hi HealthInnovations' Hearing Test Kit For Primary Care Physicians Receives U.S. Patent
May 04 2015 - 8:30AM
Business Wire
- New hearing test kit provides an
innovative way for primary care physicians to test for hearing
loss, making it easier and more affordable to diagnose the
condition
- The air conduction hearing test is
available to all health professionals for $179, a significant value
compared to other hearing loss tests that can cost $1,000 or
more
- Many UnitedHealthcare in-network
physicians and care professionals can access the test kit at no
cost
hi HealthInnovations, an Optum business and UnitedHealth Group
(NYSE: UNH) company, has received a 2015 U.S. Patent for an air
conduction hearing test kit used by primary care physicians and
other health professionals. The hearing test kit is an affordable
and easy-to-use resource to test for hearing loss, a condition that
affects more than 48 million people nationwide.
A new patented hearing test kit from hi
HealthInnovations is making it easier and more affordable for
primary care physicians to test for hearing loss (Source: hi
HealthInnovations).
The kit performs air conduction threshold testing, which
produces calibrated, controlled tones at different frequencies and
intensities, enabling accurate hearing test, or audiogram, results.
The hearing test kit, which can be used by physicians, nurse
practitioners, physician assistants and other licensed medical
professionals, includes:
- a set of high-quality, audio-grade
earphones with replacement ear tips;
- an audio-grade USB soundcard;
- easy-to-follow instruction card and
link to a website to view a demo of the hearing test; and
- training and ongoing support from hi
HealthInnovations.
Many people access the health system through their primary care
physician, and consumers are more likely to talk to their primary
care physician about hearing loss than they would any other medical
or hearing specialist, according to a survey by AARP and the
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
“The hi HealthInnovations hearing test kit has made it more
affordable and convenient for my practice to meet the hearing
health needs of the patients we serve,” said Eduardo Cuevas, M.D.,
a primary care physician in Washington state who currently uses the
test. “By helping diagnose hearing loss earlier, my patients are
able to obtain the treatment they need to live as full and healthy
a life as possible.”
The hearing test kit is available at no cost to many physicians
and care professionals in UnitedHealthcare’s national care provider
network. All other care professionals can purchase the test kit for
$179 each, a significant value compared to some in-office test kits
that retail for more than $1,000.
“People wait an average of seven years to obtain treatment for
hearing loss, so making testing equipment more widely available is
helping enable earlier detection and treatment of this condition,”
said Lisa Tseng, M.D., CEO of hi HealthInnovations. “Hearing loss
is associated with many other health conditions, including
dementia, depression and increased risk of falls, so it is
important for people to get their hearing tested and, if necessary,
obtain treatment.”
Physicians interested in learning more about the hearing test
kit can call hi HealthInnovations at 1-866-334-4425. The test is
compliant with ANSI S3.6-1996, a specification for audiometers
established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Hearing loss is a significant health issue in the United States
and globally; more than 1.1 billion young adults are at risk of
developing hearing loss, according to a recent study by the World
Health Organization. Spurring the increase is an aging population
and more frequent exposure to loud sounds that can cause
noise-induced hearing loss, including the growing popularity of
earbud headphones. Hearing aids can help more than 90 percent of
people with hearing loss; however, hearing aids can cost up to
$8,000 a pair, making them unaffordable for many people.
hi HealthInnovations sells high-tech, custom-programmed hearing
aids – priced from $799 to $999 each – directly to consumers,
helping to improve access and affordability of these important
devices for everyone. The company also makes available hearing aids
at even greater discounts to UnitedHealthcare plan participants,
other health plans and directly to employers.
About hi HealthInnovationshi
HealthInnovations offers custom-programmed, digital hearing aids at
significant discounts to the 48 million U.S. consumers with hearing
loss. These innovative devices are delivered through a national
staff and network of audiologists and hearing health professionals
who provide hearing tests, fittings, seminars and counseling
online, by phone and in person. hi HealthInnovations is an Optum
business and part of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH), a diversified
health and well-being company dedicated to helping people live
healthier lives and making health care work better.
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hi HealthInnovationsWill Shanley,
714-204-8005will.shanley@uhc.com
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