The fourth quarter (Q4) of 2015 marked strong growth for the private sector, with an 8.2% increase in sales compared to Q4 2014. The VA increased its dispensing activity by 2.3%. Total hearing aid unit sales grew by 7.0% in Q4 2015. What is not known is how much private sector growth can be attributed to the market gains of low-cost retailers like Costco.
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David Smriga points out that OTC/DTC hearing aids have their place, but for the majority of adults with mild-to-moderate age-related hearing losses, a guided process including fitting verification and auditory rehabilitation is needed to achieve maximum benefit with amplification. Consumers should be directed toward professional care practices that offer these services, not away from them. Read the point-by-point argument against the PCAST’s recent conclusions.
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The FDA has reopened the comment period regarding its Draft Guidance document. A revised Guidance should further clarify the regulatory distinctions between hearing aids and PSAPs. An FDA workshop on GMPs is scheduled for April 21 at FDA headquarters.
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The Hearing Industries Association (HIA) has issued a formal response to the October report of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The PCAST report to President Obama contained its recommendations relating to hearing aid technology and consumer hearing products.
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On October 26, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) released its official report to the President about hearing technologies and mild-to-moderate hearing loss in older adults. Since then, several key stakeholders have weighed in on the implications of the PCAST report with responses ranging from outright opposition to full support. Brian Taylor’s blog summarizes initial comments from stakeholders in the hearing healthcare field.
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In giving qualified support to the PCAST recommendations, ADA is the first among the hearing care professional organizations to publicly endorse, at least in principle, the PCAST’s report to the president. However, ADA listed a number of important qualifications emphasizing the importance of the audiologists’ role in hearing evaluation and diagnostics, dispensing, and aural rehabilitation, as well as some necessary standards for PSAPs, entry-level devices, and hearables.
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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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The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), a national organization representing people with hearing loss, has announced that it enthusiastically endorses a new report issued by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). This announcement comes on the heels of an announcement from HIA, which strongly opposes the PCAST recommendations.
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The HIA reported on a September 28 IOM teleconference that examined a Voluntary Standard for PSAPs, which is under consideration by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The IOM will hold a 4th public meeting to address a range of hearing health issues on November 13, 2015.
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Third Rock Ventures LLC, a healthcare venture firm, has announced the launch of Decibel Therapeutics, with $52 million in financing by Third Rock and SR One, the corporate venture capital arm of GlaxoSmithKline, to discover new medicines that protect, repair, and restore hearing.
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The European Union of Hearing Aid Acousticians (EUHA) will host its 60th annual convention in Nuremberg, Germany, on October 14-16.
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High school music education was shown to heighten a teen’s sensitivity to sound details and increase the ability to learn other skills.
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The Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Accessible and Affordable Hearing Health Care for Adults held its second of three open meetings on June 30 at the National Academies in Washington, DC. Here’s a perspective on the IOM meetings from HR Editor Karl Strom.
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Jay McSpaden borrows lessons from golf to propose the “perfect” formula for providing the best hearing care possible, while also highlighting the complementary skill sets of the three professions involved.
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Advanced Style, a high-fashion blog and media brand aimed at glamorous seniors, and Audicus, an online hearing aid company, collaborated on a collection of limited-edition fashionable hearing aids in vivid patterns.
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