ages and with Oticon’s new technology, we are looking forward to being a part of this historic event!”
Rockin’ through the ages
Many fans that grew up listening to Styx are now at the age where hearing loss becomes more prevalent. In fact, one in six baby boomers experience hearing loss, making it difficult for them to enjoy concerts, theater, and other public events. This new active generation of people with hearing loss wants solutions that allow them to stay engaged in all aspects of their lives, and the advanced technology of Oticon Opn enables them to do just that. From making it easier to follow and participate in conversations with multiple speakers to delivering the unmatched sound of a
live Styx concert, Opn proves that when treated, hearing loss sufferers can live active, social lives.
“This partnership between Oticon and Styx is a match made in sound quality heaven,” said Sheena Oliver, Vice President, Marketing at Oticon. “The Styx live broadcast is an exciting way to reach Opn wearers who are affected by hearing loss, and also helps to remind people of all ages about the importance of hearing health. Through this event, we will demonstrate how Oticon Opn enables those with hearing loss to rock on and actively participate in all of life’s moments and memories.”
For more information on the entire Oticon Opn family, visit www.Oticon.com/Opn.
About Oticon
Oticon is one of the most innovative hearing device manufacturers with more than 110 years of experience putting the needs of people with hearing loss first. Oticon has spearheaded a number of technological breakthroughs which have made a significant difference for people with hearing loss. Oticon’s “brain first” audiological focus recognizes that speech understanding and comprehension are cognitive processes that happen in the brain. Oticon’s innovative BrainHearingTM technology is helping to provide better hearing with less effort by giving the brain the clearest, purest sound signals to decode. Oticon designs and manufactures hearing solutions for adults and specialized pediatric instruments. “People First” is Oticon’s strongest and most valued commitment to empower people to communicate freely, interact naturally and participate actively. For more information visit www.oticon.com.
About Styx
The six men comprising Styx have committed to rocking together with audiences far and wide by entering their fifth decade of touring. Averaging over 100 shows a year, each member of Styx is committed to making the next show better than the last. Styx draws from over four decades of chart-topping hits. Like a symphony that builds to a satisfying crescendo, a Styx set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. From the progressively sweeping splendor that is “The Grand Illusion” to the hunker-down fortitude of all that is the “Blue Collar Man,” from the regal reach-for-the-stars bravado of “Come Sail Away” to the grainy all-in gallop of that rugged “Renegade” who had it made, the band draws on an unlimited cache of ways to immerse one’s mind and body in their signature sound.
