Otoacoustic Emission Test Device
Interacoustics introduces the OtoRead handheld Otoacoustic Emission test device. The OtoRead is a small, ergonomic, and lightweight instrument that can be used to perform basic OAE screening or more comprehensive examinations. Test protocols available include distortion product, transient, or a programmable combination of the two. Formatted test results can be printed on a fast thermal printer. The software of the OtoRead allows for flexibility. In addition, a choice of test options and criteria can be programmed, modified, and stored to accommodate different protocols and situations, if needed. 

Audio Loop System
Oval Window Audio, Nederland, Colo, introduces the Satellite III Induction Loop Assistive Listening System. The Satellite III is designed to interface with existing sound systems and is compatible with all telephone switch equipped hearing aids/cochlear implants and induction loop receivers. The system meets IEC 118-4 requirements, and provides coverage of up to 325 feet in perimeter. Multiple systems may be linked to expand coverage. The system includes a two space rack mountable loop amplifier, a loop wire, monitor receiver, and wall mountable sign. info@ovalwindowaudio.com.

Battery Testers
Hal-Hen, Garden City Park, NY, introduces four new hearing aid battery testers. The 2485 Compact Battery Tester can be used with all types of button cell hearing aid batteries. It comes with a large indicating bulb that gives clear indication if a battery is dead, weak, or at full power; the 3544 Button Cell Tester checks all popular sizes, is large and easy to read, and contains a slide-out drawer that holds two type 675 or smaller batteries; the 3433 Battery Tester with Storage features a built-in 2-battery storage, an indicator showing battery strength, and a convenient pocket size; and the 3090 HH Battery Tester features a large and easy to read meter providing indication to use or replace the battery, and a universal storage compartment that accommodates six small tab batteries or four large tab batteries of all sizes.

Digital Hearing Instrument
Bernafon, Somerset, NJ, introduces the Flair, a two-channel hearing aid with one listening program that can accommodate most audiogram configurations. It has convenient local controls for volume adjustment and switching between microphone and T-coil. Available in CIC to compact power BTE, Flair is value priced so that patients can afford the benefits of a 100% digital hearing aid at the cost of a programmable, according to the company. Flair 110 BTE is also compatible with FM systems. The OASIS Plus unified software platform fits Flair and all Bernafon programmables and digitals.

BTE Directional
Oticon Inc has introduced the Atlas BTE Direct, which features optimized dual directional microphone technology in an affordable compact BTE instrument. The heart of the instrument is the optimized dual directional microphone technology. Depending on the unique listening situation, the instrument offers a choice of omni-directional and directional modes by simply flipping the switch. Atlas can be fitted using Oticon’s easy-to-learn and operate Genie fitting platform or the flexible EasyFit handheld programmer. The integrated adaptation manager ensures quick user acceptance without compromising long-term benefits, according to the company, and the fully automatic feedback manager effectively eliminates feedback. Atlas features two channels, four frequency bands, and the two most popular rationales, NAL-NL and DSL-i/o, for fitting flexibility.

Illuminated Magnifier
Harris Discount Supply, Oklahoma City, Okla, introduces an illuminated  rectangular magnifier. This product comes with a distortion free 7.5-inch x 6.2-inch lens, and has two 13-watt fluorescent lights that can be independently controlled. The magnification is 1.75 X lens, and the arm length is 45 inches. In addition, the product is available with a 5-year warranty. For more information, call Harris Discount Supply at (800) 227-8524.

Mini Canal Combo
Designed for sports and recreation, the MiniCanal from E.A.R. (www.earinc.com) is a discreet generic-fit electronic hearing protection device. A custom earmold combo upgrade is now available from Westone Laboratories (www.westone.com) that utilizes acoustic filters, providing increased flexibility and improved volume control access when used in conjunction with the MiniCanals. The custom earmolds also come with a plug that can replace the MiniCanals for non-electronic hearing protection. Call for more information, (800) 525-5071.

Extended Payment Options
CareCredit, Anaheim, Calif, offers 24, 36, and 48 month extended payment options featuring a low, fixed interest rate for the patient,reportedly ideal for fees over $1,500. An addition to the company’s popular 3, 6, and 12-month no interest payment plans, the low interest extended payment options provide patients with even more ways to say “yes” to recommended and optimal care and technology. For a treatment fee of $1,500, a patient can pay as little as $41 a month with no upfront costs. For more information on how CareCredit payment plans can increase patient volume and practice revenue, call (800) 300-3046, extension 519, or e-mail rmorris@carecredit.com.

Digital Sound Processing
Interton/AHS, Minneapolis, offers Finesse, a 100% digital hearing instrument specifically designed for patients transitioning from non-WDRC analog or programmable instruments into a digital platform. Finesse is available in BTE, custom, and CIC, and has optional directionality. It can be programmed with CompuFit fitting software. (800) 247-4741; www.interton-usa.com.

Ear-level Processor
Advanced Bionics®, Valencia, Calif, announces that the new HiRes™ Auria™ ear-level processor for the HiResolution™ bionic ear system has received approval from the US FDA and Health Canada. The new Auria processor combines the benefits of HiResolution™ Sound (HiRes™) with style and flexibility to meet patient listening and lifestyle needs. When customized with an AA PowerPak, the Auria transforms into an ultra light configuration that is ideal for children and provides access to both rechargeable and disposable AA batteries that run for more than a full day. Auria users can accent their mood or style with 20 different accent colors and graphics. The Auria processor is also a full capability processor that does not require sacrifices in processing performance, and can run the CII Bionic Ear implant electronics at maximum speed using maximum channels for high resolution sound.

Component Silicone Materials
Egger Corp, Duluth, Ga, offers two component silicone materials: Egger-Aqua material in cartridges and Egger Flex S/AB Putty. Egger-Aqua material in cartridges is available in different colors. The inject pistol with mixing cannulas makes it possible to inject the material. One unit contains eight double cartridges with 50 mil each. Egger Flex S/AB Putty is available in red, orange, and blue, and is packed as a 2 x 120 g and 2 x 500 g unit. Impression is effected by syringe. The company recommends brilliant lacquer for surface finish, which is applied easily with a brush. An extensive assortment of special tools for the finishing and impression taking is available. (866) 344-3787; www.eggerlabs.com.

Moisture Proof Toggle Switch
Deltek, the electromechanical solutions division of Knowles Electronics, Elgin, Ill, has released the Model 2700 Moisture Protected Toggle Switch for production. The switch is a drop-in replacement to its competitors but is said to provide moisture and contamination protection, which improves performance and switch life. (847) 841-3000; www.deltekelectronics.com; www.knowles.com.