Somerset, NJ July 15 To better assist hearing care professionals in providing optimum care for infants and toddlers newly identified with hearing loss, Oticon Pediatrics has instituted a series of new products, features and services to its National Loaner Bank Program. The enhancements are designed to make it easier for both practitioners and patients to take full advantage of this innovation hearing solution loaning service. The Loaner Bank provides hearing instruments for a three-month period to children under the age of three years while arrangements for third-party reimbursement are secured or while cochlear implant evaluation is underway.

The new additions include:

• Amigo FM transmitters T10 and T20 and Amigo receivers R2, R7 and the R12 models
  
• Pediatric-friendly Vigo Pro and Vigo
  
• Earmolds at no charge, provided by Ototech
  
• Loss and damage coverage at no charge for the duration of the loaner period

The program enhancements were a direct response to feedback from our professional partners, explained Sheena Oliver, AuD, MBA, Manager, Oticon Pediatrics. As more and more practitioners fit FM systems on infants and toddlers, there is an increasing demand for FM in our loaner bank program. Oliver noted that positive response to the pediatric-friendly Vigo Pro and Vigo devices and the complementary R12 FM receiver made them a logical and much-requested addition to the products offered through the loaner program.

We also found that, although we were providing hearing aids, obtaining earmolds to couple the hearing aids was stumbling block for many families since earmolds are generally approved when the hearing aids are approved, stated Oliver. Thanks to a cooperative effort with Ototech, we can now serve many families who would not otherwise have been able to take advantage of the loaner bank.

Making the program available to more families was also the goal behind Oticon Pediatrics decision to eliminate the $50 hearing aid protection fee that provides protection against loss or damage.

The National Loaner Bank Program offers a range of Oticon hearing instruments which are each available in Beige, Light Brown and Dark Brown colors. All hearing aids are shipped with tamper-resistant battery doors. To assist with retention and prevent against loss, a sky blue EarGear hearing aid retention device will be provided with each loaner hearing instrument order.

To utilize the Loaner Bank, contact your hearing care professional to learn if this service might be beneficial to your child. There is no fee to participate in this national program.

For more information about Oticon, visit www.oticonusa.com