We are people who believe the current closed-market system in selling hearing aids deprives millions of HOH consumers from needed amplification.

It means that we are beholden to those who sell hearing aids but who have no idea how we hear what we hear. Essentially they are blind-folded when they program our hearing aids to fit our unique hearing losses--it is a hit or miss proposition. Plus their profit concern prevents them from allowing us to participate in the fitting process.

Statistics show the satisfaction rate for hearing aid users is dismal, the return rate is abysmal and the number of consumers needing hearing aids but not having them is in the millions.

Also, never has anyone who has programmed their own hearing aids been dissatisfied with the result. In fact, we are very satisfied. The clear reason is because though the audiologist cannot hear what we hear when they program our hearing aids--we can hear the programming changes so we know what is good or not good and program accordingly!

To overcome this the HOH consumer must have the option of purchasing hearing aids over the counter which includes the option of self-programming.

Our goal, as a united front and open to all supporters, is to educate, advocate and lobby to improve our means to socialize effectively with our fellow humans.

Regards,
Society for Open Market Hearing Aids with Self-Programming Options