Administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, the Hermes Creative Awards are an international competition honoring the best publications, branding collateral, websites, videos, and advertising among marketing and communication programs. As one of the oldest and largest creative competitions in the world, the Hermes Creative Awards celebrates marketing excellence across industries.

TruHearing received a Platinum Award in the Electronic Media category in recognition of the team’s “Gap in Whole-Person Health” video, which was created as a keynote introduction to capture the attention of health plan leaders at a national conference. TruHearing was presented with a Gold Award in the Print Media category for the team’s “What’s Missing?” campaign, which leveraged a B2B mailer to connect with brokers and consultants and call attention to the often-overlooked hearing benefit category.

“Educating a target audience is always an evolving challenge, and I’m particularly proud of the creative, impactful thinking our team used to draw the eyes–and most importantly, ears–of key decision makers in the benefits space,” said Eva Hoffman, Senior Vice President of Marketing at TruHearing. “These campaigns are an extension of our commitment to make hearing healthcare accessible to all, and we are so appreciative of this recognition by the Hermes Creative Awards in helping us do just that.” 

For more information, visit www.TruHearing.com.

About TruHearing

TruHearing is the #1 market share leader in hearing healthcare benefits serving more than 160 million people and over 300 partners nationwide. With over 20 years of experience, TruHearing has the expertise to customize industry-leading hearing healthcare solutions to match any organization’s unique needs. Guided by a goal to reconnect people to the richness of life, TruHearing has developed the largest, high-quality provider network offering the most technologically advanced hearing aid selection. TruHearing ensures payers and their members receive a flawless experience. Headquartered in Draper, Utah, TruHearing has been recognized as a “Top Workplace” for eight consecutive years.

The post TruHearing Honored by Hermes Creative Awards for Excellence in Marketing appeared first on TruHearing.

In the fourth annual Hearing Loss in the Workplace Survey conducted by TruHearing, the market leader in hearing healthcare benefits, a third of working Americans[1] (34%) report they would be more likely to consider working for an employer who offered hearing benefits. This consideration is even greater in the area of retention, with 40% of employees reporting they would be more likely to stay with their current employer if they were offered hearing benefits.

“Employees want to work for an employer who values their wellness both in and out of the office, and that means providing them with access to healthcare that enables them to live and work to their fullest potential,” said Ryan Baum, VP of Business Growth at TruHearing. “Hearing is an integral part of our overall health and wellness, just like vision and dental. I urge employers to recognize the workplace challenges associated with untreated hearing loss–lower productivity, avoiding collaboration, difficulty engaging with colleagues­–and consider the meaningful impact hearing benefits can make for both current employees, and in attracting and retaining new ones.”

Hearing healthcare is a strongly desired benefit among working adults, with 79% agreeing it is important for employers to offer hearing benefits as part of their overall employee benefits package. Between loud concerts, sporting events, or daily headphone use, hearing loss is affecting people at younger ages. In fact, hearing loss among Gen Z is already at 17%[2], and addressing the health needs of this generation will be increasingly important as they continue to populate the workforce. Employers who offer a hearing benefit have an opportunity to stand out to candidates and current employees given that only 11% of employees report that their employer offers hearing benefits.

“The top priority of ALL my clients is recruitment and retention, and they are always looking for fresh ways to help differentiate their benefits package,” said Michelle Ruff, Vice President of Corporate Benefits at NFP. “Hearing benefits are not only a low-cost addition, but research clearly shows they can have a positive impact for both current and prospective employees.”

High-quality, entry level hearing healthcare programs through TruHearing start as low as $.05 PMPM, which is a fraction of the price of typical vision and dental plans.

“As the workforce prepares to welcome a wave of new employees following graduation season, it’s important to think about what employees truly want and need to perform at their highest level,” added Baum. “It’s apparent that hearing benefits should not be left off the table.”

For more information visit TruHearing.com.

[1] Hearing Loss in the Workplace Survey. 2024

[2] https://americanhearing.us/hearing-loss-among-millennials-gen-z/

About TruHearing

TruHearing is the #1 market share leader in hearing healthcare benefits serving more than 160 million people and over 300 partners nationwide. With more than 20 years of experience, TruHearing has the expertise to create industry-leading hearing healthcare solutions customized to match the unique needs of any organization or market segment. Guided by a goal to reconnect people to the richness of life, TruHearing has developed the largest, high-quality provider network offering the most technologically advanced hearing aid selection. TruHearing delivers superlative value to ensure payers and their members receive a flawless experience every step of the way. Headquartered in Draper, Utah, TruHearing has been recognized as a “Top Workplace” in the state for eight consecutive years.

The post TruHearing Survey Reveals Hearing Benefits Can Sweeten the Pot for Recruitment and Retention appeared first on TruHearing.

The vast majority of employees¹ (79%) agree that it is important for employers to offer hearing benefits as part of their overall employee benefits package. This interest has continued to grow year-over-year, up from just 54% in 2023 and 53% in 2022. Despite this continued growth, however, only 11% of employees report their current employer offers hearing benefits.  

While interest continued to be greatest among those who wear hearing aids (94%), there was also a significant year-over-year increase among those with no hearing loss, demonstrating the growing appreciation for hearing benefits regardless of employees’ current hearing status. Compared to 2023, interest in hearing benefits among employees with no hearing loss increased by 65%.  

Employees who report hearing benefits are important to include in a benefits package 

“These are notable increases that need to be acted upon by employers. It could not be more clear that employees need and want hearing benefits, and employers are failing their employees by not offering them,” said Rob Gibbs, SVP of Business Growth at TruHearing. “Adding hearing benefits into a benefits package is not only a smart move for safeguarding employee health and wellness, but it’s also a financially savvy way to enhance your offerings. TruHearing offers high-quality hearing healthcare programs that start as low as $.05 PMPM, which is a fraction of the price of typical vision and dental plans.” 

At just 11%, hearing benefits are offered at a remarkably lower rate than vision (71%) and dental (76%), despite widespread agreement among employees that eye exams, dental cleanings and hearing checks are all of high importance to their quality of life and wellness, with 89%, 87% and 71% respectively.  

“Providing employees with hearing benefits is a win-win for both parties,” added Gibbs. “Proper treatment of hearing loss results in higher productivity at work, and enhanced health and happiness outside the office. It’s time for hearing health to be valued by employers as much as it’s valued by their employees.” 

[1] Hearing Loss in the Workplace Survey. 2024

About TruHearing 

TruHearing is the #1 market share leader in hearing healthcare benefits serving more than 160 million people and over 300 partners nationwide. With more than 20 years of experience, TruHearing has the expertise to create industry-leading hearing healthcare solutions customized to match the unique needs of any organization or market segment. Guided by a goal to reconnect people to the richness of life, TruHearing has developed the largest, high-quality provider network offering the most technologically advanced hearing aid selection. TruHearing delivers superlative value to ensure payers and their members receive a flawless experience every step of the way. Headquartered in Draper, Utah, TruHearing has been recognized as a “Top Workplace” in the state for six consecutive years.

The post Employee Interest in Hearing Benefits Skyrockets, But Only One in 10 Report Coverage   appeared first on TruHearing.

The post Five Signs It’s Time to Get Your Hearing Checked appeared first on TruHearing.

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DRAPER, UT – July 22, 2023 – Despite efforts by employers to deliver greater health equity through their benefits packages, access to hearing healthcare remains a missed opportunity to support vulnerable employees, according to new research by TruHearing^[1], the market leader in hearing healthcare benefits.

Hearing plays a fundamental role in nearly every profession, in addition to everyday interactions outside the workplace. Allowing hearing loss to go untreated can not only impact productivity but can also lead to declining mental health. The decision to seek treatment for something so serious should be as obvious as addressing vision loss or dental pain, but hearing healthcare coverage is often excluded from benefits plans. Nearly 40% of U.S. employees have or suspect hearing loss, but only 17% of employees indicate their employer offers hearing benefits.

Without coverage, the average cost of a pair of hearing aids is over $4,600^[2], and an initial hearing evaluation can be an additional out-of-pocket expense. These treatment costs can often push care beyond the reach of most U.S. workers. According to a 2022 survey by the Federal Reserve, 37% of Americans would be unable to fully cover a $400 emergency expense^[3]. With hearing healthcare so often excluded in benefits packages, it is clear why only 10% of employees with hearing loss have pursued treatment. In fact, 82% of employees who suspect they have hearing loss report they have not even had a hearing test in the last year.

“Hearing is so vital to our productivity and mental wellbeing both in and out of the office. It is shocking that more employers aren’t aware of the value of offering hearing benefits to their employees,” said Trent Sterling, CEO, TruHearing. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their best health, and employers hold the key to making those opportunities affordable. Hearing benefits are a meaningful way to close this gap in health equity and make healthcare more accessible for employees.”

Hearing health coverage is clearly desired by employees, especially among those with lower household incomes. Among employees who feel it is at least somewhat important for employers to offer hearing benefits, more than half (52%) report a household income under $75K. Additionally, 57% of employees with untreated hearing loss report they would be motivated to address their hearing loss if their employer offered hearing benefits.

Not only are hearing benefits in demand by employees, but they are also affordable for employers to implement at a fraction of the cost of vision or dental benefits. High-quality, entry level hearing healthcare programs through TruHearing are less than $.05 PMPM which is a fraction of the price of typical vision and dental plans.

“When employees are healthy and thriving, companies thrive, too,” added Sterling. “Health benefits enable employees to affordably prioritize their dental, vision and other health needs, and hearing healthcare should be no different.”

For more information, visit: www.truhearing.com/benefit-administrators.

###

^[1] TruHearing’s 2023 survey included 536 U.S. full- and part-time employees ages 25-64, and 161 people within TruHearing’s consumer database. Answers were segmented by those who do not have hearing loss; those who suspect hearing loss but have not sought treatment; those with confirmed hearing loss but do not wear hearing aids; and those who currently wear hearing aids.

^[2] www.hearingtracker.com/how-much-do-hearing-aids-cost

^[3] https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/2022-report-economic-well-being-us-households-202305.pdf

About TruHearing

TruHearing is the #1 market share leader in hearing healthcare benefits serving more than 160 million people and over 300 partners nationwide. With more than 20 years of experience, TruHearing has the expertise to create industry-leading hearing healthcare solutions customized to match the unique needs of any organization or market segment. Guided by a goal to reconnect people to the richness of life, TruHearing has developed the largest, high-quality provider network offering the most technologically advanced hearing aid selection. TruHearing delivers superlative value to ensure payers and their members receive a flawless experience every step of the way. Headquartered in Draper, Utah, TruHearing has been recognized as a “Top Workplace” in the state for six consecutive years.

The post TruHearing Survey Reveals Lack of Basic Health Benefits Hurts Health Equity appeared first on TruHearing.

In its third-annual Hearing Loss in the Workplace Study, TruHearing asked employees with hearing loss about their experiences before and after wearing hearing aids. Across all areas explored, employees wearing hearing aids showed improvement in both their personal and professional lives. On the job, employees experienced a 62% decline in “participating less in meetings” and a 60% decline in “frustration from a colleague for misunderstanding what was said or not responding” after wearing hearing aids (See Table 1). Improvements were also notable outside of work where reports of “feeling less engaged in life” decreased by 75%, and “feelings of isolation” decreased by 52% (See Table 2).

These improvements have been experienced firsthand by Brynn Whaley, a young professional who worked for years unable to treat her hearing loss. “I’ve dealt with a lot of people being very abrasive and annoyed that I can’t hear them,” said Whaley. “I’ve been yelled at more times than I can count. I’ve been in therapy for years because of it. Since I’ve had hearing aids, it has been a lot easier.”

The TruHearing survey also explored how untreated hearing loss can jeopardize productivity. Employees who suspect hearing loss, but have not pursued treatment, reported significantly more burnout in the workplace (59%) than those who wear hearing aids (11%).

“Cost is the number one reason people give for not treating hearing loss, and too many employees are suffering personally and professionally because they can’t afford hearing healthcare,” said Trent Sterling, CEO, TruHearing. “Employers can remove this barrier by including hearing health coverage in their benefits package.”

Pursuing treatment for hearing loss is one of the most impactful ways to combat mental health issues associated with hearing loss, but employers have not made it easy for employees to do so. Only 21% of employees report they are offered hearing health benefits by their employer, a remarkably low percent considering more than half of U.S. employees (59%) agree hearing loss plays a role in overall mental health, with even stronger feelings among those who wear hearing aids (74%).

“So much of our life is spent at work or interacting with coworkers, and if mental health is being jeopardized in the workplace because of lack of healthcare offerings, it’s not just hurting the employees but employers, too,” added Sterling. “Offering hearing health benefits is an easy and cost-efficient way for employers to demonstrate their commitment to employee mental health and wellbeing.”

For more information, visit: www.truhearing.com/benefit-administrators.

TABLE 1:

TABLE 2:

^[1] TruHearing’s 2023 survey included 536 U.S. full- and part-time employees ages 25-64, and 161 people within TruHearing’s consumer database. Answers were segmented by those who do not have hearing loss; those who suspect hearing loss but have not sought treatment; those with confirmed hearing loss but do not wear hearing aids; and those who currently wear hearing aids.

About TruHearing

TruHearing is the #1 market share leader in hearing healthcare benefits serving more than 160 million people and over 300 partners nationwide. With more than 19 years of experience, TruHearing has the expertise to create industry-leading hearing healthcare solutions customized to match the unique needs of any organization or market segment. Guided by a goal to reconnect people to the richness of life, TruHearing has developed the largest, high-quality provider network offering the most technologically advanced hearing aid selection. TruHearing delivers superlative value to ensure payers and their members receive a flawless experience every step of the way. Headquartered in Draper, Utah, TruHearing has been recognized as a “Top Workplace” in the state for six consecutive years.

The post TruHearing Survey Reveals Untreated Hearing Loss Contributes to Mental Health Crisis appeared first on TruHearing.

“WS Audiology and its Board of Directors are deeply grateful to Tommy, who has led TruHearing in an exemplary manner and, together with his team, has built one of the fastest-growing and most successful managed care businesses in the US hearing health space,” said Eric Bernard, CEO of WS Audiology. “The TruHearing business has become a cornerstone of our U.S. organization and an inspiration for many of us.”

Bernard also expressed gratitude that Tommy will not be leaving WSA completely as he has accepted a new position as Special Advisor to WSA’s Board of Directors. 

Along with WS Audiology, TruHearing has named Trent Sterling as TruHearing’s CEO.  Trent brings with him 30 years of experience in the US health services space, serving health plans, employers, hospitals and health systems and providers. Prior to his role with Sterling Health Advisors, Trent held the position of CEO at StayWell, an employee and patient engagement and empowerment solution for employers, health systems and payers. Trent lives in Utah with his family and will report to Carsten Buhl, President Americas.

“I am extremely pleased and humbled to join TruHearing, a company with a track record of consistent success,” said Trent Sterling. “There has never been a more exciting time in the hearing industry, and I am looking forward to leading the future growth of the organization along with the members of the executive leadership team that helped to build this business.”

In addition to the role of Special Advisor, Tommy Macdonald will provide continued support to the TruHearing team with broader strategy and client-facing activities and help with the successful transition of Trent into the CEO role over the next few months.

Learn more about TruHearing and Trent and about the TruHearing process.

The post TruHearing® Gets a New CEO appeared first on TruHearing.

DRAPER, UTAH – November 15, 2022 – Despite the life-changing benefits that hearing aids can bring to those with hearing loss, many remain hesitant when it comes to pursuing them. That hesitancy can come from a variety of factors, most notably the unfair shame and stigma that often surround hearing aids, and the lack of hearing healthcare coverage provided to US employees to help cover the cost.  

Hearing loss is an invisible challenge that takes courage to share, especially with an employer. Concerns about disclosing can take a toll on mental health, in addition to inciting fear that workplace skills will be questioned.In fact, according to a recent survey by TruHearing, the market leader in hearing healthcare benefits, prior to wearing hearing aids, the top workplace concern (56%) among those who now wear hearing aids was how their professional capabilities would be perceived by their colleagues.

Employers can help combat this stigma by incorporating hearing benefits into their traditional benefits packages and creating an environment that promotes open dialogue around hearing loss in the workplace. Not only does this support a company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) commitment, but it also removes the financial barrier that prevents so many from accessing hearing healthcare.

A common misconception is that only older people experience hearing loss. The reality is 17% of adults between the ages of 25-64 report having hearing loss and an additional 25% suspect they have hearing loss. Due to this misconception, many employers may not be aware of the number of employees who experience hearing loss, and those who do experience it may be reluctant to acknowledge it.

“Hearing loss is stigmatized as something that only impacts people later in life, which can cause many young people to put off treatment,” said Tommy Macdonald, CEO, TruHearing. “If hearing care was prioritized the same as vision care, we would see an increase in younger people pursuing treatment that is ultimately going to make their life, job, and everyday communication easier.” 

Being perceived as old was the second highest concern among employees prior to wearing hearing aids (44%), which was tied with people speculating that they had hearing loss (44%). However, after getting hearing aids, many of these concerns were eliminated, with 58% of employees indicating they no longer had any concerns in the workplace, and nearly half of these employees (49%) reported increased feelings of inclusion, which highlights the importance of providing employees with access to treatment. 

“People don’t think twice about pursuing treatment for vision problems or showing up to work with glasses, yet many of those with hearing loss continue to put off treatment despite the fact that hearing aids can help address their top concerns,” said Macdonald. “Both glasses and hearing aids enhance employee’s productivity and I hope that employers will take the necessary steps to recognize that in order to normalize hearing aids for those who need them.”

About TruHearing

TruHearing is the #1 market share leader in hearing healthcare benefits serving more than 160 million people and over 300 partners nationwide. With more than 18 years of experience, TruHearing has the expertise to create industry-leading hearing healthcare solutions customized to match the unique needs of any organization or market segment. Guided by a goal to reconnect people to the richness of life, TruHearing has developed the largest, high-quality provider network offering the most technologically advanced hearing aid selection. TruHearing delivers superlative value to ensure payers and their members receive a flawless experience every step of the way. Headquartered in Draper, Utah, TruHearing has been recognized as a “Top Workplace” in the state for six consecutive years.

The post TruHearing® Survey Reveals US Employees Fail to Prioritize Hearing Health Due to Fear of Shame and Stigma appeared first on TruHearing.

DRAPER, UT – September 13, 2022 – Health benefits are one of the most attractive offerings an employer can provide, but they often fail to provide enough coverage to meet employee needs and expectations. Dental and vision benefits are typically considered table stakes by employees, with newer health offerings growing in popularity, but for those with hearing loss, coverage can be much harder to find.

In a recent national survey^[1] conducted by TruHearing, the market leader in hearing healthcare benefits, more than four in 10 (42%) employees surveyed reported hearing loss. Despite this, only 25% report they are offered hearing benefits by their employer, a rate significantly lower than vision benefits (66%) — as well as dental benefits (71%), wellness programs (43%) and employee assistance programs (46%).

“As someone with hearing loss myself, I know how important it is for employees to be able to access necessary hearing healthcare,” said Cammie Taylor, JD, SPHR, SHRM-SCP – Human Resources Director, TruHearing. “It would be unimaginable to assume employees could work productively without glasses to improve vision, or dental care to treat a toothache. If more employers understood how critical hearing healthcare is for their employees to flourish, I’m sure we’d see offerings increase.” 

Among those with hearing loss, an overwhelming 96% indicate hearing is important for them to effectively do their job, yet only 5% of employees have pursued treatment. When hearing loss goes untreated it can lead to self-isolation, decreased workplace productivity and low morale. The right treatment can make a major difference, however, with 78% of employees who wear hearing aids reporting that they felt more included at work after pursuing treatment.

In addition to enhanced productivity and inclusion, offering hearing healthcare coverage can increase positive perceptions of a company among its employees. While supplemental benefits are growing in popularity, even among those with no hearing loss, almost half (47%) of employees rated hearing benefits as more important than less health-oriented benefits, such as pet insurance (18%), legal counseling (31%) or identity theft monitoring (23%).¹

“Providing employees with access to the hearing care they need is a powerful way to ‘walk the walk’ in encouraging inclusion and ensuring that employees are not left behind by the benefits being offered,” said Taylor.

For more information, visit: https://www.truhearing.com/brokers-consultants/. 

[1]Online survey conducted by TruHearing in March 2022 including 600 U.S. full- and part-time employees ages 25-64, and 204 people within TruHearing’s consumer database. Answers were segmented by those who do not have hearing loss; those who suspect hearing loss but have not sought treatment; those with confirmed hearing loss but do not wear hearing aids; and those who currently wear hearing aids.

About TruHearing

TruHearing is the #1 market share leader in hearing healthcare benefits serving more than 160 million people and over 300 partners nationwide. With more than 18 years of experience, TruHearing has the expertise to create industry-leading hearing healthcare solutions customized to match the unique needs of any organization or market segment. Guided by a goal to reconnect people to the richness of life, TruHearing has developed the largest, high-quality provider network offering the most technologically advanced hearing aid selection. TruHearing delivers superlative value to ensure payers and their members receive a flawless experience every step of the way. Headquartered in Draper, Utah, TruHearing has been recognized as a “Top Workplace” in the state for six consecutive years.

The post Employees note the disparity: Hearing benefits lag behind dental, vision appeared first on TruHearing.