Self-administered screening app helps with early detection of hearing loss
September 8th, 2010 - Kitchener, Ontario - The uHear iTunes medical application continues to assist hearing healthcare professionals and general practitioners in early detection of hearing loss - this month surpassing an incredible 500,000 downloads.
Hearing loss among teenagers continues to increase. According to a recent American Medical Association study, 19.5 per cent of youth suffer from hearing loss, and as a result, professionals need new ways to target and discuss this sensitive subject with the younger demographic. Hearing loss has an impact on the quality of life;especially in school, office environments and more commonly in social interactions. However, the process of getting tested can cause significant anxiety and as a result, is often ignored. By allowing consumers to test their own hearing capabilities, the fear and stigma that sometimes prevents testing and early detection is removed.
uHear, a self-administered hearing screening application for the iPhone™, iPod Touch® and iPad, helps individuals make a clear self-diagnosis of their hearing health. With hearing loss on the increase, uHear is of incredible benefit to hearing healthcare professionals. The application helps users identify potential hearing loss through three assessments: Hearing Sensitivity, Speech in Noise, and a Questionnaire about common listening situations. uHear also offers a 'Locate' function to help find the nearest hearing healthcare professional for a full follow-up.
"It's a fabulous application and an excellent tool for both advanced screening and general awareness," says Dr. Leda Valenciano, South Florida Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) Associates. "I recommend it for everyone. uHear creates awareness of hearing disorders and helps consumers find qualified professionals for further testing and guidance."
About 36 million Americans are afflicted by hearing loss1 and it is projected that by the year 2015 that number will increase between 20 to 25 per cent.2 While 95 per cent of Americans with hearing loss could be successfully treated with hearing aids, only 22 per cent currently use them.3
With more than 64 Million iPhone users4 in the United States alone, the uHear application targets a large portion of adults and their families potentially suffering from hearing loss, who could be treated and enjoy a higher quality of life. "Unitron is committed to increasing healthy hearing awareness and improving the lives of people living with hearing loss," says Cameron Hay, President and CEO, Unitron worldwide. "This tool will help hearing healthcare professionals in earlier diagnosis of symptoms and potential hearing loss of their consumers."
The application is available worldwide, in English, French and German, can be downloaded free of charge through Apple iTunes at: itunes.com/apps/uhear
About uHearTM
Designed by Unitron, uHear™ is a hearing loss screening test which enables you to test your hearing on your own time, in your own space. uHear helps you assess whether your hearing is within normal range, through any one or all three of the following tests: Hearing Sensitivity, Speech in Noise and a Common Listening situations questionnaire.
About Unitron
Unitron is a global innovator of technologically advanced hearing instruments. We care deeply about people with hearing loss and work closely with hearing healthcare professionals to make advanced, purpose-driven solutions available to everyone. Headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada;Unitron, a member of the Sonova Group, meets the needs of customers through 17 international offices and through distributors in a further 52 countries. For more information, please visit us on the web at unitron.com or at the Unitron web channel on Audiology Online.
1Academy of Audiology
2Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports
3Hearing Loss Association of America
4www.numberof.net/number-of-iphone-users-in-the-us/
