Newest Products from Oticon Medical Deliver Even More Choice in Treatment of Conductive/Mixed Hearing Loss

Somerset, NJ November 4 - Oticon Medical continues its commitment to bringing freedom of choice in bone anchored hearing care with the introduction of four additions to the company's Ponto system of advanced sound processors, accessories, implant components and surgical instruments. The new surgical instruments, components and sound processor accessories reflect the company's emphasis on end user-focused innovation in surgical treatment and audiological solutions for people with conductive/mixed hearing losses and single-sided deafness.

"The refinements in the surgical components represent collaboration between Oticon Medical and leading university and medical center clinics to enhance the quality and further the development of the treatment of conductive hearing," states Jes Olsen, Oticon Medical CEO. "Improvements in Oticon Medical amplification schemes are the direct result of input from specialists in fitting and dispensing bone anchored hearing systems, many of whom we already count among Oticon's established network of practitioners."

The new additions include the Ponto Angled Abutment that enables adjustment of an incorrect implant angle, helping to reduce feedback, enhance aesthetic appearance and improve microphone position for directional hearing. In some cases, use of the angled abutment may even replace the need for revision surgery. "Every patient has different anatomical variations around the site of the implant, which sometimes can cause the sound processor to touch the skin or the ear," explains Olsen. "To prevent feedback and improve the aesthetics in such cases, the incorrect angle can now be adjusted using the angled abutment."

The new Ponto Countersink with Stop is designed to give more accurate countersinking depth for improved safety during surgery. The built-in stop n outer collar without cutting edge revents countersinking more than 0.3 mm to prevent the drill from removing too much bone. A new Dermatome available thru OM features an adjustable cutting thickness developed specifically for bone anchored surgery.

For hearing impaired children, early stimulation of the cochlea is important for the development of language skills. The soft band provides a solution for many children who are too young to have an implant placed or whose hearing problems are temporary. The new Ponto Soft Band offers a number of improvements including a special version for bilateral use, an easily adjustable fit to accommodate different head sizes and six colors in both bilateral and unilateral versions. The new design features a built-in safety release and is latex- and Velcro-free.

The Ponto System is based on the tested and proven Brånemark principles of osseointegration and features the most advanced sound processing chip in the world and a patient-friendly ergonomic design. Built on Oticon's advanced RISE sound processing platform, the Ponto processor aims to deliver major improvements in sound quality and excellent flexibility to meet individual needs.

In recent qualitative study by Oticon Medical, 31 new and experienced bone anchor device users fitted by 10 audiologists from six different countries were asked to qualitatively rate Ponto on a number of attributes. Experienced users reported better understanding in quiet and complex listening environments compared to the their own devices and 97 percent felt that Ponto offered better or much better sound quality than their previous devices. Additionally, 76 percent experienced less feedback with Ponto compared to their own devices, which for the majority of patients' were less than four years old.

Oticon Medical emphasizes sound processors, implants, fitting software, patient accessories and special tools for surgeons that deliver outstanding flexibility, safety and patient outcomes. "Our focus is patient-centered," notes Olsen. "We aim to provide the advanced technology solutions and the quality service, support and training hearing care providers require to optimize successful outcomes for patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss and single sided deafness."

For more information, visit https://oticonmedical.com or the Oticon Medical web channel on AudiologyOnline.