Service Delivery considerations of direct-to-consumer devices in a new age of rehabilitative hearing healthcare.

The primary catalysts for the creation of the DTC channel in hearing healthcare was a lack of pricing transparency (ie, perceived professional value) and an archaic service delivery model to acquire amplification for consumers. These factors led to the passing of a bill affording the average American with opportunities to improve their long-term hearing healthcare through the early use of amplification, rehabilitation, and consistent and comprehensive hearing care solutions. While providers might perceive this bill as detrimental to their professional autonomy and livelihood, the intent of this article is to highlight that opportunities to meet the demand of listeners with impaired hearing that exist through the supply of revenue-generating, professional services. These service opportunities, we strongly believe, allow for the preservation of the independent practice channel for those practitioners who understand and recognize the economics of the transformed, and continually evolving, US hearing healthcare environment

Service Delivery considerations of direct-to-consumer devices in a new age of rehabilitative hearing healthcare.

The primary catalysts for the creation of the DTC channel in hearing healthcare was a lack of pricing transparency (ie, perceived professional value) and an archaic service delivery model to acquire amplification for consumers. These factors led to the passing of a bill affording the average American with opportunities to improve their long-term hearing healthcare through the early use of amplification, rehabilitation, and consistent and comprehensive hearing care solutions. While providers might perceive this bill as detrimental to their professional autonomy and livelihood, the intent of this article is to highlight that opportunities to meet the demand of listeners with impaired hearing that exist through the supply of revenue-generating, professional services. These service opportunities, we strongly believe, allow for the preservation of the independent practice channel for those practitioners who understand and recognize the economics of the transformed, and continually evolving, US hearing healthcare environment

An Acoustical Analysis of the Frequency-Attenuation Response of Musician Earplugs

This article discusses the influence of musician earplugs on musical stimuli

Effect of Economy and FDA Intervention on the Hearing Aid Industry

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the economy and the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) intervention on the hearing aid industry. Method: A 3-stage least squares regression technique was used to analyze the hearing aid market. Results: Our results show that, while recessionary periods reduced both demand and supply, the demand side of the hearing aid industry is significantly more responsive to changes in the economy. Further, the demand function within the hearing aid industry is inelastic. Finally, negative media coverage from nationally televised reports during the FDA's intervention between the 2nd quarter of 1993 and the 3rd quarter of 1994 did not significantly affect the market demand of hearing aids. Conclusions: The demand for hearing aids increases in a flourishing economy and decreases during periods of recession. The negative media campaign from the FDA's intervention between the 2nd quarter of 1993 and the 3rd quarter of 1994 had essentially little effect on the end user. The repercussions of the FDA's intervention have resulted, however, in a reduction in the market supply of hearing aids and an increase in their cost due to manufacturer-sponsored clinical trials

Test-Box and Real-Ear Verification of Self-Fit Versus Audiologist-Fit Direct-to-Consumer Devices

Hearing aid verification measures on direct to consumer (D2C) devices can provide an efficient way to optimize fittings for hearing-impaired individuals. This poster will focus on key differences between self-fit and Hearing HealthCare Provider-fit settings for D2C devices. Measures will include ANSIS.3.22/ ANSI CTA 2051, Noise reduction and Directional microphone performance in test box. Real-ear measures of match to prescriptive formulas, and SII/RMS arror to target for DTC vs traditional hearing aids will be evaluated

Test-Box and Real-Ear Verification of Self-Fit Versus Audiologist-Fit Direct-to-Consumer Devices

Hearing aid verification measures on direct to consumer (D2C) devices can provide an efficient way to optimize fittings for hearing-impaired individuals. This poster will focus on key differences between self-fit and Hearing HealthCare Provider-fit settings for D2C devices. Measures will include ANSIS.3.22/ ANSI CTA 2051, Noise reduction and Directional microphone performance in test box. Real-ear measures of match to prescriptive formulas, and SII/RMS arror to target for DTC vs traditional hearing aids will be evaluated