Interview with Dave Fabry, Ph.D., Vice President of Professional Relations and Education for Phonak US
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Topic: Updates on Phonak U, e-Learning, eXtra, iLink, EasyLink, MiniValeo and the soon-to-be-released MicroSavia
Dybala: Hi Dave, great as always to spend some time with you. I know we have a lot to talk about so let's jump right in. First off, tell me about Phonak U. Where did you get the idea?
Fabry: Educating professionals by manufacturers is not a new concept - just one that we thought could use a different focus. Specifically, we felt that there was a significant advantage to holding a student meeting at our US Headquarters (in Warrenville, Illinois) because it offered more opportunity for "hands-on" experience with earmold/shell modification, real-ear measurements, and hearing aid programming. In addition, because we geared the conference exclusively to residential Au.D. students, we also wanted to address advanced topics related to private practice, diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders, professional issues, and other classes that would augment the education received at various stages in their academic programs.
Dybala: That last part sounds like quite a challenge.
Fabry: Actually, it was, as there is quite a range of experience between the first and fourth year of Au.D. study. Consequently, we offered parallel courses in each time slot, which enabled students to customize their experience at Phonak U by selecting the classes that best met their needs. Plus, we brought in an outstanding guest faculty, including Drs. Robert Sweetow, Pat and Richard Gans, Paul Pessis, Alan Freint, Catherine Palmer, Barry Freeman, Gyl Kasewurm, and Joe Smaldino.
Dybala: Wow! That is a pretty impressive group!
Fabry: Yes, and when you add in the Phonak residential faculty, you can't help but be successful. In the end, 275 doctoral students attended from 51 Au.D. programs from around the country. We even had a few Ph.D. students as well. We can't wait for next year - Phonak U is scheduled for August 10-12, 2006.
Dybala: Me neither. Let's talk a little bit about your role at Phonak.
Fabry: My title is Vice President of Professional Relations and Education for Phonak US. It is a great job, and I get to participate in a wide variety of activities ranging from product development to validation. My favorite part of my position, however, relates to the educational component. We are seeing tremendous changes in the way that education is provided today, both for face-to-face and online learning activities. For example, we have enjoyed using Audiology Online for internet based live and recorded continuing education events.
Dybala: Thank-you; Phonak indeed has made quite effective use of our online services during the past year or two. I would encourage our readers to visit the e-Learning section of Audiology Online and use the "View By Company" option to view both the many live and recorded courses that Phonak has to offer. Dave, let's talk a little bit about upcoming products that will be introduced by Phonak.
Fabry: Like other companies, we have made the transition to an all-digital product portfolio, and our product pipeline is very full! In November, we will introduce a new "value" segment hearing aid that is positioned between Amio and Valeo in our product line. This circuit, called "eXtra", automatically activates appropriate signal processing features for quiet, noisy, and (optional EasyPhone) telephone listening environments, has an eXtended high-frequency response (to 7000 Hz), and provides both outstanding speech recognition and sound quality in noise through the combination of a dual-microphone directional microphone (AudioZoom) and multiple-channel noise cancellation system (dNC). In addition, it has a feedback phase inverter, so it is ideal for both "open" and power applications. Perhaps best of all, it uses datalogging - the only instrument in this product class to offer this advanced feature.
Dybala: Now, datalogging is not a new concept in the world of hearing aids. Why is Phonak's datalogging different?
Fabry: Correct, although not a new concept, Phonak brought Datalogging into the digital age of hearing instruments with Savia. Results from beta studies and thousands of subsequent fittings reveals that this tool provides fitters with a very effective strategy for optimizing hearing aid settings after the initial fitting. By logging total hearing aid use and the proportion of time the patient is using manual or automatic program modes, it enables improved clinician-patient interaction regarding fine-tuning adjustments. With the introduction of eXtra, Datalogging provides "first class" convenience at a "value" price.
Dybala: So, it is the way that Phonak is using the information from datalogging to fine tune the fitting that makes the difference.
Fabry: Absolutely. Furthermore, eXtra rounds out a comprehensive digital product portfolio from Phonak, spanning from Savia, Valeo, eXtra, and Amio to provide an array of features and styles that might surprise a few people who still think that Phonak just sells BTEs and FM systems.
Dybala: This sounds very interesting, and we will look forward to seeing more of eXtra in the future. Speaking of FM, however, is there anything new there from Phonak?
Fabry: Despite the fact that the signal-to-noise ratio benefits of FM have been well-documented, several obstacles have prevented the successful transition from the "classroom" to the "boardroom". That is, although FM is used widely in pediatric populations, its use in adults is often limited by size and complexity, stigma, and cost. To that end, Phonak has introduced several new products that address these issues.
First of all, the industry-leading SmartLink system was developed to combine the function of a remote control, FM transmitter, and Bluetooth-enabled linking for through-the-hearing-aid cell phone use into one "high-tech" package. In addition, the new iLink is the first digital hearing aid to fully integrate FM in a BTE instrument, overcoming the impression that FM use is too complex. iLink is the same size as a standard BTE, and yet it contains full-featured multi-frequency synthesized FM receiver that may be used with any FM transmitter. To that end, Phonak has also introduced EasyLink: a simpler, less expensive version of the SmartLink transmitter that omits the remote control and Bluetooth feature to provide an ideal counterpart to iLink in an easy-to-use, attractive, and cost-effective package. We are very bullish on the future of wireless technology and hearing aid applications.
Dybala: That sounds great. Linda Thibodeau was my Ph.D. advisor, so I am in complete agreement that FM provides the best signal-to-noise ratio of any technology out there. Another "hot" area is the "mini" BTE market. Does Phonak have anything new there?
Fabry: Actually, Paul, the MiniValeo has been available since earlier this year, and not surprisingly, given Phonak's past experience and success with BTEs, it has been extremely popular. We felt that despite some reasonable solutions in the market, there was room for a "mini" BTE that incorporated multiple-microphones, multiple programs, and multiple-signal processing strategies. Research has shown that combining directional microphones with "open" fittings can still result in considerable signal-to-noise ratio benefits, especially when used in combination with compression limiting. Many of the "minis" on the market only allow use of WDRC processing, and although MiniValeo allows that option, it also enables the fitter to use compression limiting and/or peak clipping to be used in other programs. Our research has shown this provides the best combination of sound quality and speech recognition for all listening conditions.
Dybala: That sounds interesting - anything planned to "shrink" the Savia?
Fabry: Glad that you asked, Paul. We have just introduced the smallest and most sophisticated BTE product ever offered from Phonak - MicroSavia. It is a full-featured Savia (albeit much smaller) Savia instrument that uses slim tubing and has an extended battery life that is almost double that of competitive "mini" products. This instrument has it all - adaptive directionality, AutoPilot program switching between four listening environments, feedback phase inversion, Wind Noise Management, reverberation cancellation, Real Ear Sound, Digital Bionics, and a host of other performance features. In addition, it uses DataLogging Plus, our latest version of Datalogging with User Preference Tuning to provide the audiologist with the ultimate in easy, efficient, personalized fittings through User Preference Tuning. Simply put, this circuit is designed to blow the "Mini" BTE market wide open!" MicroSavia will be available widely in January, 2006.
Dybala: I know that when I fit hearing aids the more "tools" that I have available in a device the more options I have to help my patients. The flexibility and options available today are truly phenomenal. That is just about all the time that we have today, Dave, any final thoughts?
Fabry: Just that I think that it is an exciting time to be an audiologist and to be in the hearing aid industry, Paul. We have more products and services than ever to offer our patients, and the future looks very bright. Thanks for the opportunity to talk with you today.
Dybala: Thank you, Dave.
Phonak is a global leader in the development and manufacture digital hearing systems. Using state-of-the art technology, we strive to produce solutions for adults and children with a hearing loss in the most challenging of listening environments. The ultimate goal of the experts at Phonak is to make a key contribution to the quality of life of those with a hearing impairment, their family and friends. More information on Phonak can be found at www.phonak-us.com
Fabry: Educating professionals by manufacturers is not a new concept - just one that we thought could use a different focus. Specifically, we felt that there was a significant advantage to holding a student meeting at our US Headquarters (in Warrenville, Illinois) because it offered more opportunity for "hands-on" experience with earmold/shell modification, real-ear measurements, and hearing aid programming. In addition, because we geared the conference exclusively to residential Au.D. students, we also wanted to address advanced topics related to private practice, diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders, professional issues, and other classes that would augment the education received at various stages in their academic programs.
Dybala: That last part sounds like quite a challenge.
Fabry: Actually, it was, as there is quite a range of experience between the first and fourth year of Au.D. study. Consequently, we offered parallel courses in each time slot, which enabled students to customize their experience at Phonak U by selecting the classes that best met their needs. Plus, we brought in an outstanding guest faculty, including Drs. Robert Sweetow, Pat and Richard Gans, Paul Pessis, Alan Freint, Catherine Palmer, Barry Freeman, Gyl Kasewurm, and Joe Smaldino.
Dybala: Wow! That is a pretty impressive group!
Fabry: Yes, and when you add in the Phonak residential faculty, you can't help but be successful. In the end, 275 doctoral students attended from 51 Au.D. programs from around the country. We even had a few Ph.D. students as well. We can't wait for next year - Phonak U is scheduled for August 10-12, 2006.
Dybala: Me neither. Let's talk a little bit about your role at Phonak.
Fabry: My title is Vice President of Professional Relations and Education for Phonak US. It is a great job, and I get to participate in a wide variety of activities ranging from product development to validation. My favorite part of my position, however, relates to the educational component. We are seeing tremendous changes in the way that education is provided today, both for face-to-face and online learning activities. For example, we have enjoyed using Audiology Online for internet based live and recorded continuing education events.
Dybala: Thank-you; Phonak indeed has made quite effective use of our online services during the past year or two. I would encourage our readers to visit the e-Learning section of Audiology Online and use the "View By Company" option to view both the many live and recorded courses that Phonak has to offer. Dave, let's talk a little bit about upcoming products that will be introduced by Phonak.
Fabry: Like other companies, we have made the transition to an all-digital product portfolio, and our product pipeline is very full! In November, we will introduce a new "value" segment hearing aid that is positioned between Amio and Valeo in our product line. This circuit, called "eXtra", automatically activates appropriate signal processing features for quiet, noisy, and (optional EasyPhone) telephone listening environments, has an eXtended high-frequency response (to 7000 Hz), and provides both outstanding speech recognition and sound quality in noise through the combination of a dual-microphone directional microphone (AudioZoom) and multiple-channel noise cancellation system (dNC). In addition, it has a feedback phase inverter, so it is ideal for both "open" and power applications. Perhaps best of all, it uses datalogging - the only instrument in this product class to offer this advanced feature.
Dybala: Now, datalogging is not a new concept in the world of hearing aids. Why is Phonak's datalogging different?
Fabry: Correct, although not a new concept, Phonak brought Datalogging into the digital age of hearing instruments with Savia. Results from beta studies and thousands of subsequent fittings reveals that this tool provides fitters with a very effective strategy for optimizing hearing aid settings after the initial fitting. By logging total hearing aid use and the proportion of time the patient is using manual or automatic program modes, it enables improved clinician-patient interaction regarding fine-tuning adjustments. With the introduction of eXtra, Datalogging provides "first class" convenience at a "value" price.
Dybala: So, it is the way that Phonak is using the information from datalogging to fine tune the fitting that makes the difference.
Fabry: Absolutely. Furthermore, eXtra rounds out a comprehensive digital product portfolio from Phonak, spanning from Savia, Valeo, eXtra, and Amio to provide an array of features and styles that might surprise a few people who still think that Phonak just sells BTEs and FM systems.
Dybala: This sounds very interesting, and we will look forward to seeing more of eXtra in the future. Speaking of FM, however, is there anything new there from Phonak?
Fabry: Despite the fact that the signal-to-noise ratio benefits of FM have been well-documented, several obstacles have prevented the successful transition from the "classroom" to the "boardroom". That is, although FM is used widely in pediatric populations, its use in adults is often limited by size and complexity, stigma, and cost. To that end, Phonak has introduced several new products that address these issues.
First of all, the industry-leading SmartLink system was developed to combine the function of a remote control, FM transmitter, and Bluetooth-enabled linking for through-the-hearing-aid cell phone use into one "high-tech" package. In addition, the new iLink is the first digital hearing aid to fully integrate FM in a BTE instrument, overcoming the impression that FM use is too complex. iLink is the same size as a standard BTE, and yet it contains full-featured multi-frequency synthesized FM receiver that may be used with any FM transmitter. To that end, Phonak has also introduced EasyLink: a simpler, less expensive version of the SmartLink transmitter that omits the remote control and Bluetooth feature to provide an ideal counterpart to iLink in an easy-to-use, attractive, and cost-effective package. We are very bullish on the future of wireless technology and hearing aid applications.
Dybala: That sounds great. Linda Thibodeau was my Ph.D. advisor, so I am in complete agreement that FM provides the best signal-to-noise ratio of any technology out there. Another "hot" area is the "mini" BTE market. Does Phonak have anything new there?
Fabry: Actually, Paul, the MiniValeo has been available since earlier this year, and not surprisingly, given Phonak's past experience and success with BTEs, it has been extremely popular. We felt that despite some reasonable solutions in the market, there was room for a "mini" BTE that incorporated multiple-microphones, multiple programs, and multiple-signal processing strategies. Research has shown that combining directional microphones with "open" fittings can still result in considerable signal-to-noise ratio benefits, especially when used in combination with compression limiting. Many of the "minis" on the market only allow use of WDRC processing, and although MiniValeo allows that option, it also enables the fitter to use compression limiting and/or peak clipping to be used in other programs. Our research has shown this provides the best combination of sound quality and speech recognition for all listening conditions.
Dybala: That sounds interesting - anything planned to "shrink" the Savia?
Fabry: Glad that you asked, Paul. We have just introduced the smallest and most sophisticated BTE product ever offered from Phonak - MicroSavia. It is a full-featured Savia (albeit much smaller) Savia instrument that uses slim tubing and has an extended battery life that is almost double that of competitive "mini" products. This instrument has it all - adaptive directionality, AutoPilot program switching between four listening environments, feedback phase inversion, Wind Noise Management, reverberation cancellation, Real Ear Sound, Digital Bionics, and a host of other performance features. In addition, it uses DataLogging Plus, our latest version of Datalogging with User Preference Tuning to provide the audiologist with the ultimate in easy, efficient, personalized fittings through User Preference Tuning. Simply put, this circuit is designed to blow the "Mini" BTE market wide open!" MicroSavia will be available widely in January, 2006.
Dybala: I know that when I fit hearing aids the more "tools" that I have available in a device the more options I have to help my patients. The flexibility and options available today are truly phenomenal. That is just about all the time that we have today, Dave, any final thoughts?
Fabry: Just that I think that it is an exciting time to be an audiologist and to be in the hearing aid industry, Paul. We have more products and services than ever to offer our patients, and the future looks very bright. Thanks for the opportunity to talk with you today.
Dybala: Thank you, Dave.
Phonak is a global leader in the development and manufacture digital hearing systems. Using state-of-the art technology, we strive to produce solutions for adults and children with a hearing loss in the most challenging of listening environments. The ultimate goal of the experts at Phonak is to make a key contribution to the quality of life of those with a hearing impairment, their family and friends. More information on Phonak can be found at www.phonak-us.com
