TV Ears introduces exclusive network of Certified Hearing Centers

Press Release

SAN DIEGO – April 4, 2011 – TV Ears, a manufacturer of doctor-recommended TV listening solutions, announced today its exclusive network of Certified Hearing Centers that will direct interested customers to hearing professionals in their neighborhood.

Participating hearing professionals receive direct referrals as well as digital displays with real-time marketing content and in-store product displays for their waiting room.

“Each year, we introduce more than 300,000 individuals to TV Ears. While our products help these people hear the television more clearly, they may need assistance with related issues, but often don’t know where to go,” said George Dennis, Founder and CEO of TV Ears. “Once a customer enlists our help, we work to make quality introductions with one of our Certified Hearing Centers based on their location. The goal is to increase business for those hearing professionals and provide them with lifelong customers.”

According to the Hearing Industry Association, U.S. hearing instrument sales, outside of the Veterans Administration, increased only by less than one percent in 2010. In an effort to drive bigger sales for its partners, TV Ears believes this exclusive network will drive more potential customers into audiologist and hearing aid offices. The total hardware for waiting rooms alone is valued at more than $2,000, more than six times the price of the monthly program fee, and includes a TV Ears TV, Media player, TV Ears Headset System, TV Ears Wireless Speaker and a ClearSounds Quattro Bluetooth Neckloop. The Hearing News Network will be the featured program on the TV Ears set, and  can be effectively used for in-house marketing and training while also acting as an information center for staff and patients. In addition, TV Ears is working on packaging affordable total hearing solution kits at very attractive price points to empower hearing professionals in their network to offer unmatched savings and value to their current customers as well as the prospects sent to them under the Certified Hearing Center program.

“Often times, our customers come to us initially not requiring a hearing aid, but in need of some assisted listening device that help them enjoy their TV viewing experience better. As they get older, however, their hearing needs change. We want to help provide those folks with the best way to find affordable, quality solutions,” said Dennis. “That’s where the Certified Hearing Centers come into play. We’re really excited about this new partnership and have already received a great deal of interest.”

Hearing Professionals can reserve their exclusive zip code as a TV Ears Certified Hearing Center to take advantage of the marketing support, special solution package pricing and direct referrals by calling 888-883-3277.

About TV Ears

TV Ears manufactures doctor recommended TV listening solutions that have helped more than 1 million people hear the television clearly and once again enjoy what they are watching, bringing families back together and returning tranquility to the home. The company acquires more customers with hearing loss each year than any of its competitors and has been acknowledged as one of the Fastest Growing Companies in America three years running. The Company combines consistent growth with innovative quality products and an increasingly loyal and expanding base of satisfied customers. For more information, visit www.TVEars.com.

© 2011 by TV Ears, Inc. All rights reserved.

Open Fit Hearing Aids Provide Debate for Audiologists

In the following clip, Dr. Gwen Kandula gives a simple explanation of how open fit hearing aids work and who they work for. She explains that they are small, worn behind the ear, and carry high frequency sound down to the ear canal through tubing the size of fishing line. But how do audiologists feel about the different types of open fit hearing aids? Read on to find out.

In April, 2009, The Hearing Journal published a round table discussion on open-canal hearing aid fittings. Audiologists weighed in on open fit hearing aids. They provided non-biased insight (specific brands were actually “bleeped” out) on the advantages and disadvantages to this type of aid.

As explained by Dr. Gus Mueller, open fits hearing aids are also called “open-canal” hearing aids, or OCs. There are two types, the receiver-in-canal (RIC) and the receiver-in-the-aid (RITA).

Mueller noted that some surveys, including one published by the Hearing Journal/Audiology Online, conclude that the RIC style is the most advantageous. However, panelists believe there is not enough evidence to support this.

Some claimed that advantages to RIC include a smoother response, better sound quality, and more high-frequency gain. Disadvantages to the RIC model noted by the panelists included blockage created by debris in the ear canal.

Regardless of varying opinions, one thing the panelists agreed upon was the fact that those fitted with OCs should wait about a week before asking a doctor to adjust their amplification. It takes at least this much time to adjust to the new, “different” sound of the OC.

For superior, well-rounded insight on open fit hearing aids, read the entire discussion here: Discussion on Open-Canal Hearing Aid Fittings

Source: The Hearing Journal, Vol. 62., No. 4, YouTube