Interview with Alexander Zschokke, Group Vice President of Channel Solutions and Marketing, Sonova
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Topic: Sonova's Acquisition of HearingPlanet
CAROLYN SMAKA: Alexander, welcome to AudiologyOnline.
ALEXANDER ZSCHOKKE: Thank you for having me.
SMAKA: Our topic today is Sonova's acquisition of HearingPlanet, so I'll ask the most obvious question first. Why did Sonova acquire HearingPlanet?
ZSCHOKKE: We saw a tremendous opportunity to help Sonova customers, the hearing care professionals, with the acquisition of HearingPlanet. The Internet continues to grow as a resource for individuals researching medical-related topics. There is a growing population of people with hearing loss who are not reached by the traditional channels in the hearing industry, and we're finding that more and more are using the Internet as a means to both research and purchase hearing aids. Sonova is concerned about the proliferation of businesses who do not involve the hearing care professionals in the testing and fitting of hearing aids. Through HearingPlanet, we can ensure those who chose to purchase hearing aids through alternative distribution channels are guaranteed to have professional hearing care support.
HearingPlanet is a leading destination for those seeking information about hearing loss and hearing aids. When visitors find the HearingPlanet site, they often download its guide to hearing aids. HearingPlanet follows up with consumers with the sole goal of referring them to an endorsed local clinic for a hearing evaluation, and all counseling, testing and fitting is completed by a trained, licensed professional - in other words, our Sonova customers.
SMAKA: You've touched on my next question. How does Sonova owning HearingPlanet affect audiologists or hearing aid dispensers in private practice in the N. American markets?
ZSCHOKKE: HearingPlanet will help us to provide more leads to Sonova customers, and ultimately increase market penetration. As consumers grow more sophisticated, more and more are using the Internet as a tool to research and learn about hearing devices. HearingPlanet is one of the largest hearing care networks in the U.S. and has a sophisticated system for reaching these consumers. Most of the people who go to HearingPlanet have never worn a hearing aid before, and more than 50% of HearingPlanet referrals purchase hearing aids - after they've consulted with a hearing health professional in the HearingPlanet network.
SMAKA: Does Sonova plan on acquiring other companies in the near future?
ZSCHOKKE: There are no plans for other acquisitions at this time.
SMAKA: For audiologists or hearing aid dispensers who have questions about the acquisition, to where can we direct them?
ZSCHOKKE: For questions about the HearingPlanet business model, professionals can visit www.hearingplanet.net.
SMAKA: Is there an official press release about this announcement?
ZSCHOKKE: We typically only publish a press release when it is a material acquisition.
SMAKA: I appreciate your time today for my questions. Thank you.
ZSCHOKKE: Thank you.
ALEXANDER ZSCHOKKE: Thank you for having me.
SMAKA: Our topic today is Sonova's acquisition of HearingPlanet, so I'll ask the most obvious question first. Why did Sonova acquire HearingPlanet?
ZSCHOKKE: We saw a tremendous opportunity to help Sonova customers, the hearing care professionals, with the acquisition of HearingPlanet. The Internet continues to grow as a resource for individuals researching medical-related topics. There is a growing population of people with hearing loss who are not reached by the traditional channels in the hearing industry, and we're finding that more and more are using the Internet as a means to both research and purchase hearing aids. Sonova is concerned about the proliferation of businesses who do not involve the hearing care professionals in the testing and fitting of hearing aids. Through HearingPlanet, we can ensure those who chose to purchase hearing aids through alternative distribution channels are guaranteed to have professional hearing care support.
HearingPlanet is a leading destination for those seeking information about hearing loss and hearing aids. When visitors find the HearingPlanet site, they often download its guide to hearing aids. HearingPlanet follows up with consumers with the sole goal of referring them to an endorsed local clinic for a hearing evaluation, and all counseling, testing and fitting is completed by a trained, licensed professional - in other words, our Sonova customers.
SMAKA: You've touched on my next question. How does Sonova owning HearingPlanet affect audiologists or hearing aid dispensers in private practice in the N. American markets?
ZSCHOKKE: HearingPlanet will help us to provide more leads to Sonova customers, and ultimately increase market penetration. As consumers grow more sophisticated, more and more are using the Internet as a tool to research and learn about hearing devices. HearingPlanet is one of the largest hearing care networks in the U.S. and has a sophisticated system for reaching these consumers. Most of the people who go to HearingPlanet have never worn a hearing aid before, and more than 50% of HearingPlanet referrals purchase hearing aids - after they've consulted with a hearing health professional in the HearingPlanet network.
SMAKA: Does Sonova plan on acquiring other companies in the near future?
ZSCHOKKE: There are no plans for other acquisitions at this time.
SMAKA: For audiologists or hearing aid dispensers who have questions about the acquisition, to where can we direct them?
ZSCHOKKE: For questions about the HearingPlanet business model, professionals can visit www.hearingplanet.net.
SMAKA: Is there an official press release about this announcement?
ZSCHOKKE: We typically only publish a press release when it is a material acquisition.
SMAKA: I appreciate your time today for my questions. Thank you.
ZSCHOKKE: Thank you.
