BIB Ophthalmic Instruments brings TuneAmp to the UK market

BIB Ophthalmic Instruments has become the UK distributor for TuneAmp hearing devices, bringing UK opticians a greater opportunity to enter the hearing market.

The hearing devices are the world’s only patented self-tuning, over-the-counter hearing devices.

“We are very excited about this announcement,” BIB Ophthalmic Instruments CEO, Tim Baker, told OT. “TuneAmp provides the first self-tuning, over-the-counter hearing device that can be dispensed, fitted and sold by opticians themselves without the need to involve a third-party company.”

The devices can be programmed and fitted in around 10 minutes and there is no need for a dedicated acoustic cabin or separate room, or expensive sound equipment.

“We approached TuneAmp and suggested the best place to market these products would be through optical retail outlets where hearing care in optics has grown dramatically over the last 12 months,” Mr Baker explained.

Commenting on the benefits for practitioners, he shared: “TuneAmp offers enhanced profitability for practitioners and total control over the business. It will also promote greater patient loyalty and better patient retention.”

The collection includes a range of price points from budget solutions to state-of-the-art devices controlled from a smartphone app.

Features of the solution include a complete on board self-tuning feature allowing for the optimum frequency to be ascertained, sound direction and volume. With the Touch model device, patients can make adjustments themselves using the Touch App that utilises Blue Tooth connectivity to suit their immediate environment.

The company suggests the TuneAmp hearing devices are around a third cheaper than the leading brands that offer similar levels of technology.

BIB Ophthalmic Instruments had planned to exhibit at Optrafair 20/20 and was due to officially launch TuneAmp at the event as the exclusive UK distributors for the products.

However, the event has now been postponed to September in light of the advice around the coronavirus situation.

The company said the postponing of the event won’t put a stop to the launch, with Mr Baker commenting: “We’re going to carry on marketing the products through the usual trade journals, direct marketing as well as via the main BIB website where full information is now live.”

TuneAmp also provides a complete retail start pack to support practitioners to launch and support their TuneAmp business.

“We think this is an exciting breakthrough and it is a phenomenal product; saving consumers money and offering them greater flexibility, while giving practitioners more opportunities to enter into the hearing market,” Mr Baker said.

He concluded: “We hope the optical fraternity and independent practices will embrace this solution and see the opportunities for themselves and their patients.”