hearScreen USA App launch

The hearScreen USA app, which was revealed and showcased at the AAA2018 conference, can accurately deliver a hearing screening over a smart phone. The app will then direct those who show hearing loss to audiologists in their area. The app is free for consumers, while audiologists subscribe to the service.

The app, hearScreen USA, was created in collaboration with hearXGroup of South Africa, and is the first U.S. mobile comprehensive hearing screening application. The hearXGroup is a technology start-up that aims to provide affordable access to hearing care using connected solutions that are available to everyone, from any location. Founded by De Wet Swanepoel, hearXGroup is on a mission to provide affordable access to hearing care using smart digital health solutions that anyone can use, anywhere.

“Many people don’t realize that they’re suffering with hearing loss, and others cannot take time from their busy schedules to find an audiologist. hearScreen USA will make hearing screens and the ease of connecting to licensed audiologists readily available to everyone,” American Academy of Audiology president Jackie Clark, PhD, said.

US hearing care professionals can sign up as a participating audiologist with hearScreen USA and receive the following: Free basic listing for Academy members; Referrals to their practice; Referrals on a secure cloud portal. AAA members that sign up prior to the launch on October 10th receive $200 off of the premium subscription. The Academy is offering this free listing in the app or a discounted subscription for an upgraded listing as a member benefit.

The launch will take place at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, and all audiologists and consumers are invited to the event which will feature keynote speaker, Shilo Harris. Harris served in the military and during his deployment to war-torn Iraq, on February 19, 2007, Harris’ armored vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). The explosion injured the driver and ended the lives of three of his fellow soldiers. Shilo survived but with severe third-degree burns. The severity of the burns meant the loss of Shilo’s ears resulting in severe hearing loss. Shilo has since become a motivational speaker, sharing his story with groups around the country, raising awareness about the effects of hearing loss.

Source: American Academy of Audiology