Question
Is Ponto 4 the world's smallest bone anchored sound processor?
Answer
With regard to design, Ponto 4 is the world's smallest bone anchored sound processor. It is 27% smaller than the Ponto 3 combining discretion, performance, and the Oticon Medical stamp of reliability. It has a low profile slim design, unbroken lines, and there are no user controls on it. It is available in a wide range of colors: Chroma Beige, Terracotta, Chestnut Brown, Steel Gray, Diamond Black, and Silver (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Ponto 4 color choices.
Ponto 4 is non-side specific (Figure 1). In the software (Genie Medical), you can program which side it goes on to, either the left or the right. If you did decide to switch it to the opposite side, you can reprogram that in the software. We retained the same Ponto design DNA, the round dome, so it's clearly an Oticon Medical sound processor. The black back shell and coupling creates a shadow effect on the head, increasing discretion and making it look thinner. For pediatric applications, we also have a tamper-resistant drawer option which is easy to change. It's unique for these types of small sound processors to have an LED option. As a former pediatric clinician, I can tell you it's great to be able to look across the room and see if there is a fault with the processor by seeing if the LED indicator light is on. It takes a size 312 battery as well.
Figure 2. Ponto 4 features.
Figure 2 shows a breakdown of the anatomy of the Ponto 4 so you can see how we've been able to include so much new technology into this tiny device. It's a completely brand new transducer offering the same power as the Ponto 3 but much smaller. We still keep our durable and reliable metal spring coupling that we're renowned for, which means it won't wear down as a plastic coupling would. We also added a safety line attachment for pediatrics as well.
Figure 3. Anatomy of the Ponto 4.
Ponto 4 is safe. As I stated earlier, you can easily add a tamper-resistant battery drawer. It comes with the Ponto in the box. It's included in every pack. It's a safe solution, with no nail grip and no need for a pin tool to open the drawers. The Ponto 4 can also be personalized with colorful stickers, for both children and adults, including Gold, Shimmer White, Shimmer Blue, Dark Blue, Yellow, and Red, as well as different designs, like sports and animal images. The Ponto 4 is excellent for pediatrics, with its LED indicator light, the tamper-resistant drawer, and the fun stickers for children to personalize their device and make them fall in love with their processor.
This Ask the Expert is an excerpt from the CE Course, Oticon Medical Introduces Ponto 4 - A Paradigm Shift in Bone Anchored Hearing.
