139 - Integrating OTC Hearing Aids into the Clinic - A Discussion with Dr. Annie Duchen of WS Audiology

This week, Amyn Amlani discusses over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and their integration into hearing healthcare practices. Our guest is Annie Duchen, AuD, the Senior Manager of Customer Success for the OTC team at WS Audiology.

They discuss the current OTC product offering now available through the Sony x WS Audiology partnership and the importance of personalized recommendations based on user priorities and preferences. Whether someone prioritizes discreet designs or seamless streaming capabilities, understanding the features of OTC devices plays a crucial role in guiding patients towards the most suitable options.

The comprehensive support services provided as part of the OTC offering by WS Audiology and Sony aim to ensure a successful user experience for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The support system consists of two tiers, with trained agents offering live assistance for technical queries and general troubleshooting, while audiologists provide additional counseling and guidance. If the OTC product is not suitable for a particular individual, the support team recommends seeking help from a hearing care professional. They have also incorporated additional safety features, including intelligent algorithms and a self-fitting process that alerts users if a particular product may not be suitable for them.

By providing OTC hearing aids and comprehensive support services, they aim to optimize audibility for users while also encouraging earlier adoption of hearing devices.

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