Oticon Medical Launches the New Ponto Plus Wireless Sound Processor System…

The New Ponto Plus and Streamer

Oticon Medical launches new Ponto Plus family of bone anchored sound processors

Better hearing when patients need it most – new powerful transducer, Inium feedback shield, and new wireless possibilities

In 2009, Oticon Medical advanced bone anchored hearing systems into the world of digital hearing technology. Now, the company brings significant new improvements to patients with conductive hearing loss and single sided deafness with the introduction of its new sound processor family, Ponto Plus.

Built on the Inium platform, the latest chip technology from Oticon Medical’s sister company Oticon, the Ponto Plus family features a new powerful transducer, an efficient and innovative Inium feedback shield and the newest Bluetooth 2.4 GHz wireless technology, all designed to deliver better sound quality, less feedback and fewer artificial sounds. Innovative wireless capabilities make it possible to connect Ponto Plus directly to smart phones, to loop systems in public venues and to other modern communication devices to allow conversation, music and other sounds to transmit from the Ponto Streamer directly to the sound processor. In combination with Oticon Medical’s proprietary OptiFit™ and OptiGrip™ implant design concepts and the newest tissue-preserving surgical techniques, Ponto Plus creates exciting new possibilities for clinicians to increase long term prospects and well-being for both new and experienced users of hearing implant technology.

 The most advanced family of bone anchored hearing solutions ever

“Ponto Plus is the most advanced family of bone anchored hearing solutions ever,” says Oticon Medical President Jes Olsen. “We are bringing the newest innovations in sound processing to the hearing implant arena just six months after these new technologies were first introduced in conventional hearing aids. Our ability to rapidly advance bone anchored hearing solutions with new technologies, such as the powerful Inium platform, demonstrates our ongoing commitment to identify new competencies and methods that will empower physicians to achieve the best possible results for patients. By delivering more benefits to patients through superior sound quality, power solutions, connectivity options, tissue preserving surgery and other breakthroughs, we aim to significantly expand the market for bone anchored solutions.”

Addressing patient challenges

Available in regular (down to a hearing loss of 45 dB) and power versions (down to a hearing loss of 55 dB), Ponto Plus is the most powerful ear-level bone anchored sound processor family. The optimized design of the output transducer increases the maximum output in the mid and high frequency range to reproduce louder sounds so that users can enjoy more everyday sounds without the sounds becoming distorted.

The Inium feedback shield uses a variety of advanced signal processing tools to minimize feedback including, for the first time in a bone anchored hearing system, a novel frequency shift, designed to give Ponto Plus users less whistling and fewer artificial sounds as they move through changing sound environments throughout the day.

Wireless communication possibilities

Ponto Plus users can enjoy communicating in a wide variety of situations, all controlled through one user-friendly device. The addition of the new Ponto Streamer turns Ponto Plus into a wireless headset, connecting users wirelessly to a range of audio sources including TV, laptops, mobile and landline phones and other communication devices. A built-in telecoil allows the Ponto Streamer to pick up audio signals and send them directly to the sound processor so users can easily access loop systems in theatres, lecture halls and other public venues. Users can stream audio from remote microphones, which help in situations where the other person is far away or surroundings might be noisy, or both. The Ponto Streamer can also act as a remote control, creating an easy way for users to change programs or adjust volume, and built-in jacks allow simple connections to FM systems and computers.

Designed for an active life

Ponto Plus has been robustly designed to meet the challenges of active lives and everyday activities, and is IP57 certified. The durable and reliable design reduces wind noise and limits water, dust and debris from getting inside the processor. The housing is nano-coated to repel water. In addition to earning IP57 certification, Ponto Plus is CE marked and meets EU safety requirements.

Innovation at the forefront

“With new Ponto Plus, Oticon Medical continues to be a pioneer in creating innovative patient-centered solutions that address everyday quality of life challenges,” says Olsen. “Four independent comparative studies have shown us that two out of three patients prefer Ponto when compared to other sound processors. With Ponto Plus, we have created a second full family of sound processors that offers exciting new features designed to provide superior sound quality and enhanced communication possibilities in situations users need most. The Ponto Plus family introduces more reasons for people to consider bone anchored solutions for the first time or to upgrade from their current sound processors.”

Ponto Plus is now available in selected markets. Following FDA clearance, Ponto Plus will also be available in the US. For more information on bone anchored hearing solutions, Oticon Medical and the new Ponto Plus family, visit www.oticonmedical.com.  Again, the new Ponto Plus wireless system will be available in the US Market soon.  www.oticonmedical.com

Thanks!Melissa Tumblin
Founder of Ear Community
Founder of the Microtia and Atresia Support Group