AuDNet, Inc.'s consumer marketing division responds to UnitedHealth Group's decision to sell pre-programmed hearing aids to consumers online for a discounted rate
Burnsville, MN (November 3, 2011) - As the audiology industry reacts to the news that Minnetonka-based health insurer UnitedHealth Group is making discounted hearing aids available for only $749-$949 per ear to both their customers and non-customers, NowiHear.com, a wholly owned consumer marketing division of AuDNet, Inc. dedicated to educating and providing resources to consumers with regard to hearing health, wants consumers to understand the potential dangers of this initiative and is offering an alternative.
Although UnitedHealth Group claims to have consulted hearing health professionals for the development of their online hearing test (which will soon be available through mobile phones as well), the audiology industry at large, which consists of Master's and Doctoral level professionals who often undergo eight years of training, is weary that consumers will forgo what is best for their long-term hearing health in exchange for a short-term, "cheaper" alternative.
"Clearly, United Health Care recognizes that hearing loss is an important issue within its subscriber population. What the audiology community additionally recognizes is that hearing loss is first-and-foremost a health issue, no more amenable to self-diagnosis and treatment than any other health issue," remarked Dr. Greg Frazer, Los Angeles-based Audiologist and industry advocate. "A competent and professional diagnosis of the cause of the hearing loss is an essential pre-requisite before any treatment plan is initiated, hearing aids or otherwise. Individuals with hearing loss can have treatable and/or life threatening medical conditions, or even excessive wax in their ear, causes for which a hearing aid is not appropriate. And, if hearing aid treatment is in order, research shows that individualized professional care provides the best chance for optimal hearing enhancement and patient satisfaction."
NowiHear.com is not alone in their concern about UnitedHealth Group's decision, and joins the Minnesota Department of Health and professional industry organizations that have taken specific actions regarding this news such as the American Academy of Audiology, Academy of Doctors of Audiology, and American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association.
In support of these audiology community-related efforts to caution and dissuade consumers from purchasing medical devices like hearing aids over the Internet without first consulting an audiologist or physician, NowiHear.com will encourage their constituents to take the "Quick Hearing Check" (powered by the Better Hearing Institute) which is available both online and through the NowiHear.com hearing app for Android. Once the hearing check is complete, consumers can utilize NowiHear.com's Audiologist Locater to find a qualified professional in their area who can offer them a consultation, and can also offer fair pricing on hearing aids.
"It's simply not enough for us to come out with a statement that questions the efficacy and ethics of the UnitedHealth Group decision," remarked David Smriga, Founder & President of AuDNet, Inc., parent company to NowiHear.com. "You have to give people a viable alternative. What we are asking the consumer to do is to take the BHI Quick Hearing Check online so they can understand whether or not specific action is needed, then we will take the guesswork out by providing the consumer with THE BEST, qualified professional who can serve their needs. While the Internet has been a boon in many ways, there are still certain things that shouldn't and simply cannot be replaced. Sourcing a hearing aid is simple, what is not simple are the complications that can accompany the decision of improper diagnosis."
About NowiHear.com
NowiHear.com (https://NowiHear.com) is an e-platform connecting U.S. consumers and U.S.-based licensed Audiologists. The platform motivates visitors with educational materials, informational videos, a hearing health trends blog, and an online Audiologist locator to seek out and contact an Audiology practitioner in their area. NowiHear.com is a wholly owned division of AuDNet Inc., a corporation providing member Audiology practices with qualified patient leads, group purchasing discounts and a variety of practice development/marketing resources. Purchasing first, second and third supplier units through AuDNet not only saves the practice money, but supports NowiHear.com's direct-to-consumer message and visibility, securing a solid future for participating Audiology practices for years to come.
For more information about AuDNet, visit the AuDNet web channel on AudiologyOnline.
