While earlier nano coating methods were only applied to certain parts of the hearing instruments – usually the outer shells - HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock is applied to the entire instrument, both inside and out, for the most complete protection.

To illustrate the thoroughness of this protection, we have created a demonstration with compressed sponges. As you will see, the yellow sponge, which is not coated, expands immediately when introduced to water. On the other hand, the blue, HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock coated sponge just floats, stays flat and any water simply beads up on the surface. 


  

 What is HPF80 NanoBlock? 

HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock is a protective polymer film coating that is about 1/1000 the thickness of an average human hair. How can something so nanoscopic provide so much protection? It’s all in the way the coating is applied and how it adheres to the surface material. When HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock is applied, it forms a molecular bond with the host material so while very thin, it is also very strong. 
  
  

 Why do hearing instruments need HPF80 NanoBlock protection? 

When you think about it, hearing instruments spend most of their time in pretty challenging environments. They live in a place that produces moisture and ear wax and are constantly being handled.  Couple that with elements like sweat, rain, hair products and dust and you can see why any extra protection is worth it! 
 
 

 How does nano coating work? 

In a nutshell, nano coating changes the surface properties of the host material in a way that causes liquids to bead up and either roll off or be removed easily. The following visual shows how water beads up on a nano coated surface more than water on a non-coated surface. Without nano coating – or HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock – the water spreads out across the surface. 


Non-coated                                                        HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock coated        



  Non-coated                                                        HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock coated  
 

 Can you see HPF80 NanoBlock at work? 

The beauty of HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock is that it is undetectable to the eye and to the touch. However, while this coating is only nanometers thick, it provides protection even in the harshest conditions. To verify the hardiness of HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock, coated and non-coated devices were put through a rigorous set of tests that exposed the hearing instruments to potentially damaging enviornmental elements. To illustrate how well HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock protects your hearing instruments, all you have to do is take a look at the test result photos below.

Without Nano Coating 1. Debris build up 2. Solder joints with some corrosion 3. Corrosion on printed-through holes
With HPF80 NanoBlock

As you can see, the hearing instrument without HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock protection has suffered from corrosion as opposed to the HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock coated device, which looks as good as new.

 How can I make sure my hearing instruments are protected with HPF80 NanoBlock? 

All Beltone, Reach, Identity, Change BTE and RIE hearing instruments and Beltone True RIE hearing instruments are coated with HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock protection. To learn more about these models, click on the names above. 

HPF⁸⁰ NanoBlock  Biocompatibility Certificate