ENT& audiology
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ISSN 2042-2156
ENT & audiology news Press Release section for all the latest new products, product developments and news from companies within the field. Vol 26 No 2 May / Junel
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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE
News and Product Update News and Product 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: Heather McLaughlin heather@pinpointscotland.com Rosaleen Shine rosaleen@pinpointscotland.com Deadlines: July/Aug – 1 June Sept/Oct – 1 August Nov/Dec – 3 Oct
NaviENT Navigation System receives CE Mark ClaroNav Kolahi Inc. (CKI), a leader in high accuracy surgical navigation systems, announced that it has received CE Mark approval for the commercial sale of its NaviENT cranial and ENT navigation system in Europe. Over the coming months the company will offer the product for sale to hospitals, clinics and offices performing endoscopic sinus surgery and skull base surgery throughout Europe. NaviENT shows the location of the tip of surgical instruments relative to surrounding anatomy, as seen in a pre-surgical CT scan, to guide surgical intervention. It enables surgeons to confidently make more informed decisions during transnasal surgery, such as when treating sinusitis or skull base tumours. “NaviENT was designed in concert with rhinologists to develop the most user-friendly, accurate, reliable, and affordable navigation system on the market. It is clear that they have achieved their goals. In this case, using is believing,” said Peter Catalano, MD, FACS, FARS, Professor of Otolaryngology, Chief of Otolaryngology, St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Boston. “The system sets up fast, registration is complete in two minutes, and because it has reusable instruments, there are no per-case costs! Lastly, its simplicity speaks to its durability as no maintenance contracts are required.” Surgical navigation can help surgeons in highly variable sinus anatomy to target specific anatomy and avoid critical
areas. It would allow more complete dissection, obviating the need for revision surgery. It results in substantial cost saving by shortening length of hospitalisation compared to non-navigated surgeries. For further information contact: ClaroNav Kolahi Inc T: +1 647 951 1525 F: +1 647 951 1524 E: info@claronav.com www.claronav.com/navient
Schoonenberg is introducing new series in their private label NovaSense and Selectic
Soluvos Medical new ENT products in portfolio
Schoonenberg, as a leading Dutch hearing healthcare company, always seeks innovation. Together with Sonova the company is introducing a new series of models of both the companies private label product lines. NovaSense (known by value for money and proven technology) will present the Elite line, with its most outstanding product the Elite R 10, the smallest RIC. Selectic will be available in the new Luna series hearing aids, as always with latest innovative technology and outstanding performances. Concept and basics are developed by Phonak and their Belong platform. Traditionally retail always followed the R&D of manufacturers in the audiological world. Schoonenberg and Audionova are now a part of leading hearing aid producer Sonova. They can therefore combine the knowledge of customer needs and the possibility of developing the best possible products for compensating a hearing loss. Henry van Ophuizen, marketing manager, says: “We are proud to see that our Schoonenberg mission ‘to make hearing affordable and possible for everyone’ and the claim of AudioNova ‘beyond selling hearing aids’ are so beautifully visible in this launch!”
Soluvos Medical is a distributor specialised in high quality products for airway management, OR- and officebased treatments in the field of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT). Its focus is on innovative ENT treatments performed under local anaesthesia, to reduce pain and recovery time for the patient and to improve quality of life. Recently, the company expanded its portfolio in the Benelux with Boston Medical and bess Medizintechnik products and is very pleased to be able to take care of physician’s requests for the Montgomery® Thyroplasty Implant System. They distribute the following products: A.R.C. WOLF TruBlue Laser – Renú® Voice Injectable implant – Montgomery® Thyroplasty Implant System – Phacon 3D modeling & simulation – RezaBand® UES Assist device – Restech® pH reflux assessment – BOSTON Medical Products for Laryngeal and Esophageal – bess Medizintechnik. Soluvos Medical’s owners Jeroen Doomernik and Rose Henrichs are at the IFOS meeting in Paris from 24-28 June 2017 in the A.R.C. Laser Booth no 2.03. Please come and visit them and learn everything about the new WOLF TruBlue Laser!
For further information contact: Schoonenberg www.schoonenberg.nl
For further information contact: Soluvos Medical T: +31 (0)403 041 717 or UK T: +44 (0)845 528 0071 E: info@soluvos.com www.soluvos.com
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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE
Cochlear™ Carina® System. Invisible. Simple. Powerful
The Cochlear™ Carina® System is a unique middle-ear implant that provides 100% invisible hearing for patients with sensorineural or mixed
hearing loss. It is the only middle-ear implant that features Cochlear’s totally implantable microphone (TIM) along with internal signal processing. Because the system has no externally worn component, patients can enjoy an active lifestyle without worrying about their hearing device. The Carina System is one of the world’s most powerful middle-ear implants with a fitting range of up to 85 dB SNHL. The MicroDrive™ Actuator helps to ensure good and predictable outcomes. With proven performance in quiet and noisy
environments and high patient satisfaction, Cochlear says: “The Cochlear Carina System allows patients to hear the way they want to hear 24 hours a day, no matter where they are or what they’re doing.” For further information contact: Cochlear AG, EMEA Headquarters T: +41 61 205 82 04 E: info@cochlear.com www.cochlear.com
power one – high level hearing “power one connects” – this is the slogan of VARTA Microbattery, a leading hearing aid battery manufacturer, at the 39th UNSAF (L´Union National de Syndicat Audioprothésistes Francaise) conference in Paris and the AudiologyNOW! conference which took place in Indianapolis, USA this year. power one presented its latest generation of high-performance hearing-aid batteries. A product of uncompromising German engineering, power one hearing aid batteries are made in the world’s largest and most modern factory and offer optimum power for every hearing system.
power one connects Connecting people through better understanding, spatial hearing and communication ability – this is a core tenet of the power one philosophy.
Environment
As a premium brand, power one is committed to helping not just people, but nature as well. The company is committed to using environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and materials.
Technology
power one connects innovative energy solutions with leading-edge technology. Precise, highly reliable, fully automatic production systems guarantee the top quality of every single cell. power one stands for new, innovative battery and fabrication technology and a unique, complete assortment of hearing aid batteries, as well as leading-edge rechargeable battery solutions.
power one app 2.0
Whether users are looking for an audiologist, a battery-life check or answers to frequently asked questions about hearing-aid batteries – they can find it all using the new power one app – version 2.0 is now available on the App Store / Google Apps free of charge. This update of the power
one app features an expanded reminder function, a more comprehensive health pass and a battery advisor. This mobile service for your smart device is optimised especially for hearing aid wearers and audiologists. For further information contact: VARTA Microbattery GmbH www.powerone-batteries.com
RESONANCE screening product range launch in US The RESONANCE screening range is the one solution for every screening situation, worldwide appreciated for its wide 7” touch screen, for its full offer of versions to meet the unique needs of each user and the limitless versatility demonstrated to adapt to nationwide screening projects. Delegates had the chance to test the devices in all available configurations, simulating ENT doctors’ daily operations. A special focus was dedicated to the latest paediatric solutions implemented, including VRA test, the integration of video otoscope on R16M, the renewed RE-Play (RESONANCE Play Audiometry) on R17A and the combinations of those features on R15C. RESONANCE, during the last year, has worked in close cooperation with Ear Technology to improve the entire range of products, everything has been conceived to be dedicated to US professionals, from growing practices to institutions and clinics.
Audiology Now! 2017 was the occasion for RESONANCE to support the market introduction of its screening range in collaboration with Ear Technology Corporation.
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For further information contact: RESONANCE or EAR Technology Corporation T: +1 800 327 8547 www.eartech.com www.resonance-audiology.com www.facebook.com/resonance.audiology
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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE
Starkey enriches product portfolio
Hearing aids for Cambodia
This spring, Starkey Hearing Technologies, will release a suite of new technologies and applications to bring patients more of what they want from their hearing devices. The new Acuity OS 2 operating system is designed to deliver patients personalisation at the speeds their lifestyles demand. Five times faster than its predecessor, Acuity OS 2 includes two revolutionary new features and will work with all of Starkey Hearing Technologies Synergy® platform hearing aids. The new Halo 2 RIC 312 is Starkey’s smallest Made for iPhone® hearing aid yet. The nearly invisible Made for iPhone® hearing aid launches alongside TruLink 4.0 for the best hearing experience yet. “Halo 2 is one of our most popular hearing aids. It delivers high-quality performance, clarity of sound, listening comfort, and the connectivity with mobile technology that patients want,” said Starkey Hearing Technologies UK Technical Director, Paul Lamb. Thanks to ZPower, the Muse micro RIC 312 now comes in a rechargeable option. Patients will no longer have to worry about their batteries failing at inopportune times and can simply, “Recharge. Relax. Repeat.” Starkey will also be bringing a new small, simple and affordable mobile phone streaming solution to the market. SurfLink Mini Mobile offers patients the two-in-one advantage of streaming phone calls and enhancing one-on-one conversations. The SurfLink Mini Mobile adapter plugs into the popular SurfLink Remote Microphone 2 to allow patients to connect to any Bluetooth®-ready device and stream phone calls directly to their hearing aids. Neil Pottinger, Sales and Marketing Director, adds: “Both Muse and Halo 2 have taken the market by storm and have been received by patients and professionals alike as game changers. These latest additions will build further on the outstanding success of Starkey’s wireless portfolio.”
Vicki Skeels, MD of the awardwinning Hearing Care Centre in Colchester, visited Cambodia on holiday earlier this year. There she delivered a pack of used hearing aids, donated by clients, to All Ears Cambodia, a hearing clinic and charity based in Phnom Penh. All Ears Cambodia was founded by UK audiologist Glyn Vaughan in 2003 as an independent hearing practice. It also supports hospitals, provides training opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and runs an extensive outreach programme into poorer, rural areas. “All Ears Cambodia provides a unique medical service in a country torn by years of war,” explains Vicki. “During the genocidal regime of the Khmer Rouge, health services were all but destroyed. Today, hearing loss and ear disease receives little or no attention and this is where the charity provides vital support. They refurbish used hearing aids and provide these for free to poorer communities, mostly children. The cost of a digital hearing aid is more than a Cambodian peasant would pay for his house. “We are honoured to be able to make a small contribution towards this worthy cause and will continue to supply the charity with used equipment and hearing aids. Anyone wishing to donate their old hearing aids can drop them into one of our clinics across Essex or call (01206) 760839 for more information.”
For further information contact: Starkey T: 0800 042 0000 www.starkey.co.uk www.starkey.ie
For further information contact: The Hearing Care Centre T: +44 (0)1206 760839 E: reception1@skeelshearing.co.uk www.skeelshearing.co.uk
Treatment of non-allergic rhinitis with kinectic oscillation stimulation
Cochlear recipient from Uganda addresses the WHO
Chordate Medical offers a non-surgical option for non-allergic rhinitis. “I suffered from a congested nose for many years and had tried a number of different treatment methods without any success. After receiving the KOS treatment the difference was like that between night and day. It was wonderful to be able to breathe again without difficulty.” Alf, Stockholm, Sweden. Kinetic Oscillation Stimulation (KOS) is a non-surgical option for the treatment of non-allergic rhinitis. The KOS method stimulates both the nasal mucosa and the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) via a balloon catheter. It is a gentle treatment and is therefore preferred to more invasive methods. No medication is required for patients responding to KOS therapy, it offers improved quality of life. KOS has been found to be effective for up to several months following the treatment. If required, the treatment can be repeated as many times as needed.
On World Hearing Day, 3 March 2017, Elaine Mukaaya and her father Eddie gave a moving presentation to the World Health Organization (WHO) at a special seminar on hearing loss. From Uganda, where access to hearing technology is an almost insurmountable challenge, Eddie and Elaine travelled to Geneva “to make the voice of the voiceless be heard.” Elaine is believed to be the first Ugandan child cochlear recipient and the first child cochlear recipient ever to address the WHO. Eddie Mukaaya described his daughter’s long, emotionally painful journey which led eventually to diagnosis, cochlear implant surgery and intensive speech therapy in the US. Cochlear aims to transform the way the public understands and treats hearing loss. This includes active support for the WHO’s efforts to draw global attention to hearing loss and actions to address it.
For further information contact: Chordate Medical www.chordate.com
For further information contact: Cochlear AG, EMEA Headquarters T: +41 61 205 82 04 E: info@cochlear.com www.cochlear.com
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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE
Interacoustics introduces new OAE and automated ABR screener
A lead audiologist describes her experience with Otometrics
Interacoustics has announced the release of SeraTM, a new handheld OAE and automated ABR screening device. Early identification of hearing loss is vital to ensure normal development of a child’s speech, language and social competencies. Combining OAE and automated ABR screening in a single device, SeraTM offers the opportunity to easily and quickly detect a potential hearing loss in newborns, making it the perfect choice for any hearing screening program. SeraTM offers an intuitive touch screen with easy-to-understand patient preparation instructions. After only a few button presses, the clinician is ready to begin testing. The new SeraTM probe has been designed for newborn ears and ensures a super fit into even the smallest ears. The ABR screening utilises proven CE-Chirp® stimuli and requires minimal tester training.
“I needed two VRA booths for my department which is soon to be relocated. I needed a solution which could be dismantled, moved and modified at a later stage. Otometrics offered this.” Fiona Duncan, Lead Audiologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, describes her experience with Otometrics. “The process was simple from design to implementation. Having one contact for equipment, design, electrics and colour scheme, enabled me to continue to run clinics feeling assured that the project was being managed effectively. “From experience small details are often missed, however, by having a booth designed with the supplier of the equipment meant that these details were incorporated. For example, metal plates have been built into the wall to enable magnetic holders to be used inside to hang the transducers, meaning that the daily battle of wires has been managed. A functional and stylish solution for transducers is just one of the many features incorporated into a soundproof room designed by those who understand audiologist requirements.”
For further information contact: Interacoustics Worldwide: E: Info@interacoustics.com www.interacoustics.com United Kingdom: T: +44 (0)1698 208205 E: sales@interacoustics.co.uk www.interacoustics.co.uk
For further information contact: Otometrics T: +44 (0)870 9000 675 E: info-uk@otometrics.com www.otometrics.co.uk
Audiologist of the Year – there’s still time to enter There is still time to be in the running for prestigious industry award, Audiologist of the Year (AOTY), in its 10th year anniversary. AOTY celebrates the work of top hearing practitioners who have made a positive difference to the lives of their patients. It invites hearing patients from 10 countries
across Europe to nominate their audiologist, highlighting why they deserve to be recognised on an international stage. AOTY is run by leading hearing aid battery manufacturer and division of Spectrum Brands Inc., Rayovac, the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturer’s Association (EHIMA), Audio Infos and the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH). The winning audiologist is in with the chance
to win a cash prize, plus a package of PR activities to promote their practice or department. Entries close on 30th June 2017. Nominations must be submitted by patients, however, audiologists’ promotional resources can be found on AOTY’s new website. For further information contact: Audiologist of the Year www.audiologistoftheyear.co.uk
Free Doctor to Doctor booklets from KARL STORZ
Cochlear™ Nucleus® Kanso® Sound Processor (CP950), the hidden joy of hearing
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.
Cochlear’s new Nucleus® Kanso® Sound Processor is the smallest and lightest off-the-ear sound processor. Using the same hearing technology as Nucleus 6 Sound Processor, the Kanso Sound Processor matches industry-leading performance with minimalist style, discreetness and comfort. For children, the Kanso Sound Processor’s simplicity means earlier independence and self-management of their hearing device. Adult users praise the comfort, look and ease of use offered by the Kanso Sound Processor, with its single button interface and colour options that blend discreetly with hair. A range of magnet strengths and optional retention aids ensure that the Kanso Sound Processor is suitable for any age. The Kanso Sound Processor is compatible with the full range of Cochlear™ True Wireless™ Devices, Cochlear Nucleus Aqua+ Accessory and remote controls. Worn discreetly hidden under the hair, the Kanso Sound Processor provides modern wireless connectivity, with no compromise on hearing performance.
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
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For further information contact: Cochlear AG, EMEA Headquarters T: +41 61 205 82 04 E: info@cochlear.com www.cochlear.com ent and audiology news | MAY/JUNE 2017 | VOL 26 NO 2 | www.entandaudiologynews.com
NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE
Hear Ear® Hear Ear® is a securing clip that fits most BTE hearing aids and cochlear processors. It is unique because it is suitable for all ages including babies as it is a non-choking hazard. Hear Ear® is NHS approved and is being used in hospitals and care homes where it helps to prevent the loss of hearing aids by patients who are unable to care for their belongings. Barbara Lawrence developed Hear Ear® after her elderly mother with dementia lost four NHS hearing aids; two in care homes and two in hospital. “It was very distressing for her to attend the audiology department on numerous occasions because it required a minimum of two appointments each time. During the waiting time for an appointment she was totally isolated and unable to join in any activities or conversations.” Research into the numbers and cost of replacement hearing aids showed that in 2014 over 116,000 devices were replaced at a cost of minimum £9 million for the aged 55+. This did
not account for loss by younger people nor the cost of compensation paid for loss of private hearing aids in hospital. Some patients are unaware that the NHS hearing aid is issued as a “Free on Lifetime Loan” and some Trusts are charging £75+ for a replacement. Hear Ear® wants patients to be responsible for their “free” device by ensuring that it is not lost / damaged and Hear Ear® is the solution to the problem. Hear Ear® is highly visible to enable easy location of the hearing aid but it may be worn discreetly by younger people depending on where it is attached to clothing. Hear Ear® avoids wastage of NHS funds which are under financial pressure. Barbara Lawrence reports: “My mum passed away recently and had not lost her hearing aid in over three years which proved that Hear Ear® worked.”
For further information contact: Hear Ear Audiology Limited T: +44 (0)7749811221 / +44 (0)3300 88 4694 E: info@hearear.co.uk www.hearear.co.uk
Puretone expands 3D printing programme With the current developments in 3D earmould printing and shells for custom-made hearing aids the time had come for two more Puretone distributors to invest in the technology. GP Medical, the exclusive Puretone distributor for Greece and H-EAR the exclusive distributor for Hungary both decided to take on the new venture. Akif Choudhry, Business Development
Manager, visited the distributors last month to help them get started. “I remember a few years ago when the price of a 3D printer was extremely expensive. Now the complete package is just a fraction of the original cost with faster printing times and a more cost effective production, it is most definitely the way forward.” As an authorised reseller for Asiga 3D printers, Akif travelled to Sydney, Australia for extensive product support training. Puretone also works closely with Smart Optics 3D scanners and Cyfex modelling software. For further information please visit the newly developed dedicated website for 3D manufacturing: www.puretone3d. net
For further information contact: Puretone Ltd T: +44 (0)1634 719427 F: +44 (0)1634 719450 E: info@puretone.net www.puretone.net
GN Hearing has launched ReSound LiNX 3D™
ReSound LiNX 3D is designed to take Smart Hearing to new levels and enable people with hearing loss to hear more, do more, and be more anywhere in life, the company said on its website. The company reports that its comprehensive ecosystem seamlessly connects hearing aids,
all wireless accessories, and smartphone apps to make everything work together. With the introduction of ReSound LiNX 3D and the ReSound Smart Fit™ software, an entirely new hearing care experience is made possible. The new hearing care solution also offers remote finetuning and remote hearing aid updates enabled by GN’s proprietary and secure cloud solution. The new ReSound LiNX 3D, the corresponding Beltone Trust™ hearing aids, and the new cloud integration are designed to offer benefits across three key dimensions: Sound quality. With ReSound LiNX 3D – GN Hearing’s 5th-generation 2.4 GHz wireless technology and 3rd-generation binaural directionality – hearing aid users will experience clear, natural sound, exceptional speech understanding, and the best sense of where sounds are coming from. New fitting software and user app. A more efficient and intuitive wireless fitting software simplifies the process and gives hearing care professionals more time for valuable user counselling. A new app allows users to easily personalise and control their sound directly from a smartphone and gives direct access to their hearing care professional. Teleaudiology: Remote fine-tuning capabilities
allow users to receive hearing care and get new settings via the cloud without the need for a clinic appointment. Users will be able to share feedback about any hearing difficulty as the situation occurs and hearing care professionals can offer follow-up services remotely. Anders Hedegaard, CEO of GN Hearing, said: “ReSound LiNX 3D transforms the hearing care industry, meets the modern user’s high demands for superb sound quality, and fulfills our company purpose of making life sound better.” For further information contact: GN Hearing www.resoundpro.com
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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE
Ear Gear welcomed in Cameroon
North of the city Bamenda in Cameroon, you will find Mbingo Baptist Hospital and the Integrated School for the Deaf, both part of the Cameroon Baptist Convention. Ear Gear was fortunate enough to work with Courtney Bell, a speech therapist treating children with severe hearing loss, both acquired and congenital. There are about two hundred students at the school. The climate in Northwest Africa sees excessive rain for three-quarters of the year with overwhelming dust the other quarter. Ms Bell contacted Ear Gear to help the children with issues regarding hearing instruments such as sweat, dirt, moisture, loss and wind noise.
“Our younger students often lost their aid or broke them easily. Few wore them as consistently as I would have preferred.” Ear Gear was happy to send 50 pairs of sleeves to the school. Ms Bell handed out the sleeves and responded, “They were all extremely excited to have them! They eagerly picked out their colour and felt jealous of another student who received theirs before their own.” The hearing instruments will be cleaner, protected from those common rainy days and dusty conditions. Ear Gear’s corded models are easily clipped to the clothing which will also help them from getting lost. Ear Gear looks forward to a continued relationship with Ms Bell and the Mbingo Integrated School for the Deaf. Thank you to everyone at the Cameroon Baptist Convention for the great work that you do and allowing us the opportunity to help these children. Ear Gear welcomes audiology professionals to reach out and tell them about a charity, school in need or any organisation that would benefit from their products. For further information contact: Ear Gear E: info@gearforears.com www. gearforears.com
Paediatric audiometry from PC Werth When it comes to testing nothing is as important as accuracy. When it comes to testing youngest patients, time and attention span become equally crucial. Paediatric solutions from PC Werth embrace both – accuracy and timing. By providing visual stimuli for children, PC Werth guarantees accuracy of the results. The company’s solutions include: Kamplex VRA system, Kamplex tablet r17a and desktop r26m, and Primus Hit. Kamplex r26m has in-built children screen – a series of animations appearing on the colour screen to keep the child distracted while running
tympanometry. The r17a with the revolutionary semi-automated play module allows full diagnostic testing via interactive play. The stand-alone VRA with animated toys provides engaging visual stimuli for children. Indispensable when the young age is an important factor in accurate testing. Finally, the new Hit Pro – not only allows for accurate coupler based fittings, but also can be used as a stand-alone device – is all audiologists need to complete thorough and accurate paediatric audiometry for the youngest patients!
For further information contact: PC Werth www.pcwerth.co.uk
Phonak launches a new lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid and its first titanium-made custom device
Phonak, a leading provider of hearing aids and wireless communication solutions, is extending its Belong platform to the Bolero family of BTE hearing aids, including the highly-anticipated lithium-ion rechargeable Bolero B-PR and the new Virto™ B –Titanium. With Bolero B-PR, Phonak extends its built-in lithium-ion rechargeable technology to a BTE, delivering 24 [1] hours of hearing with one simple charge. “The release of our lithium-ion rechargeable Audéo B-R was one of the most successful product launches in Phonak history,” said Thomas Lang, Senior Vice President of Phonak Marketing. “That’s why we are so excited to announce
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the extension of this pioneering rechargeable technology to the Bolero B-PR only six months later while simultaneously introducing Virto B-Titanium – the tiniest custom instrument Phonak has ever produced.” Phonak Bolero B-PR continues to build upon the proven benefits of the Audéo B-R rechargeable solution. Titanium is super strong, durable, highlyversatile and light-weight. With Virto B-Titanium, Phonak combines the benefits of titanium with the latest 3D printing technology. The custom-made Virto B-Titanium is superdiscreet when worn, making it the perfect solution for first-time hearing aid wearers. Because the titanium shell is half as thin as traditional shells, the overall size is reduced significantly, thus increasing invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) fit rate by 64%. This enables the tiny device to potentially fit patients with smaller ear canals who were not good candidates for IIC devices in the past. Virto B-Titanium and all Bolero B models
including B-M, B-P, B-SP, and the rechargeable B-PR run on AutoSense OSTM, the operating system from Phonak. The updated version of the AutoSense OS analyses sounds every 0.4 seconds and draws upon multiple features, blending them to create over 200 distinct settings to precisely match sound environments. All this is done automatically, without any manual adjustments being made to the hearing aids. 1.
Expected results when fully charged, and up to 80 minutes wireless streaming time.
For further information contact: Phonak www.phonakpro.com
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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE NEWSROUND
SprintTM a new hearing aid fitting concept from Sivantos is now TeleCare ready the attendees saying that they have concrete and tangible learnings from the day, which they can take back for immediate implementation in their clinics. That says to me that the content of the roadshows was pitched just right. What do you think has been the highlight of the roadshow so far? It is impossible to select one single highlight as all of the presentations have been so well received. The presentation from Molly Watt of the Molly Watt Trust really resonated with our audience, giving as it does, the perspective from the other side of the fence; that of an end-user with complex needs. We are also delighted to be able to include Cochlear on the agenda. Cochlear and ReSound have had a successful history of collaborating on technology and product development for many years, which has resulted in us pioneering the worlds smartest bimodal solution. Curtis Alcock’s presentation on dementia care also made people sit up and take note. All in all, it was a really strong agenda.
How can our readers find out more? If anyone is interested in finding out more, I would encourage them to drop an email to Claire Hird in the marketing department at ReSound (chird@gnresound.com) and she will make sure their question is directed to the appropriate person. Finally, we understand you have returned to the UK as Managing Director – could you tell us more about that? For the last six years, I’ve been working in the hearing aid world in a number of different countries across Europe and even further afield. It’s been a great opportunity to see best practices in different places, but I’m excited to be back ‘home’ and pleased to be working alongside so many familiar faces in the UK audiology community! There are many familiar challenges but also some new pressures and opportunities for change. I’m looking forward to listening to the needs and views, supporting and bringing new solutions to drive things forward.
Sprint is a new innovation for NHS audiology services based on the principle of instant fit. support both of these scenarios to the benefit of Sprint is now TeleCare ready. TeleCare was Sprint comprises of highly sophisticated hearing both the patient and the clinic. developed@ReSoundUK to fix a current “blind spot” in hearing aids which deliver a www.resound.com wonderful sound for patients. Call Sarah Banks at Sivantos on the number care. In those days and weeks when a patient is These are fitted within a new patient pathway. below to discuss booking a meeting on Sprint using their hearing aids for the first time after Sprint is evidence based and it was highlighted and TeleCare. their appointment, despite audiologist best that it improves department productivity by efforts, they are on their own. Some patients reducing hearing aid fitting times with patients to use their hearing aids effectively who have aFind mild hearing loss, whilst maintaining out more about Molly Wattstruggle and her organisation, The Molly Watt Trust, at www.molly-watt-trust.org For further information contact: Sivantos during this period and either give up or make both high patient satisfaction and overall T: +44 (0)1293 423703 or follow her on Twitter @mollywatttrust. many return visits to the clinic. TeleCare can www.sivantos.co.uk excellent patient outcomes.
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