Setting New Standards for Innovative, Integrated Solutions:

New Oticon ConnectLine Provides Wireless Connectivity to TV, Mobile and Landline Phones

Smørum, April 2009 - With the introduction of the industry’s most advanced microchip platform, RISE, Oticon pioneered a new dimension in hearing care: wireless connectivity. For the first time, wireless access to Bluetooth-enabled communication and entertainment devices was possible - bringing hearing impaired people one step closer to a normal lifestyle experience.

Now, Oticon A/S launches Oticon ConnectLine, a new system of connectivity solutions that will represent another step forward in enhancing everyday life for hearing instrument users when watching television or talking on mobile and landline phones. The ConnectLine TV and ConnectLine Phone solutions are designed to considerably improve sound quality and ease-of-use by streaming sound directly into the ear without interruption from competing acoustic noise. The improved signal-to-noise ratio allows for a better sound experience and significantly improved speech understanding.

No matter how good hearing instruments are, they will leave the user behind several times a day if they don’t allow easy connection in different listening situations. The ConnectLine solutions allow for more natural personal communication and more freedom throughout the day.

ConnectLine is the only system that connects wirelessly and seamlessly to TV, landline phones and mobile phones, enabling effortless transitions between functions as needed with just the push of a button on the hearing instruments’ companion device, Streamer. The new “plug and play” connectivity products complement and optimize the wireless capabilities of Oticon’s premium hearing solutions Oticon Dual and Oticon Epoq.

ConnectLine TV streams TV sound in premium sound quality directly to the user’s hearing devices via the Streamer. The unique ultra fast transmission time prevents annoying echo from TV speakers and lip synchronization delays from the TV screen which can be found in traditional TV connection devices. The TV connection is activated simply by pushing a button on the Streamer.

ConnectLine Phone connects to any domestic analogue landline, turning the user’s hearing instruments into a wireless headset. Incoming call notification is transmitted directly through the user’s hearing devices and users press the phone button on the Streamer to pick-up or end the call. ConnectLine Phone does not interfere with the ability of other household members to use the landline phone as usual.