Hearing care professionals can provide more comprehensive patient support and expand practice revenue by offering guidance on hearing technologies, ancillary products, and emerging treatment options beyond traditional hearing aids.
Many audiology patients require something other than hearing aids, either instead of or additionally, to meet their hearing needs. When this is the case, navigating the different options and understanding the technology might seem overwhelming to patients. Sure, they could do their own research, seek the advice of other professionals, and even purchase some products online. But why not be a resource to patients?
This is a chance for hearing care professionals to offer guidance, share expertise, and even sell products themselves at their practice.
Adding Revenue Options
Offering additional services and products can help patients while helping HCPs, such as audiologist and practice owner Melissa Rose. “Having multiple revenue streams is critical, especially in today’s environment,” she shares in “Insights from the Outside: Tips for Adding Services and Selling the Extras.” She says, “One way is by adding ancillary services—such as hearing protection, connectivity devices, assistive listening devices, and remote controls for hearing aids.”
Rose has also expanded services and revenue streams through partnerships with organizations in her area, such as OSHA. Now when patients are in her office, she can serve as a one-stop-shop for hearing care. And she can help ensure that they utilize products and services that are appropriate for them.
Knowing the Tech
To do so, HCPs must be knowledgeable about the available offerings, including those using the newest technologies, such as Bluetooth LE audio. “As HCPs further embrace these tools, demand and understanding will increase, likely boosting consumer adoption and improving hearing outcomes,” predicts Shari Eberts in “Roundtable: Helpful Hearing Aid Accessories.”
As discussed in “When Captioning Helps Patients Regain Connection,” many options are available to help patients communicate via phone. Helping patients find the best one for them can make a world of difference.
Understanding hearing device technologies is similarly important. For patients who may be candidates for a cochlear implant, being able to discuss the pros and cons of the new type of experimental device explored in “On the Cusp of Completely Implantable Cochlear Implants” allows HCPs and patients to consider all of the options, now and in the future, to make a fully informed decision.
Sharing your expertise to make patients aware of the products and technologies that can improve their hearing experience and quality of life is all part of providing comprehensive care.
— Melanie Hamilton-Basich
Original citation for this article: Hamilton-Basich M. Providing Comprehensive Care. Hearing Review. 2026;33(3):6.
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