The Technology Adoption Life Cycle Model offers a framework within which to evaluate technology and our attitudes toward adopting discontinuous innovations. This presentation will help participants assess their own attitudes toward technology adoption and evaluate examples of technology innovations—including rechargeable hearing instruments and wireless systems—in terms of their readiness for market adoption. Although neither of these technologies has deeply penetrated the market, new rechargeable and wireless systems promise to change that picture, using designs that meet or exceed user expectations for performance, reliability, and ease of use. This presentation covers the basics of rechargeable instrument design and reviews the rationale and resulting performance attributes of modern rechargeable systems. It will also offer a perspective on " disruptive innovation" which is threatening to impact the hearing healthcare market.

Speaker: Jerry L. Yanz, PhD—Director of Audiology - Hansaton Acoustics