Why Hearing Care Professionals should promote FM

"According to Marketrack VII (Kochkin S., Hearing Review 2005: 12(7): 16-29 only 29% of hearing instrument users are satisfied or very satisfied with performance in noise. Poor performance in noise is also given as a primary reason for non-adoption. An additional, related complaint is inability to hear distributed speech in public placed."

Wireless technology offers a proven solution to these problems and may have other applications toimprove the effectiveness and acceptability of hearing instruments. Hearing instrument's and wireless technologies are converging quickly. The time is now to prepare for the wireless revolution and to start the learning curve required to become comfortable with the technology.

-Advanced FM wireless technology is changing the way professionals are fitting instrumentation. The new standard of hearing care is to effectively manage client expectations with complete hearing solutions, which include assistive devices. Trained certified professionals use the power of wireless to maximize hearing instrument use and satisfaction. Adding wireless assistive technology to services offered increases client satisfaction with amplification. Professionals who make a commitment to FM technology today will be ready for the exciting FM wireless advances of tomorrow.

"Evidence for the Use of Hearing Assistive Technology by Adults: The Role of the FM System", Chisolm et al, Trends in Amplification, Vol. 11, No. 2, June 2007 73-89, Sage Publications

Promoting wirelss solutions is a sound business proposition

As a result of taking a comprehensive approach to effectively managing client expectations with complete hearing care solutions, you will soon discover the positive impact on your practice, with

• Increased customer satisfaction
• Decreased hearing instrument complaints
• Reduction in hearing instrument returns
• Greater community visibility and marketing opportunities
• Ability to attract new clients
• Increased sales and profitability

Seniors and the Technology Curve

• Current seniors (age 70+) - The "Civic Generation."
  - Uncomfortable with technology
  Distrustful/skeptical that technology can solve their problems
  A hard sell for FM
• Emerging market (age 60 and under) - The Baby Boomers are a more "hopeful" target.
  _ Technologically savvy
  - Are more comfortable using "visible" products such as an FM microphone (transmitter) as long as the product is benefitting them in some way
  - Significant upswing in demand for products/services.

There is a unique, convergent trend occurring right now. The baby boomers are aging and one of the biggest fears older people face is the worry of not being able to communicate well. Consumers already interested in ALD and those coming into the market will be savvier technologically. After all, many are using cell phones and wireless communications technology already.

* Boothroyd A. (2004). Hearing Aid Accessories for Adults: The Remote FM Microphone. Ear Hear. 25(1): 22-33