SOMERSET, NJ- Oticon, Inc. unveiled its newest technologies for providing optimum solutions for those with hearing loss - a unique website and a line of mid-priced, fully digital hearing instruments that both carry the name 'DigiLife.com.' The informative, supportive website content will target both current and potential hearing instrument users, providing education, support and an instant link to a network of local hearing care professionals. Hearing instruments in the new fully digital DigiLife.com product line are sized and priced to appeal to a wider cross-section of users than have previously had access to advanced digital technology.
Tapping into the Power of the Web:
The company selected a net-based approach to promoting hearing loss solutions and its new mid-priced digital series to enable Oticon dispensers to take advantage of the growing trend among consumers to surf the Internet for health care-related information. Independent surveys showed that daily Internet usage is growing fastest among people over the age of 50. The largest segment of users are 30 to 49 years old - among the age group most likely to assist older relatives in finding hearing aid information on the Internet.
'This medium is a largely untapped resource for hearing professionals,' says Peter Mark, MD, senior marketing director for Oticon, Inc. 'We want to start a dialogue with potential clients and their families to help them overcome their reluctance to take action. On the website, hearing loss is treated as a communication issue rather than a disease and the information is presented in a supportive, non-threatening manner. We know that it is often people most affected by a fear of stigmas, such as those associated with hearing loss, who are the most likely to use the web for health-related research.'
Through the creation of a web community that specifically addresses the needs of those with hearing loss and their families, Oticon seeks to combat the negative stereotypes and mis-information that keeps people with hearing loss from seeking help for an average of eight years.
Linking Clients with Hearing Care Professionals:
A unique feature of the website is the Hearing Center Locator that gives consumers an instant link to the professional practices in their communities that dispense Oticon digital products.
'The more knowledgeable consumers are, the easier it is for them to understand their situation and the better motivated they may be to seek appropriate solutions,' explains Mark. 'In addition to supplying the needed information and motivation critical to action, DigiLife.com provides instant access to quality hearing care professionals who can offer the professional guidance and advanced solutions they need.'
As part of its DigiLife.com program, Oticon also provides participating hearing care professionals with their own Internet homepage. The additional contact information page can be customized to include office address, phone number, hours of operation, directions, and even staff photos and a description of services. Participating dispensers can present all of information contained on the DigiLife.com website as if it were their own.
The individual homepages give practitioners an ideal counseling tool to help clients and potential clients learn about a range of relevant topics including: common questions about hearing loss; strategies for improving communication; advice for hearing aid users; signs of hearing loss; anatomy of the ear; and benefits of digital solutions.
To maximize the value of the personalized homepages, consumers can access the websites of the practitioners they select, directly or while browsing the DigiLife.com website.
The homepage application is made available free of charge to hearing care professionals who are experienced fitters of Oticon's digital products. The application's easy-to-use format does not require special programming skills.
Professional Zone:
The DigiLife.com website features a password-protected section called the 'Professional Zone,' exclusively for use by hearing care professionals, that features special counseling and marketing tools. Practitioners can print consumer materials directly from the website, eliminating the need to stock large quantities of printed materials and enabling them to customize information to suit the needs and interests of individual clients.
The Professional Zone includes the Ad Typer, an interactive resource that gives practitioners the ability to construct customized advertisements or direct mail materials about DigiLife.com instruments and their practice and services. Website information can also be copied and pasted directly into practice newsletters or other mailings or forwarded electronically to newspapers, etc.
Mid-Priced Digital Technology:
The new DigiLife.com product line provides a fully digital solution with the widest range of styles and features in the mid-priced segment. Compact BTE, ITC, ITE, MiniCanal and CIC models feature two-channel sound processing and small, attractive faceplate design. A programmable telecoil is an option on the half-shell and low profile styles. Along with the BTE, these models include a built-in audible beep to alert users when the telecoil has been engaged. Another audible beep automatically signals a low battery. DigiLife.com custom products also feature the proprietary MicroWaxBuster for easy elimination of wax.
The DigiLife.com series offers a choice between digitally enhanced versions of two popular audiological rationales: WDRC+ and MultiFocus+. Both deliver a balance between good speech clarity and comfort. The new instruments can be fitted with PC or hand-held programming.
Established in 1904, Oticon is one of the world's most experienced hearing aid manufacturers. A pioneer in digital technology, Oticon introduced the first ear-level fully digital hearing instrument in 1996. Oticon, Inc. is committed to improving the quality of life for those with hearing loss, through research, technological advancement and a focus on patient requirements.
For more information on Oticon click here.
Click here to visit the Oticon website.
New Series of Mid-Priced Digital Hearing Aids Promoted Only Via the Internet Expands Professional Access to Informed, Recepti
Share:
