Category: Featured

It was another successful EUHA for RAYOVAC, a brand of world-leading hearing aid battery manufacturer Energizer Holdings*, as it showcased its latest technology to hundreds of new delegates at the hearing industry’s largest annual event in Hannover, Germany.

The company began shipping RAYOVAC® Sound Fusion™ Technology to the market this summer, in sizes 10, 13 and 312, with up to two-and-a-half days more battery life per pack**.

Clients visiting RAYOVAC at the EUHA event took advantage of the opportunity to find out more about RAYOVAC’s final element to this full portfolio upgrade, as from early next year this ground-breaking technology will be available in size 675 batteries.

Those that missed a visit to the firm’s eye-catching stand at the 66th International EUHA Congress in person can still log on to RAYOVAC LIVE to find out more about the incredible range, which features up to nine per cent more battery life compared to competitor models***, five more hours of wireless streaming*** and increased universal power among its benefits.

Introduced as a digital alternative to in-person attendance during the Covid-19 pandemic, RAYOVAC LIVE remains open until mid November and visitors have the chance to enter a prize draw of signed merchandise from Energizer Holdings’ ambassador and F1 championship winner Jenson Button.

They can also hear the latest in consumer insights from Senior Commercial Director Glen Rutherford, and enjoy exclusive video and speaker content, including a discussion between Marketing Director Paula Brinson-Pyke and Global Vice President of Research and Development Ravi Saggar, as well as presentations on trends in the EU and US audiology devices markets respectively, with Stefan Zimmer, Chairman of the German Hearing Aid Industry Association (BVHI) and Secretary General of European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA), and Kate Carr, President of the US Hearing Industries Association.

Last but not least, RAYOVAC LIVE delegates can learn about the benefits of becoming a member of the Pro Line™ Excellence Club, which provides tools to help audiology businesses grow their revenues, with exclusive programmes, loyalty schemes and marketing resources to help them stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Mrs Brinson-Pyke said: “It was great to see so many colleagues from the across the global hearing industry at the EUHA live event, which is always a highlight in our year, and we’re excited to have been able to introduce even more people to our breakthrough Sound Fusion Technology, which is all about performance.

“At a time when we’re all having to tighten our belts, the addition of Sound Fusion Technology across our range with the forthcoming launch of our size 675 offers consumers increased value, whatever their device as no other hearing aid battery lasts longer****, and underscores our ongoing commitment to ensuring our partners are able to deliver the same longer lasting battery power for all their customers.”

“RAYOVAC LIVE also demonstrates an additional commitment to ensuring more of our industry hear about our range for themselves, wherever they are in the world and whatever their time zone.”

To attend the remainder of RAYOVAC LIVE, visit https://rayovac.live or for more information about RAYOVAC, visit www.rayovac.eu, like RAYOVAC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HearwithRayovac or follow its Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/HearwithRayovac. You can also find RAYOVAC on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/rayovac-hearing-aid-batteries-international.

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* Source: IDATA Research | Global Market Report Suite for Zinc Air Hearing Aid Batteries | March 2021
** Based on 6 pack: up to 5 hours additional life on Size 312, IEC Wireless test, Tested Jun. 2021 Sept 2021 at >8 months of age. Assuming 12 hours device usage per day.
*** RAYOVAC Batteries, size 312 vs. leading competitor based on IEC Wireless test, Tested Jun. 2021-Sept 2021 at >8 months of age.
**** Rayovac brand only. Based on standard ANSI/IEC performance tests.

Hearing Industries Association (HIA) President Kate Carr has paid a visit to Energizer Holdings Inc.’s RAYOVAC® hearing aid battery plant in the UK to see the first of its Sound Fusion™ Technology hearing aid batteries roll off the production line.

Following a series of trade showcases across Europe and in the USA, production has started on RAYOVAC® hearing aid batteries with new Sound Fusion Technology. Sound Fusion Technology is the latest innovation from RAYOVAC and represents their major leap forward in power to support hearing.

Kate Carr’s visit comes as Sound Fusion Technology is soon to be rolled out across the globe and it highlights RAYOVAC’s international presence and commitment to supporting hearing care partners around the world.

In her role as President of the HIA, Kate is passionate about educating people on hearing loss, with more than 35 million people in America affected by some type of hearing loss. She has devoted her career to organisations that change outcomes in health care and improve people’s lives.

As members of the Hearing Industries Association, RAYOVAC is backing the HIA’s “Hear Well. Stay Vital” public awareness campaign to promote better hearing health and the positive impact on people’s lives. There is strong synergy between the organisations, with RAYOVAC raising awareness and encouraging more people to seek early support for hearing loss through its World Hearing Day and Better Hearing and Speech Month’s Life Without Limits Campaign.

Hundreds of millions of RAYOVAC® hearing aid batteries are exported worldwide each year from the brand’s two manufacturing facilities, in Tyne and Wear, UK, and Wisconsin, USA, giving users around the world the power to hear more.

Paula Brinson-Pyke, Director of Marketing at RAYOVAC, said: “We are delighted to welcome HIA president Kate Carr to our manufacturing facility in Washington, UK to celebrate the first Sound Fusion Technology hearing aid batteries off the production line. The launch of our latest innovation underscores our commitment to continually improving and pushing the boundaries of primary battery technology for the benefit of our customers and the wider industry.

The addition of Sound Fusion Technology to RAYOVAC-branded products will make this generation of hearing aid battery our most powerful yet. With more battery life, more hours of wireless streaming and excellent performance across a range of temperatures.

“Available to distributors through our RAYOVAC® Extra hearing aid batteries and to our audiology customers via our Pro Line™ Excellence Club from June, Sound Fusion Technology provides our customers and yours with the reassurance that no hearing aid battery lasts longer*.”

President of the Hearing Industries Association Kate Carr said: “It was my pleasure to be able to visit RAYOVAC’s UK site today and see its advanced manufacturing technology in action. RAYOVAC has a longstanding history of firsts in hearing aid battery power and is the only hearing aid battery brand with two production facilities providing economies of scale, speed and efficiency. It was an honour to be able to be here today to see the first RAYOVAC® hearing aid batteries with Sound Fusion Technology roll off the production line at this impressive facility.”

RAYOVAC’s new Sound Fusion Technology will give hearing aid users the power to hear more and will start shipping in June 2022. To find out more about RAYOVAC’s offer to trade customers and the Pro Line™ Excellence Club, visit https://www.thepowerofhearing.com/products/business-builder-program/.

Follow RAYOVAC on Twitter @HearwithRayovac, Facebook @HearwithRayovac or find the brand on LinkedIn.

* RAYOVAC® brand. Based on ANSI/IEC performance tests.

RAYOVAC®, a division of Energizer Holdings, Inc., has launched a live, three-day virtual event for the hearing industry in October.

The first ever RAYOVAC® Live event will open on the 7^th October, offering visitors the opportunity to be the first to see the latest in hearing aid battery technology, book face-to-face ‘on stand’ meetings with representatives from the RAYOVAC® sales team and access useful information and updates.

Online registrations have opened, and participants can sign-up online to explore the hearing aid battery manufacturer’s virtual experience the latest in RAYOVAC®’s hearing aid battery technology and learn how RAYOVAC® can help develop their business.

Building on the foundation set by Active Core Plus™ Technology, introduced to the European market by RAYOVAC® at EUHA in 2019, the hearing aid battery manufacturer will be showcasing the next generation in hearing aid battery technology during the event.  

Paula Brinson-Pyke, Director of Marketing at RAYOVAC©, said: “We are constantly investing in and pushing the boundaries of hearing aid battery technology to develop our latest product that provides even longer lasting power in today’s most demanding devices, giving consumers the power to hear more.

“RAYOVAC® is committed to supporting our hearing industry customers and partners. The world has changed rapidly over the past few months with a number of key trade shows and events being affected.

“We are looking forward to welcoming delegates to our virtual platform on the 7^th and 8^th October, explaining more about the advantages delivered by our new technology and what this means for consumers, our professional customers and their business.”

Attendees from across Europe can also find out about the benefits of becoming a member of the ProLine™ Excellence Club and book a face-to-face live consultation with a member of RAYOVAC©’s sales team. The ProLine™ Excellence Club provides tools to audiology businesses to help grow their revenue through hearing aid battery sales, providing its members with exclusive programmes, loyalty schemes and marketing tools to help them stand out in a competitive marketplace and encourage repeat visits.

To register for the event and receive updates leading up to and during RAYOVAC© Live visit: https://www.rayovac.live , follow them on Twitter

@HearwithRayovac, Facebook @HearwithRayovac or find them on LinkedIn.

If you’re a hearing aid user, have you ever wondered why the life of the battery in your device changes when you go on holiday in a different climate? Or perhaps you’re a keen walker or mountaineering enthusiast and have noticed battery life on your hearing aid is affected the higher you climb?

Paul Deeble, Technical Liaison Manager at leading hearing aid battery manufacturer RAYOVAC©, talks about how certain environments can affect the life of your hearing aid battery.

Humidity & heat

The humidity within an environment can affect your hearing aid’s battery life.

Paul explains: “Hearing aid batteries contain zinc air chemical technology, which can be sensitive to the presence or absence of moisture in the air. If you are in an environment that is high in humidity, possibly even wet, hearing aid batteries may absorb moisture through the holes that are designed to take in air to activate it, and subsequently this can shorten battery life.”

If you have spent a number of hours in a high humidity environment, it is recommended that you allow your hearing aid and its batteries to dry out when you are not wearing it. Opening the battery door and leaving it in a cool, dry place will help to remove any condensation or moisture from within the device.

You could also use a hearing aid dehumidifier to help maintain your device.  However, remember to remove the batteries from the device first.  Using a dehumidifier with batteries in situ can unfortunately have an adverse effect on the batteries by drying them out.

The opposite of a high humidity environment is, yes, you guessed it, low humidity, and that can also have an impact on your hearing aid batteries. Paul continues; “If the environment is very dry and hot, such as you’d find in a warm holiday destination, this could cause your hearing aid batteries to dry out much quicker than they normally would, which will also reduce battery lifespan.”

Cold Conditions

Reduced temperatures may lead to a lowering of the hearing aid battery voltage during use as the zinc air reaction can be subdued.  This can, in extremely cold conditions, lead to a premature ‘low battery signal’ from the hearing aid, giving the perception of reduced battery life.  However, the greatest risk to your hearing aid and its batteries in cold environments is of condensation forming within the hearing aid when moving from a cold to a warm environment.

“When the air temperature drops, your hearing aid will also cool down,” says Paul. “If you are outdoors in the cold and then you go inside where the temperature is higher, condensation could form on your device. This can cause moisture damage to the electronics and/or the hearing aid battery.  It is rather like wearing spectacles in winter, moving from an outside cold environment to an inside, warmer atmosphere with more moisture in the air where your lenses sometimes ‘fog’ as warm air meets the cold surface.”

Moisture damage can also occur when your hearing aid comes into contact with rain, snow, or even perspiration from heavy exercise or exertion.

If you are expecting to be in a colder environment for more than a short time, it is recommended you wear a hat, earmuffs or a headband to help protect your ears and hearing aid device. As well as preventing condensation from forming on your device, it can also stop sweat, rain or snow from damaging the hearing aid or the battery.

If you do accidently get your hearing aid damp, you can try using a hearing aid dehumidifier to dry it out, but again, remember to remove the batteries first.

For more information on taking care of your hearing aid and its batteries in the colder months, visit our – page here: https://rayovac.eu/en/media-centre/articles/caring-for-your-hearing-aids-and-batteries-in-autumn-and-winter

High altitudes

If you live in a place high above sea level or spend time up in the mountains, you may notice a difference to the life of your hearing aid batteries. This is because the percentage of oxygen in the air decreases as altitude increases.

“At high altitude, there is less oxygen in the air, which may cause the battery to reach its endpoint earlier or lead to false low battery signals.” says Paul. “Combined with normally low temperature at mountain-high altitudes, the effects on your hearing device’s batteries could be quite remarkable.”

If you are planning to go somewhere that is of high altitude, it is recommended you take extra hearing aid batteries with you, just in case.

Active Core Plus

Our RAYOVAC® Extra and ProLine hearing aid batteries now contain Active Core Plus™ technology, providing improved cell consistency, longer lasting battery life and increased cell stability. Find out more on our Active Core Plus™ page.

Getting the most out of your hearing aid batteries

If you want more advice on how to prolong your hearing aid battery’s life, please read our guide to the factor affecting battery life here: Factors affecting Hearing Aid Battery Life

 

Massimo Luliano, AKA Max Osiris, is a profoundly deaf bodybuilder from South-East London, UK. In a guest blog post for RAYOVAC, Max discusses his fitness journey and gives us his tips on starting out at the gym as a hard of hearing person.

 

The beginning of Max’s bodybuilding journey

I started at my very first gym three years ago. At that time, I had quite low confidence but I really wanted to make changes to my body. I was quite skinny, weighing about 82kg.

My friend and I went for one session; I remember thinking at the time; “what if I do something wrong or mishear things, it’s going to be embarrassing”. I was very nervous, to be honest.

As soon as I got in the gym and started some basic workouts that my friend showed me, I noticed that no-one was really looking. Everyone in the gym is usually only focusing on their own fitness journey. A lot of the worries slowly started disappearing as I kept on training for the rest of that session.

After that very first session, the ball started rolling and I was already researching routines and diets online – the more things went on, the more I learned. Bodybuilding is a learning curve; you don’t always have the knowledge about everything, but you can work around it by researching it online and talking to people.

 

Increased confidence and improved diet – Max’s progress now

Three years later, I’m a much happier person and a lot more satisfied with myself. I have become more confident, outgoing and not afraid to speak my mind. My weight has increased, which is much healthier. I have visited many gyms and learnt a lot from my visits.

I am now a member at a gym in Wallington. The gym has given me a self-discipline that I’ve never really had or developed before. Because of that, it has helped improve my concentration skills as well.

My diet has completely changed too – I opt for healthy protein-orientated meals and plan them weekly. I have also changed my diet to a vegan diet, not only based on how healthy and positive it is for the environment, but also because how my body benefits from it.

I usually prepare my food on the Sunday before the start of the week; this allows me to control what I eat and also makes it easy to grab my food and eat after workouts – it can be hard to fit in cooking when my time is usually taken up by work and bodybuilding.

Max’s tips for starting out in the gym if you have hearing loss

Don’t be afraid to step in

Everyone has to start somewhere! Every single person in the gym was most likely to be nervous when they first started, and they have probably made a few mistakes. No-one is really bothered about new people, and many people I’ve encountered have always been more than happy to help demonstrate or give tips.

Don’t expect results fast

It takes time for the hard work to show, it will develop over time. I was not the size I am now, back then; I certainly wasn’t last year and neither the year before – it is an ongoing process.

Maintain your fitness

When you are seeing results, it’s important to maintain your fitness. Muscles need to be constantly worked and fed correctly with a consistent diet in order to maintain their state. Protein-rich diets are very good for muscle maintenance. There are lots of nutritionists that can help you out; online ones are even better as you can email them – just make sure they hold nutritionist qualifications.

Correct etiquette can go a long way!

Make sure you are wary of your space; use your eyes to look around and ensure you aren’t blocking other people’s views, in the way of areas that people may need to get to, or interrupting workouts. That can irritate a lot of gym users. Always put your equipment back in the same place that you found it, no one likes having to spend time hunting for another matching dumbbell that’s been dumped somewhere else.

Use headphones to block out background noise.

Sometimes gyms can be noisy. It may be people grunting, shouting or loud music blaring out. It may be distracting for you, especially if you’re concentrating on your workout. I suggest using over-the-ear headphones with noise-cancelling and playing a personalised playlist, or turning off your hearing-aids if the noise is that bad (I personally have never had to do the latter).

Headphones have really helped me as I don’t get distracted with voices from different directions. It benefits me even more, as people tap me to get my attention more often when I wear headphones, which really helps!

Always bring extra hearing aid batteries with you.

You never know when your batteries will run out. I always keep a spare pack of Rayovac batteries in my gym bag, which are for emergencies. My batteries have gone flat in the gym many times, and while it didn’t affect my workout, it did make it slightly more difficult to communicate with hearing workout partners.

If you sweat a lot, invest in sweat covers for your hearing-aid.

Too much moisture can damage your hearing-aid; sweat covers stop that moisture getting inside and can also be easy to apply and remove. There are a few available online that can be easily ordered.

 

I really hope this blog piece has given you more of an insight, and has proven useful. Remember, being deaf makes no difference – anyone can achieve anything, no matter what disability they have.

If you have any more questions, you are always more than welcome to contact me on Instagram or Twitter – you can follow me on Instagram on @max_osiris and Twitter on @themaxosiris where I post my everyday life, gym routines and all sorts.

Any opinions expressed in this blog are those of the writer and not Energizer.