text:
Caratteristiche tecniche
Gioca come terzino sinistro.

Carriera
Di origini mauritane, dopo gli inizi nelle giovanili del  nel 2015 pass al  dove gioca due stagioni in Championnat de France amateur collezionando 51 presenze.

Il 19 luglio 2017 sale di una categoria firmando con il ; termina la stagione con la vittoria del campionato e conseguente promozione in Ligue 2. Il 10 agosto 2018 fa il suo esordio nella serie cadetta francese giocando il match perso 1-0 contro il .

Dopo la retrocessione del club, terminato ultimo in classifica, il 23 agosto 2019 si trasferisce in Belgio al , militante in seconda divisione. Qui vi rimane una sola stagione, dove scende in campo 13 volte.

Nel 2020 fa ritorno in patria al , in Ligue 2; titolare inamovibile sulla corsia mancina, gioca 34 incontri con il club che ottiene la salvezza all'ultima giornata. Dopo aver disputato il match inaugurale della stagione seguente, il 29 luglio 2021 passa a titolo definitivo all'.

Statistiche

Presenze e reti nei club
Statistiche aggiornate al 21 dicembre 2021.

Palmarès

Club

Competizioni nazionali

Red Star: 2017-2018

Note

Collegamenti esterni

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Yes, that's right. God's own county has its very own appreciation day on August 1, celebrating everything this wonderful part of Great Britain has to offer. From tea and the iconic pud, to Sean Bean and Geoffrey Boycott, there's more to Yorkshire than just flat caps and whippets!
At Avant Homes, we're proud of all our developments across the county. So to celebrate Yorkshire Day, take a look our list of the things you're bound to know if you're from this beltin' region.
There must be something in the DNA of all those from Yorkshire, giving them the skillset to decipher the difference between types of tea. Give them anything but a hot cup of Yorkshire tea, they'll be able to tell in an instant, and will more than likely leave it, describing it as "bloody dirty dishwater".
As hard you as darn well try, as soon as you start speaking to someone who has a slightly thicker accent than your own, you start speaking as if you're from a rural Yorkshire village in the middle of the Dales. Pronunciation, the use of 't' in particular, goes out the window and any non-Yorkshire bystanders will be stood looking at you in bemusement.
This isn't even up for debate. Dinner is what you have at midday, tea is what you have in an evening. People who call it lunch and dinner clearly don't understand the basic principles of naming mealtimes.
Remember when Yorkshire practically single-handedly won all of Team GB's medals at London 2012? You still can't move for the celebratory golden post boxes! Yorkshire folk absolutely love getting behind all aspects of the region's sporting triumphs – from the Tour De Yorkshire, to the Brownlee Brothers and Jessica Ennis-Hill, they'll line the streets and cheer on the sporting stars.
If you try to serve up frozen Yorkshire puddings with a roast dinner, you've ruined it. Say no more.
The only rugby that is avidly followed across Yorkshire is rugby league. Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers, Wakefield Wildcats, Bradford Bulls – how cool are the names?! Ask any fan from the county about union and they'll just tell you it's a game for southerners.
The War of the Roses may have taken place well over 500 years ago, but people from Yorkshire will still take issue with those wearing the red rose of Lancashire. Nothing is as good on their side of the Pennines when compared to what the likes of Leeds, Sheffield and York have to offer. And the folk aren't as bright or as nice either – as any true Yorkie will tell you.
What is more endearing than hearing Zac Dingle utter colloquialisms on television almost every night of the week? Okay, the storylines may be a little farfetched for a small Yorkshire village but compared to them southerners on Eastenders or those 'wrong side of the Pennines' lot on Corrie, there can only be one winner.
From everyone at Avant, have a great Yorkshire Day! See thee later cocker!


A new Kaunastic series map dedicated for kids and families has just hit the shelves in Kaunas and online.
Welcome to kid-sized Kaunas! It's still the second city in Lithuania, located at the confluence of Nemunas and Neris rivers, but customised and balanced for the smallest travellers out there. It's full of adventures, discoveries, characters and, of course, delicious treats. "Kid-Sized Kaunas" is also the name of the newest English-language map in the Kaunastic series.
What's on the map? Museums offering special educational programmes, outdoor playgrounds, pools, parks, animals, playrooms and beyond, including cafes and restaurants that pay particular attention to the little eaters. In total, the route includes 60 stops, both inside and outside.
You're welcome to pick up a free copy of Kid-Sized Kaunas in the Kaunas IN Tourism information centre located at the Kaunas Town Hall or in one of the numerous tourism information friendly spots around the city. There's a digital version, too – you can download it here, as well as all of our previous publications.


Cheap flights from Paris to CARIBBEAN from €391 round-trip by Air Canada! Find cheap flights to Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobado, Haiti and Bahamas from Frankfurt and book your ticket at the best price! Flights will cost only from €391 both ways.
The islands of the Caribbean Sea or West Indies are an extensive archipelago in the far west of the Atlantic Ocean, mostly strung between North and South America. They've long been known as a resort vacation destination for honeymooners and retirees, but a small movement toward eco-tourism and backpacking has started to open up the Caribbean to more independent travel. With year-round good weather (with the occasional but sometimes serious exception of hurricane season in the late summer and early fall), promotional air fares from Europe and North America, and hundreds of islands to explore, the Caribbean offers something for almost everyone.
NB: there are long stop-overs in Canadian cities where you have the time to discover them!


The book has 41 short devotionals, each with a corresponding image, for the days leading up to Easter and Easter Day. The way the swap works is that each person takes one of the images and buys or makes 41 of the same ornaments. For example, I picked the symbol for Day 19, which is a fish, and bought 41 key chains from Oriental Trading Company (www.orientaltrading.com) that work perfectly as ornaments.
On the day of the swap, each person brought her 41 ornaments. The organizer had 41 spaces on the floor labeled with everyone's names. Each person went around and put one of their 41 ornaments in each pile. After everyone is done, every person checks her own pile to make sure she has each of the 41 different ornaments. Voila! All of us left with a complete set for the Lenten Tree!
Swap Tips – We actually didn't have 41 people participate. Several people decided to take on a couple of the slots so they would have one to keep and one to give away. After all of us who wanted to participate had signed up, there were still about 6 slots left. The organizer purchased the supplies for these ornaments and we all chipped in and helped make them during the swap. With all of us working, it didn't take us long to assemble the 41 of each of them and add them to the piles.
Non-Swap Version – An easy way to still have ornaments for your tree without the swap, is to photocopy the graphic on the title page for each day's devotional (see above picture). Cut them out and let your children color them. Then punch a holes in them and hang with ribbons or yarn. If you want to keep these, consider laminating them.
What to Use for a Tree – I'm sure there are lots of creative ideas for this. But, I wanted something inexpensive, easy to store, and sturdy enough to hold the 41 ornaments. I found the perfect one at http://www.adoremusbooks.com/woodenornamenttreekit.aspx?zmam=46742494&zmas=1&zmac=2&zmap=21195. Several other swappers and I ordered them together in order to save on shipping.
What a special time this was for our family last year!
We look forward to continuing the tradition this year and for years to come.


[Bug 15379] New: Microsoft Remote Desktop Client does not install.
Next message: [Bug 15379] Microsoft Remote Desktop Client does not install.
Summary: Microsoft Remote Desktop Client does not install.
on my Ubuntu Hardy (8.04).
I would like to use the Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (6.0.2600.0).
install the client it says that the client is already installed is.


I can't tell at this point if it's mostly because almost every visitor I see is a devout regular or if it's due to the waning overall interest in review boards in general with the recent seizure of Seattle's TRB, but the other day when a returning fetishist (and phenomenal writer) penned up this offering, I couldn't help but share.
While I requested a bit of ambiguity due to the nature of what we did, he has still managed to perfectly captured what our day together was like.
I hope you sweet readers enjoy his commentary as much as I enjoyed him in the flesh!
Normally a human is born into the world naked and helpless, dependent on their parents for everything, emerging from the warm red heaven of their mother's womb and into the cold brightness without.
Visiting Ms. Victoria Rage you experience the reverse.
You abandon control and emerge naked and though you might think you're fully formed you will soon learn that change is in store. You will be constricted, you will have your choices removed, and through those losses you will discover new territory within yourself.
This is not cruelty (necessarily) this is control. Ms. Rage is in full control of her domain. Her playground is a stark red den of obedience. The tools she plies and which will soon instruct your devotion are located on the walls or stored in drawers to be unveiled then unleashed.
The most persuasive instrument, though, is Ms. Rage herself. Her confidence and her laugh, they unsettle and they command. Your limits will be tested gleefully. Time passes like clouds, remote and silent, while she treats your body and psyche to the full range of her manipulations.
As for me and my experience, I had nearly every nerve stretched until I was a shuddering mass obedient and stimulated, begging for Ms. Rage's next indulgence. I strained against the room's restraints and against myself until I stumbled out into the light of day, barely able to process the experience I'd just been through.
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I've been working professionally as an auto mechanic for 33 years. I look forward to getting your vehicle back on the road.
Scott is currently not taking new appointments.
Scott was very professional, honest, knowledgeable and skilled. Great experience. Highly recommended.
Totally happy with Scott's work. Very professional. Excellent service.
Scott is very pleasant and kept me appraised of what he was doing. He pointed out the defect in the old pump, and did a great job.
Fantastic service and great work..... Will use every time.
Found him to be very helpful.
Scottimmediately put us at ease. He is a very competent mechanic.
Very professional and goes above and beyond to help... Very rare these days.
Things went very smoothly. Scott was knowledgeable as well as personable. And, he actually kept me posted with updates throughout the process, so I always knew what was happening.
Scott did a great job , he was early for my appointment. I would definitely recommend him if you need your vehicle serviced.
Scott did a awesome job and i will recommend this site and Scott to all my friends and family.
Very nice man and he knows what he is doing in his filled, I love that keep it on sir.
Amazing work, great communication, overall a good trustworthy mechanic you can depend on to get the job done right!
Very experienced, friendly and takes his time to make sure everything is completed correctly!
Very nice friendly mechanic. Very helpful with with questions that I had. Offered good advice. He explained some of the problems to me and what should be the next to resolve it before spending unnecessary monies. This was my first time using him and will not be my last. I would recommend him to anyone. Especially women because he does not seem to take advantage of our knowledge of not knowing things about cars.
I had an Awesome experience. Mr. Scott was informative, professional and kind. I'd most certainly recommend his services. Kudos!!
Scott is very professional and clearly knows his ability. Replaced bad starter very quickly. I would not hesitate to use him again or recommend him to anyone who needs quality work done.
Knowledgeable, professional, and great to work with. I highly recommend.
Great knowledge and very thorough explanation. You can tell he loves what he does and is willing to go the extra mile to help his customers.


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     */
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        return date;
    }

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     *            the date to set
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Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP - The Inside View
Outwardly, this New Yorker is a litigation beast; inside people "are somewhat bookish or perhaps intellectual."
PEOPLE and businesses disagree, they disagree often, they disagree fiercely, and many are willing to pay lawyers top dollar to fight on their behalf. Law firms that capture part of this market can do pretty well for themselves, and this New York outfit is just such a firm. It practices from a single office in Midtown Manhattan, has just over 150 attorneys, and revenues of almost $200 million, but it acts for high-profile corporate clients on some really interesting cases and wins several Chambers USA rankings: top-tier national recognition for advertising litigation and New York rankings for IP and real estate.
The firm's bread and butter is courtroom battles and corporate spats, but it has expanded into some corporate transactional work and has a small trusts and estates team and nonprofits practice. And pro bono is a huge focus here, with some of the best hours billed in the city. Given the firm's litigious focus it will come as no surprise that many of Patterson's associates are ex-clerks. "It was a firm I heard a lot about while clerking," one source said, while another added that before they joined they had the impression that "people here respected clerking and that there was an intellectual approach to things." Read on to find out more.
The overwhelming majority of junior associates are in litigation. (At the time of our research there was just one junior in trusts and estates, and one in the nonprofits and charities practice.) Juniors get nearly all their work through two assigning coordinators. Although it's a rigid system, sources felt that "one of the big pros is that there is more equity in terms of how assignments are doled out. It avoids people getting crushed." Another source noted the system "makes it easier to say no if your plate is full." However, there are some potential downsides. "I have not had this experience myself but if you wanted to get on a particular case that becomes more daunting," one source shared.
The experience of future litigation associates may be different from what we've described here. Patterson has promoted one of its partners, Michelle Cohen, into the role of 'chief people, diversity and professional development officer'. Along with pushing diversity initiatives, she will to continue to handle work assignment for all litigation associates.
"I've already drafted some briefs and motions to dismiss."
Patterson's litigation practice is "pretty broad – most of the clients are corporations or businesses, but there are some nonprofit institutions and some high net worth individuals that we litigate on behalf of." Cases range across white-collar crime, product liability, art law, general commercial litigation and IP, and juniors get to sample this full range. Cases are usually handled by teams of three to four attorneys, and our interviewees report that this leads to high levels of responsibility. "I've only been here a couple of months and I've already drafted some briefs and motions to dismiss," one source shared. "It's daunting at first, but a lot of us come from clerkships which involve a lot of writing." Another said they'd been drafting dispositive motions, which generate "a level of excitement because it may decide the case." There is doc review too, but "that's not been a huge time commitment," one source said.
Litigation clients: Coca-Cola, Siemens, Johnson & Johnson, Time Warner, and Standard & Poor's. Helped Blue Buffalo and General Mills sue their suppliers over falsely labeled ingredients, and advised financial holding company Ambac on a long-running series of disputes with Bank of America and Countrywide over fraud and warranty breaches.
Making partner takes eight to ten years. We heard that juniors have plenty of opportunities to discuss their professional development goals: first, they have an annual review with a partner, where juniors fill out a form "saying I completed a brief on this or that." Second, they also have partner mentors assigned to them, who they can chat with about their progress. Third, litigators meet with Michelle Cohen and "sort of plot out the things you've done and what you would like to do in the next calendar year." And if that wasn't enough, managing partner Lisa Cleary also sits down regularly with associates to find out how they are doing. Once litigation associates reach their sixth or seventh year, the firm will let them know whether it is 'possible' or 'unlikely' that they will be promoted further.
Insiders said they hadn't noticed many colleagues leaving to go elsewhere, but those who do leave tend to go in-house or work for the government. Although our sources felt Patterson's name would be fairly well regarded in future job searches, "the way the legal market has developed means there are many larger firms that are better known - Patterson may not have the same name recognition that other firms have."
"People really enjoy diving into the intellectual and academic process of the law."
With ex-clerks dominating Patterson's associate classes, we weren't surprised to hear that "people are somewhat bookish or perhaps intellectual – it's a nice extension from clerking." So, for example, "people really spend time going through what your assignments are. No one rushes it. And people really enjoy diving into the intellectual and academic process of the law, which some people might not like."
The firm's academic bent also creates "a vibe that is very calm – almost to a fault at times." One source admitted: "I felt a little bit lonely when I started because things are so quiet. Everyone I would speak to was incredibly nice, but I felt they wanted to keep to themselves and work on their stuff." This attitude can be seen in the presence of a mostly unused games console in the associate lounge. "Folks want to have their work and their home life separate," mused one junior, "so even though there are a fair few people here who do play video games it's something they do at home. Patterson is not a place where you stay long hours and you need to have that recreation time."
Still, Patterson isn't a social desert. There are monthly associate socials along with breakfast meetups every Friday for new juniors. One source shared: "The way we approach social events is done with a level of sensitivity. We want to create a space that's inclusive. For example, there's a lack of focus on alcohol. I'm not a teetotaler, but I do appreciate the fact that there's the opportunity to talk to co-workers where alcohol is not the driving force."
Base pay is lockstep with bonuses handed out to those who hit their hours. There's a target of 1,850 billable hours plus an extra 250 non-billables, which can include things like pro bono, writing blog posts for the firm's website, and CLEs. Most juniors felt they could reach these two targets easily as "we go to trial relatively often, and for people staffed on a trial, 1,850 hours is nothing."
Juniors usually start work at 9am and normally finish at about 7pm, which during a busy period would extend to 8pm. There's little working from home – "our firm is much more classic in the sense that people are expected to be in the office." While juniors had had their salaries upped to match the Milbank scale there was grumbling that those in their fifth year and above had not. "I think everyone was kind of expecting the firm wasn't going to match though," one source shared. "It's obviously not a good feeling, but I think a lot of people who choose to come here see a value other than compensation." The firm clarified that these associates nonetheless received a bump to their base salaries, but the increase wasn't in line with the rise set up by Milbank. When it comes to bonuses, those who don't hit their 1,850 billable target still receive 50% of their bonus, and subsequent bumps are also considered on a case-by-case basis if an associate has committed time to non-billable activities.
"Highly intellectual stuff like amicus briefs for a travel ban case."
For the past 15 years 100% of Patterson attorneys have participated in pro bono projects each year. Sources said the firm is accommodating of pro bono, with one commenting: "In instances where I've told partners I have a hearing, they'll be like 'good luck' or 'go get 'em.'" New juniors get assigned a pro bono case automatically, after which regular emails go round listing available opportunities. Cases range from "highly intellectual stuff like amicus briefs for a travel ban case" (on behalf of the National Association of Muslim Lawyers) through to things like "representing senior citizens suing over housing violation issues" and "representing a woman who was denied social security disability insurance, which involved going through 2,000 pages of medical records."
For all attorneys: 29,614
Average per attorney: 167
Patterson stands out in BigLaw for having a female managing partner. In other respects the firm is less striking. Just 40% of associates are female, and under a quarter are non-white. At the partner level the firm is more homogeneous than most: nine out of ten partners are white, and nearly eight in ten are male, though the good news is that three of the six partners promoted in 2019 were women.
"The clerking pool tends to be disproportionately male and white."
Some sources felt Patterson's focus on hiring ex-clerks helps explain its lack of diversity. "The costs of applying for clerkships is incredibly high," one source explained, "and as a result, the clerking pool tends to be disproportionately male and white because of the class dynamics of American society." In terms of efforts to improve diversity we heard there are reduced work schedules to make being a parent easier, and "they don't seem to impact your chances of becoming a partner." We also heard a big part of Michelle Cohen's future role will be advancing diversity initiatives. So watch this space.
"The firm's next agenda is to focus on data security and privacy issues," one junior confidently told us. Lisa Cleary confirms that Patterson has been eyeing up this space. She informs us that "cybersecurity is a critical business, and reputational risk for our clients, and we expect our practice in that area to continue to grow." In addition, the firm has recently been expanding its financial litigation work to act for hedge funds, and there has been an uptick in the amount of white-collar work taken on.
Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP
Website www.pbwt.com
Head Office: New York
Worldwide revenue: $194,939,000
Partners (US): 52
Main recruitment contact: Michelle Cohen, mcohen@pbwt.com
Hiring partners: Catherine Williams and Josh Goldberg
Diversity officers: Peter Harvey, Megan Bell, Co Chairs, Diversity Committee; Michelle Cohen, Chief People, Diversity and Professional Development Officer
Entry-level associates starting in 2019: 5
Clerking policy: We hire directly from clerkships
Our clients include a diverse group of institutions and individuals: from major media and publishing empires to consumer products companies; from fine art museums to famous entertainers; from pharmaceutical and medical device companies to financial institutions; from colleges and universities to private foundations of all types; from foreign companies seeking to transact business on US stock exchanges to US companies doing business abroad. The Firm and our attorneys are regularly recognized in industry publications as leaders in litigation areas including false advertising, white-collar crime and government investigations, patent, trademark and copyright, and product liability. In addition, the Firm has leading trusts and estates and tax-exempt organizations practices. For 15 consecutive years, 100% of our lawyers and paralegals have worked on pro bono cases, and our contributions have repeatedly put us first among New York City-based firms.
Celebrating its centennial year, Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP is a law firm based in New York City with more than 200 lawyers committed to maintaining its independence, its diversity and its focus of providing superior legal advice and service to clients. The firm delivers a full range of services across more than 20 practice groups in both litigation and commercial law. The firm highly values public service and has consistently ranked at or near the top of The American Lawyer's annual pro bono survey.
For 3Ls: Columbia, Harvard, NYU, University of Pennsylvania, Yale.
Patterson Belknap hires associates directly from judicial clerkships. We will also recruit in August 2019 to hire a select group of 3L law students graduating at the end of the 2019- 2020 school year. We look forward to meeting with outstanding law students through both clerkship and 3L recruiting.
Diversity Fellowship for Judicial Clerks:
Patterson Belknap believes that a workforce made up of people from diverse social, racial, economic and cultural backgrounds results in a dynamic and supportive workplace for our attorneys and staff and enhances our ability to provide the highest quality representation for and service to our clients. As part of our ongoing commitment to recruiting, retaining and promoting attorneys who contribute to the diversity of our firm and our profession, we annually offer the Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP Diversity Fellowship to a current judicial law clerk planning to start practicing at the firm as an associate. In addition to our standard clerk bonus, the Fellowship includes:
• $25,000 as a financial award
• $5,000 contribution in the Fellow's honor to a non-profit organization, recommended by the Fellow, that supports diversity
Recruitment website: www.pbwt.com/careers/
Linkedin: patterson-belknap-webb-&-tyler-llp
Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets (Band 2)
Litigation: Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs Spotlight Table
Real Estate: Mainly Dirt (Band 4)
Advertising: Litigation (Band 1)
International offices: 0
Billable hours: 2,100 target (incl. 250 non-billable)
Summers 2019: no summer program
Revenue 2018: $194.9 million (+1.1%)
Partners made in 2019: 6
Famous for: litigation prowess; preference for hiring clerks
Hispanic/Latin American 2 2
Asian 4 13

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Aug 13 Doolin'—Irish Music With A French Touch
Amy Jurries
While staying in Malahide outside of Dublin at the beginning of June, we wandered over to Gibney's for a pint of Guinness and a large screen view of the World Cup football (soccer for the Yanks) matches. Unbeknown to us, Doolin' was set to play later that night. Named after a small coastal village in County Clare, the band actually hails from Toulouse, France. Don't let that fool you though. As soon as the six members pick up their instruments—including guitar, bodhrán (Irish frame drum), flute, accordion, bass, and violin—they crank out some of the best traditional Irish music you have ever heard. Along with the classic Irish folk tunes, Doolin' work some jazz, funk, pop, and even rap into a few more contemporary songs. An enormous amount of passion and energy resonates through their music—so much so that it is near impossible not to get up and dance. If you find yourself in Ireland, definitely seek out a live show from Doolin', preferably in an intimate pub setting. Otherwise, check out one of the six albums they have recorded since the band's formation in 2005.
More Music Ireland Info Buy
Doolin', Irish music, music, tradition Irish music
Where to Find Handmade Croissants in Paris
Aug 15 Beef and Guinness Stew
Aug 1 How To Make Turkish Coffee
Apr 9 McDonagh's Fish & Chips
May 9 The Quays Pub Galway
Jul 1 Lough Eske Castle, County Donegal
Get updates on my travels.


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text:
Demant Group 2021 in brief
Remuneration Report 2021
Corporate Governance Report 2021
Demant Group outlook 2022
2021 was a great year for Demant. Our employees delivered an extraordinary effort to keep activities running at a high pace, leading to excellent results. We are in a very strong position and enter 2022 with great confidence in our new ambitious financial and sustainability targets.
Interacting with the world enriches our life, and hearing is essential for our ability to share our thoughts, interact and connect with friends, family and colleagues. In short, to be actively engaged without constraints. In 2021, we once again saw that our purpose to create life-changing differences through hearing health is more meaningful than ever. The developments of the past year confirm our belief that the activities of this global hearing healthcare and audio technology Group are essential for people to be present and act in the world. Whether it is about helping people with hearing loss through diagnosis, care and cutting-edge technology or collaborating by means of audio and video solutions.
Despite high ambitions from the beginning of the year, we upgraded our expectations of operating profit for the year three times in 2021, ending with a record-high EBIT. We can look back on a year where the Demant Group has proven healthy and where we once again showed that when we pull together, we stand strong as a Group. Let me illustrate our progress through a few highlights from our business areas in 2021.
Providing the best care
Hearing Care – our global network of clinics – performed very well in 2021, as we continued to develop and train our staff, benefitted from the harmonisation of brands, exploited digital opportunities and expanded our clinic network. Our work to refine Audika Group, which comprises our well-reputed brands Audika, Hidden Hearing and HearingLife, and to disseminate personalised hearing care resulted in very strong performances in almost all countries.
The good results in Hearing Care were firmly backed by the positive trends resulting from the French hearing healthcare reform, which offers a public/private treatment setting that has equal focus on quality by offering high-quality hearing aids and on quantity by helping more people. The success of the reform is a testament to the strong model of combining personalised care with state-of-the-art technology.
High standards for innovation
The year's results were also lifted considerably by our innovation power in Hearing Aids. For the benefit of our customers and users, we completed the roll-out of premium products, Oticon More, Philips HearLink, Bernafon Alpha and Sonic Radiant, all based on a new technology platform. Towards the end of the year, we had shipped more than one million premium hearing aids powered by an onboard Deep Neural Network that mimics the way the brain works – a major advancement in artificial intelligence in hearing aid technology, I am proud to say. We are now looking forward to expanding and completing the product families, enabling us to help even more people hear better and experience the joy of a rich soundscape.
Market leader in Diagnostics
Having performed well for many years, our Diagnostics business has seen very positive development in 2021. If we look at the different areas, particularly balance equipment, hearing aid fitting equipment as well as service and calibration stood out in 2021 and contributed to the further consolidation of our Diagnostics business area as market leader.
Committed to high quality
Up until the fourth quarter, Hearing Implants focused largely on product launches, most prominently the very successful introduction of Ponto 5 mini, the world's smallest bone anchored sound processor, and on the Food and Drug Administration's approval of our cochlear implants system Neuro in the US. In the second half-year, however, we had to shift focus in our cochlear implants business, and for the first time ever, the Group performed a voluntary field corrective action in relation to performance issues in a small subset of cochlear implants.
We recalled a number of non-implanted Neuro Zti cochlear implants and by doing so, we stayed true to the Group's commitment to only deliver products of the highest quality. We deeply regret the inconvenience this has caused our stakeholders and users, but we have done our utmost to handle the situation, and after having identified the root cause, we have initiated the implementation of a solution to the issue.
Expanding the business
Our plans for the Communications business area revolve around expanding the business in several markets by establishing the EPOS brand as a strong premium brand in audio and also by offering video collaboration solutions. Our ambitious plans for EPOS are intact in a long-term perspective, but in a short-term perspective, they have turned out to be more difficult to realise than anticipated, so, on the back of an exceptional 2020, we saw a decline in revenue in 2021, albeit with an increase in the number of orders towards the end of the year.
Sustainability progress
At Demant, sustainability is embedded in our solutions and culture: Our core commitment to society is to help people overcome hearing loss and improve their quality of life through care and innovative solutions. Our priority in 2021 has been to continue to implement our sustainability strategy and to further develop our two main priorities, diversity and climate action. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly integrated part of the way we work, which can be illustrated by the progress we have made with our two main priorities:
We aspire to have zero environmental impact by 2050, and in 2021, we committed to the Science Based Targets initiative. With this Annual Report, we disclose our ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: By 2030, we must reduce our carbon footprint from own direct and indirect emissions by a minimum of 50% from a 2019 baseline year. We have also taken ambitious steps to assess and disclose emissions from our entire value chain, which gives us a platform for submission of our targets and for validation of the targets against the Science Based Targets initiative in 2022.
The promotion of diversity was high on our agenda in 2021. The Demant Group employs a diverse group of people from all parts of the world and with many different backgrounds, and our ability to embrace the strengths that this diversity brings to the table is one of the pillars of our success. Our key achievement in 2021 was the development of a diversity, equity and inclusion programme, which will – along with an inclusion survey – form the basis of policy-making and target-setting in the area of diversity in 2022.
An aspect of inclusion is to succeed in promoting a unique culture, and to that end, we have adopted new ways of organising and leading by introducing global guidelines on workplace flexibility in 2021. Developing and engaging employees is becoming increasingly important in relation to the recruitment and retention of talent, and also in this area, we keep increasing our focus and activities.
Positive outlook
We owe our customers, shareholders and employees a very special thank you for their tireless and impressive commitment and support in 2021.
Having now entered a new financial year, we continue, despite continuous coronavirus dynamics, to see a resilient hearing healthcare market with intact fundamental market drivers. In 2022, and in the years to come, we expect to see strong growth and market share gains.
With an ambition to become world-leading and a purpose to create life-changing differences through hearing health, we promise to keep delivering high-quality and individualised support to our users to enable them to get the maximum benefit of our solutions.
Søren Nielsen
This is Demant 2021
Demant is a global hearing healthcare and audio technology Group that offers people the possibility to be actively engaged without constraints.
We operate in niche markets with a number of major players, intense competition and a high level of innovation covering all aspects of hearing health, Hearing Care, Hearing Aids, Hearing Implants and Diagnostics. From this platform, we have added a growing business in premium audio and video solutions, Communications.
Want to know more about our business areas?
Revenue by business areas
Highlights in 2021
Interacoustics launches Luna, a new groundbreaking audiometer built into a headset
In January, Interacoustics launched a new type 4 audiometer built into a headset to the global market. This industry-leading headset-only design supports fast and easy hearing screening of all age groups. Besides the Luna audiometer headset, it only requires a license key, patient response, and a Windows® tablet or PC to run the software.
Lise Ebdrup, Market Development Manager at Interacoustics explains:
"Luna is a real 'plug-and-play' audiometer. The calibration is stored in the headset, so as soon as you install the software and connect the headset to your laptop or tablet, you are ready to start testing your patient. And if you change your laptop or table, you can just plug your headset into a new device – you do not need to calibrate the audiometer again."
Successful launch in Denmark
Globally, Luna will be sold into various segments where fast and easy hearing screening is required. However, Interacoustics already launched Luna to the Danish market back in September 2020. In Denmark, the main segment will be the school screening market where the fast and portable Luna system can be used for screening of children all the way through pre-school, primary and secondary school.
Lise Ebdrup says:
"School nurses need a fast audiometer that is easy to use. They are depending on a system that works each time, as time is a critical factor in their daily work".
And so far, Interacoustics' Danish sales team has successfully brought the new Luna device to market: "We have 98 municipalities in Denmark and approx. 1600 schools. We are now preferred supplier to the school screening market in most of the municipalities," says Lise Ebdrup.
Luna is delivered with four hearing tests (manual, automatic, automatic 20 db and Hughson Westlake) and offers pure tone, warble and pulse tone. The random automatic test with the default seven frequencies only takes a minute to complete.
Facts about Luna: Type 4 audiometer in accordance with IEC60645-1
Comes with four hearing tests (manual, automatic, automatic db and Hughson Westlake)
Offers pure tone, warble and pulse tone
Can run on Windows® tablet or PCA random automated test takes about 1 minute to completeWeight of only 0.5 kg.
Bernafon celebrates its 75-year anniversary
To mark its 75-year anniversary, Bernafon launched a global campaign highlighting key company milestones and achievements over the past three-quarters of a century.
Targeting hearing care professionals and end-users alike, the campaign brought stories to life through fresh and engaging content published on a webpage and dispatched across Bernafon's online touchpoints.
The first story chronicles the company's beginnings, starting with that day in 1946 when Hans Gfeller Jr., a student in engineering, got hold of his father's new hearing aid and took it apart with a screwdriver to see how it was made. Other stories will also shine a light on the events that made Bernafon the unique company it is today.
"For 75 years, we have been empowering millions of people to hear and communicate better. This makes us one of the longest-standing hearing aid companies in the world – definitely something to be proud of," Erich Spahr, General Manager, says. "With passion, competence, and dependable partnerships, we have pioneered many leading innovations and industry firsts – Bernafon Hybrid TechnologyTM being the newest."
But the 75th anniversary campaign doesn't just reflect on the past – it also looks to the future:
"This campaign is an opportunity for us to strengthen our brand identity across markets and build trust across multiple audiences," Spahr summarizes. "It's also a great vehicle to drive conversations beyond the product and underscore what makes Bernafon a truly different brand."
Audika: At the forefront of digital innovation within digital marketing and modern learning
Audika Group is on a continuous journey to stay ahead and be in the forefront of digital innovation within hearing care. In 2021 focus has been on innovation within digital marketing and modern learning – directed both internally at our employees as well as externally towards our customers. We have implemented a global, digital and integrated learning platform to share knowledge and upskill employees together with a platform enabling a superior consumer experience. In this way, we want to ensure that our customers experience the best and most rewarding services.
Even though the in-person customer experience remains one of the most valuable services, Audika has in 2021 strengthened its digital set-up and solution for Remote Care to provide customers with the best digital experience. Furthermore, Audika has significantly increased its share of appointments coming from digital channels and professionalized online communication even further by launching a new state-of-the-art platform for all webpages.
Going forward, digital innovation will continue to be at the very center of Audika's business model and services.
Oticon More sparks US success within Veterans Affairs
The introduction of Oticon More has had a highly positive impact for Oticon within its Veterans Affairs (VA) business. Launched within VA in May, Oticon More has driven a large increase in sales.
Veterans Affairs is a branch of the US federal government with the purpose of offering life-long healthcare services to eligible military veterans in the US. A part of this service concerns hearing healthcare, where VA employs around 1350 full-time audiologists who help hearing-impaired veterans getting the right hearing solution. The audiologists fit around 70,000-80,000 hearings aids each month, which makes VA a very important customer to Oticon.
"The commercial market in the US received Oticon More in January 2021, and it worked to our favour as there was a lot of interest in the product and a pent-up demand when it was released in May. We started with pre-sales in mid-April, and by May 1, we had our biggest sales day ever," says Rob Zimmer, Director of Sales, Oticon Government Services. Oticon More launched on 30 November 2020. The revolutionary Oticon More is the world's first hearing aid that allows users to hear all relevant sounds thanks to an on-board Deep Neural Network. The network allows the brain to get a better balance of all sounds so people with a hearing impairment can get access to the full sound perspective while also experiencing a reduction in listening effort.
EPOS takes its first steps into the video collaboration space with EXPAND Vision 3T
On 21 April 2021, EPOS unveiled the EXPAND Vision series and launched EXPAND Vision 3T - a video bar certified for Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android. Hybrid working is certainly set to dominate in the future. The flexible workforce requires video conferencing solutions that ensure effective collaboration and productivity, regardless of location.
The EXPAND Vision 3 Series is unique, since it sets out to provide a new standard in connecting professionals through enabling simple, effective video collaboration. It simplifies the user experience to ensure that no time is wasted on unnecessary set up. Without the need for a PC users can start meetings with a single touch and share content wirelessly from their preferred device. Superior audio makes sure that everyone in the video conference is truly heard.
The launch of EXPAND Vision 3T provides the opportunity for EPOS to establish a strong foothold in the video collaboration space, consolidating the product portfolio with high quality audio and video solutions. Jeppe Dalberg-Larsen, President at EPOS, comments: "The launch of EXPAND Vision 3T marks an important milestone for EPOS and our move into the video collaboration market. Our aim with this launch is to provide professionals with the tools they need to collaborate and perform at their best, while continuing to challenge what is technically possible in delivering premium audio. The video collaboration journey starts here, and we look forward to seeing this new chapter of EPOS unfold."
Hearing Aids reduces plastic waste by 11.5 tonnes
Demant Hearing Aids eliminates 11.5 tonnes plastic in production thanks to a technical optimisation. The approach, which shows great potential, is being replicated in other areas, indicating even larger material reductions in the near future.
All Demant Group hearing aids come with a small filter in place to prevent earwax from getting into the instrument. As the small filter gathers wax, it needs to be changed frequently, and the fresh filters are stored in a plastic container – to insiders referred to as a turtle because of its shape.
Looking at the plastic we source to produce hearing aid parts, the turtles alone account for around 40%, making them the biggest plastic source in our yearly consumption. With great simulation technology and a moulding method new to Demant, we have saved 11.5 tonnes of plastic a year when producing turtles.
The turtle-project indicates a large potential to replicate and use simulations in other parts of the accessories' production, which is already commencing.
EPOS teams up with Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team
In the beginning of 2021, EPOS launched their partnership with Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Teams as Global Audio Partner and with the Aston Martin Cognizant Esports Team where EPOS provide a range of products from their gaming portfolio.
Teaming up with a Formula One team provides EPOS with the ideal arena to demonstrate its products at the highest level of motorsport, as they provide the Aston Martin Cognizant team access to some of the most advanced audio solutions on the market, thus strengthening the team's trackside set-up as well as factory-based operations.
Otmar Szafnauer, former Team Principal & CEO, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team said:
"Precise and streamlined communication helps to define a successful Formula One Team, and it can directly translate into success on the track – whether that's a call made from the pit wall or in our processes back at the factory as we strive for greater performance. Considering the importance of effective communication, EPOS is an ideal partner for the team. Its passion for high technology and approach to innovation resonate with our values and are intrinsic to Formula One as a sport."
World class communication tools have become a key pillar of performance in Formula One - a sport where each fraction of a second counts, clarity and precision are essential.
Wearing effective hearing aids could reduce stress
Hearing aid manufacturer Oticon, together with their research centre Eriksholm, have new research revealing that hearing aids could reduce the impact that sound, and more specifically noise, has on a person's stress levels. Providing a glimpse into the future of data-driven hearing aid innovation, the new data collected could one day see well-fitted hearing aids actually being used to help reduce raised heart rate.
As part of its ongoing BrainHearing™ research programme, which looks at reducing the listening effort of a person with hearing loss, Oticon and Eriksholm are working on new ways to determine how changes in sound influence health. Its new hearing research includes a study of heart health. Eriksholm has measured pupil dilation to determine stress caused by sounds and the effort of listening as well as studied heart rate both in the lab and the real-world, the results of which demonstrate the importance of effective hearing aid technology and correct fitting.
Oticon More™ hearing aids feature advanced noise reduction working in unison with a deep neural network allowing users to hear all relevant sounds. This is a completely new way to support hearing loss, breaking with the tradition of directionality technology, which fundamentally limits what a hearing aid user can hear at any one time. Oticon More enables a user to hear more naturally and also ensures sound is 'comfortable' to listen to, creating the perfect conditions to help reduce listening effort and stress, which as per Oticon's real-world study would help with heart health in the noisy environments that users face on a daily basis.
"Noise, which essentially is unwanted sound, can be terribly unhealthy", says Jeppe Høy Christensen, researcher, Eriksholm Research Centre. "Creating a link between lab studies and user provided research, we can confidently say that by effectively making noise less burdensome by enhancing relevant sounds through hearing technology we will be able to help improve not only the brain but also the heart health of our hearing aid users. Our research strives to constantly inspire improved hearing aid technology, and we are particularly proud to have uncovered such a significant revelation. The consequence could even see manufacturers of other hearing products, such as headphones, employing new technology to benefit their users' health."
Demant signs pledge to increase gender diversity
In May of 2021, Demant signed the pledge to increase diversity in the company.
The Gender Diversity Pledge was developed by a special committee for diversity of the Confederation for Danish Industry (DI) of which Demant is a member.
One of the overall goals of the pledge and committee, is to reach an equal gender distribution at a 40/60 ratio in the population of the Danish private sector, opposed to the 30/70 ratio of women to men that is currently the case.
"This [pledge] will support the equal opportunities that are fundamental to making our company better, more innovative and more competitive", says Henrik Christiansen, Senior Vice President of Human Resources.
The principles of the pledge also commit the signatories to let the diversity work be data driven, set targets, monitor progress, and support earmarked parental leave for men.
On a global scale, female managers already make up 42% of managers in Demant in the countries for which we have globally aligned data, and 60% of the total Demant population. However, the equal distribution is not a fact in all countries, such as in Denmark where women make up around 30% of managers.
Demant is working actively to change this situation and will integrate the principles of the diversity pledge into Demant's new global policy and approach.
Oticon Medical receives FDA pre-market approval of the Neuro cochlear implant system
On 24 June 2021, Oticon Medical received a pre-market approval (PMA) from the FDA (the US Food and Drug Administration) for the company's Neuro Cochlear Implant System.
The Neuro System is designed to overcome severe-to-profound hearing loss and is the first new cochlear implant technology to earn FDA pre-market approval in more than 20 years.
The process to gain the pre-market approval is notoriously complex for devices in Class III, like the Neuro System, because this category receives the highest level of regulatory scrutiny. To finally reach this milestone is a great win for Oticon Medical and the Demant group.
This achievement is only the beginning, and the thoroughly trained and experienced team behind the Neuro System is ready to bring a leading edge and highly reliable implant system to the US market.
"Earning FDA premarket approval for the Neuro System is a significant achievement, and one that will enable us to bring new implant hearing technology with exceptional sound quality, enhanced aesthetics, user friendliness and reliability to more patients than ever before." said Jes Olsen, President of Oticon Medical.
New device ensures CI users' access to 3T MRI scans
In August 2021, Oticon Medical launched their Neuro Zti MRI 3T cochlear implant. The new device is able to withstand the strong magnetic field of an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner at magnetic strengths up to 3.0 Tesla (3T).
At some point in our lives, many of us will need an MRI scan, and CI users are no exception. Oticon Medical have re-designed their implant with a magnet that allows the user to undergo MRI scans at both 1.5T and 3.0T for scanning durations of up to 60 minutes. There are no restrictions on head placement and no bandaging is necessary (limitations that are known for other devices).
The Neuro Zti MRI 3T implant and magnet remain secure and steady during the scanning procedure by way of a unique fixation system, which also allows for the users to undergo multiple scans.
The new magnet is protected from the force of the MRI's magnetic field because it is constructed from an innovative new composite of metals similar to those used in the aerospace industry. Users of the Neuro Ci System with the new MRI 3T implant can rest-assured that they will maintain their hearing before and after an MRI.
Jes Olsen, CEO of Oticon Medical, said:
"An MRI might not be something that CI candidates have top of mind but needing an MRI scan at some point in life is quite common. So this advance is another reassurance from Oticon Medical that we strive to make living with a CI as uncomplicated as possible."
Demant expands production capacity in the North American region with new factory
In the beginning of June, Demant completed the transfer to a new factory in Tijuana, Mexico. The brand-new facility of 20,000 square meters makes Demant ready for further capacity expansion in the North American region.
Since 2014, Demant has shared facilities with William Demant Invest subsidiary Össur in Tijuana to cater for the custom and service production to the North American market. Over the last years, growth in volume and consolidation of production efforts have made the need for more space increasingly evident. Therefore, the solution for Demant was to build a completely new factory in Tijuana.
"It is a major milestone that we have now completed the move into the new factory in Tijuana. It has been an enormous project involving people from many different sites and countries within Demant. We have had a great collaboration with Össur at their facility, but we simply needed more space, and we are proud to move into our new, fantastic site," says Torben Engell Nielsen, Vice President, Global Custom Operations and continues:
"Following the positive development of our company, we need even more capacity for production as well as a regionalised distribution center within Hearing Aids Operations. This expansion is a key part of developing our business on a global scale, and with the proximity to one of our largest markets, we can service the North American region even better from our site in Tijuana," Torben concludes.
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Visual reinforcement helps screen difficult-to-test children
Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) is a behavioral hearing test that allows hearing care professionals to test children too young for normal audiometry tests. By using visual reinforcers, the hearing care professional engages the infant or child to take part in the hearing test, and the test becomes more gamelike. This gives more time to establish their hearing levels.
Interacoustics has just revealed its new digital visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) solution: VRA Screen – which is also a valuable tool when testing difficult-to-test children.
Helle Jensen, MSc Audiology, and Clinical Product Manager at Interacoustics, describes VRA further:
"The child is conditioned with sound from a speaker, and when the child turns his/her head toward the sound the hearing care professional rewards the child with a video or an image. VRA is advantageous with young children as it is a fun and interactive way of testing."
The Interacoustics VRA Screen has been released globally.
Oticon Medical launches new processor for Bone Anchored Hearing System
In 2021, Oticon Medical launched Ponto 5 Mini – the first style in the new Ponto 5 family of sound processors for Bone Anchored Hearing Systems. With a revolutionary approach to feedback, this new sound processor takes the open sound experience, first introduced with the groundbreaking OpenSound Navigator™, to a new level.
New research shows that the brain needs access to all sounds from the full soundscape to help it make sense of what it hears.1,2 OpenSound Navigator™ and OpenSound Optimizer™ are just two of the BrainHearing™ technologies used in Ponto 5 Mini to give users access to more sound than ever before. This has been confirmed in a study that show that the open sound technologies of Ponto 5 Mini improves speech understanding by 20% and significantly reduces the listening effort needed to make sense of sound. *,3
Up until now, traditional feedback systems have overcome annoying whistling sounds by reducing gain and removing the dynamics of sound. The new OpenSound Optimizer in Ponto 5 Mini analyses amplified sound 56,000 times per second to detect and actually prevent audible feedback before it occurs. This means audiologists no longer need to compromise on sound dynamics to reduce feedback and can fit users with Ponto 5 Mini with up to 6dB more stable gain4.
Jes Olsen, President Oticon Medical, has followed the development of the OpenSound Optimizer closely and comments: "It has taken years for us to develop a technology that can prevent feedback without decreasing gain and reducing the dynamics of sound. With the OpenSound Optimizer technology we now have the solution, and the result is to the benefit of all users."
In addition to its advanced sound processing technology, all aspects of Ponto 5 Mini have been designed to make life easier for users – including fitting. We now introduce the easy-to-use Oticon RemoteCare platform where follow-up appointments, adjustments and upgrades can be carried out remotely.
As you would expect from a sound processor as advanced as the Ponto 5 Mini, it is also designed for the digital world with accessories, apps, and built-in technology to help users stay connected.
With the Ponto 5 Mini, Oticon Medical continues to offer the world's smallest and most discreet bone anchored sound processor available. Despite its tiny size, Ponto 5 Mini delivers the state-of-the-art reliability, durability and product quality that have become synonymous with Ponto.
1 O'Sullivan, et al (2019). Hierarchical Encoding of Attended Auditory Objects in Multi-talker Speech Perception. Neuron, 104(6), 1195-1209.
2 Puvvada, K. C. et al. (2017). Cortical representations of speech in a multitalker auditory scene. Journal of Neuroscience, 37(38), 9189-9196.
3 Manuscript in preparation, Data on File - Clinical study BC102
4 Data on file at Oticon Medical
*Increased speech understanding with OpenSound Navigator ON measured as a percentage relative to the baseline with OpenSound Navigator OFF.
EPOS launches the gaming headset series H6PRO – the hero product in the portfolio
On 5 October 2021, EPOS unleashed the next generation, top-of-the-range H6PRO CLOSED and H6PRO OPEN acoustic gaming headsets. The launch marked yet another leap in the history of EPOS to provide state-of-the-art technology and supreme sound for gamers all around the world.
The H6PRO Series delivers natural and expansive high-fidelity audio for the gaming experience - in both open and closed acoustic variants. It is characterized by powerful sound but also includes features such as intuitive, detachable boom arms, long-lasting comfort and use of durable materials. H6PRO series unlocks "The Power of Audio" for a wide range of gaming experiences.
Oticon Medical Introduces One-Step Drilling Procedure for Bone Anchored Hearing Systems (BAHS)
In October, Oticon Medical announced the launch of the innovative MONO procedure that allows surgeons to perform the complete osteotomy for bone anchored implants with just one drilling step.
The MONO procedure is a minimally invasive procedure where the implant in a bone anchored hearing system is attached to the skull. The implant then connects to a sound processor through the skin via an abutment. The procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic, which saves on valuable resources in the operating room. Furthermore, the small incision required eliminates the need for sutures, which reduces scarring and numbness and improves cosmetic outcomes for patients.
Research shows that a minimally invasive procedure reduces both hospital costs and procedure time. By reducing the drilling steps required during surgery to just one, the MONO procedure is expected to further increase these savings and improve clinical efficiency.
Dr Thibaud Dumon, Otorhinolaryngologist from Clinique du Docteur Jean Causse in Colombiers, France, uses the MONO procedure and comments, "The new minimally invasive MONO procedure is efficient for both me and my patients, and leaves the patient with no scars or suturing."
"At Oticon Medical, we are driven to continuously challenge convention," adds Jes Olsen, President of Oticon Medical. "The MONO procedure is the world's first BAHS procedure with single-step drilling. By making the surgical process more clinically efficient, we want to enable more people to enjoy the benefits of a bone anchored hearing solution."
William Demant Foundation donates DKK 3.5 million to UNICEF to help fight coronavirus
Towards the end of 2021, William Demant Foundation, the majority owner of Demant, donated DKK 3.5 million (US$ 530,000) to UNICEF and the ACT-A programme.
The ACT-A programme (The Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator) is a global collaboration that seeks to accelerate fair access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.
With William Demant Foundation being founded on care, and with the world health as its key sustainable goal, it was important for the Foundation to support UNICEFS fight for ending the coronavirus crisis.
"With our donation, we want to take part in easing the situation for children, families and healthcare workers in vulnerable communities, and do our part in getting the world back on its feet," said Chairman Lars Nørby, William Demant Foundation.
The donation, which is directed at UNICEF as the lead implementation partner of ACT-A, aims to help low-income areas with:
In-country delivery of coronavirus vaccines
Diagnostic tests and related technical assistance
Oxygen systems and novel and repurposed therapeutics
Personal protective equipment and supplies for front-line healthcare workers to work safely
Risk communication and community engagement to promote the COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments
Demant commits to setting ambitious climate targets through the Science Based Targets initiative
In 2021, Demant joined the Science Based Targets initiative, thereby committing to set ambitious climate targets for a future with reduced global warming. For Demant, this means significantly reducing carbon emissions and targeting net-zero emissions.
The commitment to Science Based Targets initiative is part of an overall aim for Demant to lead a business existing in harmony with the environment and local communities.
By joining the Science Based Targets initiative, Demant gets a clearly defined route to future-proof progress and reduction of carbon emissions.
Despite being a growth-company, Demant has been successful in reducing emissions per employee and intend to maintain this development. Demant has since 2010 tracked direct and indirect emissions from its own operations, such as electricity use and company fleet.
Demant estimates that around 90% of the company's emissions come from the extended value chain. As a result, the transition towards a zero-carbon footprint will rely heavily on partnerships, and the level of engagement and motivation from the company's suppliers.
Within 24 months of pleading to the commitment, Demant will develop targets for validation of Science Based Targets initiative and expects to do so during 2022. The final deadline is August 2023.
In this relation, CEO of Demant said: "I am positive that this approach will benefit Demant in a multitude of ways. It will help us build a more resilient business and strengthen collaboration with suppliers and partners and, equally as important, spur innovative thinking."
Audika continues to expand the business through acquisitions
During 2021, Demant's Hearing Care retail business, Audika Group, has continued to expand their global network of clinics through acquisitions. This has resulted in the investment in or take-over of more than 200 stores during the year. The expansions have primarily been on markets such as the US, Canada, France and Spain as well as new ventures in Germany.
In December 2021, Audika entered the German hearing care retail market by acquiring the chain Kerstin Ritter Hörgeräte, which holds a strong regional position in the Southwestern part of Germany with 18 shops and a strong local network to key hearing healthcare stakeholders. Ritter serves as good starting point for a further expansion in the German hearing care retail market.
Audika Group's broad presence in many significant markets is part of building up and sustaining Audika's market-leading position. Over the past 25 years, Audika has been on a significant growth journey, and today, the company is present in more than 20 countries, has surpassed more than 2,600 full-time clinics and employs more than 8,000 people.
Audika will continue to build a profitable business both organically and through acquisitions to help more people hear better and deliver on their customer promise of being the "Modern Hearing Care Expert".
Oticon MyMusic captures CES 2022 Innovation Award
Oticon MyMusic, a dedicated music program tailor-made to help people with hearing loss rediscover their love of music, has been named a CES® 2022 Innovation Awards Honouree in the highly competitive Software and Mobile Apps category. The international awards program recognises innovative design and engineering in some of the world's most cutting-edge consumer technology products and services.
Oticon MyMusic overcomes one of the toughest challenges for hearing aids, delivering excellent music sound quality, whether it's live music or streamed directly from a device. The music-oriented signal processing program captures the complex dynamics of music much better than attempting to apply ordinary speech processing strategies to music.
Thomas Behrens, Chief of Audiology, Oticon comments: "With MyMusic, we are bringing music to life and are extremely proud to have overcome this notorious challenge for the benefit of hearing aid users in the family of our most recent hearing aids, Oticon More. Now, more clients can truly experience the joy of music again. We are delighted to have our team's dedication to evolving hearing technology recognised by the prestigious CES awards panel, and to stand out in such a vast category makes it even more gratifying."
Oticon MyMusic uses a new strategy for amplification based on independent research on how to balance different sounds for music listening and research on how the music experience can be improved for hearing aid users. Processing is performed in both 4 and 24 channels simultaneously, which allows details to be preserved no matter the signal type, and at the same time ensure the overall balance of the music is optimised. There is more amplification in the highest and lowest frequencies delivering better balance across frequencies. This ensures that differences between softer and louder components in music are preserved and natural dynamics are maintained.


After living in France and seeing how my friends would take a month off every summer I've always wanted to do the same and take an extended summer vacation. Like for 3-4 weeks. But usually by the time I realize I should plan something I look up accommodations and airline tickets and prices are sky-high and everything is booked. That happened to me two years in a row so last year I decided to book my summer vacation in December. I like to plan things a few months in advance so the idea of planning 6-9 months out was a bummer but as a result we were able to plan a really cool trip on a budget.
First we had to figure out where to go. I had noticed the cheap direct flights on Norwegian Air to Scandinavia and thought that might be an option. (They have direct flights from Oakland from $300-$600!) We also considered the Mediterranean, Hawaii, and Costa Rica. I did a bunch of research but didn't buy anything.
I also wanted to figure out the best way to save on our housing since a hotel can get expensive for a month. My friend does home swaps all the time so she explained the whole process to me and I decided to sign up for a website(I had to pay for a membership.) Almost immediately I got all these offers of possible house swaps. From everywhere to France, Spain, Italy and Mexico, and remote places I hadn't even heard of. We also got an invitation to a beautiful modern house in Norway in the middle of the fjords. I fell in love with the house and when I double checked the airfare I realized the tickets were $500 roundtrip. That made our decision for us. In the end we were able to cover everything for our family of four for $2000. Of course there are more expenses for traveling but the main expenses of flights and lodging we were able to get a good deal on.
We are planning on taking a real vacation for 7-10 days in a different part of Europe and then the rest of the time we will be working remotely and keep business hours at the home in Norway. When you are in Europe but still working US work hours it is actually a really nice schedule. You wake up and spend the day doing whatever you want (sight-seeing, hiking, etc) then, about 4pm everyone in the US comes online. So you work from 4pm-12pm to be available for emails etc., then go to sleep. It's a pretty great schedule for hanging out with family.
Friends ask if we feel weird having people staying in our home. The nice thing is we've exchanged a lot of emails with the family and have even been following each other on Instagram so you get to know people a little before you actually swap homes. Also, we have friends and neighbors that can check in while we are gone so it doesn't feel so anonymous.
Would you ever do a house swap? I'd love to hear about your experience if you've done it before. Also, we are in the throes of vacation planning. Do you have any must-sees or must-do's in Norway? We are going to be staying in the north in Alesund but plan on renting a car and getting around the country a bit including doing some hiking and camping.
i have heard such amazing things about the norwegian fjords! that trip is at the top of my travel to do list. i am such it is going to be an incredible experience.
I have wanted to do this for so long but I'm just not sure yet. How will you prepare your house for the swappers? Are you packing anything away?
Good question! Our house is pretty kid friendly already. I'm definitely not worried about anything being stolen. I will probably pack away family photos and personal things that make the house feel like "our home" just to make it feel like a clean slate and more comfortable for our guests.
These pictures are so gorgeous! France is definitely on my bucket list for sure!
What a great deal for a trip abroad!
this is so cool!! my husband and i were just talking about doing something like this for the winter… calling it a "work-cation!" i recognize that second photo because my father in law was just showing us a hike route that will take him there in july. apparently it's a long but really nice hike. i would be too afraid to walk out onto that piece of rock though 😛 have so much fun on your trip!!!!
Very cool! I've never done that before but looking forward to hearing your experience and, after doing it, if you would do it again!
What about if our house isn't as cool like yours? Our house is great but the location is not exactly vacation worthy. And Airbnb is costly for that length of time. Also, is your membership a yearly fee or a one time sum?
How lovely! You also have the fact that in July it is light almost all night, so it feels like day (you will not see the midnight sun in Ålesund, but still) I hope your family will enjoy Norway, and if you need a place to stay near Oslo, you are very welcome to borrow our guest room!
I just did the OAK-Oslo flight on Norwegian with my two kids by myself! You will love it. The planes are new and fancy. Just pack a lot of water. They charge you for everything.
If you're going to Oslo a trip to Tim Wendelboe is a must if you're into coffee. Visiting the King's farm is also fun with kids. Otherwise make sure you eat plenty of kanelboller and brown cheese!
^Sara. When you booked did u get seat assignments? Thinking of using Norwegian for Stockholm trip w. 2 kiddies <6. Would prefer to sit with them. thx.
No i didn't. I figured if they weren't going to sit me with my toddler i would ask to switch when i got on the plane (or leave her sitting alone and someone else would have to deal with her. Haha) But when i checked in we were sitted together. No problem.
Congrats! We have not done a house swap, but we rented out our apartment in Boston through airbnb.com while we traveled and during our summer in Paris. It was incredibly lucrative, offered us the opportunity to meet other travels and enabled us to explore the world for less money. Only once did we have something stolen. It was our first guest, but since what they took cost $20 at Target and we made $2,000 off their visit we were not worried. It never happened again. People are genuinely good and I would not worry at all about stuff being taken.
We are currently renting a place we found on airbnb.com for one year in Costa Rica and our plan is to do the same in Ecuador come September. We work online so it does not matter where we live. I love that people are trusting and sharing in the name of travel.
Have a fantastic time. I cannot wait to follow your journey.
Absolutely amazing! I am always enthralled by those who are able to work solely online and live anywhere! What do you guys do for work?
So you seem to be a pro at finding good deals on airfare. Any chance you might do a post at some point on pointers? Where you search? How you search?
I'm trying to do a travel-type post every Tuesday so I definitely will. The secret is to just spend time looking. I probably spend an hour every week looking.
Yes! I'll definitely do a post on this!
This would be so awesome! But I guarantee you my home in the middle of nowhere in rural idaho is not a destination of choice. Ha!
I'd totally stay in rural Idaho!!
Great idea to house swap for family vacations. It definitely makes so much more sense having a full house with kids then doing the hotel rooms.
I did an internship in Stavanger during my last year in college over the summer months and absolutely fell in love with Norway and the Norwegians. Some of the sweetest people you will ever meet. Enjoy the trip!
House swapping is the best! We are members of the same house exchange network, and it's been such a great way to cut down on vacation costs, as well as explore new places. When we get a house swapping request, we always spend a few weeks exchanging emails and phone calls in order to get to know one another better–we don't remove items from our home or lock things up, because by the time the exchange rolls around, we feel very comfortable with our exchange family. That said, this is the first and only summer we've had trouble finding a house swap–for San Francisco of all places! Know anyone in San Francisco who is interested in visiting Portland, OR, this summer? We've been trying to find a swap for months and we've come up short for the first time ever!
I spent some time in visiting Norway last summer and absolutely fell in love! We spent a few days in Oslo (highlights: Vigeland Sculpture Garden, the Folk Museum) then took "the Most Beautiful Train Ride" from Oslo to Myrdal and then down on the "Flamsbana" (would be great with kids!). From there we took a boat to Balestrand, which might be the most picturesque place I have ever been! It is drop.dead.gorgeous. There isn't much to do but it was fun to spend a few days taking boat trips, resting along the fjord and eating at the Kviknes Hotel's famous smorgasbord. We ended the trip in Bergen which is also beautiful. There is a restaurant called "Enhjorningen" that is the oldest fish restaurant in Bergen. It's this funky old school space and the food was absolutely delicious!
The best thing about being in Norway in the summer is being outside until late into the night! One night we had a gathering with some family and I had to look twice at my watch when I realized it was midnight and we were still all up and about playing lawn game (including small children!). It was a treat.
Yay Norway! I just moved back to the States after 1.5 years in Norway. Your mind will be blown by the beauty of the fjords, and I am not exaggerating.
Now, I'm sure you've done your research, but driving around Norway is a rather lenghty (and expensive!) process. If you can by any means rent an electric car, do it. The electric cars receive all sorts of benefits when it comes to parking, ferries, highway driving, etc (we're talking FREE!). I'm not sure what it costs to rent an electric vehicle (or if it's even possible), but it's probably worth looking into.
Since you'll be between Trondheim & Bergen, I HIGHLY suggest visiting both cities. In my opinion, Trondheim is the most beautiful city in all of Norway (Nidarosdomen – Nidaros Cathedral, River Nidelva, Old Town (including the beautiful Old Town Bridge!), and so much more). But Bergen is also a beauty (especially when it's not raining!), with such treats as Bryggen (a world heritage site), the seven mountains surrounding the city (you can ride the Fløybanen to the top of Mt. Fløyen), and more than I can list here.
But in the midst of the city possibilities (I'm certain Ålesund is on your list, since you'll be so close), be sure to just stop in at the little fjord & mountain towns. Since the sun will be shining (no stop), everyone will be so happy & friendly. Eat your weight in Norwegian waffles (vaffler) topped with strawberry jam & sour cream, drink tons of black coffee, divulge in all the Fria chocolate you can get your hands on, and know that it's perfectly safe (and a delicious idea) to eat the hot dogs from the gas stations.
If you're visiting the big cities, you'll likely find yourself among many other tourists, so if you're looking to befriend Norwegians, stick with the small towns… But just know it might be a bit of work (on your part) to get them to open up; once you do though… they're beautiful & loyal people, and you'll find yourself with friends for life.
Also. Please go hiking. As much as possible. And if you manage to befriend a Norwegian, have them teach you their jedi ways of packing for hikes (be sure to always pack oranges & kvikk lunsj [the Norwegian equivalent to Kit Kats]). The viking blood still runs strong in the people there.
I would do an exchange in a heartbeat, but my husband would never go for it as he is so intriverted and feels like it would be an invasion on our privacy.
I follow this blog and they just got back from Norway. Here is the link.
Very cool. I'm an american expat living in Oslo. If you visit Oslo, make time for the folk museum, the viking ship museum, Vigelandpark, coffee at Tim Wendelboe, and any baked good from Åpent Bakery. Send me an email if you have any further questions about Oslo or Norway. Oh and be aware that store close early on Saturday afternoon and nothing is open on Sunday.
I second the advice of checking into an electric car. Gas is super expensive. Actually everything was super expensive. Buying a bottle at of water at a gas stattion was $5 (luxury tax). Eating out was very expensive too (for us, we never found great food) so since you have a home, making meals might be more fun.
Oh, and we are just rent a car and explore kind of people, too. So be warned that due to the geography, there are a lot of tunnels and ferries involved. Not a problem, but something we would have been better off knowing beforehand.
What a cool idea! Very inspiring. I look forward to following along with you and Paul.
We live in Dublin but go back to Maine every summer for 6-8 weeks, so we've rented our apartment to strangers each time. WE've had such great experiences with it! The two things I always suggest to people – get a cleaner in to clean before you arrive back home. So important! And the second is to move or store anything that you'd be devastated if it broke or was misplaced. Those two things have made all the difference!
We have rented out our home for the past three summers. We spend some time traveling and some time living/working remotely. It has been the best experience. We have met really interesting people and even though a direct simultaneous houseswap hasn't worked out,we have been able to work around it and find options for visiting family and friends while seeing the world. If you have any questions about preparing your home, ping me. We have it down pretty well now. Have the best time in Europe, Norway is one of our favorites!
We swapped apartments a few summers ago with two couples – an older couple from berlin, and a young couple from paris. The older couple were veterans of swapping, and it showed in the instructions they left. Little things you don't think about, like how to run the washing machine when it's in a different language, they included on the instruction sheet. And once we saw that we realized we should've done exactly that. We had left a list of our favorite places to eat and see, and that's helpful, but we realized we didn't specifically say things like, don't put the chef's knives in the dishwasher , or this is how you use our dryer. Thankfully there weren't any problems, but we did find that the lint trap in the dryer was never emptied. The little things we take for granted that we know that if you don't own one of those appliances you wouldn't know. All that said, we had a great time, our apartment was fine when we came home, and I would swap again in a heartbeat. It's a great way to see a city. And SO much cheaper. Plus they took care of our cat.
Oh you guys are so lucky. For us here in Australia to fly anywhere costs around $1,500 (each!) so for a family of five it becomes a once in a lifetime thing. My one greatest wish is to spend one to two years living in the U.K. or Europe so we can see as much as possible while living there. I love the idea of house swaps and we are considering doing one with friends. They live in Melbourne, Australia and we live in a rural hinterland village in Queensland. Swap city living for country living. However, I think it's maybe worse with friends coming into your home than strangers.
I am going back to Norway for my second visit in July. I loved Bergen and Trondheim.
Norway is the most beautiful place I have ever been! Enjoy your trip, sounds amazing!
Awesome! You can house swap with me anytime in Cape Town, South Africa, I'd love to go to San Fran.
We went to Alesund for our honeymoon! such a sleepy little town, but so relaxing.