Advanced Bionics Is An Independent Cochlear Implant Maker Again
In 2004, it seemed to be a marriage made in heaven: Boston Scientific, the world’s leading manufacturer of cardiac stents and other implant devices, acquired Advanced Bionics, one of the world’s three cochlear implant manufacturers for $740 million plus additional payments based on future growth. But the marriage quickly soured and after several difficult years dissolved entirely last week. Read more
How To Find A Hearing-Aid-Compatible Mobile Phone
Bryan Lockwood has written in with a tip on a site that makes it very easy to find out whether the mobile phone you are shopping for will be compatible with your hearing aids. PhoneScoop.com has a phone finder which lets you search for hearing-aid compatible phones, including their ‘M’ and ‘T’ ratings. Read more
Sonova Undaunted By Collapse Of GN Resound Hearing-Aid Acquisition
Valentin Chapero is telling Wall Street that Sonova, led by its Phonak brand of hearing aids, will still vie to become the world’s number one hearing-aid company even after the collapse of its bid to acquire GN Resound from GN Store Nord. Read more
Josh Swiller Can Tell You Exactly What It’s Like To Be Hard-Of-Hearing
Josh Swiller, who started an excellent blog several years ago about what it’s like to get a cochlear implant, wrote a great article for the New York Times Sunday Magazine today that may be the best description I’ve read of what it’s like to be hard-of-hearing. Read more
Sonic Innovations Sees Healthy Increase In Hearing-Aid Sales
Sonic Innovations, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer, reported a healthy 16.4 percent increase in sales to $30.4 million (US) in its latest fiscal quarter, a growth rate apparently well above the rate at which the global market is growing. Read more
Tinnnitus Masking Device Reduces Unwanted Noise In Your Ears
I saw an old friend at an industry function recently who had what I thought were a new pair of hearing aids in his ears, but which on closer inspection were something different entirely. He told me he’s started suffering from a very bad case of tinnitus — unwanted noise or ringing in the ears — and sought out help from a recognized expert in the field, Dr. William H. Maxwell of Portland, Maine. Read more
Aug. 8 Is Drop-Dead Date for Phonak GN Resound Acquisition Decision
Valentin Chapero, CEO of Sonova Holding AG, formerly Phonak AG, said this week Sonova may abandon its quest to acquire GN Resound if the German trade office on Aug. 8 confirms its veto of the merger. Read more