March 16, 2012 - The International Hearing Society (IHS) and Miracle-Ear® have teamed up through a corporate membership program to strengthen the voice of licensed hearing aid dispensing professionals worldwide. This partnership signifies the need for collaboration in a changing market and the timing is critical as the role of the hearing healthcare provider is challenged by direct to consumer and internet sales of hearing aids that can negatively impact consumers' safety. The two groups worked together to develop a unique corporate membership program whereas franchise owners and licensed hearing health professionals working for a Miracle-Ear office are eligible to join IHS beginning April 9, 2012.
Rick Frasier, President of the Miracle-Ear Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) stated in a recent announcement, "The FAC believes IHS is an organization Miracle-Ear franchisees should support 00%. IHS represents our right to dispense hearing aids at a national, state, and local level."
In addition to the membership program, Miracle-Ear has also signed on as an IHS corporate sponsor which provides myriad of marketing deliverables over the course of the next several months. Miracle-Ear will have an increased presence at the IHS convention through exhibit space and sponsorship of the Annual Awards Gala taking place on September 22, 2012;and they have made a sizeable contribution to the IHS Advocacy Alliance which funds the Society's legislative activities.
IHS Executive Director, Kathleen Mennillo states, "As IHS is extremely committed to unifying and elevating the position of hearing healthcare professionals, we are incredibly pleased with the opportunity to work with Miracle-Ear at this level." She continues, "We are pleased to see that Miracle-Ear recognizes the importance of the Society's role in preserving the profession and that more members can only have a positive affect on the industry moving forward - strength comes in numbers."
IHS expects to see a 25-30 percent growth in membership over the next 18 months as a result of this
program. This increase in membership will help IHS' efforts to unify the profession and be a stronger advocate on the national and local state level. For information about joining IHS under the Miracle-Ear corporate membership program or to learn more about IHS' efforts to fight direct to consumer and internet sales visit www.ihsinfo.org or call 734-522.7200.
About the International Hearing Society
The International Hearing Society (IHS) is a membership association that represents hearing healthcare professionals worldwide. IHS members are engaged in the practice of testing human hearing and selecting, fitting and dispensing hearing instruments and counseling patients. Founded in 1951, the Society continues to recognize the need for promoting and maintaining the highest possible standards for its members in the best interests of the hearing impaired it serves. For more information visit www.ihsinfo.org.
About Miracle-Ear
A trusted resource for hearing solutions for over 60 years, Miracle-Ear uses state-of-the-art technology to remove the barriers of hearing loss. The Plymouth, MN-based company specializes in customizable hearing solutions that feature discreet, comfortable products designed to meet each individual's hearing loss needs. Free hearing tests are available at all of the company's 1,200 franchised locations across the U.S. Franchise opportunities are available for those interested in running their own Miracle-Ear business with the support of a nationwide industry leader. For more information, visit www.miracle-ear.com
