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ST. LOUIS, MO, April 16, 2002 - Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to
bring innovation to the battery category and satisfy consumer needs,
Energizer today announced that it is expanding the life of its hearing aid
batteries by up to 18 percent. The capacity increase will be phased in all
Energizer size 10, 13, 312 and 675 batteries in late summer of 2002.
The performance improvement follows Energizer's highly successful
introduction of the Energizer EZ Change, the world's first and only
hearing aid battery dispenser that eliminates the need to handle the
hearing aid batteries. The patent-pending product allows hearing aid users
to properly insert the batteries into their hearing aids quickly, easily
and accurately every time without the hassle of tabs. The product also
gives the audiologist the freedom to prescribe the proper hearing aid to
patients, regardless of problems with dexterity.
Introduced in the fall of 2001, the Energizer EZ Change has propelled
Energizer to the number one dollar share at retail. According to the
latest AC Nielsen data for the most recent weeks, Energizer dollar sales
increased 89 percent, almost five times the growth of any of its branded
competitors.
"Energizer's goal is to be the one-stop source for innovative technology,
products and services that meet the needs of audiologists and, most
important, the hearing impaired community," said Ernie F. Petrus, Director
of Sales and Marketing, Energizer Miniature Batteries, U.S. "From the
Energizerâ EZ Changeä to the capacity improvement across our battery line,
we are always striving to deliver innovative solutions that drive our
customers' business success to new heights and further enhance the quality
of life for the hearing impaired."
According to Petrus, the Energizer EZ Change represents a new segment in
the hearing aid battery category that has now grown to more than 50
percent of the total category. And, Energizer's innovative dispenser is
fueling growth of the entire hearing aid battery category, with retailer
dollar share up when they carry Energizer products predominantly.
With the launch of the Energizer EZ Change, Energizer was the first and
only hearing aid battery manufacturer to advertise on television. A
30-second spot helped drive awareness of the Energizer EZ Change among
over 90 percent of the consumer target. Marketing support also includes
educational patient brochures, a training video available in audiologists'
offices and a counter display.
"Many manufacturers only talk about the long life of their batteries - but
what good is longer life if you can't get the battery into your hearing
aid?" asked Petrus. "By increasing the capacity of the batteries in the
Energizer EZ Change up to 18 percent, we're giving hearing aid users the
best of all worlds - longer battery life and precise placement every
time."
The Energizer EZ Change simplifies the process of replacing hearing aid
batteries by allowing the user to insert a fresh battery directly from the
dispenser into the hearing aid, without having to pick up or hold onto the
battery. This eliminates the hassles and frustration many people
experience when trying to change their hearing aid batteries.
Energizer is one of the world's largest manufacturers of primary batteries
and flashlights and a global leader in the dynamic business of providing
portable power. |
