3G Distribution Information

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Subject: 3G Distribution Information

This message is intended for the Nucleus recipients who are looking for

information regarding the recently FDA approved 3G.

The FDA cleared the ESPrit 3G for distribution on 22 Mar 2002. In light of

this announcement, we want our recipients to understand the NEXT STEPS and

what this means.

To achieve the best possible outcomes for our community and the partnership

of:

Cochlear

Clinicians

Recipients

We can now begin the release of materials and the preparation of the clinics

that will become vital to the overall success of the fitting process. To do

this in a quality way, this does take some timeâ?¦.so we feel compelled to

share our plans and how we intend this preparation to occur in the BEST

possible way for the entire community!

This approval allows us to now:

* Distribute materials to your clinicians (DURING APRIL)

What this means is that now your clinics can receive their start-up kit with

supplies and tools needed to support:

* ESPrit 3G

* ADRO(Adaptive Dynamic Range Optimization) for SPrint user

* ACE on ESPrit for ESPrit users

These kits include our new programming software R126, programming cables and

everyday supplies. We have trained many clinicians over the past four

months

in preparation for this release. Your clinic will need to re-familiarize

themselves with these supplies, and install the new software on their

systems.

Support your clinicians as they begin to ready themselves

(DURING APRIL into EARLY MAY)

This includes answering questions as they ready their equipment. And as

they

prepare, allow them to review their list of patients and effectively plan

the

time that they can begin the fitting of ESPrit 3Gs.

Mail out ordering instructions to our N24 recipients, including those on our

Flexible Technology Exchange Program (FTEP).

(EARLY to MID MAY)

Following these instructions, you will be asked to confirm the following

information:

-your color choice for the processor

-your color choice for the cable/coil

-the clinic that cares for you

-your current shipping address

This will ensure that we have all of the latest information, so that your

processor can be in your hands just as soon as possible! Remember, the

order

which Cochlear ships the processors, is in the order in which your

certificate was issued.

When you receive your processor, we recommend:

(BEGINNING IN MID-MAY)

That then you call your clinic for an Appointment

While you are awaiting your appointment, watch the instructional ESPrit 3G

video and to familiarize yourself with the system.

For the entire (FTEP) list, we anticipate completing the shipments of

ESPrit

3Gs, to EVERYONE on the list, within 6 months.

Thank you for your patience and your understanding. As we begin, and

continue along this process we wanted to explain why we believe this plan

strives to reach the best possible outcomes by letting each of our partners

effectively prepare to perform their roles. In this way, we can all reach

the best outcomes in the shortest time possible.

The best message today is that we are underway!!

Sam Silberman

Cochlear Americas

Nucleus 24