State Programs: Audiology's Best Kept Secret

Audiologists can offer their patients a free amplified phone, thanks to their state's telecommunications equipment distribution program.

Carsten Trads

Posted on: October 10, 2011

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Businesses are always looking for ways to grow, and audiology practices are no exception.

At the same time, it's no secret that hearing aids are expensive, ranging in price from $500 to $5,000 -- beyond many seniors' set budgets. Further still, many patients suffering from hearing loss simply are not ready for a hearing aid.

In many states, audiologists can earn the instant goodwill of their patients by offering them an amplified phone at no cost, thanks to their state's telecommunications equipment distribution program. The process is simple, fast and adds value to the audiologist's practice.

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Access for All: A Brief Background
Nearly every state in the U.S. has programs and organizations designed to give those with communications disabilities -- such as hearing loss -- access to the telecommunication network many of us use and rely on daily. These groups provide assistive communications technologies, from telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDDs) to amplified phones for the mildly hearing impaired.

The national association that connects these programs is called the Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Program Association (TEDPA), which has 44 member states. Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Michigan, New York and Virginia do not participate. But all other states facilitate access to assistive telecommunications devices, including amplified phones.

Case Study: Florida
What does this mean for audiologists? Take the example of Florida, where the state program is working harmoniously with audiologists across the state to maximize the benefits for both groups.

The Florida Telecommunications Relay Inc. (FTRI) is the statewide non-profit organization that distributes assistive technology as allowed by the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991. FTRI provides assistive communications devices to those who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or speech impaired. Qualifying residents are eligible to receive, at no cost, technology that gives them level ground in communicating with their communities. To be eligible, recipients must be:

A permanent Florida resident;
At least 3 years old;
Certified as having a hearing loss or speech impairment.

The last qualification is where audiologists come in. In order to receive an amplified phone, the recipient must be identified by a licensed professional, such as an audiologist, as someone with a hearing or speech disability to qualify for assistance.

A Beautiful Friendship
The ability to qualify residents for these amplified phones holds tremendous value for audiologists.

By offering testing, audiologists are bringing new customers in the door and building their practice. Even when a patient may clearly need a hearing aid, it softens the shock by adding that they qualify for a free amplified phone.

Kelly Hansen, an audiologist in Trinity, FL, who has been practicing for more than 15 years, says the program adds an element of "complete hearing care" to her practice and is a tremendous resource for individuals, even if they decide not to purchase hearing aids.

"A lot of people haven't heard about this program, so offering them this option is one more step that you can help them with," explains Hansen. "When you give people something extra, they're just thrilled."

On top of that, the process is remarkably easy: the audiologist fills out the form; the patient brings it to the regional distribution center; and the patient receives an amplified phone.

Colleen Schuster of FTRI says that while this partnership is flourishing in her state, there are still audiologists who are not taking advantage of it as much as they should. She recalls that an audiologist recently remarked to her, "I don't know why more people aren't doing this."

Locating Programs in Your State
Again, programs vary by each state. To learn more about your state's assistive telecommunications device program, visit www.tedpa.org/StateDirectory.pdf.

Carsten Trads is president of Clarity, a leading manufacturer and innovator in amplified phones and other assistive devices.

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