Unitron releases Conversa™

FigureKITCHENER, ONTARIO— Unitron Hearing launched Conversa™ at the American Academy of Audiology (Aaa) Annual Convention held last month in San Antonio. Conversa is intended to offer a new and convenient solution to the everyday problems people with hearing loss have in using the telephone. It is also designed to reduce feedback and diminish background noise to provide more comfortable listening. According to Unitron Hearing, the ClearCall technology incorporated in the new hearing aid attacks feedback within milliseconds of telephone use and eliminates the need for a telecoil or a separate program. Conversa wearers can pick up the phone and begin talking without fiddling with switches or experiencing feedback. The manufacturer explains that, unlike phase-canceling feedback technologies that can take up to 12 seconds to respond, Conversa's real-time feedback canceler reacts almost instantly, simultaneously attacking multiple feedback peaks at different frequencies without diminishing the clarity of the speech signal. Unitron also tells hearing professionals that Conversa reduces fine-tuning and fit-related remakes due to feedback and occlusion problems. Conversa's additional features include 16 channels, 3 listening programs, quiet mode expansion, manual volume control, and a low-battery warning. It is suitable for a range of hearing losses from mild to severe/profound, and is MLx-compatible (BTE only). Circle 201 on Reader Card Gaia from Oticon promises “balance in hearing” SOMERSET, NJ— Oticon, Inc., has introduced Gaia, a fully digital hearing instrument designed to offer a new balance in hearing by combining speech intelligibility and comfortable sound quality in a single instrument. The new product features the Gaia Sound System, a new amplification strategy that consists of a proprietary comfort-based rationale and a set of dedicated sound-quality-enhancing features, built around OpenEar Acoustics™. According to Oticon, “The result is a hearing instrument designed to satisfy the needs of experienced users and to provide new users with a smoother adjustment period.” The Gaia rationale is developed to make a wide range of speech audible to users while preserving loudness comfort in both quiet and noisy situations. Gaia also offers a choice among ASA2, NAL-NL 1, and DSL[i/o] rationales for increased fitting flexibility. OpenEar Acoustics, using dynamic feedback cancellation technology, allows increased vent size. In addition to reducing or eliminating occlusion, the company says that this system preserves the important characteristics of more natural hearing, making it easier for first-time users to adapt to their new hearing aids. The Gaia product family ranges from CICs to compact BTEs. ITEs and BTEs are available with manual override or directionality to provide maximum flexibility. Circle 202 on Reader Card GN Otometrics launches Pedihear SCHAUMBURG, IL— GN Otometrics introduced PediHear™, an innovative approach that draws on both ICS Medical and Madsen, at the 2003 AAA Convention. PediHear offers practitioners and their patients a comprehensive approach to screening, diagnosing, and managing pediatric hearing loss. “With universal infant hearing screening becoming mandatory nationwide, ready access to superior screening and diagnostic equipment, continuing education, information management software, and patient support is vital for audiologists, ENTs, and pediatricians,” said Del Bloem, president of GN Otometrics, North America. “PediHear brings all of the pieces of the puzzle together by providing a variety of tools in the practitioner's office, on the Internet, and within the professional community.” PediHear seeks to advance pediatric hearing by developing new technology and providing the latest information for practitioners and their youngest patients. It contains four key elements: screening and diagnostic equipment, an in-depth web site located at www.pedihear.com, software solutions, and training and support services. PediHear's portfolio of screening and diagnostic equipment currently includes AccuScreen®, Capella OAE®/CHARTR OAE™, CHARTR EP®, and Aurical®. Slated for introduction later this year is an auditory steady state response (ASSR) capability within CHARTR EP. The new web site www.pedihear.com is an interactive resource designed to provide both practice management tools and patient support references. Information on coding and testing protocols, relevant scientific articles about pediatric hearing issues, regular monthly legislative updates and information about all PediHear products are available to practitioners, while patient information pamphlets and links to patient support sites offer a ready resource for patients' families. PediHear offers practitioners software solutions for practice management, including integrated product databases for storing and accessing patient files and optional office management systems. It also features simple NOAH interfaces for storing audiometric data. OZ, a tracking program for universal screening management, is also available. PediHear provides on-site training and on-going technical support for all its equipment. It also offers published testing protocols that facilitate testing and data analysis. Additionally, there are plans to offer accredited continuing education courses in the near future. Circle 203 on Reader Card Beltone cookbook makes wishes come true CHICAGO— Frog Eye Salad, Moonshine Pie, Gone All Day Stew, and Top of the Morning Cinnamon Rolls are just a few of the 500 mouth-watering dishes offered in a recently released cookbook entitled Recipes for Success. Featuring recipes submitted by employees and its national network of hearing care practitioners, Beltone Electronics published and sold the book and then donated the $7000 in proceeds to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The organization grants the wishes of children with a life-threatening illness.Figure: Pictured from left are Michelle Jimenez, corporate relations manager, Make a Wish Foundation of Northern Illinois; Jim Curran, president of Beltone; and Gail Curran, who initiated the cookbook project.“We really wanted to make a contribution to a cause that would benefit children,” said Jim Curran, president of Beltone. “The thing we love about Make-a-Wish is that you can actually see how your contribution directly impacts a child's life.” Gail Curran, wife of the company president, first proposed the idea of creating a cookbook at a Beltone meeting last July. After gaining approval for the plan, she asked Beltone employees and hearing care practitioners across the country to submit their favorite recipes. The response was overwhelming. Even after extensive editing, 500 recipes made the cut and appeared in the finished book. The cookbooks, which sold for $10 each, were published in September 2002 and sent out in time for Thanksgiving. “Taking the time to compile and produce this wonderful recipe book was a true labor of love by the entire Beltone family,” said Michelle Jimenez, corporate relations manager for the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Northern Illinois. “Thanks to Beltone's efforts and to everyone who bought the cookbook, one of our children will have a chance to make their wish come true.” The Beltone contribution went to Haley, a 3-year-old from Cook County, IL, with Wilm's tumor. Her wish to take her family to Disney World will be fulfilled with the donation money. Beltone awards President's Cup Beltone Electronics Corporation awarded the prestigious President's Cup to Lynn Ledford and Eddie Ledford Jr., of Newport News, VA, at its 2003 national meeting held in March in Miami. The President's Cup has been awarded annually since 1958 to hearing care practitioners demonstrating exceptional patient care, community involvement and professional business practices. Jim Curran, president of Beltone USA, stated, “This award recognizes those practitioners whose professionalism and care go well beyond their office and into the community.” Beltone's national meeting included a series of educational sessions for hearing care practitioners, with a focus on sharing ideas and participating in seminars on new technologies, patient-care techniques, and advanced practice management concepts. The 5-day meeting concluded with a cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas. Throughout the meeting, Beltone also gave performance awards to practitioners across the country whose work represents Beltone's vision of exceptional patient care. Rayovac announces improvementsFigureMADISON, WI—Rayovac has announced performance improvements in Extra® brand hearing aid batteries designed to help those with severe hearing loss. The new Extra battery technology is reported to offer up to 50% more power than prior Extra “high power” batteries (Rayovac H675A and H13A) in high-demand hearing aids. This increase in power eliminates the need for persons with severe hearing loss to purchase special high-power batteries that have a shorter life in regular aids. In addition to performance upgrades, Rayovac reports that packaging improvements have been made, including longer battery tabs that are easier to grasp and a ratcheting, double dial that clicks in place to position a battery squarely in front of the door. A snap-tight door design securely holds batteries in the dial. Rayovac Extra zinc-air hearing aid batteries are available in sizes 13, 312, 10, 675, and 5. Circle 204 on Reader Card Renata celebrates 50th anniversaryFigureDALLAS—Sy Kessler Sales, Inc., sole U.S. importer of Renata Premium batteries to hearing healthcare professionals, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Swiss-made brand. Renata has produced billions of micro-batteries for leading names in the watch, consumer electronics, and hearing healthcare industries. Renata batteries are selected as original equipment by hearing aid manufacturers, including Sonic Innovations, and can be obtained from Westone Laboratories, Oaktree Products, Precision Laboratories, and directly from Sy Kessler Sales, Inc. Circle 205 on Reader Card Oval Window has new loop test set NEDERLAND, CO— Oval Window Audio has introduced the FSM induction loop test set. The FSM is a complete measurement system for setting up and confirming proper operation of induction loop assistive listening systems as per international standards IEC118-4 and BS6083, part 4. The system consists of a hand-held LED display meter and CD recording of test signals. The measurement range is −39 dB to +18 dB, selectable flat or A-weighted. Tests include field strength, frequency response, background noise, and listening checks. Dual insert earphones, carrying case, calibration, and installation conformity certificates are included.FigureCircle 206 on Reader Card AHAA draws record throng LAS VEGAS— More than 400 associates and exhibitors attended the eighth annual convention of American Hearing Aid Associates (AHAA), held here in February. This was a record turnout. Many of the almost 30 program sessions focused on positioning practices to increase revenue in a down economy. An attendee, Ronda Condie, MS, of Sandy, UT, typified the positive response to the program in saying, “I learned so much and got many ideas for new marketing tactics to increase my business.” At the convention, AHAA announced the 2003 national advertising campaign for its network members. It will use such major magazines as Modern Maturity (AARP), Saturday Evening Post, USA Today Weekend, and Prevention. It will also be in 200 local, regional, and major metropolitan newspapers and on selected cable TV channels and programs, including BBC America, Biography, and Discovery Health. AHAA also officially introduced a comprehensive compliance guide for HIPAA that it has produced for its network members. On CD-ROM, the guide explains the act and gives associates the tools they need to bring their practices into compliance. Each year at its convention, AHAA recognizes outstanding marketing efforts of its associates. Megan Nightingale, AuD, of Poulsbo, WA, received top honors for 2002 for her practice's local advertising programs. Also honored for exceptional performance in 2002 were 5 of AHAA's 18 regional managers. Renee Erno was named national regional manager of the year. Divisional regional managers of the year were Jeff Livingston, Central division; Pat Marotta, Northeast division; Kerri Bell, Southeastern division; and Tod Borges, Western division. AHAA will return to Las Vegas next February for its 9th annual convention. Circle 207 on Reader Card AuDNet launches new services BURNSVILLE, MN— On February 1, AuDNet, Inc., launched its AuDSure Risk and Benefits Management Service. This program offers AuDNet members access to discounted business insurance and employee benefits products. It has already saved individual AuDNet members as much as $6000 a year in insurance premiums, and offers AuDNet members the opportunity to secure affordable and competitive employee benefits packages. Last month, at the AAA Convention, AuDNet launched AuDView Information Management, a web-based marketing and practice-management system. Through AuDView, practices can manage their patient scheduling, administrative data collection, and marketing programs through the Internet. Marketing activities such as client-retention mailings and marketing events are automated, so that all the practice has to do is schedule the activities. Finally, AuDNet and the Academy of Dispensing Audiologists launched at the AAA Convention the first in a series of AuD and Audiology Care Branding Campaign strategies. An AuD Degree Local Market Branding/Promotion Kit is now available to vested AuDNet members. Further information is available at the AuDNet web site, www.aud-net.com. Circle 208 on Reader Card Dome receives endorsements SAN DIEGO— ContentScan has announced that the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the American Academy of Audiology, and the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists have endorsed its Communication Sciences and Disorders Dome as a member benefit. The Dome is an information service developed for educators, students, clinicians, and researchers in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. The Dome quickly retrieves reliable information from multiple information sources, including, books, journal articles, dissertations, authors, institutions, and web sites. A free trial of the Dome premier information service will be available in the members section of the web sites of the three associations and also at www.comdisdome.com. Circle 209 on Reader Card HIPAA-compliance guide published SANTA ROSA, CA— Paul Popp, PhD, president of the North American Institute for Auditory Prosthetics, has announced the availability of HIPAA Privacy and Security Manual: The “How To” Guide to Achieve HIPAA Compliance. This 375-page document provides healthcare professionals with a step-by-step approach to HIPAA compliance. The manual includes a training program on HIPAA for employees, sample training test questions, FAQs, checklists, forms, and policies. An introduction to the manual is available at www.howtohipaacomply.com. Circle 210 on Reader Card

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