ENT& audiology
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Press Releases
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 4 September / October 2017
www.entandaudiologynews.com
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@pinpoint-scotland.com Rosaleen Shine rosaleen@pinpoint-scotland.com Deadlines: Nov/Dec 17 – 03 Oct Jan/Feb 18 – 28 Nov Mar/Apr 18 – 29 Jan May/Jun 18 – 30 Mar
Reliable confirmation of neurological findings – Atmos FEES Portable for dysphagia examinations For cases of suspected dysphagia, Atmos Medizintechnik is presenting a new solution in the form of an integrated system: Atmos FEES Portable for use in fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Everything necessary for the examination is stowed in a rollable case. Atmos FEES Portable has been designed for use in different locations, for outpatient clinics and bedside visits. Just a few simple steps – and the system is ready to use. The examination is carried out transnasally, by first observing pharynx and larynx in a resting position and then during various swallowing attempts. These examinations provide experienced diagnosticians with additional indications; for instance, with stroke patients. The functional design of the endoscope allows the patient to adopt a relaxed position, making the examination less unpleasant. The doctor operates the endoscope comfortably with an ‘all-in-one’ grip that contains the LED light source, the camera electronics and the mechanics of the deflection control. The recording of images is also controlled via the grip. The well-illuminated and clear images and videos are optimised by special software and are then available on the tablet PC in the transport case for further viewing and processing. For a detailed analysis of swallowing patterns, video frames can be viewed either individually or at original speed. A well-thought-out hygiene concept with disinfectable surfaces ensures that patients can be treated at any time with perfectly prepared equipment. Atmos FEES Portable supports doctors in producing comprehensive documentation, simply and directly in the course of the examination. Selected images can be added to the report form by drag and drop. The images can then be stored under individual patients and reports can be generated and filed fast and easily as PDF documents. For further information contact: ATMOS MedizinTechnik GmbH & Co. KG T: +49 (0)7653 689 643 E: nkahl@atmosmed.de
Bailey Instruments Ltd susol® range Bailey Instruments Ltd’s susol® range offers both innovation and a full range of instruments for single use in both operating theatres and outpatients. They have one of the largest ranges of single use Hartmann Crocodile Forceps going down to 0.5mm width jaws in both 85mm and 75mm shaft lengths. Even with conventional instruments the company innovates with materials producing patient-friendly plastic Lack tongue depressors and Thudicum nasal speculae. The Paris IFOS show was a real success for Bailey Instruments Ltd with their new elastic stay retraction system attracting a lot of interest along with the single use micro laryngeal scissors. In fact, discussions highlighted further areas of instrument challenges for finer instruments with extended lumens in terms of decontamination and maintenance that could prompt development of more single use versions to provide safe and fully functional devices for surgeons. For further information contact: Bailey Instruments Ltd T: +44 (0)161 872 8707 E: susol@baileyinstruments.co.uk / sales@baileyinsturments.co.uk www.susol.co.uk
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Resonance’s new distribution agreements in Germany and Romania Resonance’s presence in Germany is being strengthened thanks to the co-operation with a newly established authorised distributor: DATMED GbR, a young company created by a team of highly experienced professionals in the audiology field. Datmed offices are located in strategic locations close to Cologne, Stuttgart and Berlin. In Romania, ArcMed Net, the newly appointed exclusive distributor, marked the beginning of the new co-operation with Resonance with a truly resonating success: the donation of an R17A audiometer by the Rotary Club of Bucharest, with president Marius Leucutia, to the Bucharest Children’s Hospital “Prof Dr Alex. Gomoiu”. The instrument was received by Dr Diana Ionescu who demonstrated it and its outstanding Resonance Play Audiometry feature specifically designed for children, for the Romanian national TV. The event was broadcast on 2 August on the national TV news. For further information contact: Germany: DATMED Oliver Haase +49 (0)160 9469 8054 www.datmed.de
Romania: ARCMED NET Dumitru Gheorge +40 (0)775 654 101 www.arcmednet.ro
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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE
Rayovac, leading the way Rayovac is the first hearing aid battery manufacturer to obtain a medical device licence (MDL) at its US plant for zinc air hearing aid batteries from Health Canada. The UK plant will follow with accreditation in 2018. Achieving this licence is an affirmation to the 360 million people around the globe with disabling hearing loss that the Spectrum Brands, Inc. Rayovac brand can be counted on to deliver high quality, innovative hearing aid batteries. “Obtaining the licence from Health Canada is an assurance to our professional and retail customers in Canada that Rayovac will be there to meet their hearing aid battery needs,” said Glen Rutherford, General Manager at Spectrum Brands, Inc. Rayovac. “Since some manufacturers do not yet have the required MDL, we are seeing this as an important competitive advantage for our customers, as well as Rayovac.” According to Health Canada, “Batteries are considered medical devices when they are designed, manufactured and labelled specifically for use with medical devices.” Hearing aids and hearing aid batteries are Class II medical devices,
which means special licensing is required. To fulfil these requirements, hearing aid manufacturers must obtain an MDL from Health Canada when they want to distribute hearing aid batteries in the Canadian market. Before issuing a licence, Health Canada assesses the output systems for safety, effectiveness and compliance with labelling and other requirements. Since Rayovac’s robust quality system has been ISO certified since the 1990s, the company’s batteries already met most of the requirements for Health Canada’s MDL. Any changes made were focused on labelling and enhanced documentation processes. “Complying with Health Canada’s standards
New Diathermy Abbey Needle with Suction from Single Use Surgical
has impact beyond just our Canadian customers,” said Glen Rutherford, General Manager at Spectrum Brands, Inc. Rayovac. “All of our customers, regardless of market, will benefit from the processes we put into place to meet these requirements. This accomplishment is another indication that Rayovac hearing aid batteries are always at the forefront of quality and safety.” For further information contact: Rayovac www.rayovac.eu www.facebook.com/HearingwithRayovac www.twitter.com/HearwithRayovac
Radiofrequency surgery spares tissue and improves operation comfort
Improve visibility for surgical procedures with a unique combination of precise cauterisation and targeted suction. As part of its extensive ENT range, UK company, Single Use Surgical, has introduced the new Diathermy Abbey Needle with integrated suction for use in submucosal diathermy to turbinates. The Diathermy Abbey Needle with Suction offers smoke extraction at the point of cauterisation, whilst reducing the number of instruments needed at the surgical site. Consultant ENT Surgeon, David Hill, said the Diathermy Abbey Needle with Suction was quicker and less traumatic to use than his usual method.
Contact Single Use Surgical for a free sterile sample.
Radiofrequency offers the advantages of germ-free and pressure-free cuts with minimal bleeding in a very cost-effective way. Besides a dry surgical field, another advantage of the RF cut over ‘cold steel’ cuts is the freedom of movement that can be achieved with a small needle. Radiofrequency is a cost-effective and easy-to-use alternative to a laser or scalpel. It enhances minimally invasive surgical approaches and it certainly enriches the surgical armamentarium. For more details, please also refer to page 54 in this magazine. The comprehensive range of different lengths and custom-made shapes allow for easy access to any surgical site. The range of applications both in the outpatient department and in the OT is expanded while the instruments are reusable. For more information, e.g. on applications for skin surgery, please visit the website www.sutter-med.de or contact a Sutter representative.
For further information contact: Single Use Surgical T: +44 (0)2920 767 800 E: info@susl.co.uk www.susl.co.uk
For further information contact: Sutter T: +49 (0)761 515 510 E: info@sutter-med-de www.sutter-med.de
He added: “Simultaneous clearance of the smoke means you don’t need to alternate between the diathermy needle and the Zoellner sucker, which can often cause minor bleeding. It allows good vision throughout the procedure.” Single use reduces the risk to patient of patient cross-contamination, as well as saving the time and cost that would be required to reprocess instruments. Each suction is made to the highest quality, providing a cost-effective alternative to reusable without the compromise. •
Stainless steel
•
Latex and DEHP free
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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE
Soluvos Medical will attend AAO-HNSF, BLA and CEORL-HNS Congresses Soluvos Medical’s owners, Jeroen Doomernik and Rose Henrichs, will attend the AAO-HNSF in Chicago, USA, at the RegenScientific and A.R.C. Laser booth; the BLA in London 29 September
2017 at the Soluvos Medical booth; and the CEORL-HNS in Barcelona 7-11 October 2017 at the A.R.C. Laser Booth. Please pay them a visit and learn everything
about the new A.R.C. WOLF TruBlue Laser, Renú® Voice injectable implant and RezaBand® UES assist device. Soluvos Medical is an international distributor specialised in high-quality products for airway management, OR and office-based 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. The company distributes the following products: A.R.C. WOLF TruBlue Laser; Renú® Voice Injectable implant; Montgomery® Thyroplasty Implant System; Phacon 3D modelling and simulation; RezaBand® UES Assist device; Restech® pH reflux assessment; BOSTON Medical Products for Laryngeal and Esophageal; bess Medicintechnik; Novatech Microvac and Silicion Sheetings. For further information contact: Jeroen and Rose, Soluvos Medical T: +31 (0)403 041 717 or UK T: +44 (0)845 528 0071 E: info@soluvos.com www.soluvos.com
Phonak to release game-changing Bluetooth hearing aid
PATH Medical introduces new insert earphone and foam ear tips
Phonak, one of the leading global providers of hearing instruments and wireless communication solutions, has launched the Audéo™ B-Direct, a revolutionary hearing aid that directly connects to any Bluetooth ** enabled mobile phone. The new hearing aid is the first product to make use of Sonova’s revolutionary SWORD™ chip and wireless radio technology. Audéo B-Direct delivers excellent sound quality thanks to the proven Belong platform and AutoSense OS™. The low-voltage wireless chip has the lowest power consumption of any hearing aid using Bluetooth Classic, says the company. As it supports the classic Bluetooth protocol, it provides direct connectivity to mobile phones – including Android, iPhone and even classic mobile phones – with no extra body-worn streaming device required. Based on the innovative Belong™ platform, the Audéo B-Direct simplifies the life of consumers by offering them the freedom of direct connectivity, truly hands-free calling, and excellent TV sound quality [1]. Phonak is also announcing an extension of its Belong platform to a new generation of Phonak Virto™ B customised products, the world’s first hearing aids with Biometric Calibration. All new products were made available in the US at the end of August with Europe and other countries worldwide following step by step from September 2017 onwards.
The PATH Insert EarPhone (PIEP) is available in two versions. One for PATH instruments (SENTI and SENTIERO) with its special plug containing calibration information to minimise downtime when exchanging transducers. The second version matches the stereo plug for other audiometer devices. Both versions are more lightweight compared to competing insert earphones to simplify the fitting procedure. Additionally PATH Medical introduces new foam ear tips with better noise attenuation than the well-known versions on the market. The foam tips are adapted to fit the PATH Medical probe tip for all ages which simplifies even recordings in new-borns with the small probe tip. In combination with the unique advantages of Spread Spectrum Technology for ABR (Sp2ABR) or ASSR (SP2ASSR), or the algorithmic advantages of the FMDPOAE® and the patented DPOAE audiogram, the performance and advantages to the user are even more outstanding!
* with Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology and most older Bluetooth phones. Reference 1.
Field Study News under development. Full details available in September 2017 at http://www.phonakpro.com/evidence
For further information contact: Phonak www.phonak.com or www.phonakpro.com
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For further information contact: PATH Medical T: +49 (0)89 800 76 502 E: sales@pathmed.de www.pathme.de
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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE
Organisational changes at Sivantos Limited New appointment: David Smith – Managing Director On 1 July David Smith became the new Managing Director at Sivantos Limited, Crawley, UK. David has 28 years of experience in the hearing aid industry. He joined Sivantos (formerly Siemens Hearing Instruments) as Cost Accounting Manager in 1989, becoming Company Accountant and Commercial Manager before Finance Director in 2004. Prior to Sivantos he worked for Duracell in several sales and technical marketing management positions promoting and selling technical battery solutions to UK government suppliers. Initially qualifying as a chemist, David is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) and has a MBA from Kingston University. With his extensive experience of the UK hearing market, Sivantos believes David will be able to strongly contribute to its group ambition of becoming the number one hearing instrument provider globally. David Smith
Departing: Trevor Andrews After 10 years as Managing Director at Sivantos Limited, Trevor Andrews has left the organisation to pursue new opportunities. Trevor, with his team, has led the company through great periods of change, as well as representing the company on many industry bodies. Sivantos would like to thank him for his support and contribution during this time and wish him well with his future endeavours. Trevor Andrews
For further information contact: Sivantos T: +44 (0)1293 423703 www.sivantos.co.uk
Integrating Ear Gear can help build better patient relationships For over a decade, Ear Gear has protected hearing aids with fashionable acoustically transparent, double walled spandex sleeves. Ear Gear not only protects devices from moisture and dirt but significantly reduces wind and friction noise, chaffing, and loss. There are nearly 200 clinics globally who have integrated Ear Gear into their practices. These audiologists continually report steep declines in trial returns and service appointments. More time is available to be spent with current clientele and attracting new patients, resulting in increased sales. Trusting relationships are built with happier customers knowing they are potentially saving thousands of dollars otherwise spent on damage or loss. After testing Ear Gear’s programmes for a 90-day period, Pro Active Hearing found Ear Gear: • • •
Built stronger relationships Brought in new customers Sold more hearing aids.
BASELINE (BEFORE EAR GEAR TRIAL)
AFTER USING EAR GEAR
“Today’s hearing aid business is getting competitive and we are always looking for ways to differ ourselves from our competitors. One way we have done that, is to include Ear Gear with every new purchase of hearing aids we sell. It not only helps with patient comfort, but also does what it was designed for; cuts down on wind noise and protects from dirt. This in turn reduces the number or returns and repairs, allowing us to spend more time seeing new patients and selling more hearing aids. Ear Gear has made the difference that we were looking for to stay competitive in today’s hearing aid market.” Michelle and Richard Jones, Owners of Pro Active Hearing, New Mexico, USA. The following marketing tools are available to all Ear Gear dealers: • Testimonial programme • Brochures • Sizing ruler • Display stand and packaging • Posters • Website directory • Exclusive discounts / sales. For more information on becoming an Ear Gear dealer, please visit www.gearforears.com For more information contact: Ear Gear E: info@gearforears.com www.gearforears.com
Free Doctor to Doctor booklets from KARL STORZ
KARL STORZ Endoscopy continues to make significant contributions to education across
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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. 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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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE
New custom extended tip for EASYWEARTM Widex has announced the availability of the extended custom tip for Widex EASYWEARTM, a new custom shell that allows hearing healthcare professionals the flexibility to provide the option that best fits their clients. Benefits of the new custom tip include: • Longer tip length to optimise gain, reduce risk for feedback, and provide better retention in the ear. • An extended sound bore to provide double wax protection. By putting a Nanocare™ waxguard at the end of the receiver and then
again at the end of the shell, the receiver has double the protection against wax and debris. Users have been enjoying the benefits of the new extendable tip which now boasts more comfort and accurate fitting. The option is available for Widex EASYWEAR RIC S, M and P-receivers, and for THIN TUBE 0.9 and 1.4. For further information contact: Widex E: marketing@widex.co.uk
German team sponsored by power one: energy for peak performance At the 23rd Deaflympics from 18-30 July 2017 in Samsun, Turkey, the Olympic Games for persons with hearing disabilities, some 4000 athletes from 80 nations competed for medals in 21 disciplines. The German team brought 110 athletes to Turkey. The team was supported and equipped by power one, which has been a partner and sponsor of the Deutscher Gehörlosen-Sportverband DGS (German Deaf Sport Federation) for many years. “The DGS and its top athletes benefit from business support. That’s why we’re so pleased that VARTA Microbattery has been our partner since 2011. Many of our athletes wear hearing aids or implants that depend on batteries,” explains Peter Fiebiger, Communications Manager, Samsun 2017, Deutscher Gehörlosen-Sportverband e.V. With its power one brand, VARTA Microbattery, a subsidiary of VARTA AG based in Ellwangen, Germany, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hearing aid batteries. The market continues to grow steadily, and today VARTA Microbattery enables 25 million people around the world to reliably hear again. “The German athletes can always depend on their hearing aids during competition, because they’re powered by high-performance power one cells,” says Torsten Schmerer, General Manager Retail at VARTA Microbattery. “We’re proud to support the German team.” Information on the Games and the German athletes may be found at www.samsun2017.de.
Interacoustics takes Micromedical VisualEyes VNG software to the next level with rotational chair testing
For further information contact: VARTA Microbattery GmbH www.powerone-batteries.com
Starkey Zpower provides convenient, all-day power
Interacoustics, which prides itself on being one of the leading balance specialists in the field, has upgraded its current VisualEyesTM VNG software to include rotational chair testing. The new VisualEyesTM 515/525 software now supports a wide range of rotational chair tests, such as sinusoidal harmonic acceleration, step test, VOR suppression test and visual VOR test. According to Interacoustics, rotational chair testing is still the gold standard procedure for evaluation of bilateral peripheral vestibular weaknesses. New in VisualEyesTM is also the implementation of report and findings templates, as well as integration of USB cameras that support Interacoustics goggles. Both monocular and binocular configurations are available.
Hearing professionals are enjoying great success with the recently launched Starkey Zpower rechargeable battery option. ZPower is compatible with Muse micro RIC 312t hearing aids, Starkey’s newest, best-sounding hearing aids ever. Replacing batteries can be a source of frustration for patients. Even with 20/20 vision and steady hands, the process of getting batteries out of their packaging, removing the tabs and inserting them in the hearing aid can be challenging. With ZPower®, hearing professionals can offer a rechargeable solution that avoids the hassle of disposable batteries and offers patients continuous, stable and uninterrupted use throughout the day. Patients simply set their Muse micro RIC 312t hearing aids on the ZPower charger overnight, instead of replacing the batteries every few days. One pair of ZPower batteries can take the place of an estimated 200 disposable batteries and should last an entire year before needing to be replaced.
For further information contact: Interacoustics Worldwide: United Kingdom: E: info@interacoustics.com T: +44 (0)1698 208 205 www.interacoustics.com E: sales@interacoustics.co.uk www.interacoustics.co.uk www.interacoustics.co.uk
For further information contact: Starkey Laboratories UK Limited T: +44 (0)161 483 2200 F: +44 (0)161 483 9833 E: marketing@starkey.co.uk www.starkey.co.uk / www.starkey.ie
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Award-winning treatment gives hope to UK tinnitus sufferers A revolutionary treatment which treats tinnitus while the patient sleeps has won a top prize at a prestigious medical award ceremony. The Levo® Therapy System for Tinnitus was awarded the gold prize in the Digital Health Products and Mobile Medical Apps category at the 19th Annual Medical Design Excellence Awards (MDEA) in the USA. Available exclusively at The Tinnitus Clinic, which operates 10 centres across the UK, Levo uses iPod technology to deliver a personalised tinnitus sound straight to the brain while the patient sleeps. The brain learns to ignore the hissing or buzzing and over time, the patient notices the tinnitus sounds less during the day. The sound-based therapy, which sees an iPod being approved for use as a medical device for the first time, has already been providing relief for tinnitus sufferers in the US since 2014. Developed by a team at Otoharmonics® Corporation, based in Portland, Oregon, USA,
Levo is an FDA cleared and CE approved soundbased therapy which works with the brain’s natural plasticity to help the brain get used to, or habituate, to the tinnitus sound within the hearing centre of the brain. Mark Williams, Chief Audiologist at The Tinnitus Clinic, London, said: “As the only clinic in the UK to offer this treatment to tinnitus sufferers, we are pleased to see Levo recognised for its innovative use of technology. “Levo has been designed for use during sleep when our brains are naturally more responsive to sound therapies, and it has been demonstrated to provide relief from symptoms faster than ever before.” For further information contact: The Tinnitus Clinic T: +44 (0)203 326 1777 E: info@thetinnitusclinic.co.uk. www.thetinnitusclinic.co.uk
Cochlear’s world-leading wireless technology delivers a new standard in cochlear implants hearing care Cochlear’s True Wireless® Surgery solutions – namely the CochlearTM Nucleus® CR220 Intraoperative Remote Assistant now complemented with the Cochlear CR220 Data Viewer – provide fast and easy intraoperative measurements for considerable time-savings with same surgical confidence. The CR220 Intraoperative Remote Assistant can be used by any operating room professional, takes only four minutes to perform the measurements across all 22 electrodes, and ensures non-disturbance of the sterile field thanks to its wireless capability. Cochlear’s True Wireless Care solutions – namely the Cochlear Wireless Programming Pod
New video frenzel solution from Interacoustics: Physiotherapists now have a powerful tool to diagnose dizzy patients
and Nucleus Fitting Software with touch-screen interface (NFS Touch) untethers patients and clinicians from the desk for a more comfortable and natural fitting experience. NFS Touch has been specifically designed for an increased visual focus on patients and offers the capability to fit in real-life listening environments which could lead to better real-life performance outcomes for patients. For further information contact: Cochlear AG, EMEA Headquarters T: +41 61 205 82 04 www.cochlear.com
New NanoComm with Bluetooth 4.1
With the release of a new video frenzel software, the Micromedical VisualEyesTM 505, Interacoustics has opened the door to the physiotherapist market. Peter Brøndum, Director of Product Management says: “Many vestibular patients see a physiotherapist. That’s why we see a potential for physiotherapists to invest in a video frenzel solution. Our solution offers touch capable software and remote control options. Combined with the ability to perform nystagmus tests in cases where fixation is not needed to get perfect eye movements, it fits perfectly to the physiotherapist market and others who are looking for a simple VNG solution.” In addition to recording of eye movements, the new 505 software offers room camera and customisable protocols as well as USB goggle solutions that support the Interacoustics side mounted camera.
Puretone is pleased to be launching the latest in its NanoComm line, NanoComm Bluetooth. The NanoComm Bluetooth is a self-contained, custom moulded, Bluetooth headset with a noise reduction boom microphone and stereo output. Whether listening to music or making calls, the headset will keep the user’s hands free, making it the ideal product for sports and work environments, and with the optional ProtectHear earpiece with its 29dB SNR rating and EN352 certification it’s the perfect solution for noisy environments. Weighing only 12 grams the NanoComm Bluetooth is lightweight and comfortable, even for extended use.
For further information contact: Interacoustics Worldwide: United Kingdom: E: info@interacoustics.com T: +44 (0)1698 208 205 www.interacoustics.com E: sales@interacoustics.co.uk www.interacoustics.co.uk
For further information contact: Puretone Ltd T: +44 (0)1634 719 427 F: +44 (0)1634 719 450 E: info@puretone.net www.puretone.net
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CochlearTM Nucleus 7® – only Made for iPhone cochlear implant sound processor personality and lifestyle, combining comfort and wearability with proven hearing performance, for the best possible hearing anywhere, any time. ConnectYourWayTM Made for iPhone and True Wireless options keep people connected to those they care about, in environments they enjoy, without the inconvenience of wires.
Introducing the smallest and only Made for iPhone® cochlear implant processor which delivers clinically proven hearing performance.
ready to amplify low frequency sounds, so your patients can keep what they have and get back what they are missing.
HearYourWayTM Cochlear’s industry-leading technologies help patients hear their best wherever they are. The Nucleus 7 Sound Processor also comes Hybrid
WearYourWayTM Nucleus 7 is Cochlear’s smallest and lightest behind-the-ear sound processor. New, easy-to-use retention options provide a great fit for every
CareYourWayTM With the CR310 Remote Control, Wireless Programming, and Data Logging Customer Support, Cochlear is there to help when and where you need it. For further information contact: Cochlear AG, EMEA Headquarters T: +41 61 205 82 04 www.cochlear.com
Starkey UK team join hearing mission in Armenia In June, a five-strong team from Starkey Hearing Technologies in Stockport joined a Starkey Hearing Foundation Mission in Armenia to deliver better hearing to those in need. Across five days, the team saw over 1600 patients during the 1st Phase of the mission, which involved identifying patients and working with a local team to carry out otoscopy, hearing screening and impression taking for hearing instrument provision. The Starkey Hearing Foundation was set up by Starkey Hearing Technologies’ CEO and owner William F Austin, in 1984. The Foundation works to give the gift of hearing to those in need around the world. There are countless stories of how the Foundation changes lives across the globe by opening up the world of sound, from a young girl being given the opportunity to go to school, to a mother hearing her son say “I love you” for the first time. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 360 million people have disabling hearing loss, with the greatest prevalence living in developing countries. Unfortunately, less than three percent of these individuals can afford
hearing aids or even have access to the care they need. The Foundation works tirelessly to change this by building strong partnerships, empowering local teams to set up communitybased hearing healthcare models around the world. The Foundation has cared for more than 1.1 million patients and provided 1.9 million hearing devices in over 100 countries and has committed to giving more than one million hearing aids to people in need over the next decade. It is supported by a host of high profile and celebrity names, including Richard Branson, Bill Clinton, Elton John and many more. The Starkey Team will return to Armenia in October for Phase 2, which will involve the fitting of hearing instruments, counselling and aftercare. For more information, visit the Starkey Team blog at www.starkeyukteaminarmenia.wordpress. com or visit www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org.
For further information contact: Starkey Laboratories UK Limited T: +44 (0)161 483 2200 F: +44 (0)161 483 9833 E: marketing@starkey.co.uk www.starkey.co.uk / www.starkey.ie
A new evoked potentials audiometer from PC Werth PC Werth is pleased to announce the launch of Socrates – a new evoked potentials audiometer. Socrates offers a fully comprehensive battery of tests with neat and innovative features allowing rapid complex diagnostics. Focusing on an easy to use workflow combined with powerful data processing allows Socrates to easily integrate with clinical workflow. Featuring a wide range of tests including ABR, cortical ERA, ASSR and VEMP, Socrates efficiently delivers accurate diagnoses. Designed in collaboration with both clinicians and researchers, the new evoked potentials clinical audiometer has highly customisable protocols that deliver results with technical excellence.
• • • • • •
Simplified interface to perform tests in a few clicks High test repeatability saving time High resilience to artefacts for more accurate results Customised assessment protocol for individual needs Biofeedback for further diagnosis Intelligence, flexibility and customisation development to facilitate workflow
For further information contact: PC Werth T: +44 (0)20 8772 2700 www.pcwerth.co.uk
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New audiologist joins Sivantos Sivantos Limited is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Daniel Thirsk who will be covering the North West of England and Eire. Since graduating with a BSc in Audiology from De Montfort University in 2008, Daniel has accrued a wealth of experience in the industry in both public and private sectors. Initially in the public sector, he worked for six large NHS Foundation Trusts throughout the country where he honed his clinical skills in hearing aid dispensing, diagnostics (including vestibular), adult rehab and paediatrics.
In the private sector, he worked for a wellestablished AIHHP accredited independent hearing care company. Outside of work Daniel enjoys cycling, travel and music.
Daniel Thirsk For further information contact: Sivantos T: +44 (0)1293 423703 www.sivantos.co.uk
Auritec presents new measurement tools for CI rehabilitation Auritec’s audiometry AT1000-PED and solutions for VRA are in use in most of German CI rehabilitation centres. For diagnostics, as well as for rehabilitation of hearing disorders, the clinical audiometer convinces the users through different options: • wide range of audiometry loudspeakers • integrated tympanometer • speech in noise tests in several languages (Matrix test, AAST) • customised furniture concept adapted to all patients • new remote control for running the audiometric functions and VRA software with one hand. The newest addition to the clinical audiometer AT1000 is ERKI – the first scientifically based measurement system of spatial hearing. The focus is on reproducible and systematic recording of
acoustic localisation performance, independent from head and body position of the patient. Set up: • • •
Audiometry table with five loudspeakers and generation of 32 virtual sound sources Random presentation of the 37 sound sources at 5° intervals Response recording by a control dial and LED light strip
ERKI allows the diagnosis of auditory processing disorder, the choice between different hearing aids, CIs or other hearing instruments and the bilateral and binaural fitting of CI processors. Different measurements have been done with CI implantees, showing spatial localisation accuracy in different cases (SSD, bimodal,
bilateral) and its development over a certain period of time. (Source: Jade University of applied sciences – Oldenburg, Germany.) The main results have been collected with children. Thanks to the modular construction of AT1000-PED, ERKI can be implemented with patients of all ages. Auritec looks forward to the 62nd International Hearing Aid Acoustician Congress (EUHA) in Nuremberg, Germany. Auritec’s booth: B16
Contact: AURITEC GmbH T: +49 (0)4069 6540 0 E: sales@auritec.de www.auritec.de/en
Introducing CochlearTM Baha® SoundArc – hearing that moves you Hearing technology has evolved fast with sound processors which now feature state-of-the-art signal processing, Made for iPhone® technology and direct-to-device wireless streaming. The first hearing experience of the Baha System for candidates is one of the most significant factors influencing the decision to get a Baha System. Despite the progress in Baha Sound Processor technology, an easy solution for demonstration purpose has not moved on with offerings of headband, testband and softband. They work well but they are not always appealing, discreet, easy to use and comfortable – people might be put off from wearing them outside in real life listening environments. The Baha SoundArc is a comfortable, stylish and effective non-surgical bone conduction
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device that works in conjunction with the Baha 5 Sound Processors. It is indicated for patients with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss and single sided sensorineural deafness. It can be used in a demo counselling situation and as an alternative to the Baha Softband. The sleek, modern appearance is designed to be as discreet
and practical as a pair of glasses – easy to wear at home, work, school or when socialising. For further information contact: Cochlear AG, EMEA Headquarters T: +41 61 205 82 04 www.cochlear.com
ent and audiology news | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | VOL 26 NO 4 | www.entandaudiologynews.com
NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE
QS1 audiology booth for Harley Street Hearing Clinic After successfully launching the new QS1 audiometric testing booth into the market, one of the first products now resides at the prestigious Harley Street Hearing in London. QuietStar were approached by one of its specialist audiological partners with a very specific brief. The booth required needed to fit into a very specific sized alcove within an existing clinical testing room. Having been let down by a previous supplier as the booth supplied did not fit within the allotted space, QuietStar were contacted for help and advice. The QS1 audiology booth was suggested as a high performance was required, but more importantly, it would fit within the tight space. With an available footprint of barely enough space to fit the booth, QuietStar were confident that they could supply and install the facility effectively. As the alcove was only open on one side, some modifications were required to ensure patient comfort whilst inside the booth. As standard, the QS1 audiology booth is fitted with a window in one of the side walls, with a jack panel below to allow audiometer connections. For this particular project, the window required
moving to the door panel. QuietStar designed a new bespoke door panel to accommodate a window, albeit with slightly smaller clear view dimension to that of the standard wall mounted version. A new wall panel was also designed and fitted without a window whilst keeping the jack panel in the same position. As part of the installation, the QS1 Booth was delivered in kit form and assembled on-site within the tight alcove space. A small access hole was neatly cut and appropriately sealed, within one of the surrounding plasterboard walls to allow wires to be changed in the jack panel, if required. QuietStar finished the booth internally by lining
3 of the walls with a smart, stylish and robust acoustic stretched wall fabric system, giving the bespoke QS1 booth, a high end look & feel and further improved acoustics within. For further information contact: QuietStar Limited T: +44 (0)1252 674327 E: info@quietstar.co.uk www.quietstar.co.uk
Oticon, Inc partners with legendary rock band Styx to stream world’s first live rock concert to Oticon Opn™ wearers
Oticon, Inc. joined forces with chart-topping rock band, Styx, for a live broadcast exclusively for fans wearing Oticon Opn™ internetconcert connected hearing aids. The broadcast was the first time a live performance was delivered directly to hearing aid wearers, enabling them to stream the heart-pumping sounds of Styx classic hits directly to their Opn hearing aids. The live concert was broadcast on 22 August from the PNC Arts Center in
Holmdel, NJ. Oticon has been working with individual Styx concert venues to provide information on hearing health and hearing protection to summer concert-goers. “The Styx live broadcast gives us an upbeat, exciting way to not only reach Opn wearers but to remind people of all ages about the importance of hearing health,” said Oticon Vice President of Marketing, Sheena Oliver. “Through our partnership with Styx, we demonstrate how Opn enables people with hearing loss to ‘rock on’ and actively participate in all of life’s moments and memories.” Oticon Opn is already bringing the open sound experience to more people with an expanded family and features including the convenient rechargeable miniRITE, the miniRITE-T, the powerful BTE 13 PP and integrated Tinnitus SoundSupport™. With its ability to connect to and interact with the internet, Opn can communicate directly with a full range of connected devices, so wearers can listen to TV; connect with doorbells and other smart devices; and even get the weather or listen to a concert – all through their hearing aids. For further information contact: Oticon www.oticon.com/opn
The NV1 RHINOSPIROMETER allows the objective measurement of severity of Nasal Septum Deviation As the patient breathes in through two nasal adaptors, the volume of air through each side of the nose is measured. A nasal partitioning ratio (NPR) can be easily calculated from the nasal volumes. Clinical work published suggests that NPR values within a range of +/-‐ 0.3 are normal while figures greater than that indicate a degree of asymmetry, which may benefit from surgery. It can be used as a free standing instrument or it can be supplied PC linked with appropriate software For further information contact: enquiries@gm-‐instruments.com, visit our website www.gm-‐instruments.com or call us on +44(0)1294 554 664
ent and audiology news | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | VOL 26 NO 4 | www.entandaudiologynews.com
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