HearingUp: Comprehensive Hearing Care Provider Network
Overview
HearingUp is a specialized hearing care network founded by Dr. Cliff Olson, audiologist and creator of the Dr. Cliff AuD YouTube channel. The network connects individuals with hearing loss to vetted hearing care professionals who follow comprehensive best practices. Previously known as Best Practice Pro, HearingUp serves as the home of the rebranded HearingUp Provider Network.
Mission and Philosophy
The core mission of HearingUp is helping people find excellent hearing care professionals who follow comprehensive best practices to maximize hearing aid benefits. The network addresses a significant gap in the industry: less than 30% of hearing care professionals actually follow best practices when selecting, fitting, and programming hearing devices.
Network Characteristics
Provider Vetting Process
- Every audiologist undergoes rigorous application review
- Personal vetting by Dr. Cliff Olson
- Commitment to comprehensive best practice audiologic care
- Implementation of real ear measurement protocols
- Use of validated outcome measures
Quality Standards
- Outstanding patient outcomes with proven track records
- Patient satisfaction in hearing aid fittings
- Commitment to highest level of hearing care
- Top-rated audiologist designation
Best Practices Framework
Assessment and Goal Setting
- Comprehensive case history documentation
- Otoscopic inspection procedures
- Cerumen removal when necessary
- Complete hearing assessment protocols
- Lifestyle needs assessment
- Medical referral coordination when appropriate
- Discussion of test results and treatment candidacy
Technical Treatment Aspects
- Proper hearing aid selection based on individual needs
- Quality control measures including test box evaluations
- Fitting and verification using Real Ear Measurements (REMs)
- Hearing assistive technology recommendations
- Style considerations (ITE vs BTE options)
- Volume control and telecoil needs assessment
- CROS vs BiCROS vs AmpCROS determinations
- Wireless connectivity options
Orientation, Counseling, and Follow-up
- Detailed hearing aid orientation sessions
- Comprehensive device care and maintenance training
- Communication strategy development
- Regular follow-up appointment scheduling
- Ongoing device maintenance and programming adjustments
- Annual hearing evaluations
Outcome Assessment and Validation
- Pre-treatment questionnaire administration
- Post-treatment benefit measurement
- Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly (HHIE) implementation
- Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) utilization
- Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI) assessment
How the Network Functions
Step 1: Provider Location
Users search the pre-vetted nationwide network through HearingUp.com to find qualified audiologists in their area. The platform includes a simple online form for contacting chosen providers during normal business hours.
Step 2: Consultation Scheduling
Selected practices contact patients directly to schedule appointments with audiologists. Patients receive comprehensive hearing evaluations with clear explanations of current hearing abilities.
Step 3: Hearing Aid Selection
Audiologists help patients choose appropriate hearing aids for their unique hearing loss patterns. Devices receive expert programming following industry best practices.
Step 4: Ongoing Care
Better hearing requires expert guidance from skilled audiologists. Network providers guide patients through every step of the hearing improvement process.
Questions to Ask Before Scheduling
HearingUp recommends asking five critical questions when evaluating hearing care providers:
- Best Practices Compliance: Do you follow comprehensive best practices, including Real Ear Measurement?
- Appointment Duration: How long are initial hearing test and consultation appointments? (Minimum 60 minutes expected, 90-120 minutes preferred)
- Follow-up Frequency: How many times will I see my hearing care provider during the trial period and ongoing?
- Brand Variety: How many hearing aid brands do you dispense? (Minimum 2 brands recommended)
- Initial Appointment Cost: How much do you charge for the initial appointment? (Free appointments often indicate sales focus rather than treatment focus)
Featured Hearing Aid Technologies
Oticon Intent
- Available in four technology levels
- Rechargeable miniRITE R style in nine colors
- User-Intent Sensors for environmental adaptation
- BrainHearing Technology for natural sound processing
- Bluetooth LE Audio compatibility with future Auracast support
- 4D Sensor technology integration
ReSound Nexia
- 25% smaller microRIE design
- Strong noise reduction and directional microphones
- Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast compatibility
- Disposable battery options available
- Superior speech understanding in noise
- 4-mic binaural beamformer system
Starkey Genesis AI and Edge AI
- All-new Starkey Neuro Processor with 6x more transistors
- Deep Neural Network accelerator engine
- 80 million hearing adjustments per hour capability
- 20 dB increase in dynamic range
- Fall detection and health tracking features
- Edge AI offers 51-hour battery life and waterproof design
Phonak Infinio
- Dual-chip architecture in Sphere model
- ERA Chip for core processing and connectivity
- DEEPSONIC Chip for AI-powered speech separation
- AutoSense OS 6.0 adaptive operating system
- Up to 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement
- Universal Bluetooth connectivity
Widex Moment and Allure
- Machine learning capabilities with trainable features
- PureSound Technology with ZeroDelay processing
- Automatic program switching based on environments
- Full remote programming access through Remote Link
- W1 chip in Allure with 4x faster processing speeds
- Speech Enhancer Pro with 52-band analysis
Signia IX
- Pure Charge&Go IX for active individuals
- Silk Charge&Go IX for discrete completely-in-canal fitting
- Crystal-clear conversations in noisy environments
- All-day battery life with seamless connectivity
- Advanced sound processing for speech clarity
Advisory Panel and Expertise
HearingUp maintains an advisory panel of experienced audiologists including:
- Amit Gosalia, Audiologist
- Dawn Heiman, Audiologist
- Natalie Phillips, Audiologist & Author
- Christopher Scot Frink, Audiologist
- Mike Valente, Audiologist
- Abram Bailey, Audiologist
Dr. Cliff Olson Background
Dr. Clifford R. Olson serves as the founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix, Arizona. After serving as a Scout Sniper in the United States Marine Corps, he earned his Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2016. His YouTube channel, Dr. Cliff AuD, has amassed over 260,000 subscribers with more than 41 million total views, providing free educational content about hearing care and treatment options.
Network Geographic Coverage
The HearingUp Provider Network spans nationwide, with vetted hearing care professionals in multiple locations. When HearingUp members are not available within reasonable travel distance, the organization provides guidance on evaluating local hearing care providers using their established criteria.
Technology Integration
Network providers stay current with latest hearing aid technologies including:
- Bluetooth connectivity for streaming and phone calls
- Smartphone app controls for personalized adjustments
- Artificial intelligence for environmental sound classification
- Rechargeable battery systems with extended life
- Telehealth capabilities for remote programming
- Tinnitus management features
- Real Ear Measurement verification protocols
Patient Outcomes Focus
The network prioritizes measurable patient outcomes through:
- Comprehensive pre-treatment assessments
- Goal-setting based on individual lifestyle needs
- Regular progress monitoring and adjustments
- Validated outcome measure implementation
- Long-term follow-up care protocols
- Patient satisfaction tracking and improvement
Finding HearingUp Providers
Individuals seeking hearing care can locate network providers through the HearingUp.com website using the "Find a Provider" search function. The platform facilitates direct communication between patients and qualified audiologists for scheduling comprehensive hearing evaluations and treatment planning.
