Boots launches world's first digital disposable ..

BOOTS LAUNCHES WORLD'S FIRST DIGITAL DISPOSABLE HEARING AID IN THE UK - HEAR MORE, SEE LESS [London, 23rd September 2002] Boots launched the world's first digital disposable hearing aid, Songbird DigitalTM, today. The revolutionary device, which is available in Boots Hearingcare centres nationwide, brings affordable digital hearing aid technology to the high street. The analogue version of Songbird was launched last year. Now the digital version retains the core attributes of the Songbird disposable hearing aid - it is small, discreet, comfortable and affordable - with the added benefit of state-of-the-art digital technology offering a cleaner, crisper sound quality. As it is disposable, there is no need for battery replacements or repairs. In a recent independent trial, commissioned by the medical research charity Defeating Deafness (The Hearing Research Trust), scientists at the University of Cambridge concluded that Songbird DigitalTM performs at least as well as all of the other digital and commonly-prescribed NHS analogue hearing aids tested. Professor Brian Moore and his colleagues performed technical measurements on three digital aids available commercially representing mid-to top-of-the range products, two of which are also available from the NHS Modernising Hearing Aid Services, and Songbird DigitalTM . He said: "Songbird DigitalTM provided smooth amplification over a wider range of frequencies than most of the comparison aids," which means the user will have access to a wider range of sounds. Rita McDonagh, 61, from Newark avoided using her NHS hearing aid because it was cumbersome and uncomfortable. She tried the Songbird disposable hearing aid last year and was delighted she no longer misheard conversations with her friends. As part of a consumer trial, she switched to Songbird DigitalTM earlier this year and says sounds are even clearer than before. "I can hear a wide range of sounds from birdsong to the sound of the kettle boiling. I am overjoyed with the clarity of sound I can hear now I'm using the digital aid," she adds. Private digital aids can cost in excess of £1,500 each. Songbird DigitalTM , which is designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, costs only £26 per month per ear - which means that if it gets lost or damaged, the cost of a replacement is a fraction of the cost of other digital hearing aids. Songbird DigitalTM is designed to fit most adult ears and, if appropriate, can be fitted on the spot at Boots Hearingcare centres and worn immediately - giving people the chance to `try before they buy'. Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Defeating Deafness, welcomed Songbird DigitalTM: "Digital hearing aids offer a state-of-the-art solution for the millions of people in the UK who have mild to moderate hearing loss, but many people cannot afford them and the NHS is yet to provide them for everyone. The introduction of an aid that rivals the digital aids currently available in terms of sound quality but beats them on cost is good news for consumer choice." For further information, contact Delphine M. Miller, Tracy Barrett or Kellie Delaney Isaacs on 0207 379 7377 or 07712 183 731. Case studies and spokespeople available on request. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/09/22/20020920BIT00680/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/09/22/20020920BIT00680/wkr0002.pdf