Starkey Hearing Research Center Staff Presents Around the World
_______________________

Researchers Share Knowledge at Conferences in Columbia, Scotland and Sweden

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 16, 2010 – The Starkey Hearing Research Center <http://www.starkeyresearch.com> , a division of Starkey Laboratories, Inc <http://www.starkeypro.com> ., is proud to announce that its staff has been invited to speak at a number of prestigious conferences around the world this spring. In order of timing:

-       Karrie Recker, Ph.D., will present on three different hearing aid-related topics including Acceptable Noise Level, Hearing Aids and Cell Phones, and High-Frequency Real-Ear Measurements at the VII National Convention of Audiology & EXPO 2010 in Bogota, Columbia Feb. 17-20. The event is organized by the Columbian Association of Audiology.

-       Sridhar Kalluri, Ph.D., will present “Binaural function and its benefits for wearers of hearing aids” to the Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals in Edinburgh, Scotland on Feb. 26.

-       Brent Edwards, Ph.D., will present “Binaural Psychoacoustic Considerations for Hearing Aid Processing” as the opening keynote address for the Swedish Association for Technical Audiology in Stockholm, Sweden on March 17.


“We are excited to have the opportunity to share our research and insights with audiology communities around the world,” said Dr. Edwards. “It is an honor to be seen as a leader in hearing research, and we look forward to the opportunity to share our knowledge.”


The Starkey Hearing Research Center is located in Berkeley, Calif., and is staffed by an interdisciplinary group of engineers and scientists that pursue research primarily in auditory perceptual science and signal processing technology. The research is then translated into real-world technologies that offer real benefit to hearing aid wearers. Visit StarkeyResearch.com <http://www.starkeyresearch.com> for more information.


About Starkey®

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minn. The company is recognized for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Founded in 1967, Starkey employs over 3,500 people, operates 22 facilities and conducts business in over 100 markets worldwide. For more information, visit StarkeyPro.com <http://www.starkeypro.com> . For more information about the Starkey Hearing Research Center, visit StarkeyResearch.com <http://www.starkeyresearch.com> .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:      Jeffrey Geigel, President and CEO

Lifestyle Hearing Corporation

290 McGill Street, Suite A

Hawkesbury, Ontario

K6A 1P8

Tel:               (877) 268-1045

Fax:              (877) 268-1067

Email:         info@lifestylehearing.ca

Website:     www.lifestylehearing.ca

Lifestyle Hearing launches Canada’s first network of hearing clinics, ensuring superior patient care nationwide

Hawkesbury, Ontario, October 22, 2009: Lifestyle Hearing Corporation has officially launched Canada’s first nationwide hearing healthcare structure called the Lifestyle Hearing Network.  This initiative aims to provide Canadians coast to coast with a consistent source of premium clinics devoted to audiology. 

The Lifestyle Hearing Network provides a framework for the best hearing healthcare clinics in Canada to come together and promote the importance of healthy hearing, educate their communities about hearing devices, and deliver premium audiological care to consumers.

Lifestyle Hearing is the only membership based network of independent professionals in Canada focused on a community and medical approach to hearing, supported by a strong management team.  Some of the benefits associated with a Lifestyle Hearing membership include access to marketing, accounting, purchasing, and human resources services. 

“Our experienced business management team provides integrated solutions to help our members solidify their market position as hearing healthcare professionals, allowing them to focus on delivering top quality hearing healthcare to Canadian consumers,” said Jeffrey Geigel, Founder and President of Lifestyle Hearing.

Your Hearing, Your Lifestyle

Lifestyle Hearing was created with the patients’ needs in mind by ensuring a consistency of quality hearing healthcare across Canada.

Its members provide a wide range of care including hearing evaluations, hearing device fittings, counselling and the most advanced technology to improve patients’ quality of life.

Lifestyle Hearing is Canada’s best solution for hearing healthcare.

Hearing Loss Rising among US Children

Hearing loss among children and young adults is rising in the United States, reports the Children’s Hearing Institute and one-third of the damage is caused by noise.

An estimated one child in every eight has noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), according to the American Academy of Audiology. That means some five million children have a preventable disability that will be with them for life.

The academy has launched a “Turn it to the Left” campaign, meaning turn the volume down. The goal of this campaign is to raise public awareness about the risks of NIHL, while also educating kids, parents and teachers on how to prevent it.

http://www.injuryboard.com/national-news/hearing-loss-rising-among-us-children.aspx?googleid=253134

North Carolina Girl, 5, Is One Of The First To Get A Major Cochlear Upgrade

Rachel Skergan, now a chatty 5-year-old from Raleigh, received a cochlear implant in her left ear when she was 10 months old and another in her right ear when she was 2 1/2. Weekly therapy sessions helped her interpret and reproduce the sounds the implants generated, and her family took extra steps to improve her listening skills.

But still missing was music, particularly the finer details.

Rachel has become one of the first children in this country to be fitted with the latest cochlear technical upgrade: a speech processor that promises to improve the hearing of music.

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1330936.html

Researchers Identify Gene in Age Related Hearing Loss

Presbycusis, accounts for 30% of all hearing loss. So, why do some people lose their hearing as they get older but other people can still hear a pin drop?

“This is the first ever and largest genome-wide association study for age-related hearing loss,” said Rick Friedman, MD, PhD, lead author and House Ear Institute principal investigator and surgeon at the House Clinic.

The study was conducted in collaboration with colleagues at the Phoenix-based Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Affymetrix in Santa Clara, California, and the University of Antwerp, Belgium. It uncovered several genes, but one gene stands out and is believed to put people at risk for hearing loss as they age.

The study was released online in the journal Human Molecular Genetics.

http://hmg.oxfordjournals.org/papbyrecent.dtl.

Scientists Believe a Transplant of Brain Cells May One Day Be Able to Reverse a Common Form of Hearing Loss

Damage to hair cells in the inner ear due to ageing and overstimulation causes hearing problems in 10% of people worldwide.

The cell loss is irreversible, but US scientists believe it may be possilbe to replace them with stem cells from a region of the brain.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7770665.stm

Newer MRI’s Can Damage Cochlear Implants

People who have cochlear implants should avoid newer models of MRI machines, which can damage their hearing devices irreparably, researchers say. The machines in question are known as 3T scanners and are much more powerful than early versions. The problem is they can demagnetize an important component of the implants. The study appears in the December issue of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Cochlear implants are put in surgically and can't be easily removed. They are used by more than 100,000 people.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01945998

... and are considered a Hearing Enhancement Sound Assist Shield(s).

GROVELAND, CA—The Sound Enhancer (Hearing Enhancement Sound Assist Shields) is a simple sound-enhancing appliance to be worn on the head like a pair of stereo headphones. The design intent is to artificially expand the area of the pinna or outer ear; persons with hearing loss (or hearing aids) would experience better hearing by the same principle through which cupping a hand behind the ear enhances the ability to hear. The Sound Enhancer consists of an adjustable headband which fits over the crown the of the user’s head with the two ends positioned behind the ears. The inner surface of the adjustable headband is padded with a memory foam type of material. When properly positioned on the head, the disks of the two ends are snuggled up behind the outer ears and extend one inch outward beyond the peripheral surface of the ears...they also extend one inch forward of the outer ears.

To view a graphic of The Sound Enhancer, along with more complete information on design features, advantages, benefits, target markets and distribution channels, go to www.adventproduct.net/23240/default.htm or see the attached brochure.

The Sound Enhancer was invented by Grant H. Hickson of Groveland, CA. He said, "Life is so much better when audio is perfect. Imagine looking at a monitor or TV screen and only seeing it in waves. A similar problem exists when one cannot hear well. The Sound Enhancer enables a user to enjoy the true sound of music or conversation. Some individuals will be able to utilize the Sound Enhancer and not need to purchase costly electronic hearing aids. The Sound Enhancer costs no more than a fast-food meal and yet provides help with hearing properly for months and years."

###

Editor's Note: Development of the product is being handled by Advent Product Development of Pawleys Island, SC. For more information about licensing or sale, contact the Licensing Department at APD (843-237-5915) at 313 Commerce Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 or contact the APD website at advent@adventproduct.net

Integrity™ Ver. 4.5 release

Vivosonic Inc., the Toronto-based developer and manufacturer of the world’s only Auditory Evoked Response system enabling non-sedated ABR is pleased to announce the release of its Integrity™ Version 4.5.  

The Integrity™ system reduces the effects of physiological artefacts, enabling clinicians to test non-sedated, even active patients, making it an essential clinical tool for testing physically and mentally challenged adults, patients with Autism, Cerebral palsy, Sleep Apnea, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson diseases, and pacemakers.  Protection against electromagnetic interferences enables clear results in places like the NICU, SCBU, and Operating Room. 

“This latest version of the Integrity™ system is a new milestone in elevating the level of hearing healthcare.  It helps clinicians provide care to kids with no risks and costs associated with sedation and general anesthesia – in private clinics, hospitals, schools, and research centers”, says Dr. Yuri Sokolov, President and CEO.  “The new techniques we implemented in Version 4.5 further the unique clinical benefits of Integrity™”.  Its new, patent-pending technique improves confidence in ABR waveform repeatability and response presence, reduced noise and stimulus artefacts, and also introduces state-of-the-art printing functionality that sets a new industry standard for reporting. 

As our satisfied customers have explained it, Integrity™ is “a must have for any clinic seeing infants, children, or hard-to-test patients regardless of the existing equipment.”  With Version 4.5, Integrity™ customers will continue to be able to test patients who cannot be tested with conventional ABR systems without sedation or anesthesia and in environments where achieving clear results was almost impossible.

Auditory Brainstem Response

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a very faint electrical potential evoked from the auditory nerve and brainstem by the presentation of a sound such as a click or tone burst.  ABR audiometry is a test to detect a hearing loss, especially in newborns, as well as to assess the functions of the ears, auditory nerve, and various brain functions. ABR is also used to estimate hearing thresholds for further intervention such as hearing aid fitting or considering a cochlear implant.

ABR audiometry is a safe and painless test, but, due to muscle artefacts that interfere with the ABR, conventional ABR equipment often requires sedation or general anesthesia in children 3 months to 4-6 years of age.

About Vivosonic
Vivosonic was founded in Toronto, Canada in 1999 as a result of prior research conducted at the University of Toronto.  We are a developer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art medical devices.  Our vision is to deliver to health-care professionals diagnostic solutions that improve their clinical efficiency: advanced, yet user-friendly instruments based on cutting-edge technologies.

For more information, please contact:

Donna-Maria Lakshman

Sales Manager, ext. 234

Email: sales@vivosonic.com

Vivosonic Inc.

120-5525 Eglinton Avenue West

Toronto, ON Canada M9C 5K5

Toll-free (U.S. & Canada): 1 877 255 7685

Phone: +1 416 231 9997

Fax: +1 416 231 2289

Web: www.vivosonic.com

Geemarc PR Release 2

Family Release (All Products):  Sonic Alert Inc., of Troy, MI., has been appointed the exclusive U.S. & Canadian distributor for Geemarc Telecom Products of Europe.  A tried and proven innovative line of amplified telephones marketed throughout Europe for over 15 years designed for the hearing and vision impaired has been added to the portfolio of Sonic Alert products.  Featuring unique amplified telephones with high audible ring tones, bright alerting lights, large easy to read numbers, and caller id displays. These telephones and will make communication with family and friends much easier without the frustration of missing an important call.  The revolution of new high tech phones for the hearing and vision impaired have finally arrived, see www.sonicalert.com.

Individual Product Release:

Ampli200+: 

Easy-Dial Phone with Amplified Volume and Tone Adjustment

-Sonic Alert Inc., of Troy, MI.,  is now the exclusive U.S. & Canadian distributor of Geemarc Products and has announced the release of Ampli200+. Features include hands free use, direct memory presets, hearing aid compatible, receiving volume/tone control, extra loud/clear speaker phone, and an extra bright visual strobe indicator. The AMPLI button will amplify and boost tone and volume.  (248)-577-5400; www.sonic alert.com.

 Ampli250:

Amplified Cordless Phone

- Sonic Alert Inc., of Troy, MI., is now the exclusive U.S. & Canadian distributor of Geemarc Products and has announced the release of the Ampli250 Amplified Cordless Phone.  Incoming sounds are amplified up to 40 dB, making phone conversations louder and clearer.  Backlit caller ID, vibrating ring alert, “AMPLI” amplified button (15dB to 30dB), T-COIL hearing aid compatible, amplified headset/neck loop socket, extra loud ringer in base and headset, bright flashing incoming call signaler.  .  (248)-577-5400; www.sonic alert.com.

Ampli500:

Premium Amplified Phone

-Sonic Alert Inc., of Troy, MI., is now the exclusive U.S. & Canadian distributor of Geemarc Products and has announced the release of the Ampli500 Premium Amplified Phone.  Incoming sounds are amplified up to 40 dB, making phone conversations louder and clearer.  Large easy to read backlit caller ID display make it easy to keep track of friend’s and family’s phone numbers.  Extra bright visual strobe indicator won’t let you miss a call.  Hearing aid compatible, direct memories, speech volume/receiving tone gain.  (248)-577-5400; www.sonic alert.com.

T-Loop:

Amplified Telecommunication Neck loop. “Make and receive calls as normal without needing to hold the telephone.”

- Sonic Alert Inc., of Troy, MI., is now the exclusive U.S. & Canadian distributor of Geemarc Products and has announced the release of the t-LOOP offers portability and convenience on the go and allows hearing instrument users with Bluetooth-enabled cellular or landline phones to hear conversations through the telecoil of their hearing aid.  The induction neck loop system helps people who use a hearing aid to hear sounds more clearly by reducing or cutting out background noise. Sounds are transformed from a telephone/audio device into an acoustic field compatible with hearing aids set to the “T” position. (248)-577-5400; www.sonic alert.com. 

i-Loop:

Hands-free neck loop compatible with MP3 audio player and or audio CD player.

-Sonic Alert Inc., of Troy, MI., is now the exclusive U.S. & Canadian distributor of Geemarc Products and has announced the release of the i-LOOP. Equipped to be used with T-COIL equipped hearing aids, the i-LOOP transforms sounds emitted by an audio device into an acoustic field compatible with hearing aids set to the “T” position. 

(248)-577-5400; www.sonic alert.com.

Ampli600:

Emergency Response Telephone

- Sonic Alert Inc., of Troy, MI., is now the exclusive U.S. & Canadian distributor of Geemarc Products and has announced the release of the Amplified Emergency Connect (AEC) Phone.  The AEC Phone is an amplified phone with Caller ID, speakerphone and emergency connect features all in one unit.  The emergency connect feature gives you more peace of mind of a security service, without the monthly monitoring fees.  50+ decibels makes it easy to hear callers, easy installation and use, waterproof battery-powered transmitter remote, allows you to remain independent, reduces the anxiety of those living alone, provides added security without monthly security monitoring fees.

 (248)-577-5400; www.sonic alert.com.

AmpliVOICE50:

“Talking” caller ID Telephone

-Sonic Alert Inc., of Troy, MI., is now the exclusive U.S. & Canadian distributor of Geemarc Products and has announced the release of the AmpliVOICE50.  “Vocalization” of names and numbers is just one of the key features of this phone.  Setting up specific requirements and being flexible to the user is what this phone is designed for.  Built for the vision or hearing impairment.  Talking Caller ID functionality.  (248)-577-5400; www.sonic alert.com.

Ampli1100:

Amplified Desk Phone with Volume & Tone Control

-Sonic Alert Inc., of Troy, MI., is now the exclusive U.S. & Canadian distributor of Geemarc Products and has announced the release of the Ampli1100.  This phone has everything for the office with the added benefit of being amplified.  Includes 12 one-touch direct memories, receiving volume/tone control, extra bright visual ringer indicator (strobe), adjustable ringer level , last number redial, time break recall & mute, hearing aid compatible. 

(248)-577-5400; www.sonic alert.com.

PAMP-40:

Phone Amplifier with Booster Button & Control

- Sonic Alert Inc., of Troy, MI., is now the exclusive U.S. & Canadian distributor of Geemarc Products and has announced the release of the PAMP-40.  Designed to automatically detect the best frequencies make it compatible with modern phones, receiving volume/tone control automatically switches ON/OFF voice detection, simple connection, and sleek modern design.  Boost button increases sound up to 40dB.

(248)-577-5400; www.sonic alert.com.

NO MORE SUFFERING IN SILENCE: SIEMENS NEW HEARING INSTRUMENTS TAILORED TO MEET HEARING AND LIFESTYLE NEEDS

From cutting-edge designs to nearly invisible models to Bluetooth® connectivity, hearing instruments have gone “cool”

PISCATAWAY, N.J., June 3, 2008 – One in every ten Americans has hearing loss, and this number is expected to double as the baby boomers reach retirement age and beyond, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. Only 22 percent of those with hearing loss currently wear hearing instruments, but now there are a range of solutions for people who may be hesitant to wear a hearing instrument because of the fear of being perceived differently or feeling “old.”

“Understandably, hearing loss is difficult for individuals to accept, but hearing instruments – in terms of their appearance and capabilities – have made tremendous strides recently,” said Dr. Thomas Powers, Vice President of Audiology at Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. “Historically, hearing instrument manufacturers have taken a one-size-fits-all approach in terms of design, but the newest lines from Siemens meet the needs of the individual, running the gamut from fashion forward to nearly invisible.”

Following is a summary of the newest hearing instruments from Siemens, all available beginning May 2008:

Vibe®

Vibe®, Siemens first “fashion-forward” hearing instrument, offers an expanding selection of interchangeable snap-on covers with colors like “Cheeky,” “Dynamo” and “Fearless,” and patterns like the checkered “Fast,” feminine “Flirt,” and leopard “Wild.”  Wearers can choose up to five covers with their Vibe purchase and, just as fashion is continuously evolving, Siemens will be introducing new covers periodically to keep the look fresh.

Vibe is the first hearing instrument that fits securely into the crest of the ear, leaving the ear canal comfortably open. Since it does not rest behind the ear, accessories like eyeglasses, sunglasses and bicycle helmets can be worn without interfering with the hearing device.

Vibe is ideal for people of any age with mild hearing loss, having difficulty hearing sounds such as soft speech or the pitter-patter of a baby’s footsteps, who want to regain the ability to hear these sounds without having to wear a conventional hearing aid. 

Pure®

Designed for those who want to be discreet about their hearing loss, Pure® instruments are nearly invisible when worn and are appropriate for individuals with mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

Pure, which is available in two performance levels and two form factors, or configurations - RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) and CIC (Completely-in-Canal) – automatically synchronizes, analyzes, and adjusts volume and sound processing parameters so the wearer does not have to manually adjust the device in various listening environments.

Pure gives wearers the ability to localize the source of sound from all directions, enabling them to hear more naturally. It simulates the acoustical functions of the outer ear and assists wearers in distinguishing sounds in front of them from those behind them, while the ear-to-ear wireless technology also creates a unified system by wirelessly synchronizing both instruments.

Pure is rechargeable*, and only five hours of charging is necessary to power the instrument all day. However, Pure can also operate with standard zinc air batteries.

Pure is also available with Tek™, an optional wireless enhancement that enables wearers to stay connected to Bluetooth® enabled wireless technology and other devices through their hearing instruments. 

Explorer™

Approximately three in 1,000 children under age 18 experience hearing loss, each with their own specific needs and preferences. As a result, Siemens Explorer™ was designed specifically for infants, toddlers and teens.

For the younger set, Explorer is equipped with a host of safety features, expert tested for the crib, school, and playground. The device repels dirt and grease, prevents cracks and scratches, and is resistant to breakage. Explorer also features a baby-proof battery door lock and a pediatric earhook that was designed specifically for babies and younger children.

Older kids can add the Tek™ wireless enhancement option, which allows them to stream audio from cell phones, MP3 players, TVs and other audio sources directly to their hearing instruments, in stereo sound.

Explorer is available in 16 fun colors so kids will want to wear their hearing instruments. Additionally, a sticker book is available that allows kids to personalize their Explorers to look like a superhero, an animal or a flower.

Tek™

For the roughly six million Americans who wear hearing instruments, using personal electronic devices can pose a challenge, often requiring removal or adjustment of the instruments to accommodate the other devices. To help hearing aid wearers incorporate personal technologies more easily into their lives, Siemens has introduced Tek™, a wireless enhancement that enables wearers to stay connected to their mobile technologies through their hearing instrument. 

Through its wireless remote control, Tek™ Connect, wearers of select Siemens hearing instruments can control wireless communications between their hearing instruments and their cell phones, PDAs, MP3s, audio systems, televisions and even personal computers.

Tek Connect allows wearers to make and take calls directly from a Bluetooth wireless technology enabled mobile or cordless phone. By transmitting the signal wirelessly to both devices, Tek Connect tells the wearer when a call is coming in, even when in a different program mode, enabling the wearer’s hearing instruments to become a virtual hands-free headset.

            Wearers will also experience the benefits of Tek while watching TV or DVDs. Tek Connect wirelessly transmits audio signals simultaneously to both hearing instruments in true stereo fashion. And, with the Bluetooth wireless technology protocol developed by Siemens, wearers are able to enjoy viewing their favorite programs without the typical signal delay and echo experienced with other Bluetooth wireless technology.

*Only available in RIC configuration.

About Siemens Healthcare

Siemens Healthcare is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first fully integrated diagnostics company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care – from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. The company employs more than 48,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €9.85 billion, orders of €10.27 billion, and group profit of €1.32 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare

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Katie Foley | Account Executive | Coyne Public Relations | 14 Walsh Dr. Parsippany, NJ 07054| Office: 973.939.8142 | Cell: 732.814.8799

Vivosonic Inc. appoints Ms. Angela Bottley as Clinical Trainer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, May 5, 2008 – Vivosonic Inc., the Toronto-based developer and manufacturer of the world’s only non-sedated ABR technology, is pleased to announce a recent addition to our staff—Ms. Angela Bottley as Clinical Trainer. This is part of Vivosonic’s continued commitment to provide scientific and practical clinical support to our user community.

Angela Bottley, B.Sc., CNIM, R.E.P.T., brings over ten years of experience in the neurophysiology field. She began doing intra-operative neurophysiologic monitoring and clinical evoked potentials, gaining valuable experience in a range of neurophysiologic measurements including ABRs. Angela has held positions as a product specialist, instructing medical personnel on the use of intra-operative monitoring and evoked potential systems (EEG, NCV and EMG). An excellent presenter, she has a reputation as a first-rate medical technology trainer, customizing and delivering training programs and we welcome her contribution to Vivosonic’s growing organization.

About Vivosonic:

Vivosonic Inc. is a privately-held, Canadian corporation founded in 1999 as a result of research conducted at the University of Toronto’s internationally renowned Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Vivosonic develops, manufactures and distributes state-of-the-art medical devices. The company’s mandate is to create solutions that will contribute to providing superior individual patient care and improving hearing health care around the globe by maximizing clinical efficiency and minimizing patient risk through technological innovation. Our mission is to eliminate the risks and costs associated with sedation and anesthesia for Auditory Evoked Response tests in infants and young children with resulting benefits to patients and clinicians.

For more information, please contact:

Kathy Dimson

Community Relations

Vivosonic, Inc.

120-5525 Eglinton Avenue West

Toronto, ON Canada M9C 5K5

Toll-free (U.S. & Canada): 1 877 255 7685, ext. 296

Phone: +1 416 231 9997 ext. 296

Fax: +1 416 231 2289

Email: dimson@vivosonic.com

URL: www.vivosonic.com

SIEMENS HEARING INSTRUMENTS TURNS UP THE VOLUME WITH NEW NATIONAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

Campaign Touts CENTRA’s SoundSmoothing Technology, Shown in Laboratory Tests to Reduce Non-Speech Transient Sounds

PISCATAWAY, N.J., February 25, 2008 – Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. a leading manufacturer of hearing instruments in the United States, today announced the launch of a new national advertising campaign for its CENTRA™ line.  The campaign, which is targeted toward Siemens audiological customers, will focus on both trade and consumer outlets, including Hearing Journal, Hearing Review, Audiology Today, Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, Advance for Audiologists and a special “boomer” edition of Reader’s Digest.  The campaign will run throughout the spring.

Central to the campaign is the promotion of CENTRA’s SoundSmoothing™, the world’s first transient noise suppression technology, which is available on every CENTRA instrument.  In a recent study conducted at the National Acoustic Laboratories, the noise-reduction algorithm used in SoundSmoothing to reduce non-speech transient sounds was shown to offer benefits to the hearing aid wearer in terms of comfort, with no noticeable effect on localization or intelligibility.

 “Siemens CENTRA line with SoundSmoothing is one of the most comprehensive product portfolios on the market – addressing wearers’ audiological and lifestyle needs – and this national campaign allows us to show off those attributes,” said Dr. Thomas Powers, Vice President of Audiology and Professional Relations at Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc..  “With nearly 30 million people living with hearing loss – a patient population that is likely to increase due to the aging baby boomer population – we want to hold up CENTRA as the premier solution on the market.”

About CENTRA & SoundSmoothing

The CENTRA line includes over 10 different types of hearing instruments, including BTE (Behind the Ear) and ITE (In the Ear).  Each instrument includes SoundSmoothing, which responds to unexpected impulsive noises, such as breaking glass and rustling paper, almost 400 times faster than competitive systems. Using envelope slope adjustment to specifically address abrupt noises, SoundSmoothing is able to isolate and soften these sounds without interfering with the quality of speech, providing users with a more comfortable hearing environment.

“Wearers of hearing instruments find transient sounds, like rustling paper and clanging utensils, extremely annoying, and noise reduction systems typically do not classify these sounds,” explained Dr. Powers. “Siemens CENTRA with SoundSmoothing technology combats this issue, specifically reducing annoying transient noise signals enabling patients to enjoy a natural sound quality.”

In addition to SoundSmoothing, every CENTRA instrument includes Siemens DataLearning™ technology, which learns the wearer’s loudness preferences and adjusts automatically in real-world listening situations.  Additionally, the e2e wireless™ (ear-to-ear) feature synchronizes the signal processing of both hearing instruments in binaural fittings so that they function as one holistic system and Advanced Feedback Cancellation searches for feedback patterns and quickly identifies and reduces or eliminates them.

CENTRA is offered in a variety of models from the waterproof and rechargeable CENTRA Active to the high power CENTRA HP, to the full line of custom models.

About Siemens Hearing Instruments  

Siemens Hearing Instruments, part of Siemens Medical Solutions, is one of the leading manufacturers of hearing instruments in the United States. Headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, the Company offers a range of innovative products, solutions and services to Hearing Care Professionals across the United States. Among its innovative products, the Company designs and manufactures a variety of digital hearing aids in all styles to improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss. Visit www.usa.siemens.com/hearing for more information.

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Katie Foley | Account Executive | Coyne Public Relations | 14 Walsh Dr. Parsippany, NJ 07054| Office: 973.939.8142 | Cell: 732.814.8799

Press Presse Prensa

Hearing Instruments

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING AT SIEMENS HEARING INSTRUMENTS HONORED AS BLACK ENGINEER OF THE YEAR - MOST PROMISING SCIENTIST

            PISCATAWAY, N.J. February 4, 2008 – Dr. Fred McBagonluri will receive the prestigious Black Engineer of the Year – Most Promising Scientist honor this February at the 22nd Annual Black Engineer of the Year Conference in Baltimore, Md.

Dr. McBagonluri, the Director of Engineering at Siemens Hearing Instruments, is an accomplished man with credits as a top technical expert, gifted author and skilled business manager. Since joining Siemens in 2001, he has been a driving force behind revolutionizing the technology in the hearing instrument market. He is being honored for his involvement in the incredible advancements in the use of 3D image processing, artificial intelligence, materials engineering and rapid prototyping.

The honor of Black Engineer of the Year – Most Promising Scientist is bestowed upon individuals in the beginning of their careers who have demonstrated their potential for future technical contributions. To be considered for this prestigious honor, a nominee must exhibit extraordinary accomplishments in the areas of leadership, professional and technical achievements, potential, and for their contributions to their organization. The award is sponsored by the Council for Engineering Deans of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Lockheed Martin, Corp., Career Communications Group, USBE and Information Technology magazine.

When asked about winning the award, Dr. McBagonluri said, “Thanks to all my colleagues at Siemens for their support and this recognition, which I accept in humility for myself and the Siemens family. Without the company’s support and encouragement for the past six years this would not have materialized.”

About Siemens Hearing Instruments        

Siemens Hearing Instruments, part of Siemens Medical Solutions, is one of the leading manufacturers of hearing instruments in the United States. Headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, the Company offers a range of innovative products, solutions and services to Hearing Care Professionals across the United States. Among its innovative products, the Company designs and manufactures a variety of digital hearing aids in all styles to improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss. Visit www.usa.siemens.com/hearing for more information.

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Katie Foley | Account Executive | Coyne Public Relations | 14 Walsh Dr. Parsippany, NJ 07054| Office: 973.939.8142 | Cell: 732.814.8799

Press Presse Prensa

  Hearing Instruments

GREAT THINGS COME IN VERY SMALL PACKAGES:  SIEMENS HEARING INSTRUMENTS DEBUTS ENHANCED COMPLETELY-IN-THE-CANAL HEARING INSTRUMENT FOR WEARERS WITH SEVERE HEARING LOSS

Siemens NITRO™ 16 CIC Provides More Features for Improved Listening Ability in a Small Device

PISCATAWAY, N.J., January 21, 2008 – With nearly 30 million Americans living with hearing loss, approximately 738,000 of whom experience severe to profound hearing loss, too many people are struggling to enjoy the sounds of everyday life.  And, unfortunately, only one of five people who could benefit from hearing aids actually has them, due in large part to cosmetic concerns and feelings of self-consciousness associated with wearing hearing instruments.

To address these issues, Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. a leading manufacturer of hearing instruments in the United States, today announced the introduction of NITRO™ 16 CIC, the newest addition to the NITRO line of Completely-in-the-Canal hearing instruments designed for wearers with severe hearing loss.

Building off the success of NITRO CIC, NITRO 16 features various enhancements designed to improve hearing comfort, including 16-channel signal processing that automatically adjusts to the wearer’s listening environment, eliminating the need for manual adjustments, and Siemens SoundSmoothing™ technology, designed to increase wearer comfort by automatically distinguishing and suppressing sudden or impulsive sounds. NITRO 16 also features Advanced Speech and Noise Management to reduce annoying background noises.

 “The enhancements to NITRO 16 CIC are helping to bring patients with severe hearing loss not only a more pleasant listening experience, but also an improved quality of life,” said Dr. Thomas Powers, Vice President of Audiology and Professional Relations at Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. “Individuals with severe hearing loss previously were unable to benefit from discreet solutions, but NITRO 16 is so powerful that completely-in-the-ear solutions are now possible.” 

Building on the same benefits as the original NITRO CIC, NITRO 16 is equipped with up to 70 dB of gain as well as a data logging feature that collects information on hearing preferences in order to assist with faster, more precise fittings, feedback cancellation to reduce or eliminate embarrassing whistling sounds and the C-Guard™ wax protection system.

The instrument also features a noise reduction system designed to reduce steady-state environmental noises, microphone noise reduction to reduce low-level, unwanted microphone noise and is manufactured using a special receiver suspension that provides shock resistance, improved reliability and acoustical stability.

About Siemens Hearing Instruments  

Siemens Hearing Instruments, part of Siemens Medical Solutions, is one of the leading manufacturers of hearing instruments in the United States. Headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, the Company offers a range of innovative products, solutions and services to Hearing Care Professionals across the United States. Among its innovative products, the Company designs and manufactures a variety of digital hearing aids in all styles to improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss. Visit www.usa.siemens.com/hearing for more information.

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