Buying mailorder Aids

[elijahlovejoy]

9 months ago, two stanford grads started Embrace Hearing. BTE only, 3 models, $400, $600, and $900. Unknown builder (((siemens?)))

here's a review.

http://techcrunch.com/2012/04/02/embrace-hearing/ +++ cheap aids
2 stanford grads

I think this may fly as more tech savvy greyhairs look for a DTC option.

IF their products are OK. Many on this forum have opined that decent aids for average greyhairs COULD be sold for these prices.

Anybody game to try, and report?

http://www.embracehearing.com/

I'm tempted.

cheers, elijah

[ed121]

How will the Embrace be retailed? Will software be available for self fitters??? Ed

[elijahlovejoy]

You can buy 3 models on the embracehearing website today. Send an audiogram, they program.

I hope they move towards self programming.

if they can tread water long enough to wait for the tide to go out, or if their legs grow

poor metaphor, sorry

elijah

[Zekester]

I've dealt with Lloyd's for over 20 years and have always found them to be very customer-oriented. My interest has been only in body aids with mushroom plugs. I've tried several models over the years and returned those I didn't like, with never a problem. I have never tried making a custom mold by mail order so if that's the direction you're headed, I cannot advise you on Lloyd's capabilities.

[audiologistfromhell]

Folks:
If you get me a history, audiogram, discrim scores, close up picture of their face/ear/skin and a way to get an earmold/dome...I could fit the majority of people out there but there is something lost when the patient is not sitting in front of you. For example ...enough room behind his ear for a BTE and what size BTE?
Prone to ear wax?
How self conscious is he pertaining to (size of the aid that is)?
Hair/skin tone?
Hands/fingers OK? Tremors?

Read the article "The Art of Fitting"....and still there's more to what was said in the article.
I still prefer to see and talk to the patient directly but it can be done successfully if you want an honest opinion...just not preferable from both sides of the desk.

[Cosmo]

Could not have said it better. There are a lot of things the patient says and doesn't say. Some will make a face when you show anything behind the ear.There is a lot to be said about face to face, during the decision making visit through the post fitting follow up. This is why many hearing aids sit in the draw. I schedule followup visits, not wait for the phone call, there a lot of questions asked in person that would not be asked over the phone or via e-mail.

[ed121]

It might be kept in mind that an aid manufacturer has only one type of customer to sell their products to......the professional. So the software and hardware are designed for this type of retail channel.....the licensed professional.

There is no existing market for self fitting hard and software.

Aids and manufacture's products must be designed to accomodate this distribution channel. IMO Ed