Listening and Communication Enhancement

LACE Agenda How Auditory Training (AT) changes the hearing aid practice LACE: how it works; results it produces Three ways to provide LACE training Using Neurotone Pro Automated Patient Service LACE scoring and patient counseling

AT Can Provide a Competitive Advantage Total solution: optimize patient’s ability to communicate through a combination of –Amplification + –Retraining the brain to listen Sets you apart from your competitors - you are providing a full rehabilitative service, not just selling hearing aids. Use of AT generates positive word of mouth. One satisfied customer can generate thousands in revenue by referring others.

LACE is an interactive, adaptive auditory training program designed for home or in-clinic use on computer or DVD player LACE enhances cognitive and listening skills and strategies in adults LACE connects patient to practitioner over secure HIPAA-compliant web link (computer) LACE addresses: Listening and Communication Enhancement » Speech Intelligibility in noise » Mental speed of processing » Auditory working memory » Communication Strategies » Hearing Aid Acclimatization

Hearing is one thing -- listening is another You hear with your ears -- but you listen with your brain.

LACE Objectives Provide a cost-effective AR system Move patient from passive to active Build patient confidence Provide the patient with communication strategies Change relationship from negative to positive Reduce returns for credit Reduce unnecessary patient visits

LACE Results Average QuickSIN improvements: 3.2dB after 10 sessions (82% of the 20-session gain) 3.9 dB after 20 sessions Patients with highest degrees of pre-fitting handicap showed greatest improvements after LACE program Martin Audiology (5 clinics): RFC from 13% to 3% (650). LACE compliance now 85 %. 3-clinic Bay Area practice: RFC from 20% to 2% in 3 months Hearing & Balance Lab: “Commitment Form” drives LACE compliance to 86%

Now is a good time for… a DEMO!

LACE Practitioner Success Stories Go to:

Take Home Message - Compliance is Key Audiologist Compliance Training Changing habits is never easy! Required part of clinical protocol Even patients with high degrees of handicap are required to complete the program Patient Compliance Keep the presentation simple; first 10 sessions are mandatory. Give them the LACE brochure on day of sale. Multiple ways to provide LACE; pick the one that’s optimum for the particular clinic situation and patient.

Three Ways to Provide LACE First 10 sessions are mandatory -- patient encouraged to complete 2nd 10 sessions on their own. 1.LACE CE -- all sessions done in the clinic. May utilize LACE Coach. 2.First session in clinic on day of fitting using LACE CE; the rest at home on computer using LACE HE. 3.Orientation in clinic on day of fitting using DVD player; 10 sessions at home on DVD player. Patient is tested on day of fitting using CE; then has 2 follow-up tests on CE after 1st 5 and 2nd 5 DVD sessions.

LACE Training Delivery Options + LACE 4 CE (Clinic Edition) Clinic-based training LACE 4 HE (Home Edition) Home-based training New LACE 4 registration mobility: Enables transition from clinic-based to home-based training.

Marketing Tools Increase Patient Awareness LACE brochure with point-of-sale display - explains LACE and creates interest LACE poster communicates the message Downloadable patient orientation demo Downloadable video clips

What we have done for your patients DVD version for non- computer users –Clinic Edition Testing Module New Schedule designed to reduce fatigue Illustrated Helpful Hints and Communication Strategies Peer group testimonials motivate usage

Using Neurotone Pro Create your Neurotone Pro login Download LACE demo Dispense LACE to the patient Set up Automated Patient System Use graphical patient records for monitoring performance and counseling

Summary LACE can cause a fundamental and positive change in your hearing aid dispensing business: –Greater patient satisfaction –Significantly lower returns –Positive word-of-mouth and more referral business. The key is compliance: first by you and then by your patients. Changing human habits is difficult, so implementing LACE takes a serious commitment on your part. We are here to help you every step of the way. The rest is up to you.