Oticon the "People First" Company I had the pleasure of attending the EarQ, Oticon conference in Somerset, New Jersey the 14th through the 16th of May. The title of “How to Succeed in the Rapidly Changing Marketplace.” was appropriate, as most attendees, have been facing very challenging times, as the market for hearing aids, and hearing care continues to change, evolving at an accelerating pace. A few attendees had all the symptoms of Toffler’s “Future Shock”, and saw this conference, as a much needed antidote.
They weren’t disappointed, as the great folks at EarQ and Oticon did their best to provide the latest tools needed to survive in today’s noisy marketplace.
They weren’t disappointed, as the great folks at EarQ and Oticon did their best to provide the latest tools needed to survive in today’s noisy marketplace.
Topics covered ranged from the ‘state of our industry’ and discussions of Phonak’s recent decision to sell their entire line through the Costco warehouse chain, to strategies to compete in the ever crowded hearing healthcare marketplace. This as well as getting to see ‘behind the scenes, and under the hood’ so to speak, of how one of the worlds premier hearing aid companies works.
Under the direction, inspiration and years of savvy experience of their President Peer Lauritsen, this venerated old company, is very much poised to take advantage of the evolutions in the current hearing aid marketplace.
Given what I saw, Oticon is well, armed, and equipt to compete on any playing field, with an extensive array of some of the highest quality instruments, sophisticated programming algorithms implemented with their world famous, dare to be matched, “People First” service.
Topics included not only a host of marketing ideas, but also, topics such as the changes in the Health Insurance Portability and Privacy Act, or HIPPA, as it is known by Bob Bennet, legal affairs at EarQ along with presentations by Mike Irby, Aud on patient councelling, on challenges presented to both patients and practitioners in the noisy marketplace, by Marija Baranuskas.
We also got to tour their state of the art laser shell lab, participants got an extensive look at the new Oticon product software, and their new circuit platform.
EarQ President Ed Keller, spoke on their HearStrong Champion’s award, and then treated us to the inspiring story, and video of their latest award winner, a young hearing impaired competitive figure skater, Ms. Danielle Fanelle. Ed and his entire EarQ staff did an excellent job of facilitating and coordinating the event with the folks from Oticon.
Andrew Hebert, Vice President at EarQ explained their “Hear Like a Pro” program that involves retired athletes from both the NFL and the NBA, and explained EarQ’s use of this program to bring the message of the message of better hearing and hearing help to more people by leveraging the influence of professional sports.
Though the trip included long travel, including flight delays and long layovers, it was well worth it. Not only for the ideas, and information, but also the chance to meet, and discuss ideas with colleagues from all over the country.
The experience yielded many new ideas, as well as being able to connect with others in the industry whom I haven’t seen in years, like Mark and Marja Kryko from Bradenton, who were in attendance with their son Jason. The last time I had seen them, Jason was about ten, now he is partnered with his dad in a new venture “Sleek Audio” where the craft high quality custom musicians ear pieces for the entertainment industry.
It also allowed for making new friends, like Abbey Sanabia, who owns “The Hearing Aid Factory, Inc.” in Orlando, and Hunter Huntley, who lives, and works on the west coast of Florida, and John Winston, of Oklahoma, as well as many others, whose names I simply cannot recall at the moment. I was reminded once again of just what incredibly inspired, hard working, and giving folks that make up our profession.
The experience was both informative, and inspiring, as it allowed me to share quality time with folks who share our mission of helping more people, help more people hear better.
Under the direction, inspiration and years of savvy experience of their President Peer Lauritsen, this venerated old company, is very much poised to take advantage of the evolutions in the current hearing aid marketplace.
Given what I saw, Oticon is well, armed, and equipt to compete on any playing field, with an extensive array of some of the highest quality instruments, sophisticated programming algorithms implemented with their world famous, dare to be matched, “People First” service.
Topics included not only a host of marketing ideas, but also, topics such as the changes in the Health Insurance Portability and Privacy Act, or HIPPA, as it is known by Bob Bennet, legal affairs at EarQ along with presentations by Mike Irby, Aud on patient councelling, on challenges presented to both patients and practitioners in the noisy marketplace, by Marija Baranuskas.
We also got to tour their state of the art laser shell lab, participants got an extensive look at the new Oticon product software, and their new circuit platform.
EarQ President Ed Keller, spoke on their HearStrong Champion’s award, and then treated us to the inspiring story, and video of their latest award winner, a young hearing impaired competitive figure skater, Ms. Danielle Fanelle. Ed and his entire EarQ staff did an excellent job of facilitating and coordinating the event with the folks from Oticon.
Andrew Hebert, Vice President at EarQ explained their “Hear Like a Pro” program that involves retired athletes from both the NFL and the NBA, and explained EarQ’s use of this program to bring the message of the message of better hearing and hearing help to more people by leveraging the influence of professional sports.
Though the trip included long travel, including flight delays and long layovers, it was well worth it. Not only for the ideas, and information, but also the chance to meet, and discuss ideas with colleagues from all over the country.
The experience yielded many new ideas, as well as being able to connect with others in the industry whom I haven’t seen in years, like Mark and Marja Kryko from Bradenton, who were in attendance with their son Jason. The last time I had seen them, Jason was about ten, now he is partnered with his dad in a new venture “Sleek Audio” where the craft high quality custom musicians ear pieces for the entertainment industry.
It also allowed for making new friends, like Abbey Sanabia, who owns “The Hearing Aid Factory, Inc.” in Orlando, and Hunter Huntley, who lives, and works on the west coast of Florida, and John Winston, of Oklahoma, as well as many others, whose names I simply cannot recall at the moment. I was reminded once again of just what incredibly inspired, hard working, and giving folks that make up our profession.
The experience was both informative, and inspiring, as it allowed me to share quality time with folks who share our mission of helping more people, help more people hear better.
Many Thanks to Peer & Ed for a great event. Many thanks to Ed, Peer, Oticon and, EarQ for a great seminar, and wonderful hospitality. I know that I wasn’t alone in picking up several new ideas that I will be able to incorporate into our practice.
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