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Have You Heard?

iPod Users Must See to Their Own Hearing Protection

A federal appeals court rejected a classaction lawsuit brought against Apple in which the plaintiffs claimed that iPods cause hearing loss. Their arguments against iPods: no volume meters; the ability to produce sound as loud as 115 decibels; and earbuds that are designed to be placed deep in the ear canal. The plaintiffs sought not only monetary damages, but also wanted Apple to improve the safety of iPods and its disclosures, to provide better headphones and to test iPod users for hearing loss. The court ruled, however, that Apple is not liable for hearing loss induced by iPods because it advises its
customers to exercise caution with high volume sound; cautions against using iPod headphones with lanyards (earbuds); and against using iPods while operating a vehicle or performing any other activity that requires full attention.

Senior-Friendly HDTV

TV Ears unveiled the first "senior-friendly" LCD high-definition television in January 2010. The 32-inch set includes a built-in wireless transmitter and headset for better listening, an automatic shut-off feature that turns the TV off after four hours of inactivity and extra-large screen text for easier viewing. It also comes with the company's "White Glove" specialty service that includes delivery with complete hook-up, programming and one-onone instruction on operating the TV and associated TV Ears headset. The set retails for $1,199 via www.TVEars.com and through select audiologists and specialty retailers.

Improvements in Hearing Protection Device Ratings

The National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) has asked for two major changes to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed legislation regarding the noise reduction rating (NRR) for hearing protection devices. First, the labeled NRR values should account for hearing protectors fit by both trained and untrained users of hearing protection devices. Second, the labeling of hearing protectors should be simplified. "The new NRR needs to account for the fact that hearing protectors are used both in the workplace, where users should be trained on how to protect their hearing
and how to wear protectors correctly, as well as recreationally, where users are likely to be less knowledgeable about how to best protect their hearing," said Rick Neitzel, Ph.D., NHCA president.

Hot Tips & News Clips

A white paper from US Airways outlines best practices for occupational hearing conservation. Tips include involving employees, making audiometric testing accessible to all employees and using motivational materials to support employee understanding of the program. Read it at www.hearforever.org/usairways.

Cochlear™ is offering incentives to its users of Nucleus® Freedom™ to upgrade to Cochlear's Nucleus 5® System, which is compatible with users' current implants and features Cochlear's smallest sound processor, Remote Assistant, dual microphone technology and AutoPhone™ automatic phone detection. Call 800.587.6927, visit www.CochlearAmericas.com/upgrades or e-mail upgrades@cochlear.com.

Phonak Acquires InSound Medical. Sonova Holding AG, parent company of Phonak, announced in January 2010 that it acquired InSound Medical, the manufacturer of Lyric®, an invisible, extended-wear hearing solution for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Siemens Hearing Instruments announced its third annual partnership with Quota International's Sound Beginnings program to provide vouchers for 100 free hearing instruments to children and young adults up to age 23 who have been diagnosed with hearing loss. For more, visit: www.hearitforthefirsttime.us/financial-assistance.

Sonic Innovations, Inc., a Utah-based global provider for hearing care services and solutions, is partnering with the Utah Department of Health, Hearing, Speech and Vision Services and the Utah Newborn Hearing Screening Advisory Committee to help children with hearing loss. The program, entitled Sonic Kids, will provide two hearing aids per month to Utah children at no cost to their families.