Interview with Robert Eastman, President of Hansaton U.S.

Topic: Why Hansaton?

CAROLYN SMAKA: Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Bob Eastman of Hansaton. Bob, thanks for taking the time to speak with me today, and I'm looking forward to catching up with you.

ROBERT EASTMAN: Thank you, Carolyn.

SMAKA: Let's start with the basics. First of all, who is Hansaton?



EASTMAN: Hansaton (pronounced "hans-a-tone") is a family-owned company headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. We've been in business for more than 50 years. We pride ourselves on our integrity and the long-term successful relationships we've built with our world-wide partners in over 70 countries. A half-century of experience working in this industry has taught us that if you want to be the best, you've got to have the best technology. Hansaton is world-class German innovation at its best - our products are designed with the highest level of German precision and craftsmanship.

We're delighted to introduce Hansaton to the U.S. market, and I'm excited to be part of it. We understand that the professionals who serve the hearing impaired community have many excellent products to choose from. The bar has been set extremely high and we know we need to offer our customers compelling reasons to choose our product.

SMAKA: What are those compelling reasons?

EASTMAN: First and foremost we offer world class technology. We make no compromises in our technology and fitting solutions. The features and options in our products are among the most advanced in the industry. From wireless to Bluetooth, we have a broad spectrum of products. Our product line features a complete fitting range from mild to severe hearing loss, in order to fully serve the patients that come in to professionals' offices every day. This goes along with our BTE housings that have received international design awards for being innovative and creative.

SMAKA: So you're saying that professionals have many excellent products to choose from today, and that Hansaton can compete on technology and design.

EASTMAN: Exactly, but it's not enough to have the best product or advanced technology. Excellent products and technology are to be expected. We understand that relationships and trust create the foundation for our industry. At Hansaton we combine outstanding customer service, simple pricing, smart processes and world-class technology. We have the best Value Equation in the industry.

SMAKA: Can you expand on what you mean by the best Value Equation in the industry?

EASTMAN: Certainly. I don't think enough companies focus on the process aspect of the business and that's often where the REAL headaches happen for customers. Hansaton keeps it really simple. As I mentioned before, pricing is easy to understand, transparent and there are never hidden fees or other nasty surprises. We have one standard price for each level of technology, whether it's a CIC versus a full concha ITE, or a mini BTE versus a power model.

SMAKA: So making a switch from a CIC to an ITE isn't a problem?

EASTMAN: Right. Go ahead and upsize, we don't care. We want to make it easy for you to do what's best for your patients. Hansaton also offers free shipping when using 2 day service for new orders, first-rate packaging on First Class and Business Class products and a 90-day return policy. There's also a standard three-year warranty on all hearing instruments and no long-term commitments are necessary to secure competitive pricing. So you don't have to negotiate these items. Our accessories costs are extremely competitive and a lot options and features - like Bluetooth and wireless - are part of the standard package. So again, there are no additional charges.

SMAKA: Bob, since Hansaton is new in the U.S. market, I'm sure training and fitting support are going to be especially important in getting professionals comfortable with the technology and software. What does Hansaton offer?

EASTMAN: For help with training, fitting or software just call our professional services team - real people not an automated system - and we'll take care of you. Our software is on the Connexx platform which is already familiar to many professionals, so that will make the transition to our products smoother.

SMAKA: Bob, thanks for the overview today. You sound very passionate about Hansaton and what Hansaton has to offer.

EASTMAN: Thanks to you and AudiologyOnline for having me today, Carolyn.
Overall, we know it's a competitive market in a tough economy, and we want the opportunity to earn professionals' business. We are excited about sharing not only our outstanding products, but also our exceptional service and operational excellence.

SMAKA: Where should we direct professionals for more information about Hansaton?

EASTMAN: I invite professionals to please call us at 888-984-7432 or to visit our website at www.hansaton-usa.com.

SMAKA: Bob, wishing you much success with Hansaton and I look forward to catching up with you again soon to hear how things are going.

EASTMAN: That would be great, Carolyn, I look forward to it.

For more information about Hansaton, call 888-984-7432 or visit www.hansaton-usa.com.