ENT & audiology news
ISSN 2042-2156
Press Releases
ENT & audiology news Press Release section for all the latest new products, product developments and news from companies within the field.
Vol 24 No 5 November/December 2015 www.entandaudiologynews.com
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News and Product Update News Update is provided as a service to readers and does not imply endorsement by ENT and Audiology News magazine. News items on the following topics are welcomed: 1. New products or product developments in: • ENT instruments and equipment • Audiology instruments and equipment • Cochlear and other implanted aids 2. News from companies in the above fields 3. Free educational resources for the profession To feature your news contact: Rosaleen Shine rosaleen@pinpoint-scotland.com Heather McLaughlin heather@pinpoint-scotland.com
DEADLINES: Jan/Feb issue – 28 Nov Mar/Apr issue – 08 Feb May/Jun issue – 11 Apr Jul/Aug issue – 15 Jun Sept/Oct issue – 18 Aug Nov/Dec issue – 03 Oct
Cochlear™ Nucleus© 6 upgrades for all Nucleus recipients – clinical outcomes are available All Cochlear™ Nucleus© Implant users, including those with a CI22 cochlear implant series can now upgrade to Simply Smarter hearing. With Nucleus 6 they can enjoy substantially improved hearing performance and ease of use with SmartSound® iQ, Cochlear Nucleus® Aqua+ and Wireless Accessories, all delivered in the smallest sound processor ever. To make a fashion statement or to better conceal the sound processor under the hair, the Cochlear Nucleus 6 Sound Processor colour pallet now includes white. Clinical experience has been collected with more than 100 patients. Findings included an improvement in speech understanding in noise of 5 to 6 dB SNR when using Nucleus 6 with Smart Sound iQ vs previous generation sound processors, says Cochlear. This corresponds to 50 to 60% speech understanding score improvement. The automated sound processing management “SCAN” was activated in nearly all cases. Standard rechargeable batteries proved
to be adequate for the vast majority of users. Typically the upgrade to Nucleus 6, counselling and activation of true wireless devices was done in a single appointment. Programming time was 30 minutes or less in most cases. Please contact a Cochlear representative for offering upgrades to Simply Smarter hearing for patients! For further information contact: Cochlear AG T: +41 61 205 82 04 E: info@cochlear.com www.cochlear.com
This year at BAA, Phonak launched three new products within the NHS; Solana 312, CROS II and their Tinnitus Solutions According to Phonak, the Solana 312 is the smallest and most powerful hearing aid offered and has been introduced after consultation with NHS audiologists across the UK. This device has a performance down to 105dB – all housed in its new form factor that is 25% smaller than the Nathos S+. The Phonak Tinnitus Solutions all come with two years worth of receivers for free and is the ideal solution for those patients that prefer best hearing performance in flexible and discreet RIC housings who suffer with tinnitus. Phonak Tinnitus Solution includes a sleek design, housing a noise generator and a patient management plan with each pair. CROS II is based on Phonak’s game-changing
Venture platform and has a 30% longer battery life than the current CROS device as well as allowing patients the flexibility to adjust the volume. With the RemoteControl App patients can control the hearing aid and the CROS volume using their Smartphone and can download the app for free from the App Store. For further information contact: Phonak www.phonaknhs.co.uk
Ponto BHX Implant sets new standards for implant technology Oticon Medical has introduced the Ponto BHX Implant, the first implant with a laser-ablated titanium surface that promotes a faster and stronger bonding to bone and increases the strength of the bone-to-implant interface by more than 150%. The Ponto BHX Implant is a perfect match between Oticon Medical’s proven OptiGrip™ geometry and the latest surface technology, says the company, taking osseointegration to the next level – bonebonding – and delivering the highest stability from day one. The Ponto BHX Implant is FDA cleared for the US market. “The unique Biohelix™ surface builds on Brånemark osseointegration technology’s 40 years of excellent clinical results to improve clinical outcomes in patients with soft or compromised bone as well as offering increased implant stability margins for regular patients,” says Oticon Medical President Jes Olsen.
The Wide Ponto implant with OptiGrip™ geometry has one of the highest levels of initial stability of all bone anchored implants. Ponto BHX implants improve the biomechanical fixation even further and, at the same time, promote a faster and stronger bonding to the bone. An innovative site-specific laser modification at the roots of the threads of the OptiGrip™ geometry creates a three level surface topography matching natural bone structure at the macro-, micro- and nano-scale promoting bone-bonding and interface strength. In fact, bone-bonding to the BHX Implant is stronger than bone itself. This enhanced osseointegration offers additional benefit, aiming to lower the loss rate among children and adults with soft and compromised bone. The flexible Ponto abutment family pre-mounted with the Ponto BHX implant is
ideal for use in minimally invasive surgery. Oticon Medical offers the most extensive family of abutments supporting different skin thicknesses – all with a pure titanium surface and OptiFit™ geometry, scientifically proven for tissue preservation surgery. For further information contact: Oticon Medical www.oticonmedical.com/bhx
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Enhanced flexibility: EV-NC 2 with detachable cable
Space and time are two precious but finite resources in the endoscopic practice. XION has designed a solution to enhance the efficiency of the clinician’s daily routine. The flexible video nasopharyngoscope EV-NC 2 is provided with a detachable cable, in addition to the well-known ergonomic handle, which integrates camera, light source and microphone. Versatility and flexibility characterise the new EV-NC 2. It can be combined with all XION systems as well as with a preferred ENT treatment unit or be directly connected to a monitor or laptop through the compact XION Adapter Box. Easy to disconnect from the handle, the detachable cable makes transport and automated preparation considerably easier. EV-NC 2 can be transported, reprocessed and undergo the leak test separately from its cable. With the accustomed ease of use, not sacrificing high image quality and convenience, clinicians can now further optimise the workflow in their practice, gaining time to focus on patients. For further information contact: XION medical T: +49 (0)30 474987 0 F: +49 (0)30 474987 11 E: info@xion-medical.com www.xion-medical.com
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Stroboscopy combination from ILO electronic ILO electronic introduces its compact STROBOCOM device. The multifunctional device combines a reliable 1CCD camera and a smart LED hand lamp with the option of automatic stroboscopy function or continuous light setting. The sound detection is performed by an acoustic stethoscope. The fully equipped STROBOCOM contains an image and video recording option with data storage on any ordinary USB stick. An integrated 10,4” TFT monitor displays the recorded images and videos. Customers seeking easier operation can manoeuvre the camera head with programmable push buttons to facilitate the handling for up to six functions. Both camera unit and light source are provided with all necessary standard features and setting options so in terms of a multifunction device, the STROBOCOM meets all customer needs.
For further information contact: ILO electronic, Quickborn T: +49 (0)4106 77 58 0 E: info@ilo.com www.ilo.com
Oral cancer resection with radiofrequency
In a new review of a series of 20 oral cancers, it is demonstrated that radiofrequency– assisted resection offers multiple clinical advantages. Resection of oral cancer, tongue tumours in particular, pose a challenge: adequate resection with tumour-free margins whilst seeking to maintain function. The authors, Hofauer and Heiser, evaluated use of the CURIS 4MHz radiofrequency generator together with the ARROWtip™ microdissection needle (Sutter Medizintechnik, Freiburg, Germany) against multiple parameters. Radiofrequency rated well on perioperative and postoperative criteria. Resection with the CURIS© produced little bleeding, no coagulation was necessary, there was little thermal damage
to surrounding tissue, easy handling and no postoperative wound healing issues. Importantly, almost half of the patients were treated under local anaesthesia and no lingual muscle stimulation was observed. For more information on the case series and advantages of radiofrequency-assisted resection, please refer to page 42 in this magazine, visit our website or contact your Sutter representative.
For further information contact: Sutter T: +49 (0)761 51551 0 F: +49 (0)761 51551 30 E: info@sutter-med.de www.sutter-med.de
Cochlear™ Baha® Attract System. The most powerful and discreet magnetic system Powerful The Cochlear™ Baha® Attract System is the most powerful magnetic bone conduction system, says the company. Cochlear states that independent research reports a 10 dB greater fitting range with the Baha Attract System compared to other magnetic systems. By adapting gently to the contours of the skin, the Cochlear Baha SoftWear™ Pad provides improved sound transmission, retention and comfort levels not possible with a rigid-plate system. Reliable Since its introduction in August 2013, the Baha Attract System has become one of the most widely used magnetic bone conduction systems in the industry. The surgery is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure with 0% reported implant loss to Cochlear at the date of publication. • Can be performed under local anaesthetic • Reported surgery times down to 24 minutes • Experienced surgeons report limited need for bone removal • Approved for fitting at four weeks.
For further information contact: Cochlear AG T: +41 61 205 82 04 E: info@cochlear.com www.cochlear.com
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Cochlear™ Baha® 5 Systems. Incredibly small, unbelievably smart
Smallest in the industry The Cochlear™ Baha® 5 Sound Processor is the smallest bone conduction sound processor in the industry, says the company. Measuring a mere 26 mm in height, it is 13% smaller than the Cochlear Baha 4 Sound Processor and at least 20% smaller than all other bone conduction sound processors. The Baha 5 Sound Processor is not only incredibly small but also offers significant advantages in terms of hearing performance. Improving audibility of soft speech Average soft level recognition (at 50 dB and 65 dB) of monosyllabic words was higher with the Baha 5 Sound Processor over the Baha 4 and BP100 Sound Processors for 16 experienced Baha users. Improved hearing performance in noise Hearing performance in noise measured through an adaptive test of speech recognition in noise demonstrated an average 1.6 dB improvement in the Baha 5 Sound Processor over the BP100 Sound Processor for 13 experienced Baha users. The complete results of the Baha 5 clinical investigations can be accessed in the Cochlear Baha white paper, ‘The Clinical Investigations behind the Smart and Small Baha 5 Sound Processor’ – Annelen Hedin et al.
For further information contact: Cochlear AG T: +41 61 205 82 04 E: info@cochlear.com www.cochlear.com
RezaBand UES Assist Device, a treatment option for LPR
The CE and FDA-cleared Reza Band® UES Assist Device is a “first-of-its-kind” non-medication, non-surgical medical device that stops acid reflux from entering the throat and lungs. This groundbreaking, new, wearable acid reflux control device reduces symptoms such as chronic throat irritation and cough, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, and postnasal drip. 86% of patients had a successful outcome using the RezaBand and no serious or unexpected adverse events were reported. The study concluded that the RezBand is a safe, effective and non-invasive method to reduce LPR symptoms. The study demonstrated excellent patient compliance, outcomes and satisfaction. The RezaBand may serve as a potential alternative for patients that typically have a poor response to current standards of treatment.
For further information contact: Rose Henrichs, Solutiones vobis T: +31 630 680 750 E: rose.henrichs@solutionesvobis.com www.solutionesvobis.com
ENT and Audiology News using Storify Here at ENT and Audiology News we have started using Storify to create content tailored to you. We are curating the top posts and stories of interest found on Twitter and putting them together in this easy to read format. In addition we have round-ups of our tweets from conferences we have attended. Follow the story at http://storify.com/ENT_AudsNews
Puma soundproofing introduces the new PRO28F 1x1 audiometric booth (2016 version) The Italian company introduces PRO28F 1x1 2016 version, the new compact audiometric booth. This new version is provided with an air ventilation system as standard equipment and can be customised with several options such as a window on the door, wheels or a jack panel. The main feature of PRO28F is the innovative internal acoustic material, perfectly matched with class I fiber. These elements are fireproof, washable and very resistant. The internal acoustics are now as outstanding as the noise reduction reached by these lightweight booths which can be installed anywhere. The new PRO28F series is available in two sizes: standard 1x1 mt. (with ventilation system included) and slim 0.7x1 mt. on wheels so that it can be moved from one room to another (without air system). PRO28F line is recommended for hearing screening and diagnostic tests in audiology centres and shops for those who have limited space available and need a very small soundproof booth. These booths can be also used in temporary situations for occupational medicine, in companies and schools. According to Mr Mauro Muselli, Sales Director and CEO of Puma, “this new series is an innovation in the ENT field, which has remained stuck in old concepts of weight and solidity, features that are often complicated to manage both for the positioning and for the installation. In fact, our booths are easy and quick to install without the aid of specialized staff.” Puma products comply with Directive EEC / 93/42 as Class I medical devices and with Directive ISO 8253 1: 2010. Visit the new web site www.pumasrl.it A clean, transparent and user-friendly website in order to connect our company to our clients and to end-users. For further information contact: Puma soundproofing T: +39 02 3288055 E: info@pumasrl.it www.pumasrl.it
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Free Doctor to Doctor Booklets from KARL STORZ
DiaLog™: informing and enhancing patient care
KARL STORZ Endoscopy continues to make significant contributions to education across all surgical specialties worldwide. With their ongoing commitment to surgical education and the support of courses, workshops and new pioneering surgical techniques, KARL STORZ has developed an extensive library of literature in the form of their highly regarded silver Doctor to Doctor booklets. These are written by doctors and surgeons for doctors and surgeons on topics of interest or to describe new surgical techniques. Further material includes the popular EndoWorld® and Endo Gram® which provide comprehensive product overviews. All manuals and booklets are available for free on the Media Library which can be easily accessed via the KARL STORZ website: www.karlstorz. com Marketing material can either be looked at online or alternatively the desired booklets can be ordered free of charge.
Data logging with the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 6 System provides clinicians with valuable evidence-based feedback about each patient’s listening environment and device use. DiaLog™ is a new interactive resource for clinicians that supports coaching and guidance conversations and allows data logging to be used as a powerful motivating tool. By asking questions and reflecting on the answers given, the clinician and patient can work together to discover the best way forward. DiaLog contains resources and real life examples to guide conversations with patients and parents and makes it even easier to gain optimal benefit by providing a foundation for supportive, transparent and collaborative discussions. Start using DiaLog to guide recipients’ conversations to help with progress and achieving optimal outcomes on the listening journey. To download DiaLog FREE please visit: www.cochlear. com/uk/dialog
For further information contact: KARL STORZ Endoscopy UK Ltd T: +49 (0)7461 708 0 F: +49 (0)7461 708 105 E: press@karlstorz.com www.karlstorz.com
For further information contact: Cochlear AG T: +41 61 205 82 04 E: info@cochlear.com www.cochlear.com
Neurostimulation established as a treatment option for sleep apnoea patients who do not tolerate CPAP
The results of a landmark long-term clinical study for the Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) System, the first FDA-approved implantable neurostimulation treatment for people diagnosed with obstructive sleep aponea (OSA), were published online in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the official peer-reviewed publication of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. The Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction (STAR) trial was conducted at 22 leading medical centres across the United States and Europe. One-year STAR trial outcome measures, published in the 9 January 2014 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that sleep apnoea patients receiving Inspire therapy experienced
significant reductions in sleep apnoea events and significant improvements in quality of life measures. The new long-term study outcomes showed that the improvements observed at one year were sustained at the three year follow-up mark. The outcomes include: • A 78% reduction in apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) from baseline • An 80% reduction in oxygen desaturation events from baseline • 80% of bed partners reported soft or no snoring as compared to 17% of bed partners at baseline • Quality of life measures, including daytime sleepiness and functioning, showed clinically meaningful improvements and a return to normal levels over baseline. The biggest challenge for OSA patients is
that many are unable to tolerate or get relief from CPAP. Published studies show that CPAP adherence rates are less than 50%. In contrast, the new data from the STAR Trial demonstrate that more than 80% of the patients with Inspire therapy report nightly use after three years of being prescribed the therapy. Inspire therapy is currently available at more than 60 leading medical centres across the United States and Europe. Visit www. InspireSleep.com to learn more.
For further information contact: Heather Gilbert T: +1 844 672 4357 E: info@inspiresleep.com www.inspiresleep.com
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Cochlear™ Wireless TV Streamer for Cochlear Nucleus® 6 users
Specialist bone conduction technology from Starkey Hearing Technologies
Enjoying TV with family and friends may be difficult for Cochlear implant users when they cannot turn up the volume considerably or when background noise makes it hard for them to hear and focus on what others are saying. The Cochlear™ Wireless TV Streamer delivers stereo sound directly to the sound processor from the television, stereo or other audio devices. Patients can enjoy watching television (without turning up the volume and disturbing others) and still take part in conversations with people next to them in the room. And if there are several Cochlear Nucleus Implant users, they can all connect to the same TV Streamer. The Cochlear Wireless TV Streamer is easy to use. It has no on/off button and does not need to be charged. The micro-USB at the back plugs straight into the power source and when the charger light is green, the TV Streamer is powered and ready to start streaming.
For further information contact: Cochlear AG T: +41 61 205 82 04 E: info@cochlear.com www.cochlear.com
The specialist bone conduction portfolio from Starkey Hearing Technologies offers audiology departments a broad range of BC alternatives. The product range includes spectacle mounted systems using an innovative ‘click’ connection, traditional active arms on spectacle frames and solutions for paediatric patients and young adults. The improved fitting range comes with some enhanced features including eight channels and 16 bands, effective feedback cancellation and noise reduction. The hearing systems should fit effectively within the audiology department tool kit of hearing solutions and if the clinician’s department would benefit from additional training, Starkey’s specialist product team would be pleased to offer further instruction on the whole range in a simple lunch and learn session. In order to learn more about the new options from Starkey, please chat to an Area Manager and ask for a demonstration of the new portfolio. For further information contact: Starkey T: +44 (0)500 262 131 / +353 1800 551 674 (Ire) E: sales@starkey.co.uk www.spectaclehearingsystems.co.uk
Say goodbye to tiresome battery changes… Zpower Battery LLC, a California-based technology company, has announced a new rechargeable solution for hearing instrument users. The ZPower Rechargeable System is designed to be retro-fitted in the office or clinic in a matter of minutes for selected new and existing hearing aids. The fully-recyclable ZPower silver-zinc rechargeable batteries have twice the capacity of other rechargeable cells, meaning that they last a full day even with extensive wireless streaming. The batteries recharge in a few hours, take the place of an estimated 200 disposable batteries (per binaural set), and are replaced once per year by a hearing care professional so the patient never has to open an instrument or touch a hearing aid battery again. For further information contact: Zpower Battery LLC www.zpowerbattery.com.
Sivantos launches new Siemens Teneo™ at this year’s BAA congress in Harrogate Sivantos continues to support NHS audiology providers with the launch of the new Siemens Teneo hearing aids. Siemens Teneo, which includes Teneo R+ (RIC), Teneo S/S+ (mini BTE), Teneo M/M+ (Moderate BTE) and Teneo HP/HP+ (High Power BTE), was launched on Thursday 26 November at the annual BAA conference which took place at the Harrogate International Centre. Teneo, the successor of Octiv, includes new technology which will ensure Teneo continues to deliver exceptional sound quality and patient satisfaction. All Teneo models feature 24 channel processing and 24 channel automatic directionality, providing superior sound resolution for improved listening in difficult acoustic environments due to greater frequency specific noise management and directivity patterns. All Teneo models also include our new automatic acclimatisation fitting option which offers a more comfortable initial fitting for patients, with gradual gain increases selected in Connexx over a selected time period. The new easyTek™ audio streamer is available for all Teneo+ models, operating
straight out of the box with no programming required for straightforward connection to Bluetooth® devices. Introduced along with the new Teneo product portfolio are two Apps for additional patient convenience. Patients are able to remotely control any Teneo hearing aid without having to carry around an extra remote control. Thanks to the easyTek App™ (easyTek required) and touchControl App™, wearers can control all Teneo hearing aids with
a simple tap of his/her smartphone, whether it is on an Android or iOS Apple system. Adding additional technology adds more processing for the hearing instrument but with minimal additional power consumption!
For further information contact: Sivantos T: +44 (0)1293 423700 www.sivantos.co.uk www.bestsound-technology.co.uk
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Puretone introduce new Puma soundproof booths Puretone are pleased to announce the brand new range of soundproof booths from Puma. Now being offered to the UK market, the new elegant modular design of soundproof booths provide quality soundproofing performance with completely tailored modules to suit specific audiology needs. The range comprises a number of different models to cover all requirements, even when space is at a premium. The PRO28F offers a standard size model or a slim-line variant, which is designed to be easily transported on wheels; whereas the larger PRO35F modular design boasts a wide range of sizes up to 9m2. Additional integrated options include: tables, seating, various flooring, windows, ramps,
Cochlear family. United by sound. Connected by Cochlear.
ventilation systems, emergency lighting, jack panels, etc. Managing Director of Puretone, Baz Choudhry says, “Offering a comprehensive range of sizes and additional options makes these booths very flexible and therefore able to meet the varying needs of dispensers and clinics across the country.”
For further information please contact: Puretone Ltd T: +44 (0)1634 719427 F: +44 (0)1634 719450 E: info@puretone.net www.puretone.net
Tinnitus Clinic recognises excellence
Cochlear users, can become part of a very special family – one united by sound and connected by Cochlear. It’s a global community and it’s growing every day. By joining Cochlear Family, users are entitled to all the benefits that come from being a member of a unique community. By subscribing, users will be amongst the first to hear about new products and services that will help make their life easier. In collaboration with healthcare professionals, Cochlear is dedicated to helping improve their hearing journey.
Every year, patients attending The Tinnitus Clinic for expert treatment are invited to nominate their audiologist for an appreciation award. Rekesh Patel, Principal Audiologist and Clinic Manager for the Harley Street branch of The Tinnitus Clinic said: “Tinnitus patients are so rewarding to work with. Although it’s my job, it’s so nice to read the citations which our patients have put forward and know that our expertise is appreciated. So many patients say that their lives have been improved following treatment.” The award ceremony took place following an intensive day of clinical training in London. Training topics included recognition of clinical depression in tinnitus patients and a testing of the company’s triage system for coping with mental health issues. Products being reviewed included the Sivantos Binax systems and Unitron Stride systems. Both have new innovative algorithms which aim to improve the patients’ experience through his/her journey.
For further information contact: Cochlear AG T: +41 61 205 82 04 E: info@cochlear.com www.cochlear.com
For further information contact: The Tinnitus Clinic T: +44 (0)203 597 4988 E: enquiries@thetinnitusclinic.co.uk www.thetinnitusclinic.co.uk
PATH medical at the Philippine Society of Audiology and Otolaryngology! PATH medical were pleased to join the Philippine Society of Otolaryngology and the Philippine Society of Audiology at their annual conventions in November/December 2015. Dr Andre Lodwig and Russell Higgs were invited as guest speakers to both meetings. The Philippine Society of Audiology meeting centred on Occupational Hearing Conservation and PATH presented on the role of Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) in the assessment and prevention of occupational hearing loss. Using the latest OAE technology from PATH, test times can be significantly reduced using multi frequency presentations in both left and right ears simultaneously, effectively speeding up the test by up to four times. In addition, using the high resolution DPOAE (up to 30 points per octave) very detailed OAE responses can be analysed, providing very useful OAE data for baseline and comparative measures ideal for occupation health requirements. For a demonstration please visit PATH medical in Dubai at the 6th Emirates Otorhinolaryngology meeting from 13 to 15 January 2016 at stand 7.
For further information contact: PATH Medical T: +49 (0)89 800 76 502 E: info@pathme.de www.pathme.de www.emiratesrhinologyandotology.ae
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International cricket legend and Cochlear’s first Global Hearing Ambassador, Brett Lee unveils ‘Sounds of Cricket’ initiative Cricket legend and Cochlear’s first Global Hearing Ambassador, Brett Lee, unveiled the Indian leg of the global initiative ‘Sounds of Cricket’ to spread awareness about the significant functional, social, emotional and economic impact of hearing loss on individuals and their families. “I am delighted to be in India to help spread the message that if you have hearing loss there is technology that can help. I can’t imagine cricket without sound: on the field not hearing the appeals and the crowd, off the field not
hearing team mates, or at home not hearing family. I just can’t imagine it”, Brett Lee said while speaking at a press conference. For more information on the initiative kindly visit the dedicated website www. soundsofcricket.com
For further information contact: Cochlear AG T: +41 61 205 82 04 E: info@cochlear.com www.cochlear.com
New ownership for PC Werth
The business and assets of PC Werth Ltd were purchased by IntriCon Corp of Minnesota, USA on 3 November 2015. This exciting move provides more choice for the UK’s hearing health practitioners, secures the future for PC Werth – the original supplier to the UK’s hearing healthcare industry – and ensures a stronger company for all its stakeholders. With a roadmap of innovative new products, the business continues to trade as PC Werth, backed up by the resources of IntriCon – supplier to leading companies such as Medtronic and United Healthcare. The PC Werth management team has been carried over, ensuring business continuity for customers and suppliers, with all the benefits that come with being part of a global supply network. Tom Parker, Managing Director, says, “For nearly 70 years PC Werth has supplied the best products from around the world and has served the needs of hearing healthcare specialists. I am proud to present a new – yet familiar – face for PC Werth that enhances that expertise. With IntriCon as our parent, we are now stronger and better placed than ever to provide the widest choice of products and services to all our customers.” Mark Gorder, President and Chief Executive Officer of IntriCon comments, “Our acquisition of PC Werth provides IntriCon a solid foundation to expand our presence in the UK and develop our business. An immediate initiative will be to increase our sales and marketing efforts to support customers. This will be of particular benefit to the NHS, which is widely recognised as the most efficient hearing aid delivery system in the world, and we believe we are well-positioned to serve their needs.” PC Werth will presented its new range of Kamplex hearing aids and instruments at the BAA conference and AIHHP conference last month. Meanwhile, the company continues to offer its full range of products and services via its websites, phone or email (see below).
For Further information contact: PC Werth T: +44 (0)20 8772 2700 E: sales@pcwerth.co.uk
Rayovac launches new Premium Packaging One of the leading hearing aid battery manufacturers, Rayovac, introduces new Premium Packaging to its cutting-edge portfolio. Coupled with their recent technology development, ‘Clear Sound Technology’, Rayovac’s EXTRA Premium Pack offers a wide range of improved consumer and retail features and benefits. The innovative packaging design is easier to handle, with colour-coding and front-facing tabs now up to 30% larger for easier removal and insertion into hearing devices. Furthermore, the battery dial is moulded to the exact shape of the battery and tab, ensuring each cell is held securely in place. Thicker, more robust card provides greater protection for safer shipping and storage. Rayovac, a division of global consumer products company, Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc, has also invested in an improved design concept which combines the card upgrades with a brighter, fresher look and eye-catching design meaning the packaging stands out on display. Rayovac offers a package of support to all Rayovac EXTRA customers, including business building tools such as display stands, marketing materials and downloadable content. For further nformation contact: Rayovac www.rayovac.eu www.facebook.com/HearingwithRayovac www.twitter.com/HearwithRayovac
NHS earmould contract success for Starkey Hearing Technologies Starkey Hearing Technologies are delighted to announce that they have been accepted to continue to supply the NHS supply chain following the competitive tendering process for the supply of earmoulds. The increasing demand for quality from the NHS has driven investment in the digital design and building process. Leading the way in adopting this new technology allows Starkey to offer a superb portfolio to their NHS customers. The new product range includes a significant reduction in the cost of the superior silicone moulds that offer vastly improved longevity, hypo allergenic properties, design flexibility and colours. It also allows for scans to be kept on file delivering greater efficiency to customers. In order to learn more about the new options from Starkey, please chat to an Area Manager and ask for a demonstration of the new portfolio. For further information contact: Starkey T: +44 (0)500 262 131 / +353 1800 551 674 (Ire) E: sales@starkey.co.uk www.spectaclehearingsystems.co.uk
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New B-81 RadioEar Bone Conductor
The enhanced B-81 RadioEar Bone Conductor is based on the BEST (balanced electromagnetic separation transducer) technology in order to overcome the limitations of classic bone conductor performance. The BEST technology allows testing at low frequencies of up to 20dB higher than the classic bone conductor and has already been made available in audiometers from leading manufacturers. The BEST technology is extremely robust. Durability testing with the new B-81 design includes drop testing onto hard surfaces without performance changes. The B-81 bone conductor is RoHS compliant and compatible with all headbands as well as high-quality cables. RadioEar has more than 65 years’ experience in the bone transducer industry and their bone conductors have been accepted worldwide as the Industry Standard of audiometric bone conduction testing.
For further information contact: RadioEar E: info@radioear.us www.radioear.us
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NUVOLAS KTP (green) laser also available @Solutiones vobis
ARC laser and Solutiones vobis collaborate together to introduce the NUVOLAS KTP laser for ENT indications. Today, recurring papillomatosis can be treated in an office setup while the patient is awake. This includes a tolerable procedure and – whenever possible – convenience for the patient.
The NUVOLAS precisely limits the depth of penetration for increased control while providing excellent hemostasis, vaporisation and cutting power. The A.R.C. Laser technology allows continuous application with up to 8 W. KTP energy, in a green 532 nm wavelength, is highly absorbed by oxyhaemoglobin. This enormous advantage is delivering precise coagulation and leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected.
For further information contact: Rose Henrichs, Solutiones vobis T: +31 630680750 E: rose.henrichs@solutionesvobis.com www.solutionesvobis.com
Phonak UK celebrates receiving AIHHP awards Phonak UK were delighted to accept four awards at this year’s AIHHP annual conference in Heathrow. The Swiss-owned manufacturer collected awards for Best UK Supplier, as well as Best Entry Level Product, Best Mid-Range Product and Best Technical Support Team. UK Managing Director, Stuart Neilson, attended the ceremony to collect the awards, saying, “It’s a real honour to have been recognised by our customers at AIHHP and we would like to thank everybody who voted for us. Our aim is to continue to improve our service and support to this important association.” For further information contact: Phonak T: +44 (0)1925 623 600 www.phonak.com
Sivantos Limited has announced the appointment of four new account managers to their Sales and Audiology team Tom Lutener will support customers in the South of England, London and Home Counties and Lucy Zimbler in the South West of England and Eire. Sunir Gyawali will support customers in the East Midlands, East Anglia and Essex and Rav Bangar in the West Midlands, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Tom’s career to date has been focused on healthcare; after studying physiology he went on to become a practicing osteopath. From this he then gained experience in occupational health, both clinically and as an account manager before moving to a medical sales position. Lucy recently studied law at Exeter University as a mature student graduating in 2014 with an LLB (Hons) degree. Before joining Sivantos Lucy was working in medical sales throughout the South West specialising in diabetes. Sunir has a background in medical sales, having worked with Philips and Alcon and has
a great deal of experience in working with medical professionals in order to improve service for the patients. Rav graduated from Coventry University in 2007 in business management. Following graduation, Rav has been in a number of sales roles in both the private and public sectors. Wendy Davies, Sivantos National Sales and Audiology Manager says, “It is a great time to be joining the team at Sivantos as we continue to extend or product portfolio in both the
public and private sector. With their depth of knowledge I’m sure that the new members of our team will work closely with customers to create positive relationships very quickly.”
For further information contact: T: +44 (0)1293 423700 www.sivantos.co.uk www.bestsound-technology.co.uk
ENT & audiology news | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 | VOL 24 NO 6