TO: NEWS PRODUCERS, ASSIGNMENT EDITORS, HEALTHCARE REPORTERS
*** EMBARGOED UNTIL 9AM ET ON OCTOBER 3, 2011 ***
MultiVu Video Feed: LOW-COST, HIGH-TECH HEARING DEVICES WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE FOR THE 36 MILLION AMERICANS SUFFERING FROM HEARING LOSS
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NEWS: Major New Initiative to Launch Low-Cost, High-Tech Hearing Devices Direct to Consumers
FORMAT:B-roll and Soundbites
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Video, hard copy requests, downloadable MPEG4, contact information and more available at
STORY SUMMARY:
hiHealthInnovations, a UnitedHealth Group business, today launched a major new initiative – a suite of high-tech, lower-cost hearing devices for the 36 million Americans with hearing loss. An estimated 75 percent of people who can benefit from hearing devices don’t use them, largely due to the high cost. hi HealthInnovations is also introducing a user-friendly hearing test that consumers can take at home via their computer and, in coming months, wherever they use tablets, smart phones or other mobile devices.
Compared to hearing device costs that typically range in the thousands of dollars, prices for the new devices will be between $749to $949 each. For some UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan members, there is no out-of-pocket cost for the devices.hiHealthInnovations’ high-tech hearing devices use advanced technology to customize sound quality for an individual’s hearing loss. Four models will be made available – three sleek behind-the-ear models, and one that comfortably fits inside the ear canal and is nearly invisible.
The at-home hearing test is easy-to-use, fast and efficient, and provides easy-to-understand results. Based on the test results, hiHealthInnovations will custom-program hearing devices tailored to a person’s specific hearing needs. Test kits will be made available to primary care physicians as well, providing them an additional tool to screen their patients for hearing loss.
SOUNDBITES:
- Lisa Tseng, MD, CEO of hi HealthInnovations
- Rhonda Medows, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, UnitedHealthcare
- David Martin, Consumer
B-ROLL INCLUDES:** Consumer with hearing device**Consumer putting hearing device in his ear**UnitedHealthcare sign**
VIDEO PROVIDED BY:UnitedHealth Group