Harold Zaretsky, one of the founders of HearMore, Farmingdale, NY, spoke with HR about understanding the needs of HearMore’s customers.

Harold Zaretsky Founder HearMore

Q: What is your company's niche within the hearing industry?
A: Not only does HearMore have people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing in its employ, but I am also deaf. We know what the deaf need and want because our customers’ needs are ours as well. Understanding those needs drives us to find the widest selection of products at the best prices available. Customers trust that we would not sell anything we would not use ourselves simply because we do use these products. We feel that buying from HearMore is like having a close family member or friend recommend a product that has helped them—and we love that!

Q: Which of your products are you most enthusiastic about?
A: We have been fortunate enough to work with the Reizen brand. With our input, Reizen has been making some pleasingly innovative products—especially for us. We are very excited about the variety of items we will be making available at reasonable prices. Our customers can look forward to clocks, phones, amplifiers, and more, created with the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing in mind. You can see some of their great products and more information at www.ReizenUSA.com.

Q: What is next for your company?
A: That question is largely up to our customers. We offer many ways for our customers to communicate with us: phone, fax, email, TTY, mail, etc. We encourage our customers to give us feedback. When they tell us what they want, we listen! Customers’ needs always come first with HearMore and following that, we will be continuing with the same tried-and-true business plan we have always had: To provide a great selection of quality items at the lowest prices possible.

It is a basic plan, but it seems to be working well so far! Stay tuned for updates on what is going on by visiting www.HearMore.com, where you will find the largest assortment of well-made, innovative deaf and hard-of-hearing products available, Web-only specials, video relay customer service, and live online support. Hard-copy catalogs are available by calling: (800) 881-4327 (voice) or (800) 281-3555 (TTY).

Robert Oliveira, PhD, president of Hearing Components, Oakdale, Minn, discussed with HR some of the ways his company stays on top of industry trends.

Robert Oliveira, PhD President Hearing Components

Q: Tell us about your company.
A: Founded in 1990, Hearing Components, a 3M spin-off, is a research-based manufacturer of essential disposables that add value to personal hearing devices that improve and/or protect hearing. Examples of such devices are hearing aids, earphones, cell phones, and military and general aviation headsets. The company conducts applied research on the ear canal and has an extensive patent portfolio focused on improving the delivery and quality of sound for these personal hearing devices. The National Institutes of Health has supported Hearing Components over the years, awarding the company seven Small Business Innovative Research Grants. These grants have focused on optimizing the physical connection of the ear to improve and/or protect hearing [eg, see Oliveira et al, February 2005 HR]. The results of the research are the successful commercialization of several Hearing Components’ product lines, including the patented Comply™ Canal Tips, Comply Snap Tips, and Adshear™ Wax Guards.

Q: How do you stay on top of industry trends?
A: Our applied research gives us numerous opportunities to interface with industry practitioners and other companies in various hearing and hearing-related industries. We actively participate in major tradeshows to keep abreast of new opportunities and new technologies. Finally, I have been and continue to be a sought-after speaker by key associations and companies both here and overseas. Simply, Hearing Components is a very visible and proactive participant in the industries that we serve.

Q: What can we expect from your company in the near future?
A: You can expect us to:
Re-invent our two major Comply Tip product lines.
Move into the rapidly emerging field of in-the-ear earphones for personal listening devices.