The Hear the World Foundation, a Sonova initiative, will for the first time support an aid project with the donation of cochlear implants.
HEAR THE WORLD FOUNDATION DONATES COCHLEAR IMPLANTS FOR THE FIRST TIME
Disadvantaged children with profound hearing loss receive the gift of hearing in Panama
Staefa, Switzerland, January 18, 2017 - The Hear the World Foundation, a Sonova initiative, will for the first time support an aid project with the donation of cochlear implants. In February 2017, the first three children with profound hearing loss will get the gift of hearing and thus a fair chance of leading an independent life. This engagement builds on the support the Hear the World Foundation has provided to the Panamanian non-profit organization Fundación Pro Integración since 2013 and marks another milestone in the Swiss foundation’s 10-years history.
If left untreated, hearing loss can have serious consequences, particularly for children. Children who cannot hear, or can barely hear, do not learn to speak and, in many countries, are not able to attend school, which lowers their chances of pursuing a career and leading an independent life.
First donations of cochlear implants for children with profound or total hearing loss
Until now, children who did not benefit from even the most powerful hearing aids have been denied the chance of better hearing. That is why for the first time, the Hear the World Foundation is donating cochlear implants (CI) to three Panamanian children, in collaboration with the Sonova subsidiary Advanced Bionics.
“The first cochlear implants donation is an important step for us,” says Lukas Braunschweiler, President of the Hear the World Foundation. “By leveraging another advanced technology from the Sonova product portfolio, we can now also give the gift of hearing to children with profound or total hearing loss.”
The gift of hearing where the state-run healthcare system can’t help
Although Panama is ranked the second most competitive economy in Latin America according to the World Economic Forum, 26 percent of the population is living in poverty, and is lacking access to audiological care. While the health sector is making major progress in terms of its audiological care infrastructure, the state-run healthcare system can only cover the costs of audiological care for a handful of those living in poverty.
That is why, since 2013, the Hear the World Foundation supports the Fundación pro Integración (FUNPROI), one of the few institutions in the country who closes this gap by providing ear medical care to children living in poverty. By providing hearing aids, funding and expertise, hundreds of children have been helped. In addition, FUNPROI was honoured with the Richard Seewald Award in 2014, an annual recognition by the Hear the World Foundation to honour outstanding engagements.
About the Hear the World Foundation
By supporting the charitable Hear the World Foundation, Sonova is campaigning for equal opportunities and a better quality of life for people with hearing loss. As a leading provider of hearing care solutions, Sonova fosters social responsibility and contributes towards a world where everyone has the chance to enjoy good hearing. For instance, the Hear the World Foundation supports disadvantaged people with hearing loss around the world and gets involved in prevention. It focuses particularly on projects for children with hearing loss, to enable them to develop at the appropriate rate for their age. Since its establishment in 2006 the Swiss foundation supported over 80 projects in 39 countries and thus helped thousands of people to hear better. More than 100 celebrity ambassadors, including celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, Plácido Domingo, Annie Lennox and Sting champion the Hear the World Foundation.
About Fundación Pro Integración
Fundación Pro Integración (FUNPROI) is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the quality of life and fight against isolation of people with hearing loss and mobility disabilities in Panama. FUNPROI pays special attention to assist individuals with scarce resources and extreme levels of poverty. As one of the few institutions in the country specialized in supporting young people with hearing loss, the non-governmental institution provides free examinations and professional audiological care with hearing aids and speech therapy. In 2014 FUNPROI received the Richard-Seewald-Award by the Hear the World Foundation in recognition of their exceptional engagement.
www.funproi.org
Further information about the project:
https://www.hear-the-world.com/de/engagement/aid-projects/continents/north-america/panama-giving-panamanian-children-the-gift-of-hearing
Background information about the cochlear implant: http://advancedbionics.com
For high resolution picture material and further information please contact:
Hear the World Foundation
Louise Kaben
E-Mail: louise.kaben@hear-the-world.com
Phone +41 58 928 01 01
US Public Relations
Beth Fichtel
E-mail: brgelbert@yahoo.com
Phone: +1 (914) 588-2695
Cassandra Hegarty
E-mail: cassandra.hegarty@gmail.com
Phone: +1 (917) 653-4038
Advanced Bionics (AB) has released the latest version of their fitting software, SoundWave™ 3.0.
— Advanced Bionics SoundWave™ 3.0 Fitting Software Unlocks Powerful Technology in the Naída Bimodal Hearing Solution —
VALENCIA, CA, October 18, 2016 — Advanced Bionics (AB) has released the latest version of their fitting software, SoundWave™ 3.0. With this current software upgrade, new and existing users of the Naída Bimodal Hearing Solution will have access to full integration of their Naída CI sound processor and the Naida™ Link hearing aid through wireless communication. The wireless exchange of data and the full audio bandwidth between devices has been available to listeners with two Phonak hearing aids, or two Advanced Bionics Naída CI sound processors; however, this is the first-ever network between a cochlear implant and a hearing aid.
The Phonak Naída™ Link is the first hearing aid built specifically to work with a cochlear implant. It includes a specialized fitting algorithm designed to improve understanding1,2,3 and sound quality when the hearing aid is worn in combination with a cochlear implant. The Phonak Naída Link hearing aid and the AB Naída sound processor also share a number of automatic features to help people hear their best in challenging situations1, such as noisy restaurants or windy environments. The devices can also simultaneously receive audio from wireless streamers, allowing bimodal listeners to enjoy the phone, music, and media in both ears. The Naída CI sound processor and Phonak Naída Link are made for each other, making it easy to hear, easy to use, easy to communicate and easy to connect in everyday situations.
Hansjuerg Emch, President of Advanced Bionics and Group Vice President of the Sonova Medical Division, said “Establishing this wireless communication really makes it easier for the listener to succeed in more environments. Even something as basic as changing a program would have required a person to locate the controls on each device independently. Now, a
single button pressed on either device initiates the change on both. These shared controls keep the devices synchronized and help people hear their best at all times1,2. We are excited that we can offer this performance boost1 to both existing and new Advanced Bionics cochlear implant recipients.”
“Phonak’s Binaural VoiceStream Technology™, which enables sharing of audio signals through the ear-to-ear network, has proven to benefit understanding in some of the most challenging environments,” said Dr. Hans Mülder, Marketing Director at Phonak Communications AG. “Listeners are better able to understand1 on the phone, in the car, over distances, or in very noisy environments with these features. The Roger technology will seamlessly support both the Naída CI and the Naída Link. The good news is that we are also working together with Advanced Bionics on even more solutions for AB recipients, so that they continue to benefit from the innovation of the two companies working closely together.”
About Advanced Bionics
AB is a global leader in developing the most advanced cochlear implant systems in the world. Founded in 1993 and a subsidiary of the Sonova Group since 2009, AB develops cutting-edge cochlear implant technology that allows recipients to hear their best.
AB offers the most sophisticated cochlear implant system on the market, the HiResolution™
Bionic Ear System, with five times more sound resolution than its competitors, designed to help recipients hear in noisy settings and enjoy the full dimensions of music and tonal languages. With sales in over 50 countries and a proven track record for developing high-performing, state-of-the-art products, AB’s talented, world-wide group of technologists and professionals are driven to succeed, work with integrity and stay firmly committed to quality.
Media Contact:
Olivia Duarte
Advanced Bionics
661.362.1400
MediaInquiries@AdvancedBionics.com
About Phonak
Headquartered near Zurich, Switzerland, Phonak, a member of the Sonova Group, was born in 1947 from a passion and dedication to take on the most difficult hearing challenges. Seventy years later, this passion remains.
As the industry’s leading provider, we offer the broadest portfolio of life-changing hearing solutions. From pediatric to profound hearing loss, we remain committed to creating hearing solutions that change people’s lives to thrive socially and emotionally. We believe in changing lives and creating a world where “Life is on” for everyone.
Media Contact:
Michael Edmond Isaac
Sonova AG
+41 58 928 33 24
MediaInquiries@AdvancedBionics.com
1. Veugen LC, Chalupper J, Snik AF, van Opstal AJ, Mens LH. (2016) Matching automatic gain control across devices in bimodal cochlear implant users. Ear and Hearing (2015 Dec 10, epub ahead of print)
2. Govaerts PJ, Weekers K, Chalupper J, Scherf F, De Cuelaer G. Preliminary results of a bimodal fitting formula. Presented at 13th International Conference on Cochlear Implants and Other Implantable Auditory Technologies, Munich Germany. June 18-21, 2014.
3. Dorman MF, Gifford RH. (2010) Combining acoustic and electric stimulation in the service of speech recognition. International Journal of Audiology 49(12): 912-919
Offering new features, expert content, enhanced search and navigation at the largest online cochlear implant community.
— Offering new features, expert content, enhanced search and navigation at the
largest online cochlear implant community —
Valencia, CA., October 18, 2016 – Advanced Bionics (AB), a global leader in cochlear
implant technology and a company of the Sonova Group, announced today the launch of
their newly redesigned Hearing Journey™ online forum. The site has been redesigned to
provide an improved and enhanced online resource experience to new and existing
members. The updated site provides a clean design, an enhanced user experience and
easy navigation.
“We are so proud of Hearing Journey’s new redesign, and what it continues to bring to our
community of AB recipients called the Bionic Ear Association (BEA™ Services). It is a
wonderful place for our 30,000 members to find answers to their questions about cochlear
implants from people and families who live with implants every day”, says Katie Skipper,
Manager of Consumer Programs and Education for Advanced Bionics.
Other newly enhanced features include: easy picture and movie upload, an updated
mobile chat functionality and a mobile device friendly website. The redesign is just one of
the many ways Advanced Bionics continues to strive to provide members with the best
support, advice and engaging discussions on hearing loss and cochlear implant
technology.
The site’s goal is to provide community members with a positive and informative channel,
and this latest redesign makes it easy for participants to chat, laugh, learn and share their
stories in a safe and secure environment.
To join or learn more about the largest cochlear implant and hearing loss community go to
Hearingjourney.com.
For more information about AB’s innovative hearing technology, visit AdvancedBionics.com
or follow AB on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.
Media Contact:
Olivia Duarte
Advanced Bionics
661.362.1400
MediaInquiries@AdvancedBionics.com
The HiRes™ Ultra cochlear implant provides the proven benefits of the Advanced Bionics HiResolution™ Bionic Ear System, featuring the thinnest implant profile from AB.
—The HiRes™ Ultra cochlear implant provides the proven benefits of the Advanced Bionics HiResolution™ Bionic Ear System, featuring the thinnest implant profile from AB—
VALENCIA, Calif., September 12, 2016 – Advanced Bionics (AB) has released the new HiRes™ Ultra cochlear implant and will debut it at this year’s American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) conference in San Diego. Built on proven HiRes electronics technology, the new HiRes Ultra implant features the thinnest implant profile from AB and includes the HiFocus™ Mid-Scala electrode, designed to protect the delicate structures of the cochlea.
Developed with leading cochlear implant surgeons, the HiRes Ultra with the HiFocus Mid-Scala electrode offers several high-performance features designed to suit individual patient anatomy and surgical preferences for the best possible hearing outcomes.
“AB’s HiRes technology offers the fastest stimulation rate, the widest input dynamic range and the precise stimulation of the hearing nerve via 120 bands, which leads to greater music appreciation and more natural sound for recipients,” says Hansjürg Emch, President of Advanced Bionics and Group Vice President Medical of Sonova.
The HiRes Ultra is the latest generation of HiRes implants and features a low profile, which makes it ideal for recipients of all ages. The implant exceeds the industry standard for impact resistance and can undergo 1.5T MRI scans with the magnet left in place. In cases where a 3T MRI is needed, the magnet can be easily removed.
Additionally, the HiRes Ultra implant gives recipients access to AB’s Naída CI sound processor and wireless accessories that integrate with the latest Phonak sound cleaning features. The combination of AB and Phonak technologies allows recipients to understand better in noise, connect wirelessly to a variety of media or devices, and receive streaming signals between both ears. The AB and Phonak partnership offers the only hearing aid and CI processor that are perfectly made to work together, and make hearing easy and natural for bimodal recipients.
The HiRes Ultra implant is designed to meet the needs of the global market and is currently available in North America and Europe. Marketplace availability for all other regions will be based on regulatory approval by sector.
About Advanced Bionics
AB is a global leader in developing the most advanced cochlear implant systems in the world. Founded in 1993 and a subsidiary of the Sonova Group since 2009, AB develops cutting-edge cochlear implant technology that allows recipients to hear their best.
AB offers the most sophisticated cochlear implant system on the market, the HiResolution™ Bionic Ear System, with five times more sound resolution than its competitors, designed to help recipients hear in noisy settings and enjoy the full dimensions of music and tonal languages. With sales in more than 50 countries and a proven track record for developing high-performing, state-of-the-art products, AB’s talented worldwide group of technologists and professionals are driven to succeed, work with integrity and stay firmly committed to quality.
Media Contact:
Olivia Duarte
Advanced Bionics
661.362.1400
MediaInquiries@AdvancedBionics.com
For Spanish-speaking families or professionals, the journey to hearing just got much easier and a lot more fun! Advanced Bionics has launched a new, Spanish-language version of The Listening Room™ rehabilitation website.
Valencia, California, August 12, 2016 —
For Spanish-speaking families or professionals, the journey to hearing just got much easier and a lot more fun! Advanced Bionics has launched a new, Spanish-language version of The Listening Room™ rehabilitation website.
AB’s one-of-a-kind, feature-rich website offers fun, engaging, and effective rehab exercises tailored for children with hearing loss. Uniquely designed activities help:
Families and professionals visiting TheListeningRoom.com can now switch between English and Spanish versions of the website and use a language filter to discover Spanish-language content.
Get Started today. Visit TheListeningRoom.com
For more information on all AB's rehAB and educational resources, visit AdvancedBionics.com, email hear@AdvancedBionics.com, or call 866.844.4327 (HEAR).
Advanced Bionics and Phonak introduce Naída Link, the first hearing aid capable of communicating with a cochlear implant.
— Advanced Bionics and Phonak introduce Naída Link, the first hearing aid capable of communicating with a cochlear implant —
Valencia, Calif., May 11, 2016 — Advanced Bionics (AB) and Phonak announced today the introduction of the new Naída bimodal hearing solution featuring the Phonak Naída™ Link, the world’s first hearing aid offering full-bandwidth, bidirectional audio streaming with the Naída CI sound processor from AB. Using shared technology co-developed by AB and Phonak, the Naída devices are able to communicate with each other in a way no other hearing aid and cochlear implant combination can match.
“After years of combined efforts in audiology, R&D and product management, we are delivering a game changer in technology. Two Naída devices — a CI and hearing aid — can now use the same advanced automatic technology and stream the audio signal from one side to the other. This means they can respond and adjust the same way to changing listening situations, as if they are one system,” said Dr. Hans Mülder, Marketing Director at Phonak Communications AG. “It is very rewarding to see AB and Phonak delivering on the expectations that were raised when the two companies came together.”
By transmitting audio information as well as sharing automatic features, controls, and the wireless Roger™ system, the AB and Phonak Naída devices make it easier to hear with them together. Studies show that this provides a proven advantage for hearing in noise and greater listening comfort compared to using a cochlear implant and any other hearing aid.1,2
Approximately 40% to 60% of cochlear implant recipients are considered “bimodal”, which means they wear a hearing aid on one ear in combination with using a cochlear implant on the other.3 “This breakthrough in bimodal hearing means we can deliver better hearing to more people affected by significant hearing loss and that’s always our goal,” said Hansjuerg Emch, President of Advanced Bionics and Group Vice President of the Sonova Medical Division.
The Phonak Naída Link hearing aid will be available starting this summer in the United States
and Europe.
About Advanced Bionics
Advanced Bionics is a global leader in developing the most advanced cochlear implant systems in the world. Founded in 1993 and a subsidiary of the Sonova Group since 2009, AB develops cutting-edge cochlear implant technology that allows recipients to hear their best.
AB offers the most sophisticated cochlear implant system on the market, the HiResolution™ Bionic Ear System, with five times more sound resolution than its competitors, designed to help recipients hear in noisy settings and enjoy the full dimensions of music and tonal languages.
With sales in over 50 countries and a proven track record for developing high-performing, state-of-the-art products, AB’s talented group of technologists and professionals from all over the world are driven to succeed, work with integrity and stay firmly committed to quality.
About Phonak
Headquartered near Zurich, Switzerland, Phonak, a member of Sonova Group, has developed, produced and globally distributed state-of-the-art hearing systems and wireless devices for more than 60 years. The combination of expertise in hearing technology, mastery in acoustics and strong cooperation with hearing care professionals allows Phonak to significantly improve people’s hearing ability and speech understanding and therefore their quality of life.
Phonak offers a complete range of digital hearing instruments, along with complementary wireless communication systems. With a worldwide presence, Phonak drives innovation and sets new industry benchmarks regarding miniaturization and performance.
1. Veugen LC, Chalupper J, Snik AF, van Opstal AJ, Mens LH. (2016) Matching automatic gain control across devices in bimodal cochlear implant users. Ear and Hearing (2015 Dec 10, epub ahead of print)
2. Advanced Bionics (2016) Adaptive Phonak Digital Bimodal Fitting Formula: Optimizing Hearing for Listeners with a Cochlear Implant and Contralateral Hearing Aid White Paper
3. Dorman MF, Gifford RH. (2010) Combining acoustic and electric stimulation in the service of speech recognition. International Journal of Audiology 49(12): 912-919
Media Contact:
Olivia Duarte
Advanced Bionics
661.362.1400
MediaInquiries@AdvancedBionics.com
Jorge Neto
Phonak AG
+41 58 928 01 01
jorge.neto@phonak.com