Amplifon Hearing Health Care Introduces Virtual Services Including Hearing Loss Screening, Personalized Coaching and Aftercare Services

Rhea-AI Summary

Amplifon Hearing Health Care has launched a new virtual care program, Telehealth for Hearing, to enhance access to hearing assessments and care across the U.S. This innovative solution includes the AmpliTest™ app for virtual screening, personalized coaching, and dedicated aftercare services. The program targets approximately 40 million people with undiagnosed hearing loss, aiming to reduce healthcare costs associated with untreated conditions. The economic impact is significant, with untreated patients facing $22,434 more in healthcare costs over a decade.

Positive

• Launch of the innovative virtual care program 'Telehealth for Hearing.'
• Targeting approximately 40 million individuals with undiagnosed hearing loss.
• Utilization of the proprietary AmpliTest™ app for virtual assessments.
• Potential for significant healthcare cost savings for health plans.

Negative

• None.

Innovative virtual solution designed to increase access to care, hearing aid use, patient convenience and health plan savings

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Amplifon Hearing Health Care, the leading independent provider of hearing benefit solutions in the U.S., has launched its virtual care program to increase hearing loss awareness, prevention and early intervention.

The program, “Telehealth for Hearing by Amplifon,” is being rolled out across the United States to health plan partners.

Telehealth for Hearing includes several unique features:

• A virtual hearing assessment via the proprietary AmpliTest™ app allows members to take an on-demand screening test, facilitated by Amplifon’s dedicated care team. The assessment is not affected by a member’s language fluency and is highly accurate. If hearing loss is confirmed, a care advocate will contact the member to schedule a clinic appointment for a hearing exam with a hearing care professional best suited for the member’s needs who can make a diagnosis. In addition, the care advocate will provide personalized hearing health education prior to the clinic visit.
• Personalized coaching is achieved by Amplifon’s dedicated care team via a coaching app. The Amplifon app monitors usage and performance of hearing aid throughout the member’s hearing care journey to enhance the member’s experience with their hearing aids.
• On-demand virtual visits with care team for dedicated aftercare service and support.

“We are excited to introduce our latest innovation in hearing health care that will benefit members, providers and health plans,” said Guillaume Bonniol, Senior Vice President of Amplifon Hearing Health Care. “Fueled by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has exploded in popularity. Now, from the comfort of their homes, members can take a hearing screening and, with the support of our care team, determine whether they have hearing loss and should visit a hearing care professional for a full audiometric exam and diagnosis. In the event hearing aids are needed, individuals can receive ongoing, non-clinical support via virtual visits. By pairing our program with personalized coaching, we can also enhance the user experience with the goal of driving greater adaptation and satisfaction among hearing aid wearers.”

Approximately 40 million people have hearing loss, yet it is widely undiagnosed and untreated. The economic impact of untreated hearing loss is significant. Individuals with untreated hearing loss incurred, on average, 46 percent higher total health care costs — $22,434 per patient— versus their standard-hearing peers over the course of a decade, with health plans covering $20,403 of this amount, according to a Johns Hopkins study.

“Untreated hearing loss can have a direct effect on many serious health conditions, increasing the likelihood of developing dementia and depression, and increasing the risk for falls with injury,” said Carrie Meyer, Au.D., Director of Clinical Programs, Amplifon Hearing Health Care. “Hearing loss is also associated with social isolation, which is a risk factor for cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s and heart disease. All these comorbidities result in higher health care costs. So, the earlier we can detect and remediate hearing loss through innovations like Telehealth for Hearing, the more we can help minimize comorbidities, which in turn helps health plans achieve cost savings.”

About Amplifon Americas

Amplifon Americas, a division of Amplifon Group, is a leading provider of hearing health care solutions in the U.S. and Canada. Headquartered in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, Amplifon Americas is made up of more than 900 employees dedicated to serving the diverse needs of its customers through several unique and independent brands: Miracle-Ear, with more than 1,700 locations nationwide, Amplifon Hearing Health Care, with more than 6,000 clinics across the country, and Amplifon Canada, with more than 70 locations. Together, its mission is to empower people with hearing loss to rediscover all the emotions of sound. Amplifon Americas strives to improve lives, relationships, and communities through a powerful combination of leading-edge technology and high-quality care.

About Amplifon Hearing Health Care

Amplifon Hearing Health Care connects people and resources to improve the lives of people with hearing loss by partnering with health care organizations to administer hearing benefits. As an independently owned and operated organization, Amplifon’s turnkey products and services improve health, increase satisfaction and lower costs for health plan partners. Amplifon’s full-service model includes member advocacy, claims processing, eligibility management, and reporting. With a steadfast commitment to delivering an exceptional experience, Amplifon’s solutions make high-quality hearing health care affordable and accessible. Learn more at: amplifonusa.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005670/en/

Chad Eldred

M. +1 (320) 333-4749

Chad.Eldred@amplifon.com

David Coleman

+1 (860) 794-5520

dlccoleman@comcast.net

Source: Amplifon Hearing Health Care

FAQ

What is the 'Telehealth for Hearing' program by Amplifon (AMFPY)?

'Telehealth for Hearing' is a newly launched virtual care program by Amplifon aimed at increasing access to hearing assessments and improving care for individuals experiencing hearing loss.

How does Amplifon's Telehealth program improve patient care?

The program offers a virtual hearing assessment through the AmpliTest™ app, personalized coaching, and aftercare services, enhancing the user experience for hearing aid wearers.

What are the financial benefits of the Telehealth for Hearing program for health plans?

The program aims to reduce healthcare costs by addressing untreated hearing loss, which incurs higher costs, averaging $22,434 per patient over a decade.

What is the target audience for Amplifon's new telehealth program (AMFPY)?

The program targets approximately 40 million people in the U.S. who have undiagnosed hearing loss.

How does untreated hearing loss affect healthcare costs?

Untreated hearing loss leads to increased healthcare costs, averaging 46% higher expenses than individuals with normal hearing.