Comprehensive measures protect the health of customers and employees

Your hearing care professional is here for you! Together with the hearing aid industry, hearing care professionals ensure that people with hearing loss in Germany receive the essential professional care they need—even under the challenging conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Good hearing enables communication and social participation. That is why the federal government classifies hearing care professionals—along with doctors and pharmacists—as essential workers.

Twelve percent of German citizens consider their hearing to be impaired. 5.8 million adults in Germany live with hearing loss that affects their daily lives. Audiologists and companies in the hearing aid industry work every day to ensure that these individuals can participate in social life without limitations.

Many hearing care professionals have kept their stores open. Protecting the health of customers and employees is the top priority, and this is ensured through various measures:

  • Scheduled appointments make it possible to comply with social distancing rules and hygiene regulations to protect customers and employees.
  • Flexible store hours ensure service availability and reduce wait times.
  • Additional services, such as telephone or online consultations, provide comprehensive information about hearing aid fitting regardless of location.
  • Additional communication channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter ensure a timely and transparent flow of information.

This helps minimize unnecessary contact and the risk of infection, while ensuring a nationwide supply of hearing aids and accessories.

Beate Gromke, President of the European Union of Hearing Care Professionals e. V., urges: “Trust your hearing care professional’s hygiene and safety measures, and don’t put off a necessary repair or hearing aid fitting. We, as hearing care professionals, are here for you even during these unusual times! As healthcare professionals and experts in hearing health, we strictly adhere to the hygiene measures mandated by each state. Therefore, we ask for your understanding that, despite the easing of restrictions, there will still be limitations in place—primarily to protect our customers and employees.”

Dr. Stefan Zimmer, Chairman of the Board of the BVHI, adds: “Currently, many people’s communication is limited to telephone and mobile services. Whether for conference calls while working from home or for daily communication with family members, clear speech comprehension is essential. The age of those affected doesn’t matter, because even children and teenagers rely on good hearing for homeschooling and interacting with classmates.”

You can find a nationwide search for hearing aid specialists, including opening hours and other helpful information, here.