Oticon "At the Heart of It" Campaign Supports Heart Health Awareness and Research

February is National Heart Health Month, a time when communities across the country join together to raise awareness of heart disease and promote healthy lifestyles. Oticon is proud to support this worthy cause with "At the Heart of It. . .We Put People First", a special heart and hearing health campaign to benefit the American Heart Association. During February and March, Oticon will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Agil hearing devices to the American Heart Association to fund life-saving research.

"Our commitment to putting People First supports hearing care and hearing solutions that empower people to continue to take an active part in life," says Oticon President Peer Lauritsen. "Through our "At the Heart It" campaign, we hope to motivate other healthy choices that provide life-changing benefits."

A focus on heart health is especially relevant in the hearing health arena. A recent study published in the American Journal of Audiology found that the negative influence of impaired cardiovascular health on both the peripheral and central auditory system has the potential to affect an individual's capacity to hear. An earlier report from the National Council on Aging showed that untreated hearing loss can result in increased stress, isolation and depression - factors that contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. By raising awareness of the connection between heart disease and hearing loss, Oticon aims educate and motivate people to take advantage of the benefits of modern hearing solutions, like Oticon Agil.

"Staying connected reduces stress and promotes positive attitudes," explains Lauritsen. "Advanced technology solutions like Oticon Agil, do more than enhance the ability to hear conversation, even in noisy social situations. With Agil, users can connect wirelessly to cell phones so that they stay connected while they're on the go." With the addition of the ConnectLine system, Agil users can also connect wirelessly to a variety of communication and entertainment devices. The ConnectLine TV Adaptor enables Agil users to enjoy their favorite shows with family and friends at their preferred volume and without turning up the volume so loud that others are driven from the room.

Oticon will promote the "At the Heart of It" campaign with a range of marketing communications materials including desktop displays, heart healthy tip sheets, newspaper releases and an on-line "Steps in the Right Direction" walking challenge. For more information about heart and hearing health, the walking challenge and the entire line of Agil and ConnectLine solutions, visit oticonusa.com. You may also learn more about Oticon at the Oticon web channel on AudiologyOnline.