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.

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.

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^[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.

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.

DRAPER, UT – July 12, 2022—While corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts may be on the rise, those with hearing loss are a population that continues to be left behind by companies when it comes to providing inclusive healthcare opportunities.

According to a new survey[1] by TruHearing, the market leader in hearing healthcare benefits, only a quarter of employees reported that their employer offers hearing benefits, despite the fact that 42% of the general population of employees surveyed report hearing loss. This is a missed opportunity for employers to build positive perceptions with all employees, given that 94% of employees – even those without hearing loss – agree that it is at least somewhat important for employers to offer hearing benefits as part of their overall employee benefits package, and more than half (53%) feel it is important or very important. 

DE&I initiatives have become mandatory for those in the job market. A significant majority (83%) of the general population of employees reported that a company having DE&I initiatives is important to them when searching for a job. Additionally, 74% say that a company having DE&I initiatives plays a role in them continuing to work for the company.

“As DE&I initiatives continue to be prioritized during the job search, it is critical that companies provide offerings like hearing benefits that help cultivate an inclusive environment so that all employees feel prioritized and supported,” said Tommy Macdonald, CEO, TruHearing. This was validated in the TruHearing survey, with 49% of employees with treated hearing loss reporting that they felt more included at work after wearing hearing aids. “Adding hearing benefits is a nearly negligible cost, and an easy way for companies to enhance their DE&I efforts, while significantly improving overall employee wellness when compared to other initiatives.”

Providing employees hearing healthcare is one of the easiest and most impactful ways a company can support those with hearing loss, as cost is the number one barrier to seeking hearing treatment, and access to hearing insurance is the top motivator for treating hearing loss[2]. According to the TruHearing study, more than half (51%) of employees with hearing loss reported they would have waited longer to pursue getting hearing aids if their employer did not offer hearing benefits. This delay in proactively addressing hearing health needs is demonstrated by the 36% of employees who reported untreated hearing loss.

“Offering hearing benefits is not only a way to provide employees with necessary healthcare, but it also demonstrates that a company is taking real action to promote overall wellness and inclusion, which is now being prioritized by employees more than ever before.  The addition of hearing benefits can both support a company’s reputation among staff, and also show employees with hearing loss how much they are valued,” said Macdonald. 

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

[1] TruHearing’s latest survey conducted in March 2022 included 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.

[2] MarkeTrak 10

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 Despite increase in DE&I initiatives, many employees are still left behind appeared first on TruHearing.

DRAPER, UTAH – July 28, 2022—TruHearing, the market leader in hearing healthcare benefits¹, continues to expand access to hearing healthcare through its recent alliance with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a nonprofit combat veterans’ service organization. This new relationship will help provide hearing healthcare to over a million veterans and military service members, a population consistently at higher risk and incidence of hearing loss.

Through TruHearing, VFW members and their families are now able to quickly access free audiological exams and follow-up visits from a convenient network of more than 7,000 provider locations, with remote care and telehealth services available, as well as hearing aids from the top six leading manufacturers at discounted prices, including free batteries.  

“This important relationship allows TruHearing to give back in a small way to our military service members who have given so much to protect our freedoms. Among their many sacrifices, hearing loss is a common repercussion from acute noise exposure, which impacts their quality of life long after their active service,” said Tommy Macdonald, CEO, TruHearing. According to a study by the Noise Research Network, a significant 62.7% of military personnel experience at least slight hearing loss.²

This new relationship will help VFW members and their families easily access the hearing care they need, allowing them to prioritize their hearing health and prevent future damage while also avoiding unnecessary costs. Treatment of hearing loss can also lower the risk of other health and safety concerns, from undiagnosed diseases to falling accidents, depression, social isolation, anxiety and dementia.

“Working with the VFW helps us provide even more people with quality and affordable hearing healthcare, ensuring they can quickly access the care and treatment they need to improve their quality of life,” said Macdonald.  

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

1. Based on an analysis of hearing aid units sold by TruHearing and its affiliates compared to other hearing benefits providers. September 2021.

2. Orru, H., Luha, A., Pindus, M., Jõgeva, R., Vahisalu, M., Lekk, U., Indermitte, E., & Merisalu, E. (2020). Hearing loss among military personnel in relation to occupational and leisure noise exposure and usage of personal protective equipment. Noise & health, 22(107), 90–98. https://doi.org/10.4103/nah.NAH_12_19

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.

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As health and wellbeing are more widely prioritized, many companies have instituted programs and opportunities to benefit employees’ overall wellness, most of which fail to address hearing loss. Employees surveyed were more likely to consider hearing benefits a “health benefit” than offerings like wellness programs and employee assistance programs, yet hearing benefits are not nearly as common.

Despite 42% of the general population of employees reporting hearing loss, only a quarter of employees are offered hearing aid coverage by their employer. Respondents reported that hearing benefits are offered at a much lower rate (25%) than vision (66%) and dental (71%) benefits, and less often than wellness programs (43%) and employee assistance programs (46%).

“So many companies are completely unaware of the high number of people dealing with hearing loss, even within their own office,” said Tommy Macdonald, CEO, TruHearing. “It’s become quite clear that it isn’t just retirees that are affected. In addition to older employees, hearing benefits are clearly desired by younger employees too, who are even more likely to be seeking affordable treatment options.”

The absence of hearing benefits not only directly impacts employees who live with hearing loss and their work productivity, but also affects how employees view their company’s overall commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). According to the TruHearing survey, 86% of employees with hearing loss agreed that a company offering hearing benefits would positively impact their perception surrounding their employer’s commitment to DEI.

“Offering hearing benefits to employees helps increase overall employee wellness and foster a more inclusive environment for the whole company,” said Macdonald. “I hope these eye-opening survey findings show employers there is a clear demand for hearing benefits, and that implementing them can be valuable to both companies and their employees.”

[1] TruHearing’s March 2022 survey included 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.

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

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. 

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DRAPER, Utah, Dec. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/—TruHearing has partnered with Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company^® to introduce a hearing health insurance plan, giving benefits professionals the opportunity to offer hearing benefits as an ancillary offering, similar to vision or dental. With this strategic move, TruHearing is boosting access to hearing health benefits for employers, public sector groups and unions and elevating the importance of hearing health care. This plan provides health insurance coverage in the form of fixed indemnity benefits for hearing exams and hearing aids. Premium can be paid for by an employer or by the employee. It is available as a stand-alone benefit or can be packaged with other ancillary benefits.

“We want hearing insurance to be just as accessible as dental or vision benefits, because, for those who need it, hearing loss treatment is just as critical,” said Tommy Macdonald, CEO, TruHearing. “Cost is the number one barrier to seeking hearing care,^[1] so offering hearing insurance can make a tremendous difference in helping employees get the treatment they need, plus avoid the costly health and work productivity issues that arise when people put off care.”

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), more than half (51%) of adults reported having hearing problems, but only 11% of them have sought treatment.^[2] With this insured offering, the hearing exam is completely covered through TruHearing’s referral network, and employees have access to makes and models of hearing aids by all major manufacturers at highly discounted* rates. Those who don’t see a provider within the TruHearing referral network may not be completely covered. Benefit Plan decision makers can select from coverage levels of up to $1,200/ear.

TruHearing provides extensive support to employees and employers throughout the process. Each insurance plan participant is paired with a Hearing Consultant who will help find the ideal hearing care provider. Hearing Consultants provide their name and direct phone number to support the participant with any additional needs during and after the process. Employers receive comprehensive administrative support for their plan, including seamless onboarding, and employee marketing materials, such as benefit summaries and open enrollment materials.

“Not only is offering a hearing benefit the right thing to do, but it can also save employers money through increased employee productivity and reduced healthcare costs, since untreated hearing loss can impact mental health³,” said Macdonald. “Research has shown that hearing aids may lower the risk of depression and anxiety by as much as 11% compared to individuals without hearing aids⁴.”

For more information, visit https://www.truhearing.com/health-plans/.

About TruHearing
TruHearing is the leader in hearing healthcare benefits, serving more than 160 million people nationwide. With a highly qualified referral network of hearing care providers combined with the most extensive and technologically advanced hearing aid selection, white-glove service, and pre- and post-care support, TruHearing delivers premium value and service to payors and people with hearing health challenges. Headquartered in Draper, Utah, TruHearing has been improving lives by making hearing healthcare more affordable for more than 18 years and has been recognized as a “Top Workplace” in the state for five consecutive years. TruHearing is licensed to sell a fully-insured hearing policy underwritten by Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company^®. TruHearing is not an insurance company.

*Discounts are not an insured benefit.

1. Online survey conducted by TruHearing of 270 employed consumers with hearing loss, May 2021
2. Poll of 2,500 adults ages 18 and older commissioned by ASHA and conducted by YouGov in mid-March 2021. https://www.asha.org/news/2021/new-poll-of-us-adults-reveals-widespread-inaction-on-hearing-loss/
3. JAMA Network. 2020, “Association of Hearing Loss with Psychological Distress and Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Adults in the United States. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768374
4. “Study links hearing aids to lower risk of dementia, depression & falls; only 1 in 8 older adults with hearing loss have one.” 2019. https://ihpi.umich.edu/news/study-links-hearing-aids-lower-risk-dementia-depression-falls-only-1-8-older-adults-hearing

Group Hearing Indemnity Insurance policies are underwritten by Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company®, Kansas City, MO (Policy No. HC-120/HC-121, Policy Form No. M-9089/M-9091)

CONTACT:
Therese Burke
Gatesman 
tburke@gatesmanagency.com

^{[1] Online survey conducted by TruHearing of 270 employed consumers with hearing loss, May 2021.
[2] Poll of 2,500 adults ages 18 and older commissioned by ASHA and conducted by YouGov in mid-March 2021. https://www.asha.org/news/2021/new-poll-of-us-adults-reveals-widespread-inaction-on-hearing-loss/}

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For some people, their hearing aids work great and there’s no need to make a new purchase. For others though, there are good reasons to consider a change in hearing aids. And if your benefit has renewed, affording an upgrade is much more realistic. How do you know if you should take advantage of your renewed hearing aid benefit? Here are some reasons you might consider.

1) Your Changing Lifestyle

First of all, achieving better hearing is an ongoing process, and your lifestyle is constantly changing. In fact, your life might look vastly different today than it did just a few years ago. Your health, your family situation, and even your social needs are all factors that can prompt you to look for new and different ways to address your hearing loss. A hearing aid benefit that renews allows you to try new hearing aids that address your changing hearing needs.

2) New Technology

The hearing aid industry doesn’t seem to get much sleep. Every year, newer, better hearing aids are developed using cutting edge technology. Just a few years ago, it was impossible to control your hearing aid settings and volume from your smartphone. Today, there are a wide variety of smartphone hearing aids that wirelessly connect to your mobile device so you can do amazing things, like take phone calls right from your hearing aids, have music from your phone go straight to your ears without any wires or Bluetooth devices, or even get map directions from your phone directly into your ears while you drive. This new technology can give you more freedom and allows you to live life with hearing aids unencumbered by a host of accessories.

Side note: We’ll be talking more about smartphone hearing aids in the coming months. If you’re interested in the increased functionality and freedom smartphone hearing aids can provide, be on the lookout for upcoming newsletters.

3) Clearer Sound Quality and a More Comfortable Fit

The unfortunate reality is that some people buy hearing aids but never really put them to good use. For these hearing aid users, they may do an initial trial period then simply put them in a drawer and forget about them. One of the beauties of a hearing aid benefit is that it allows you to try again with a product that suits you better.

Since you purchased your first pair, your hearing changed may have change, but hearing aids certainly have improved—even if it was just a few years ago that you got your last pair. Today’s hearing aids have more channels, improved noise reduction, advanced feedback suppression, and even a more comfortable fit in your ear. All these advances make it easier to address your unique hearing needs and customize the hearing aids to your specific hearing profile. Newer hearing aids offer a better level of customization, which means it’ll be easier for you to adapt to them than the hearing aids that may be sitting in your dresser drawer. If you have a hearing aid benefit, you have the ability to try out the better sound quality and fit of newer devices that have the potential to change your life in ways your current hearing aids could not.

4) Replace Underperforming Hearing Aids

Like most electronics, the performance of your hearing aids may decline over time. Dust, moisture, and everyday wear and tear can lead your hearing aids to simply not work as well as they used to. Nothing lasts forever, and the inevitable decline of your current hearing aids is one of the reasons your health plan offers you a benefit. They know your hearing aids won’t function as well after a few years, so your benefit is there to make sure you are always addressing your hearing needs in the best way possible.

5) Better Hearing Aids and Lower Prices

Since you’ve already purchased hearing aids through TruHearing, you know that combining your benefit with our prices saved you a pretty penny. But we’ll never be satisfied with simply offering you a one-time savings on hearing aids. That’s why we continually work with our manufacturing partners and providers to find ways to bring down the cost of hearing aids for members of our partner health plans.

In fact, over the last few years we’ve substantially lowered the cost of our hearing aids to the point that you could get a better hearing aid today than you could three or four years ago for roughly the same price. For example, if you originally bought a standard-level hearing aid, today you’re likely able to get an advanced-level hearing aid with more features and better quality for the same price—or one that’s even better for just a little extra cost. In some cases, your hearing aid benefit may even cover the entire cost of a better hearing aid. If you’re wondering about our price improvements and how to get the most bang for your buck with your benefit, give us a call and one of our Hearing Consultants can help you out.

The Lifetime Value of a Hearing Aid Benefit

A hearing aid benefit provides much more value than a one-time reduction in the out-of-pocket costs for your first pair of hearing aids. The full value of a hearing aid benefit comes over time as it allows you to continually address your changing hearing loss profile with better hearing aids at lower costs. In turn, you can hear better over time, allowing you to improve your relationships and quality of life.

If you have—or think you have—a hearing aid benefit and want to address your changing lifestyle and hearing needs, give us a call. We can check with your health plan to see if your benefit has renewed and help you find a solution to address your changing needs.

Another article you may be interested in: When Should I Upgrade My Hearing Aids?

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