Blog Survey Results: What Subscribers Want

Posted on June 1, 2011 by AU Bankaitis

Three weeks ago, subscribers to my blog were invited to participate in an online survey.  The purpose of the survey was to gather basic information on subscribers, what topics to blog about, and how often to post new information.  Blog subscribers refer to individuals who have specifically subscribed to my blog to automatically receive bi-weekly posts via e-mail.  In contrast, blog followers refer to individuals who have accessed and/or follow my blog without officially subscribing.  For this survey, only blog subscribers were invited to participate. Excluding registered Oaktree Products’ employees, as of May 31, 2011, 144 subscribers have registered to my blog. Of those 144 subscribers, 51 responded to the online survey resulting in a response rate of 35.4%.  About half of the respondents (26.51 or 51%) learned about my blog from Audiology Online with the other half via either word of mouth (13/51 or 25.5%) or the Oaktree Products website (11/51 or 21.6%).

The majority of the respondents were female (37/51 or 72.5%) with a smaller percentage of male respondents (14/51 or 27.5%).  About one-third fell in the 45-54 year age group (16/51 or 31.4%), nearly a quarter in both the 55-64 (12/51 or 23.5%) and 25-34 year age groups (11/51 or 21.6%), followed by 17.6% (9/51) in the 35-44 year age group. The remaining respondents were divided amongst the 18-24 year (1/51 or 2%) and 65 and older age groups (2/51 or 3.9%).  Two-thirds of respondents earned either an AuD (21/51 or 41.2%) or Master’s degree (13/51 or 25.5%) with the rest reporting anywhere from “some college” to a PhD.  Most respondents were from the United States (40/51 or 78.4%) with the rest from other countries including  Belgium, Canada, Greece, India, and the United Kingdom.

According to those that responded, my blog is mainly accessed either once a week (24/51 or 47.1%) or about 2-3 times per week (15/51 or 29.4%). The majority indicated that new information should be posted once a week only (29/51 or 56.9%) with nearly a quarter (12/51 or 23.5%) requesting for the bi-weekly format to stay the same. When asked as to which topic category represents the most useful and/or interesting information, most selected the choice “doesn’t matter to me” (14/51 or 27.5%).  An equal number of respondents indicated that the general categories of Audiology (10/51 or 19.6%) as well as Hearing Assistance Technology (14/51 or 27.5%) were the most useful followed by Tools & Accessories (7/51 or 13.7%).

So, what can you expect in the future? During the summer months of June through August, blog posts will be scheduled once a week (rather than bi-weekly) and occur every Wednesday to help break up the work week! Look for more posts addressing Hearing Assistance Technology including not only new products, but how existing products may be beneficial to patients.  Also, look for guest bloggers to share their knowledge of the hearing industry. In the fall, I hope to introduce video to better illustrate features, benefits, and/or the how-to’s of a product. For now, enjoy the summer, keep reading my blog and always feel free to share your feedback!!

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What in the world is the Conversor Pro Plus?

Posted on May 26, 2011 by AU Bankaitis

What in the world is the Conversor Pro Plus?  It is a combination of two existing Conversor products: 1) the Conversor Pro, and 2) the Conversor TV Pro systems).  The Conversor Pro is comprised of two lightweight,  rechargeable components.  As shown in the image to the right, the smaller component is the pendant receiver (worn by the user) and the larger component  is the transmitter/microphone.  The Conversor Pro Receiver has a built-in microphone designed to pick up sounds occurring in close proximity to the user and may, therefore, be used on its own without the second component.  The use of the Conversor Pro Transmitter comes into play when the user wants to hear a sound source located further away (i.e. lecture, classroom setting). In this situation, the speaker uses the transmitter which wirelessly sends conversations directly to the pendant receiver.  The transmitter may also be placed on a table during family, meal or group discussions with the ability to switch the microphone on the transmitter from directional to omnidirectional mode.

In contrast, as shown in the image on the left, the Conversor TV Pro is a wireless listening system specifically designed to hear sound from the TV or other audio source.  It is comprised of a transmitter and the same pendant receiver as the Conversor Pro previously described.  When the transmitter is in connected to the TV or other audio source, the transmitter sends sound signals directly to the pendant receiver worn by the user. Recall that the pendant receiver may also be used independently as a personal listener.

The Conversor Pro Plus pictured on the right is comprised of the Conversor Pro system with the addition of the transmitter packaged with the Conversor TV Pro.  As such, the Conversor Pro Plus is a wireless FM system that enables a user to hear conversations in various listening situations including sounds directly routed from the TV or other audio sources.  This product is suitable for both non-hearing instrument wearers and for those patients fit with t-coil equipped hearing instruments.

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Tied up in Knots?

Posted on May 24, 2011 by AU Bankaitis

Are your hearing aid programming cables all tied up in knots? If they are, there is both good news and bad news. The bad news is that the popular hearing aid cable organizers have recently been discontinued.  These cable organizers were ideal for neatly housing pairs of hearing aid programming cables in a single tube, keeping them completely untangled.  Unfortunately, once stock is gone, they will no longer be available so be sure to order any of the black cable organizers or white cable organizers that are available in the next couple of weeks.

The good news is that there are several options to cable organization readily available. For example, the Junction Box allows you to plug multiple sets of hearing aid programming cables into a HiPro Box at one time, making them readily accessible.  The color-coded cleats are designed such that cords may be wrapped up when not in use so they don’t get tangled.  The Junction Box is available in several different models including the JB300, JB400, and JB500 which hold 3, 4 or 5 sets of cables respectively. The Junction Box is not compatible with GN Resound cables.

The other cable organizer option is the Noah’s Arc Cable Storage System.  This organization system is comprised of 10 multi-colored spools housed in a unit specifically designed to sit on top of the HiPro Box.  The spools are provided so you can  manually wind and unwind the hearing aid programming cables as needed.  It is the perfect addition to any dispensing office that wants to stay organized!

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FAST LANE for the Busy Clinician

Posted on May 19, 2011 by AU Bankaitis

Busy clinicians need efficient systems to effectively run their clinics. Often times, this means ordering supplies via the internet rather than calling the supplier since online ordering eliminates the need to make a phone call and/or the possibility of being put on hold and having to wait.  Many websites require users to find each item individually and then to add each of those items to the shopping cart one at a time.  Unfortunately, for those users that know what they want to order, browsing a website with thousands of products is not the most efficient means of placing an order. This is where the FAST LANE feature on the new Oaktree Products website is a great tool.

The FAST LANE enables Oaktree Products’ customers to completely bypass the browsing feature of the website and to simply enter item numbers with corresponding quantities at a designated page. Once the order is entered,  the system quickly checks the order, making sure that valid item numbers have been entered and that each item number is associated with a quantity.  Once validated, just one click of a button adds everything to the shopping cart all at once, allowing the customer to quickly proceed with check out.  For those of you faxing in your orders, use the FAST LANE instead; it is essentially an electronic means of faxing in your order without requiring paper or a fax machine. Based on the positive feedback we have been getting from customers who have used the FAST LANE, be sure to check it out.  You don’t want to be left behind!

To activate your web account, go to www.oaktreeproducts.com and click the ACTIVATE MY WEB ACCOUNT button located in the bottom center of the page.  If you prefer, contact Oaktree Products at 800.347.1960 to talk to customer service or send us an e-mail at otp@oaktreeproducts.com.  This website was developed specifically for the busy clinician so be sure to take advantage!

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Wash Your Hands!

Posted on May 17, 2011 by AU Bankaitis

Hand washing represents the single most important thing you can do to minimize the potential spread of disease in the clinical environment. Traditional hand washing involves lathering the hands with soap, vigorously rubbing together all surfaces of lathered hands for at least 10 seconds, and then rinsing the hands with water. Not too long ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed the use of no-rinse hand degermers (i.e. Purell) when access to a sink with running water may not be readily available or convenient. Within the confines of the patient-care setting, here are some basic hand washing tips to keep in mind:

    • hands must be washed at the beginning of each patient appointment
    • at the end of each patient appointment
    • after glove use, immediately after removing gloves
    • any time during the patient appointment it is necessary

    In terms of product selection, the use of liquid soap is essential as bar soaps are a breeding ground for germs. Medical grade liquid soaps are preferred since these products contain special emollients designed to minimize chapping or drying of the skin from excessive hand washing. The use of anti-microbial soap is not that critical.  Keep in mind that while no-rinse hand degermers may be used as part of an effective hand-hygine routine, these products are alcohol based and can dry out skin; so, whever possible, wash you hands with liquid soap and water.
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Great Resource for Product Bargains

Posted on May 12, 2011 by AU Bankaitis

Looking for a demo product for your office but don’t want to pay full price? In search of a used but completely functional otoscope for a mission trip? Need some tools for your office and don’t mind if the product is shipped without original packaging? If any of this interests you, be sure to check out the Oaktree Outlet Store at the new www.oaktreeproducts.com.

The Oaktree Outlet Store offers specially selected, overstocked, discontinued, and/or slightly used products at mark-down prices. All products offered through the Oaktree Outlet Store have been tested and confirmed fully functional. Condition of the merchandise and/or packaging is fully disclosed in product descriptions. As items are sold, they are replaced quickly with other items reserved for the Oaktree Outlet Store. To check out the latest deals, go to www.oaktreeproducts.com,  log in using your account number and password, and simply select the OUTLET STORE option from  the blue menu bar on the left hand side of the page.  You can also click the green OUTLET STORE button on the right hand side of the screen which will take you to a page that explains the terms of the Outlet Store and offers a link to the actual store.

Keep in mind that you can still browse the Oaktree Outlet Store without an account by simply going to www.oaktreeproducts.com and selecting the BROWSE CATALOG button located in the lower left-hand corner.  Once BROWSE CATALOG is selected, simply click on the OUTLET STORE option from the blue menu on the left hand side.  This will allow you to access the Outlet Store and see the merchandise without pricing information.  This is the perfect web page to bookmark so you can check back periodically to see the latest and greatest bargains!  Who doesn’t love a good outlet store?

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Get some WHOOMPs for your Ears!

Posted on May 10, 2011 by AU Bankaitis

According to PCMag, the Apple iPod (2001) was voted the most influential consumer product of all time.  If you are an avid runner or like to use your iPod while exercising, the iPod itself is indeed wonderful however the standard earbuds packaged with the product are less than desirable as they don’t seem to stay securely in place within the ear.  While there are various earphone options available for purchase, most people simply wish their iPod earphones stayed securely in the ears during exercise.  A viable solution is investing in some inexpensive WHOOMP! Earbud Enhancers.

WHOOMP! Earbud Enhancers are adapters that attach directly to Apple iPod/iPhone or most other earbuds, providing the user with a more secure fitting earbud.  Simply attach the adapter onto the earbud, squeeze the memory foam tip and then insert in the ear.  The tip will expand in the ear canal, creating a snug yet comfortable fit.  This design seals the entrance of the ear canal, blocking out ambient noise.  The reasonably priced and popular 2-pack comes packaged with one standard pair of earbud adapaters, the perfect solution for your or your active patients to try out on the treadmill!

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Gear up for the Summer Months with Hearing Aid Moisture Protectors

Posted on May 5, 2011 by AU Bankaitis

With hot and humid weather just around the corner, make sure your BTE wearing patients protect their devices from excessive perspiration and/or moisture build-up during the summer months. Three basic products to keep in mind to use while wearing their hearing instruments include Super Seals, Hearing Aid Sweat Band, and Ear Gear.

Super Seals are cosmetically appealing, thin latex covers placed over the body of the BTE, providing an effective, inexpensive barrier against moisture and dust. Starter packs come with 12 Super Seals and a spreader tool to put the covering on the BTE.  Refill packs come packaged with 12 Super Seals only.  This product is available in a variety of colors (beige, blue, brown, neutral, pink or an assortment pack) and sizes (large, standard and mini) to meet the various needs of your patients.

An alternative to Super Seals is the Hearing Aid Sweat Band.  This product resembles a mesh sock comprised of unique and intricate material with robust moisture protection properties; you can actually put the Hearing Aid Sweat Band on a BTE and dip the portion of the BTE covered by the material in water.  In this instance, the Hearing Aid Sweat Band will become wet but the hearing instrument will stay dry. While not as cosmetically appealing as the Super Seals, the Hearing Aid Sweat Band is ideal for BTE users involved in vigorous activities (i.e. running, working out in the gym, etc.) that induce vigorous perspiration. Various colors and sizes are available.

Finally, don’t forget about Ear Gear! Ear Gear is a colorful spandex boot that covers the BTE, protecting the instrument from moisture. It is available in cordless and corded versions, with the corded version providing the added benefit of serving as a retainer system. This product is available in a variety of models including original, FM, Mini (square, curved or micro) as well as Baha, cochlear, and ITE versions. The color selection is endless including basic colors such as black, gray, and beige and more vibrant colors or patterns including camouflage, lipstick pink and red/orange pattern.  Browse the online Oaktree Products catalog at www.oaktreeproducts.com for a closer look!

Posted in Hearing Aid Dehumidifiers & Moisture Protection | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments