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EUHA 52nd International Congress of Hearing Aid Acousticians

EUHA 52nd International Congress of Hearing Aid Acousticians

Date: 17-19th October, 2007.

Venue: Nuremberg.

Report by: Lawrence Werth, Managing Director, PC Werth.

The hearing aid industry first visited Nuremberg in 1981, for what was then the German market's UHA Congress. This 52nd Europäische Union der Hörgeräteakustiker (EUHA) International Congress marked the ninth time that this attractive Northern Bavarian town has featured as the industry's October venue. As it now alternates biennially with other cities, many of us regular Congress attendees are getting to know our way around rather well.

Once again the autumn weather proved to be mostly bright, providing delegates with the opportunity to walk and shop around the walled Old Town. Sadly we are always too early for the famous Christmas Market, but it's still a nice chance to stock up with a few packs of Nuremberg's famous Lebkuchen, the special circular gingerbread cookies with a seasonal taste of cinnamon and come coated with either a sugar or chocolate. There are several shops around the Old Town that specialise in selling just Lebkuchen and also Stollen cakes (although these really originate from Dresden).

Having taken our fill of the local delicacies, what treats awaited delegates over at the Congress exhibition within the impressive new glass walled eastern block of the CCN (CongressCenter Nürnberg)?

Little more than expected from the ‘Big Six'

As half of the ‘Big Six' major hearing aid companies are publicly traded on stock markets, events such as AAA and EUHA, where main product launches take place, are usually preceded by a flurry of announcements aimed at the investment analysts. So it was already apparent that Sonova (the former Phonak Holdings group comprising Phonak and Unitron) would be launching four new product lines. Perhaps the surprise is that there were relatively few other significant product introductions from others at this Congress.

So starting at Phonak, the main exhibit was dominated by two new names: Exélia and Naída. The former is the company's new high-end series, symbolised by a leaping male figure with a motif in the style of Leonardo de Vinci's Vitruvian Man, while the latter is the long-awaited new Phonak high power BTE, symbolised by a pretty mermaid. As wireless features have been prominent in the high-end offerings from Siemens and Oticon, it's no surprise that both of Phonak's new series are based around its new generation CORE (Communication Optimised Real-audio Engine) microchip technology, with wireless communication capabilities between instruments and their accessories at its heart. Phonak has coined the phrase ‘Full Life Experience' to describe the many elements that Exélia provides to meet all the users' performance, control and connectivity needs.

The feature that is mainly credited with Exélia's improved performance is ‘SoundFlow', a new automatic system that is designed to provide an infinite number of situation-specific programs, with seamless adaptation between changing sound environments. The ‘SoundFlow' system is enabled by a new high definition classifier that recognises the many aspects of the sound environment and generates the situation-specific program. Phonak also provides what it describes as eight fitter-accessible configuration points, through which programmes can be created. Among the list of features to aid sound clarity, VoiceZoom is the latest incarnation of the company's adaptive beamforming technology, which incorporates a voice signal activated algorithm to ensure the optimum directivity index for each of the 33 VoiceZoom channels, thus allowing the potential simultaneous suppression of 33 different noise sources. WhistleBlock Technology is the name given to the latest Phonak feedback cancellation system. This provides more stable amplification and freedom from artifacts through the new feedback identification and tagging module. There are some performance enhancing systems in Exélia that first appeared in the previous Savia and Savia Art generation. The Real Ear Sound algorithm aids frequency specific directionality by simulating the performance characteristics of the pinna; SoundRelax provides near instantaneous impulse noise suppression; the enhanced EchoBlock System removes the reverberant components from the signal; WindBlock Management uses a new wind identification and classification scheme to aid in suppressing wind noise, without changing the microphone setting from its optimum directional mode; and finally NoiseBlock Processing manages the noise reduction in each of the 20 channels.

The demanding user's control needs with Exélia can be met by the stylish new myPilot ‘bidirectional command center' (that's a remote control to you and me). This optional unit boasts a colour display and the bidirectional communication allows for status information from the aids, in much the same way as with Siemens' e2e system, such as battery power levels, volume and the current programme. A novel facility is ZoomControl, which allows Exélia users to overcome the usual front-focused bias of the directional system by allowing them to set the directionality of their hearing. It does this through the manipulation of the four microphone network in a binaural fitting, by wirelessly exchanging broadband data, thus directing a focussed beam in one specific direction of a user's choosing, while suppressing all signals from other directions. Phonak gives some classic examples where this could be a handy feature, such as driving a car, cycling or jogging. QucikSync is Phonak's version of the feature that allows users to control both aids in a synchronised way by only touching one. This allows for just one volume control on one side and a programme switch on the other, where space is at a premium on custom devices.

  Users wanting to exploit the wireless connectivity features of their Exélia hearing system will need to obtain Phonak's new iCom communication interface. This hangs around the neck on a loop, in a similar manner to the Streamer for Oticon's Epoq series, providing a ‘Body Area Network' that allows broadband audio streaming from external Bluetooth devices, for example mobile phones, MP3 players. The iCom also has a Europlug connection that allows an FM receiver to be plugged in. The final element of this wireless connectivity package is the iCube, another chest-worn device - this time for the hearing aid practice - that harnesses the capabilities of Phonak's new CORE platform to transfer fitting data from the hearing aid audiologist's PC. So, instead of using the customary HI-PRO or NOAHlink interface, these new instruments may now be programmed without any cables. The Exélia series will be available soon as a complete product family, including standard and micro-BTE models and a full range of custom models from CIC to ITE. But with Exélia becoming available, one wonders about the future role of Phonak's ultra-high-end Verve brand, which was absent from the Congress floor. The extra space was instead devoted to promoting Phonak's ‘Hear the World' international awareness campaign.

The above new wireless Body Area Network communication features that come as part of the CORE platform in Exélia are also present in the new Naída high power BTE series. Here Phonak provides an 85dB / 144dB SPL max gain / output performance in what is a slender new BTE case for a 675 battery-powered instrument. What's more, the new Naída aids are WaterResistant; Phonak having added a special silicone lining and gasket protection under the controls, as well as shielding the microphone and battery door openings with a special POREX® material. This should ensure that users can engage in constant strenuous activities in humid climates, or be out in the rain without worrying about taking their aids off. The WaterResistant capability also includes the new design-integrated ML10i FM receiver option within the aid (more about Phonak's new FM later). The most significant new audiological feature in Naída is the SoundRecover algorithm. This is Phonak's frequency transposition or frequency compression system, which it says differs from other recent examples of frequency compression. The presentation at the exhibit stated that clinical studies have demonstrated both adult and young severely hearing impaired users have shown quick acclimatisation to SoundRecover and demonstrated significant improvements in their speech quality. As with other recent Phonak power lines, the signal processing offers BassBoost for extra low frequency gain and output where required. Otherwise much of the feature set resembles Exélia, with SoundFlow, WhistleBlock Technology, etc available on the two versions of Naída offered. The Naída III UP is the simpler six-channel omnidirectional version, while the fully featured Naída V UP is based on 16-channel processing with Phonak's digital AudioZoom directional microphone system. ‘Junior' versions of both are available, with the appropriate earhooks, tamper proofing, colour options and DSL v5 fitting formula as default.

But Phonak wasn't alone in showing something new in the high power BTE arena. The ReSound booth was just across the hall, where the main emphasis was on its already established high-end Azure series, with Natural Directionality as its prime feature as previously reported. Although ReSound has probably not been hitherto associated with high power instruments, the arrival of its new ReSound Sparx ‘super power' BTE, with a stated maximum gain of 86dB and 145dB SPL output, certainly makes it a potential contender in this sector. ReSound credits the 6th generation of its phase cancellation Dynamic Feedback Suppression system (DFS) as being the key to providing such high usable gain. A back-vented receiver, similar to that used by Oticon in its high power SUMO series, probably also helps ReSound to achieve this level of output. To ensure this is combined with listening comfort, the ReSound Sparx is fitted with a six-channel MPO (Maximum Power Output) to make full use of the user's available dynamic range. Good sound quality is provided by the nine-band WARP sound processing system to ensure the highest resolution across all frequencies. There is a choice of Wide Dynamic Range Compression (WDRC) or linear compression strategies, depending on what form of amplification the wearer is more accustomed to. Also for listening comfort, the ReSound Sparx NoiseTracker system functions in each band to provide noise reduction. Like Phonak, ReSound places emphasis on the mechanical integrity of its new 675 powered BTE and also quotes a good battery life of up to 600 hours.

The strikingly clean lines of the new booth set up by Widex just beyond the entrance to the exhibit hall were admired by many. Here Widex previewed its own late entrant to what it calls (like Siemens and Starkey) the Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) market. Claiming its tiny new Widex Passion RIC instrument is the smallest on the market, the company sets out to provide the best qualities of a versatile BTE fitting with the cosmetic and natural sound advantages of a CIC - all combined with its unique Integrated Signal Processing (ISP) features known from the high-end Inteo series. Widex states its choice of the name Passion derives from the enthusiastic ‘dedication to detail' shown in this RIC aid's design features.

Thus one finds such ISP features as the Multi-channel Locator adaptive directional system, the Speech Enhancer noise reduction and speech enhancement uniquely based on the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) algorithm, and the Multi-directional Active Feedback Canceller that models the feedback paths from both microphones. Such a small housing is based on a size 10 battery, so the EcoTech II technology optimises power usage and ensures an acceptably long battery life. As with most Widex aids, Passion's fitting precision is based on Sensogram in-situ threshold measurements, while the automated AISA (Assessment of In-Situ Acoustics) measurement compensates for venting and leakage effects. The RIC module allows a full 10kHz bandwidth for those who may benefit from the fuller sound experience. While for those with no aidable high frequency hearing, the Audibility Extender frequency compression algorithm is available to provide some audibility of high frequency sounds by moving them into the audible lower frequency region.

Widex has provided its Passion RIC with a versatile new modular EarWare set, with detachable wires linking into the aid and also precisely coupling into the tiny receiver to increase flexibility and keep parts costs down for the dispenser. There are three EarWare fitting solutions for Passion. First is the now customary instant fitting open ear-tip, which is complemented by the Widex Sound Harmony processing strategy to optimise the effects of mixing direct and amplified sounds in the ear canal. Then the instant receiver ear-tip flex - a new standard fitting rubber RIC ear-tip with integrated venting options, for hearing losses that require low frequency amplification - is combined with Stable Sound Delivery to provide a smooth response in a stable manner, particularly freedom from feedback. Thirdly there is the custom ear-tip option, where an RIC ear-tip is manufactured in the local CAMISHA earmould laboratory. As Passion is too small for effective user controls, it is compatible with the Widex RC3 remote control. But, as well as having a choice of 12 colour housings, users are also provided with both a platinum and a gold microphone grid, which they can exchange as they fancy. These grids have a special nanotechnology coating to protect the microphones from moisture.

Indeed nano-coating is also a feature of the new NanoCare wax protection system that is situated in Passion's receiver sound outlet. The NanoCare wax guard has a similar appearance to the existing widely used Widex wax guard and can be substituted for it with current ITEs or CICs. But Widex states its new nano-coated system, developed jointly with the Danish Technological Institute, actively repels matter away from the receiver. Just one molecular layer of approximately 2nm in thickness possesses both super hydrophobic (resistant against moisture) and super olephobic (resistant against earwax) properties, preventing the long term migration of moisture and earwax into the receiver, while also remaining acoustically transparent.

Siemens has been one of the first companies to feature a nano coating as protection for its BTE instruments, but that wasn't mentioned at this congress. The always busy stand resembled a friendly café or meeting place for the German dispensers, around which Siemens' products or activities were presented in four corner suites (Siemens thoughtfully provides a map for their stand). The main recent product focus has been the range of CENTRA Active and CIELO 2 Active RIC models, for which Siemens has now provided an extended choice of three receivers; with 55dB and 65dB receivers broadening the fitting range in addition to the smallest 45dB receiver. These are accompanied by new open and closed dome ear-tips fitted with integral C-Guard wax guard.

With so much emphasis on the latest RIC / RITE trend of BTE fittings at the congress, it was interesting that Siemens' main new product focus on this occasion was the NITRO CIC, a uniquely powerful 70dB gain CIC for fitting to clients with severe hearing loss. The NITRO CIC employs six-channel processing, with adaptive noise reduction and speech enhancement in each channel, phase cancellation feedback management and data logging. Siemens also seemed to promote its new eARena interactive auditory training package even more than its products. The ‘AR' in eARena stands for auditory rehabilitation, and this DVD-ROM is a computer assisted training programme comprising a series of 30-minute training units for clients to perform at home, as they once more become familiar with the capabilities of their hearing with new hearing aids. We can expect to see a more significant new product launch from Siemens at the upcoming AAA.

The same goes for Oticon, for whom this congress presented the opportunity to reinforce the merits of the high-end Epoq series that it launched six months earlier, rather than introduce more products. Oticon places particular emphasis on sound localisation benefits with the Spatial Sound feature in Epoq, where the two aids share data and co-ordinate gain and compression, thus helping to preserve inter-aural intensity differences. So while others now provide audio streaming and similar communication functions, this binaural processing feature remains unique to Epoq. Of course, Delta was present too, with Oticon emphasising how its special design has helped to reduce the stigma of wearing hearing aids. Several adventurous new design and colour options for the Delta housing were on display.

Meanwhile Starkey is also making a determined entrance into the RIC market. The main presentation for the German market was to promote the many features of the previously reported range-topping Destiny 1600 series. But this was also the first outing for the two versions of its new Destiny RIC. The smaller model is powered by a size 10 battery and the larger Destiny RIC DSD model features Starkey's Directional Speech Detector technology for excellent directivity values and is based on a 312 battery. These two new RIC aids are available as the 8-channel / 12-band Destiny 1200 series specification, the mid-level 8-channel / 10-band Destiny 800 series, and as the more affordable 4-channel / 8-band Destiny 400 series. The Starkey Destiny RIC also features a similar type of ‘propeller sleeve' open ear-tip for correct positioning of the receiver in the canal to the one used by the open fit specialist manufacturer Vivatone in the USA.

New lines from the associate brands

For Hansaton this congress has always been a key occasion and the Hamburg based family run business has been celebrating its 50th year - since it was founded by the late Rudolf Fischer. Although its core technology is now based around electronics platforms from Siemens, Hansaton's product lines follow an independent path and there were a number of new entrants. The design oriented new STYLE Exclusive family sits in what Hansaton calls its ‘premium class'. The upper part of the housing of the elegant slim BTE is available in eight colours that the user can easily change to match their hair or clothes. There is also a STYLE Exclusive Mini BTE for use with open fit thin tubing, the small housing of which has been designed with those who wear spectacles in mind. There is the option of using Hansaton's eMote remote control for volume adjustment and programme selection, and the feature list includes Sound Impulse Management to suppress sudden loud impulse sounds, Voice Detection for noise reduction with speech enhancement in 12 channels, and Multidimensional Datalogging that records various usage patterns of one or two aids over a period of one week. At the value end of the market, Hansaton introduced its new FRESH series, a straightforward range with four-channel signal processing, anti-phase feedback management, multi-microphone directional system, noise reduction and three programmes. While as an entry-level product its new ACTIVO Pro instruments also provide four-channel processing with the option of open thin tube fitting, but otherwise a reduced feature set in line with the price.

The Siemens subsidiary Audio Service offers an astonishing number of product series for a secondary brand, with 12 different lines listed from the high-end down to entry-level. Products similar to the Audio Service lines also appear under the Rexton brand in many markets, such as the USA and Asia. New for this congress was SUN 1 and SUN 2 RIC, the Audio Service versions of the Siemens CIELO 2 Active and CENTRA Active RIC models, with a similar range of features including optional rechargeable size 13 battery. As well as the standard instant fit ear-tips, Audio Service particularly advocates its CLIC MOULD custom ear mould selection for open and power RIC fittings. There is even a deluxe CLIC MOULD in titanium, for those who seek the ultimate earmould finish. At what Audio Service describes as the ‘upper entry class', its new Riva series comprises four BTEs and four ITEs from two to four-channel processing with the customary phase cancellation for feedback. All of its ITE and BTE Riva models feature the company's established ComforClean water and dirt-resistant nanocoating.

The previously mentioned new ReSound Sparx power BTE also popped up in another guise with GN ReSound's second Beltone brand. Here it becomes the Beltone FORCE model FRC95, with identical 86 / 145dB performance, and different names describing the same set of features. Thus DFS becomes Adaptive AFC (Active Feedback Cancellation) and the nine-band WARP sound processing system becomes Curvilinear Rapid9, as well as the NoiseTracker becoming Speech Pattern Detection (SPD) modulation based noise reduction. One recent model that Beltone has kept uniquely for itself is its tiny Marq Receiver-in-Ear (RIE) instruments that were previewed at AAA. These are among the smallest around and are available as the 17-channel Marq17 or the nine-channel Marq9. At this congress Beltone announced a high power RIE version, employing a High Power and Gain (HPG) receiver option, as well as a new Power dome eartip for instant ‘non-open' fittings.

The new brite was the prominent product on display at Oticon's Swiss associates Bernafon. By now you will surely have noticed this little aptly named 312-powered Bernafon Receiver-In-The-Ear aid with an unusual side almond-shaped profile. It was accompanied by bright exhibition graphics illustrating brite aids lying camouflaged in some of their easily interchangeable colour options among olives, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, etc. From a fitting viewpoint, Bernafon emphasises the especially small size of the 8mm long receiver to facilitate positioning down the ear canal. There are two performance levels available; the top brite 503 RITE DM features Multi-Dimensional Adaptive Directionality along with the fully automated and adaptive Audio Navigation Program similar to the ICOS series. The lesser brite 502 RITE DM model has Adaptive Dualband Directionality and an automatic programme with 5 Performance Priorities, similar to the PRIO series. Both feature data logging with fine-tuning proposals in the form of the brite Tracker and both versions are compatible with Bernafon's optional remote control.

GN ReSound's third brand (after Beltone) is Interton of Germany, and here the emphasis was on the simplicity of its new snap series: a full line ranging from a 312 battery RITE, open fit and power mini-BTEs, and all the ITE variants. The feature list includes Adaptive Beamforming directionality, adaptive feedback manager and background noise reduction with Speech Booster to amplify speech content selectively. Interton also presented its Columbus concept. This is a complete portable quick-fitting package containing a laptop PC, fast interface, hearing aids, ear-tips, etc. that will allow the dispenser to make immediate easy trials of the hearing aids at public exhibits. The special fitting software allows around three or four common default slopes of amplification for quickly setting up to a user's potential needs. The idea is to encourage people to sample and experience the benefits of comfortable amplification as soon as possible as they go about their business. Interton states that in field tests of Columbus a substantial majority of trial users were either positive or very positive about their experience of amplification after their initial test fitting.

Dominated by an F1 racing car simulator to give visitors some added adrenalin was the third product to be introduced by the Sonova (formerly Phonak) group. Unitron Hearing previewed its new high-end Yuu series, which it describes as ‘the first truly interactive, automatic hearing solution'. The first element of this is the autoPro4 automatic programme-switching technology carried over from the Indigo series, which is further enhanced in Yuu for faster and smoother programme transitions. A novel feature is the Comfort-Clarity Balance that gives clients control over adaptive speech enhancement and noise reduction to emphasise either clarity or comfort in different listening environments. The Comfort-Clarity Balance is situated directly on the Yuu BTE aid, or takes the form of an easy-to-use toggle wheel on the optional remote Smart Control. The self-learning feature in Yuu can be taught clients' volume as well as personal comfort and clarity adjustments during actual use. This means that after the self-learning period, clients' personal settings are applied to the automatic programme when they again encounter the same acoustic situations. This is complemented by Yuu's learnNow technology available with the Smart Control, which instantaneously allows clients to teach their hearing instruments their preferred setting of the Comfort-Clarity Balance and volume for any given situation.

It was the first time in a number of years that SONIC Innovations has appeared on the exhibition floor of the congress and the company was accordingly promoting its entire line of instruments. The high-end Velocity series was introduced at the last AAA with a particular focus on the seamless fully automatic operation provided by its Overdrive System and Sonic Sound, with 24 channels of compression with variable time constants.

Independent manufacturer news

While the stands of the major brands dominate the exhibition floor, an independent sector still thrives, often by producing niche products. The German manufacturer audifon is owned by the Kind family that owns the large KIND hearing aid chain, but equally presents its products internationally to all. At this congress audifon was near to introducing the switch model already previewed in 2006. This is a new slender four-channel RITE micro-BTE design based around a 312 battery, with six-band equaliser, adaptive noise reduction and feedback management. The switcheasy will be a simpler entry-level two-channel version. The audifon MySound multi-media presentation package is designed as both a ‘Feature Demonstrator' and an interactive fitting tool. It creates a virtual sound world using a Dolby Surround-based package to demonstrate hearing aid features ‘live' in the hearing practice "studio". audifon also introduced the looplink, a lightweight assistive device worn on a loop around the neck to provide an inductive link from Bluetooth mobile phones or other devices to the hearing aid switched to telecoil.

From Austria, BHM-Tech are perhaps best known for producing updated digital successors of the former Viennatone bone conduction spectacle designs. At this congress BHM introduced its new Contact Mini digital bone conduction hearing aid as an alternative solution for toddlers and young children who are not candidates for the surgically implanted bone-anchored BAHA. The two-channel Contact Mini is designed to be held over the mastoid using a headband. BHM also introduced its new apollon as the most powerful hearing aid in the world. It is certainly the first new body-worn hearing aid to have arrived for a while and is based on a four-channel 64-band digital processor. Powered by two AA 1.5V batteries there should be a well of power on tap, and sure enough the apollon data sheet shows a maximum gain of 104dB, with a maximum output through the receiver at 154dB SPL. So this is definitely one to fit with care!

Moving back to bone conduction, a completely new design concept appeared from the slimline spectacle fitting specialists Bruckhoff of Hanover. The new digital bone conduction la belle BC spectacle aid features an innovative separate modular construction, with the slim la belle hearing aid amplifier hooked behind the ear as usual, while a second bone conductor extension lies above it positioned over the mastoid. ‘Cold forming' allows straightforward separate positioning of the bone conductor and spectacle extensions, and optimum contact pressure is ensured by the dispenser using a special gauge. The Premium version of la belle BC also provides dual microphone directionality for the first time in a bone conduction spectacle instrument.

The team from UK-based Puretone was present to introduce its international customers to the new improved Digital Audio Chemistry (DAC) range, with a new Krypton series based on the 32-channel ADRO processing featuring the dynamic range optimisation algorithm originating from Dynamic Hearing in Australia.

Communication system innovations

While there were no new developments on show to report from the diagnostic instrument companies, there was plenty of news from the personal radio communications sector. This is dominated by paediatric / educational requirements, as so far only a minority of adult hearing aid users are prepared to accept that their expensive digital hearing aids require additional assistive devices, such as directional radio microphones and plug-in FM receivers, to be truly effective in demanding environments.

Having launched its first miniature MicroLink plug-in FM receiver for BTEs in 1996, followed by the multi-frequency MLxS version in 2003, Phonak was ready to unveil its new successor technology to conventional FM. It calls this Dynamic FM, which employs an additional stream of data accompanying the audio FM signal to enable a number of control functions that would not be possible with the conventional FM format used until now. An advantage of this approach is that it provides backwards compatibility, which is essential for schools and other major institutional users with a longstanding investment in previous FM systems. Phonak's first Dynamic FM products are inspiro, a new FM transmitter for teachers, and there are two new FM receivers: MLxi is the miniature universal Dynamic FM model for attachment to audio input shoes, which benefits from a new AutoConnect feature that ensures the receiver automatically adjusts optimally to the hearing aid. The ML10i is the equivalent receiver that is integrated within the base of the new Phonak Naída high power BTE. (There is also a version of the MLxi designed for connection to the BAHA instruments from Cochlear.) The new Dynamic Speech Extractor with voice activity detection mutes the receiver when the teacher stops speaking, while Phonak claims a significant improvement in speech scores in noisy environments thanks to the new Adaptive FM Advantage (AFMA) algorithm that automatically adjusts the output of the receiver to ambient noise conditions. Phonak has also provided DataLogging FM to help monitor FM usage patterns; a MultiTalker Network feature enables seamless switching between two or more teachers' transmitters in the same class; and a SoundCheck system helps the teacher to check that the microphone is being worn in the correct position.

In contrast to Phonak, the Swedish manufacturer Comfort Audio appears to have chosen to cater primarily for the adult assistive devices market and not base its new system around current FM technology. It states the new Comfort Digisystem provides secure crystal clear sound that is free of noise by being the first to use digital radio transmission, based on its encrypted SecureStream Technology (SST), and digital sound processing based on its Perceptual Speech Enhancer (PSE). There will be a whole family of microphone and receiver solutions. The Conference Microphone DC-10 filters and stabilises speech, removes noise and has an impulse noise inhibitor. There is also the very small Mini Microphone DM-05, as well as other microphones, one of which provides wireless connection to a Bluetooth phone. The receiver line-up includes the smallest Connector DT-10 that plugs directly into a BTE aid's audio shoe, while the Earset DE-10 receiver hooks over the ear for listening without a hearing aid, or for listening with an ITE or CIC hearing aid. The third receiver option available is the compact Handset DH-10 for use with headphones or a teleloop.

The above wireless applications, especially when coupled with high power BTE hearing aids, can put a lot of demands on a zinc air cell. So Rayovac has introduced its new Rayovac Extreme Performance range to meet these additional power demands by delivering the extra milliwatt power and a higher operating voltage than normal zinc air batteries. Rayovac advises its Extreme Performance cells shouldn't be used in normal hearing aids, as they would deliver a shorter life. But they will provide better performance for those who wear wireless systems with high power instruments.

And finally...

Some of those unfortunate ear impressioning mishaps, when the impressioning material hasn't cured properly, could soon be over. At the previous congress Detax introduced its innovative cartridge-based addition chroma silicone impressioning material that changes colour as soon as it has cured in around three minutes. Likewise at this congress Dreve Otoplastik announced its new Otoform Pro X as a further version of its Otoform family of impression materials, available in double cartridges or twin-tubs. Dreve advises that the new colour-indicator in Otoform Pro X accurately reflects that its material has properly cured. It also features nano-particles for an even smoother surface and is optimised for easy scanning and cutting, as well as having a final hardness of 35 Shore for convenient removal from the ear.

Finally, EUHA 2007 saw the first presentation in Europe of an intriguing new tool that helps you to measure your practice or company performance and benchmark it against industry norms. EARtrak is a confidential survey process that has been specifically designed to measure client outcomes after hearing aid fitting. The information that participants receive in their EARtrak report can help to identify issues relating to staff training, product performance and service delivery. Developed and based in Australia, EARtrak has so far been working with companies and dispensing groups in Australia, Germany and New Zealand, and reports that every participating company has discovered at least one previously unsuspected problem through the process, which they have then taken steps to rectify.

That completes this roundup of news from last October's EUHA Congress. We'll be returning to Nuremberg in 2009. Meanwhile this autumn's 53rd EUHA Congress will return to Leipzig for the second time. Before then the next major industry event coming up will be the AAA Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, where we can expect many more new introductions to keep us occupied.

2008 - Leipzig. 53rd International Congress: 15-17th October.

2009 - Nuremberg. 54th International Congress: 21st -23rd October.

2010 - Hannover. 55th International Congress: 13-15th October.

See further EUHA Congress information at: http://www.euha.org/