Monthly Archives: March 2017

4 Tips for Traveling with Your Ponto

I’ve been doing some traveling recently and was reminded of some of the unique considerations I have as a Ponto user. All the elements of travel, from packing to making it through security, can be stressful for anyone if they’re not prepared. So on my latest trip, I made a mental note of all the things I do—or should do—to make traveling with my Ponto easy and stress-free. 

Here are a few tips based on my recent travels:

1. Pack smart

First, packing everything you’ll need in the right places is essential. For example, I usually take two packs of batteries; one in my carry-on and the other in my checked luggage. That keeps me covered in case my bags are lost or I need fresh batteries in-flight.

Also, don’t forget to pack any accessories or attachments you may need. Things like Streamers, dehumidifiers, charging units, and protective cases can be easy to overlook when packing, but you’ll be glad you have them when you’re on the road!

2. Going through security

Going through airport security as a Ponto user isn’t much different than it is for anyone else. My Ponto has never set off any alarms or caused any problems, however, I have been asked about it on several occasions.

Typically, security personnel just want to know about the device and how it functions. It’s also important to point out that it doesn’t utilize a cellular signal, which I’ve been asked about before. It’s also possible that an agent will ask you to remove your processor and send it through the x-ray along with your carry-on items. This won’t harm your processor, so no need to worry if you’re asked to do this.

3. In-flight experience

Wearing your Ponto on the plane is a personal preference, but there are a few things to think about before you stow away your bags. If you like to sleep during flights, for example, you may want to take off your processor as it may not be as comfortable.

If, on the other hand, you like to watch movies or listen to music, be sure to have extra batteries and accessories readily available. When I’m not sleeping, I like using my Streamer, which utilizes Bluetooth, to listen to music or watch movies.

When it comes to sound quality, I’ve never experienced any changes in performance with my Ponto. In fact, I’ve found that because my bone-anchored hearing system doesn’t fall victim to the familiar popping and pressure during take-off and landing, I’m still able to hear rather normally. An added bonus!

4. Check the weather

A sunny forecast doesn’t just mean packing extra sunblock. Climate is an important factor in caring for your device while you’re away from home. Warm, humid climates won’t harm your Ponto, however, as with any electronic device, it’s best to avoid excessive moisture and don’t forget to take off your processor before jumping in the pool!

Have you had any experience traveling with your Ponto? Share your thoughts with me on Twitter or Instagram.

Want to learn more about the Ponto family of processors? Click the button below to be connected to a representative from our team.

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About the author

After attending Oticon Medical’s patient advocacy event in 2016, I knew I wanted to take action on my advocacy in a new way. I am in awe of the work that Oticon Medical does, and even more so excited by the ways in which the work is done. I’ve always been very adept in social networking and media and knew I wanted to use my skill set in a professional, progressive and communal environment.

The Journey to the Best Hearing in the Classroom

Many of our Ponto users who are children have experienced positive change, particularly in the classroom. If you’re considering aiding your child with a hearing device it’s important to understand how louder environments, like classrooms or playgrounds, can affect a hearing device.

Melissa Tumblin, founder of Ear Community, whose daughter Ally is a Ponto user shares some great insight on setting your child up for success in the classroom.

Ally Tumblin wearing her Ponto Plus on a Softband

Ally has a severe hearing loss in her right ear (65dB-70dB). She was tested at a 65dB hearing
loss yesterday. Ally was tested while wearing her BAHS (Ponto Plus) made by Oticon Medical in the booth and her hearing with the hearing device is brought back up to the normal hearing range (between 15dB to 20dB)….which has been the norm for us over the years with her testing and Ponto.

However, this time the audiologist chose to include noise interference in the sound booth – lots of background noise to see how well Ally could hear and covered her mouth when saying words and sentences to Ally, asking her to repeat them back to her. Well, even when aided, her hearing dropped to 56% (when it was in the normal hearing range without background noise) because of all of the noise. But then, the audiologist added Ally’s FM system back in and also removed the card from her mouth so Ally could see her lips when she spoke to her and her hearing response went back up to 96%! (which is great!)

So, the lesson learned here for those of you who are considering aiding your child (or yourself) with a hearing device is that hearing devices help amplify sound and help make things louder, so you can hear better. When extra noise is added to your daily activities, it can still be difficult to hear everything. However, when you combine an FM system (such as to help your child hear better in the school classroom), and your child is being taught how to be a “visual” learner and be aware to always be looking, watching and reading lips, then together….all of these things help optimize your child’s maximum potential to hear his/her very best.

I see such a difference with her and her Ponto, every day! Thank you Oticon Medical! Thank you for helping my daughter hear her best with her Ponto Plus!

Want to learn more about our newest addition to the Ponto family of processors? Click the button below to be connected to a representative from our team.

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2017 Ear Community Microtia and Atresia Summer Family Picnics

It’s that time of year again when the weather gets warmer and we start making our summer plans! We’re thrilled to once again be sponsors and participants in the Ear Community’s Microtia and Atresia Summer Family Picnics.

Every year, Ear Community hosts picnics all around the world helping bring Microtia and Atresia families together to share experiences and make new friends. Medical professionals such as Microtia and Atresia repair surgeons, anaplastologists, ENT’s, audiologists, and therapists along with hearing device companies all come together at the events to educate and inform attendees of their options. The picnics are free and provide lunch and family friendly activities.

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This year’s picnics will take place in the following locations around the U.S.:

Maryland Ear Community Picnic
Annapolis, Maryland
Date:  Saturday June 10th, 2017
Time:  11AM to 3PM
RSVP to Heidi at:  [email protected]

Texas Ear Community Picnic
Austin, Texas

Date:  Saturday, June 10th, 2017
Time:  11AM to 3PM
RSVP to Heidi at:  [email protected]

Colorado Ear Community Picnic
Broomfield, Colorado
Date:  Saturday June 24th, 2017
Time:  11AM to 3PM
RSVP to Melissa at:  [email protected]

New York Ear Community Picnic
Ardsley, New York
Date:  Saturday, July 22nd, 2017
Time:  11AM to 3PM
RSVP to Heidi at:  [email protected]

Florida Ear Community Picnic
Fort Pierce, Florida
Date:  Saturday, July 22nd, 2017
Time:  11AM to 3PM
RSVP to Heidi at:  [email protected]

Tennessee Ear Community Picnic
Nashville, Tennessee
Date:  Saturday, July 22nd, 2017
Time:  1PM to 5PM
RSVP to Melissa at:  [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there!

The sweetest sound for both mother and daughter

We’re thrilled to share a sweet and inspiring moment between mother and daughter as Teyana Gladden hears her own voice—and her mother’s—clearly for the first time, thanks to a Ponto softband.

Her mother, in awe, mentioned, “She’s talking softer”. To comfort her, Teyana whispers in her new heard voice, “It’s ok mama”.

You can read more about Teyana in this heartwarming story from The Daily Mail, and see the video of Teyana’s first moments of clear hearing. The video quickly went viral and we can see why!

We’re wishing all the best to Teyana and her family!

Interested in learning more about the newest Ponto system? Click the button below to be connected to a representative from our team.

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