HR 2019 News & Online Recap
Here is a review of some of the top news items that influenced the hearing healthcare field in 2019.
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Search Results for: Hearing aid sales
Challenges of Instant-Fit Ear Tips: What Happens at the Eardrum?
A variety of ear tips are now available for receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids. But how might they influence a hearing aid fitting? Analyzing real-ear measurements and vent effects, this study looks at five different kinds of RIC ear tips and their effects on the sound reaching the eardrum and resulting sound quality.
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Evaluating Select Personal Sound Amplifiers and a Consumer-Decision Model for OTC Amplification
OTC hearing devices are coming, but how should they function and for whom should they be recommended? Drs Ron Leavitt, Ruth Bentler, and Carol Flexer present six case studies showing that people with true moderate hearing loss may not be well served by what has been characterized as a “consumer-decides” model of care.
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IHS, ADA, ASHA, EUHA: Showtime
Advocacy and involvement on behalf of your profession can be as important as updating your clinical skills, should one day you awaken to find that you do not have the appropriate professional representation for your profession.
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Effects of Amplification on Cortical Electrophysiological Function
There has been great interest in using speech-evoked cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEP) as an objective hearing aid validation measure, because CAEPs allow us to assess the audibility of speech sounds at the highest (cortical) levels. Here is a review by Sridhar Krishnamurti and Larry Wise, as well as results from a study they conducted that suggests there is clinical value of CAEPs for assessing cortical changes from amplification, as well as using this data in audiology services to demonstrate patient benefit.
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Managed Care: Threat or Opportunity?
Managed care continues to pose challenges and opportunities for hearing healthcare professionals. In 2017, the number of individual Medicare Advantage enrollees enrolled in a plan with a hearing aid benefit increased to 65% from only 47% in 2015. This article presents a perspective on the evolution of managed care and how dispensing professionals can evolve and adapt in these changing times.
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A Perspective on the Indiana University OTC Outcome Study
There is much to be learned from the recent IU study on OTC hearing aids. However, as its authors state, the findings are specific to that study and should not be generalized to the population of hearing-impaired individuals at large. A comparison is offered here to an audiology clinic using best practices. Results indicate that removing the professional from the fitting and follow-up process yields significantly lower levels of benefit, satisfaction, and use. If OTC hearing aids become a reality, this should be clearly stated on advertising and packaging; consumers should be informed that research has shown 45% of individuals returned hearing aids that were self-fit. Improving accessibility and affordability is only worthwhile if use and satisfaction are not sacrificed in the process.
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With Every Ending Is a New Beginning
The sky is not falling, but to extend the analogy, the weather for hearing healthcare is changing dramatically. In fact, digital momentum is changing every field and every industry, and it will especially threaten anything that is relatively easy to duplicate. Thus, authors Chistopher Schweitzer and Mark Kaal suggest that the future of hearing healthcare will hinge not on product types or even product categories, but rather on those processes that incorporate a wider and better scope of patient services and counseling.
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EarQ and Oticon Host Industry Training Event
From May 21-23, hearing healthcare professionals gained a competitive edge with training from EarQ and Oticon, Smorum, Denmark, EarQ announced. The three-day event was held at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown Hotel in Syracuse, New York.
Read MoreEarQ Holds Three-Day VIP Training for Members at Signia Headquarters
This three-day event was designed to help practice owners learn how to position the value of their services, innovate their strategies, and communicate their purpose in an ever-evolving industry.
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OTC and Observations on the Humes et al Study
Perhaps the most well-read article of 2017 is “The effects of service-delivery model and purchase price on hearing-aid outcomes in older adults: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial” by Larry Humes and his colleagues at Indiana State University, published in the March 2017 edition of the American Journal of Audiology. Drs Marshall Chasin and Steve Aiken provide their perspectives on this important research.
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New eBook from Sycle Outlines Data Strategies for Growth
Sycle has released of their second eBook of 2017, “Growing Your Practice: Five Pieces of Patient Information You Need to Capture.”
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2016 AAA Convention Walking Guide
The Hearing Review makes it a little easier for convention attendees to get the information they seek by providing this guide to the 2016 AudiologyNOW! Convention, April 13-16, which includes a schedule of events and a list of exhibitor booths in the exhibit hall.
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The Final Word: To Bundle or Unbundle?
Bundle or unbundle fees for services? Dr Van Vliet argues for taking an eclectic approach. There are times that the simplicity of a bundled fee makes the most sense with certain consumers. Even with the bundled approach, calling out and “itemizing” the services included provides full disclosure of what the consumer is paying for.
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What Is the Most Efficient Reimbursement System in Europe?
Among the various reimbursement schemes for hearing aids in Europe, is one system more efficient than the others? This study of seven European countries based on data from EuroTrak 2012 and the Market Study of Western Europe 2011 provides a perspective by longtime industry observer and hearing aid specialist Luis Godinho.
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