EarQ announced that Widex will add its hearing devices to the EarQ line of products in spring 2016, helping EarQ offer an advanced line of hearing technology. EarQ works to connect its members to the most advanced hearing device manufacturers in the world, including Oticon, Siemens, Starkey, ReSound…and now Widex.
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Sonus Hearing Care Professionals and Serendipity Hearing Inc have announced an exclusive agreement with Audibel that makes them the only Audibel dealers in California. According to Sonus, Audibel hearing aids will now be available exclusively at more than 50 Sonus and Serendipity Hearing owned clinics across the state.
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Hearing is important, but not necessarily a priority for many of the people we see. If people have gone to the trouble to seek services from us, there is an unspoken message that hearing may be a priority for them, but they may not know it as such. Dennis Van Vliet suggests that, if we can shape our conversation with patients into a discussion of activities in their life that are important to them, it may not be necessary to force the question of how important hearing is to them.
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Dr Van Vliet explains that some patients may have the capability to acquire something off the shelf, and be satisfied with what benefit it provides, while others will always need help. In a world of rapidly advancing technology, we should plan on being available to help those who need it.
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Each January, editors compile lists that recap significant events and topics during the past year. Here are two 2015 lists from HR Editor Karl Strom, in advance of January 2016, along with corresponding links so readers can access the highlighted articles.
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Dr Van Vliet argues that, even if the hearing marketplace evolves over the next few years to include more PSAPs and basic hearing aids as some are recommending, a consistent, universal message that offers clear logical guidelines would be helpful for consumers.
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The hearing industry recently experienced a veritable blizzard of unexpected events, many of which have stunned industry observers (including myself). In short, all hell broke loose. Here Chief Editor Karl Strom enumerates the details that contributed to the storm.
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The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) kicks off its annual convention on Thursday, November 12, at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Here is a quick look at the events and educational offerings available to attendees.
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Dr Van Vliet discusses how we are looking at a change in our market that offers products that provide some of the benefits we now can only provide with hearing aids. Do we embrace the new products and build them into our treatment plans, or do we resist change and stick with our old formula?
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Starkey Hearing Foundation announced that NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon and Listen Carefully are partnering to promote healthy hearing and raise awareness about noise-induced hearing loss. Gordon reports in the announcement that his work space is usually made up of loud engines and tens-of-thousands of screaming fans, and he must take extra care to protect his hearing.
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The FDA announced that it is allowing the marketing of a new hearing aid that uses a laser diode and direct vibration of the eardrum to amplify sound: the EarLens Contact Hearing Device (CHD), which is manufactured by EarLens Corp, Menlo Park, Calif.
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Dr Van Vliet discusses how helping patients achieve better hearing requires a process with many elements: recognizing a problem, learning about it, doing something, and coming to the understanding that solutions are complex and often incomplete.
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Jason Galster, PhD, says it appears likely that patients with lower cognitive function would benefit from a longer period of counseling, education, and training on topics such as expectations for hearing rehabilitation, hearing aid care, and use of hearing aids, including manual adjustments and battery changes.
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Dr Van Vliet discusses how our experience and knowledge base is critical to practicing effectively. However, if we do not continue to learn about and adopt new techniques, tools, and products that are appropriate for our practices, we fall behind in our responsibilities.
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Although the private sector is estimated to make up about 78% of the US hearing aid market, only about 39% of unit sales are estimated to come from true independents. Here is a perspective on the independents by Wayne Staab, PhD.
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