Ready-to-use hearing aids a win for hearing loss
“One thousand ears of hearing” leads to product design by hearing specialists
An Australian company is disrupting the traditional process of visiting a hearing aid clinic and obtaining a prescription by supplying ready-to-use products directly to the buyer.
Hearing specialists Don Hudson and Suzanne Porter, founders of PocketAid, used the hearing test results of over 1,000 people with hearing loss to design their broad prescription, ready-to-use hearing aids.
“The arrival of ready-to-use hearing aids means that it is now possible for people to achieve exceptional hearing outcomes, without the traditional process of visiting a hearing clinic, waiting weeks to be fitted with hearing aids, and the need for constant follow-up adjustment appointments,” said Mr Hudson.
“Customers can visit our website and using the audiology insights provided, look for the product that best suits their needs.”
Mr Hudson said one in six Australians had some form of hearing loss, but only one in five who needed a hearing aid used one, with most people delaying treatment of their hearing loss for 5-7 years.
“We are aiming to improve accessibility for the vast majority of people who suffer from hearing loss and reduce the stigma associated with hearing aids,” he said.
“The products we have designed means Australians can now address their hearing needs and difficulties quickly, with ready-to-use hearing aids straight from the box, without the need for in-clinic appointments, and at significantly less cost.”
PocketAid hearing aids start at $799 a pair, compared with an average cost of $7,000 for those supplied by an audiology clinic.
“Our hearing aids are powered by unique EarWave technology, which we developed in-house - a broadly prescribable and automatic way of enhancing sounds, catering to the everyday needs of the majority of those with hearing loss,” Mr Hudson explained.
“Users also have access to 24/7 online self-service support, including videos, training and advice, and customer service phone support five days per week.”
Ready-to-use hearing aids available to purchase online represent a new market in Australia.
The shift in hearing aid provision began in August 2022 when the US Food and Drug Administration approved over-the-counter hearing aids without the need for a hearing test/prescription or appointment, allowing easier access and lower prices than prescription hearing aids.
The American Journal of Audiology researched and concluded that there is, “no significant difference for overall hearing aid outcomes,” when comparing clinic-prescribed and fitted hearing aids, to over-the-counter devices.
Visit www.pocketaid.com.au
