Mar 21

ADA Compliance and Hearing Impairments: Everything Your Business Needs to Know

By AudioFetch | airports, Auction, Business, Casinos, Churches, Education, Government, Hearing Assistance, Hearing Loss, Stadiums, Theater, Tour Guides, Wireless Audio | No Comments

Every public business, organization, or venue should be thinking about how to improve accessibility at their establishment. Not only does it create a more welcoming environment for any and every-one that visits, but it can also be a legal requirement.

Read on to learn more about how your business can (and must) improve accessibility through ADA compliance and other accessibility-friendly solutions.

What is ADA compliance?

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990. It prohibits discrimination and seeks to improve accessibility at public government entities and privately-owned “places of public accommodation,” and requires employers with 15+ employees to provide reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities.

What are ADA guidelines for hearing impairments?

The ADA requirements for hearing impairments vary by platform, business type, or entity. For example, all airlines within and into the United States must accommodate hearing loss, according to the Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA), which is typically accomplished by adding captions to airport TVs.

Other public venues must provide assistive listening devices (ALDs) in each assembly area where audible communication is integral to the use of the space. These venues include movie theaters, concert and lecture halls, schools, museums, hospitals, stadiums and arenas, courtrooms, conference rooms, convention centers, nursing homes, community centers, and the list goes on and on.

If your venue provides fixed seating (e.g., theater or stadium) for 50 or more people, ADA compliant receivers must be available for a percentage of seating capacity. Originally it was 4% of capacity, but that figure was updated in 2010 to give larger venues a bit of a break with a scaled quantity. Additionally, at least 25% or a minimum of two receivers must be hearing-aid compatible.

What is an ADA-compliant device?

ADA compliant products for hard-of-hearing individuals include assistive listening systems (ALS) or assistive listening devices (ALDs). An assistive listening system is defined as an amplification system utilizing transmitters, receivers, and coupling devices to bypass the acoustical space between a sound source and a listener by means of induction loop, radio frequency, infrared, direct-wired equipment or wireless connection.

Who enforces ADA compliance?

Several agencies play a role in enforcing or investigating ADA compliance claims, including The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Labor, and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ATBCB).

What are the consequences of not following the ADA guidelines?

Failing to comply with ADA guidelines can result in both financial and reputation repercussions.

On a purely financial basis, your business or organization can be fined by the federal government up to $75,000 for the first violation and $150,000 for additional ADA violations, and state or local governments may tack on additional fines. Additionally, you open yourself up to lawsuits, personal injury claims, and legal or civil penalties from disabled individuals with legitimate complaints or ambulance-chasing entities looking to make an easy buck.

From a reputation perspective, your brand name can also be dragged through the mud for non-compliance, which can also severely affect your business financially in both the short and long term.

What businesses or organizations are exempt from ADA compliance?

The ADA does not apply to places of worship, religious organizations/schools, private clubs, or any other venue historically excluded from federal civil rights laws. However, many of these organizations decide to provide some type of assistive listening option to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all of their members and patrons.

Learn more about our assistive listening solutions for churches and houses of worship.

Does AudioFetch work with ADA-compliant receivers?

Yes, AudioFetch is compatible with ADA-compliant receivers. AudioFetch can be used to broadcast the audio source live, and then businesses can use a regulation ADA-compliant device to receive that audio.

AudioFetch also integrates seamlessly with hearing aids; listeners connect the hearing aid to their smartphone via Bluetooth and are able to listen in real-time.

AudioFetch works with businesses and organizations of all sizes to help you create a more accessible and welcoming environment for your guests, customers, and employees. If you’re ready to get started, contact us or schedule an appointment to learn more and request a free demo.

Mar 08

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How Audio Over WiFi Benefits Your Business Office or Corporate HQ

By AudioFetch | Business, Fitness Centers, Hearing Assistance, Tour Guides, Wireless Audio | No Comments

After working from home for two years, it can be difficult to get employees back into the office. The convenience and comfort of working from home can oftentimes outweigh the collaboration and communication that comes with being together in one space. And while some companies have vowed to go full-time or remote first, such as Google, Shopify, Quora, US Xpress, Pratt & Whitney, many others are eager to have their staff back in the office environment on a daily basis.

To encourage staff to willingly and enthusiastically come back, these in-person-ready companies are looking for ways to make the experience more enjoyable, more efficient and safer for everyone. One unique way they can do this is by utilizing a wireless audio streaming system.

Below are five ways that corporate HQs and business offices can use audio over WiFi to improve employee satisfaction and productivity:

1. Employee Training Solution

Training is essential to ensuring your employees are prepared to complete their work in the most effective, efficient, and responsible ways. But if they’re unable to hear or understand the training material, they’ll never be able to perform their job responsibilities to the fullest potential. AudioFetch can be used as an assistive listening solution or live translation system to help your staff learn and comprehend better, leading to better job performance.

Scott M from the US Playing Card Company has found AudioFetch to be particularly useful for their employee training: “We used the tour pack [AudioFetch Express for tour application] and it made a world of difference on the training session. Thank you!!”

2. Fitness TV Audio System

Many corporate headquarters and larger businesses offer a gym or fitness center that their employees can access at any time. Our audio over WiFi system is a perfect solution for allowing staff to stream gym TV audio to their phones. They don’t have to be tethered to any one piece of cardio equipment; rather, they can move around freely throughout the fitness space and use several machines, all while enjoying (and getting distracted by!) the news, a game, a TV show, or anything else playing in the facility.

3. Wireless Factory Tour Guide System

During tours of factory floors, where conditions can be dangerous and safety is of the utmost importance, it’s imperative that all participants can hear the tour guide clearly. But churning machinery, beeping vehicles, whirring fans, and other loud sounds can easily drown out the audio and potentially put participants at risk and workers at risk.

Our portable tour guide system is an ideal solution, and a great replacement for outdated, unhygienic, and expensive listening devices you may already be using. Tour groups use their own personal smartphones to listen with the AudioFetch app, eliminating the need to purchase, keep track of, maintain and sanitize numerous devices. The app is simple and intuitive for users of any age or expertise, plus it’s free to download with no monthly fees for your business.

4. Controlled Music System

Did you know that music can increase your employees’ productivity?! It’s true. Especially for those staff whose tasks are clearly defined and repeated often, such as factory or warehouse workers. Music improves mood, increases concentration, reduces stress, and increases work speed.

AudioFetch can be used to provide multiple music channels to your team to reap these benefits and more. Select channels can be programmed, offering options for varying musical tastes and work styles, while limiting employees’ ability to access the internet and thus get distracted. All employees have to do is download the free AudioFetch app, select their channel of choice, and start listening.

5. Emergency Notification Solution

Quick action and widespread communication is required during an office fire or other emergency situation. Audio Over WiFi technology can be used to stream emergency instructions to employees on multiple floors and throughout thousands of square footage, allowing your staff to mobilize quickly and efficiently.

Helping your employees, clients and visitors hear better without distractions or distracting others can increase productivity and enhance the office space, making it a more desirable environment to return to. If you’re ready to get started, contact us or schedule an appointment to learn more and request a free demo.

Jan 10

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AudioFetch Blog Header - 2022 Wireless Audio Streaming Predictions

5 Predictions for Wireless Audio Streaming in 2022

By AudioFetch | Education, Food for thought, Hearing Assistance, Home Audio, Wireless Audio | No Comments

As A/V technologies grow more advanced and consumers become more reliant on their smartphone devices, we expect the field of local audio over WiFi to continue growing in the new year. Below are our 5 predictions for wireless audio streaming in 2022.

1. Increased Focus on Accessibility

If there is one positive thing to come out of the past two years it’s that we have all become more aware of the health challenges and disabilities of others. That includes individuals with hearing impairments.

This spotlight on hearing has lead to a focus on providing more and better accessibility options in theaters and churches. We predict this focus will continue to grow in 2022, with even more businesses and organizations using audio over WiFi for hearing assistance. The venues we anticipate will grow the most are schools and universities, hospitals and conferences and convention centers.

2. Social Distancing Will Still Be Important

No, unfortunately, we are not yet done with social distancing. As new variants continue to spread throughout the word (and there will be more no doubt, Omicron is not the final one), we’re going to have to continue maintaining safer distances in certain public establishments and spaces.

Wireless audio streaming is a simple, flexible and affordable way to permit social distancing, while allowing businesses to stay open and provide entrainment options. Expect this to continue throughout most if not all of 2022.

3. New Applications Will Be Discovered

We get calls from folks all the time that want to know, “Will AudioFetch work for X?” or “Can I use AudioFetch for Y?” And 99.9% of the time, our answer is yes!

AudioFetch is so flexible, so simple and so affordable, there are near-infinite uses. We could never rattled them all off or list them all on our site. Heck, we haven’t even thought of some of them! But if it has to do with helping people hear better in public venues or at home, AudioFetch can probably help!

Take Itchy-O for example, a 57-member avant-garde marching band and performance music group based in Denver, CO. The Itchy-O band leader uses AudioFetch to communicate with the other members as they dance throughout the crowd during their performances. We certainly couldn’t have imagined this application, but what a cool use and perfectly suited use for AudioFetch!

4. More Businesses Using Wireless Audio Distribution

Interest in using AudioFetch for wireless audio distribution has grow significantly in the past couple years as businesses look for more flexible and affordable audio solutions that meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy consumer. AudioFetch has replaced the existing wireless audio distribution system for a music festival and race track, and we expect to see even more businesses using AudioFetch in this way in 2022.

5. Continued Interest in Home Entertainment Options

We’ve all spent a lot of time at home these past couple years. And while there were certainly times when the cabin fever seemed unbearable and we would have rather been ANYWHERE else on the planet, collectively, we have all learned how to be at home more, and some folks even now prefer it.

Just because we’re staying home more, however, doesn’t mean we don’t want to be entertained. This is clear when you look at all the home-focused technology to come out of CES this year. We especially loved Samsung’s The FreeStyle projector that would be perfect for hosting outdoor movie nights with AudioFetch Home as the audio solution!

We are choosing to stay positive and have an optimistic outlook for 2022. We look forward to working with even more large franchises, mom and pop businesses and individuals to help more people hear better in both commercial and residential spaces.

Dec 13

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Who Needs a Home Audio Solution This Christmas

By AudioFetch | Home Audio | No Comments

Still looking for that perfect holiday gift this year? Give your loved ones something that will help create a more peaceful and enjoyable home environment–AudioFetch Home audio solution.

AudioFetch Home is a small device that connects to your television (or any other audio source) and automatically broadcasts the sound to smartphones or tablets via the free AudioFetch App. This home audio solution uses wireless internet, so there are no messy wires or cords to deal with. You can set it up with your existing wireless network at your home, or use the built-in WiFi. It’s a plug-and-play installation that shouldn’t take more than five minutes to get you up and listening!

No matter who you’re still shopping for, AudioFetch Home is a fun, useful, and unique gift. Check out how AudioFetch can benefit these five individuals and lifestyles:

1. Seniors or Those with Hearing Impairments

It can be difficult to get everyone in the household to agree on the appropriate TV volume, especially with the rise of multi-generational households over the past two years.

AudioFetch Home is a simple, affordable, and convenient TV sound amplifier. Simply plug it into the TV (or another audio source) and AudioFetch streams the sound to smartphones or tablets. Up to four people can listen simultaneously, choosing their appropriate personal volume. And each listener uses their own AirPods, headphones, or earbuds, so there are no clunky neck loops to deal with or separate devices to maintain/fight over.

2. Tiny House or Mobile Home Dwellers

Families that live in tiny homes, RVs, and other sub-150-square-foot spaces need one key characteristic to ensure a peaceful environment–consideration. Everyone has to be considerate of where they put stuff, when they cook meals, and how loud they listen to the TV.

With AudioFetch Home, you don’t have to worry so much about that last one. By streaming TV audio through the AudioFetch app, one person can watch TV at any volume while another person sleeps a mere few feet away.

3. Open Concept Occupants

Lofts and other open-concept layouts are trending for a variety of home types. This design provides a more open and spacious feel, however, it can be very noisy and distracting for other family members. AudioFetch Home is a great solution for open concept dwellers–one person can enjoy a movie or TV series while another person studies in the quiet, all while sitting just a few feet apart.

4. Backyard Entertainers

Does your dad love to host backyard BBQ blowouts and outdoor movie marathons? Is your cousin the king of holiday yard decorations, creating award-winning audio-visual displays? AudioFetch Home will help them create the ultimate outdoor entertainment experience, without getting racking up noise complaints night after night.

5. Home Gym Enthusiasts

More people are working out at home than ever before, and to stay motivated, they need an enjoyable and functional home gym setup. That not only includes the right workout equipment, it also includes an AV solution to keep spirits up and minds distracted.

AudioFetch is a simple, affordable, and flexible solution that lets home exercisers listen to TV audio in real time from their smartphone. No more blasting the volume to hear over the whir of the treadmill, or struggling to maintain the proper volume for various programs.

We’re currently running our biggest sale of the year! From now until December 31, take 25% off* AudioFetch Home when you purchase online. Simply enter the code HOME25 at checkout. You have until December 21 to order with expedited shipping to receive it in time for Christmas. But why wait? Pick up an AudioFetch Home (or 3!) today.

Get 25% Off AudioFetch Home

*Offer ends 12/31/2021. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other coupons or offers. Good for purchase of AudioFetch Home product only. Must be purchased online.

Nov 17

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AudioFetch Blog Header - How to Hear TV without Hearing Aid

How to Hear the TV Better Without Needing a Hearing Aid

By AudioFetch | Home Audio | No Comments

According to a study published in the International Journal of Audiology, 80% of people between the ages of 55 and 74 who could benefit from using hearing aids don’t wear them.

This isn’t simply a case of not wanting to wear hearing aids in public because they make the wearer feel embarrassed or old. Hearing aids can be uncomfortable if they’re not properly fitted. They’re also expensive, and oftentimes out of reach for many people. Additionally, hearing aids may not be as effective as they were at first or as effective as the wearer had hoped. For any and all of these reasons, some people choose not to use hearing aids even in the privacy of their homes.

This presents challenges for everyone living under the same roof. The person that needs the hearing aids must turn the TV volume up full-blast to be able to hear, drowning out any other noises in the household and driving partners, children and grandchildren crazy.

Fortunately for the whole family, there’s a better way!

AudioFetch Home, our newest wireless audio streaming product, helps people hear better, reduces distractions and creates a more enjoyable and high-tech home environment.

AudioFetch Home is a small device that connects to your television (or any other audio source) and automatically broadcasts the sound to smartphones or tablets via the free AudioFetch App. This home audio solution uses wireless internet, so there are no messy wires or cords to deal with. You can set it up with your existing wireless network at your home, or use the built-in WiFi. It’s a plug-and-play installation that shouldn’t take more than five minutes to get you up and listening!

If you or your loved ones could benefit from using an assistive listening device to hear the TV better, now’s the time to purchase an AudioFetch Home–we’re currently running a 20% off promotion for the holidays! Simply add AudioFetch Home to your cart and enter the code HOMEFORHOLIDAYS. This deal is up at the end of November, so don’t wait!

Apr 22

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AudioFetch App Stadium Listening - Audio Over WiFi Streaming

How Assistive Listening Devices Improve Your Entertainment Experience

By AudioFetch | Hearing Assistance, Sports Bars, Stadiums, Theater, Tour Guides | No Comments

Have you ever had a bad entertainment experience because of a noisy environment? Assistive listening devices can help. AudioFetch listening assist technology gives users a more comfortable, enjoyable listening experience in loud venues.

Our assistive listening devices broadcast audio over wifi and provide easy access to clear, live audio streaming in theaters, stadiums, sports bars, museums, or other crowded entertainment venues.

With AudioFetch, you and your customers can enjoy a perfect entertainment experience without missing out due to environmental noise. You can also use assistive listening devices to improve the experience for people with impaired hearing.

Here’s how popular entertainment venues can use AudioFetch assistive listening devices:

1. Theaters

Assistive listening devices for theaters help patrons enjoy the arts without being disrupted by anyone who may be making noise around them. Users can connect to a direct audio live stream for perfect sound. Theaters like New York Live Arts also use AudioFetch to make their shows more accessible to the hearing impaired.

2. Stadiums

Nothing beats the feeling of cheering for your favorite team with a crowd of other fans, but the volume can make it difficult to hear the play-by-play. Adding assistive listening devices to a stadium sound system lets fans tune in to a direct live stream over wifi. The Halifax Thunderbirds use AudioFetch for stadium hearing assistance at their games to improve the experience for all fans.

3. Sports Bars

Fans who prefer to watch sports at their local bar face a different challenge than stadium listening. Along with ambient sound from conversations or music, many sports bars often play multiple games at once on different screens. Our sports bar audio solution allows customers to enjoy a drink and connect to a direct audio feed for their specific game so they don’t miss any action.

4. Museums & Cultural Exhibits

Museums and cultural exhibitors like NY See Tours use AudioFetch devices as tour guide amplifiers. Tourists can enjoy their guided experience with optimal sound because our wireless tour guide system make it easier than ever to connect to an audio broadcast.

Use AudioFetch for the Best Entertainment Experience

When social gatherings and events resume in the coming weeks and months, you want to be ready with unique entertainment options for everyone. Contact us today to learn more about our listening assistive devices.

Apr 07

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AudioFetch Blog Header - Translation Devices

The Benefits of Live Translation via Assistive Listening Devices

By AudioFetch | Translation, Education, Theater | No Comments

Language connects us. That’s why translation services are so important. Devices like AudioFetch can provide technological solutions for live translation for a variety of businesses.* Offering real-time translation services helps people feel welcome in your community space even if they don’t speak your language.

Whether you’re engaging with an audience in a house of worship or speaking to students in a lecture hall, AudioFetch assistive listening devices can help you provide live translation services for anyone*.

Here’s how different organizations use assistive listening devices like AudioFetch to provide live translation services for their community members.

1. Houses of Worship

Organizations like the Winterville Church of Christ use AudioFetch as an affordable, easy church translation solution for reaching worshippers of different languages. For houses of worship, offering live language interpretation can bring in a whole new audience. Foreign language speakers will feel welcome in your community. Members use their own smartphone and headset to an AudioFetch channel via the AudioFetch App, allowing them to hear a translation of the services in their own language, in real time.

2. Colleges and Universities

Educational institutions use assistive listening devices from AudioFetch to make classrooms more accessible. Foreign exchange students and other non-native speakers are able to understand lectures clearly in their own language thanks to live translations. This ensures that no one falls behind in their studies because of a language gap.

3. Government Offices

Did you know that government agencies are legally required to offer services in foreign languages? From courthouses to polling centers, any audio must be transmitted in a way that can be heard and understood by all. Assistive listening devices are a convenient, cost-effective way for government offices to provide interpretation services.

Translation is Connection

When we understand each other, we feel closer. We realize that our shared experiences are bigger than our differences. A common language can bring people together like nothing else.

That’s why in today’s modern, multicultural world, it’s important to offer language interpretation and translation services for your clients and community members — and AudioFetch can help.

Offer your guests and attendees something special when events, meetings and social activities resume in the coming weeks and months. Contact us today to learn more about AudioFetch assistive listening devices.

*AudioFetch only provides the device through which translation can be heard, translator and translation must be provided separately.

Mar 18

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Woman Using Headphones - AudioFetch - Audio Over WiFi Streaming

Everything You Need to Know to Protect Your Hearing

By AudioFetch | Hearing Loss | No Comments

Did you know that 466 million people live with hearing loss worldwide?

That’s why we celebrate World Hearing Day on March 3, 2020. World Hearing Day is a time to raise awareness for hearing loss prevention and help provide solutions for people with hearing impairments.

In today’s loud world, noise-induced damage is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. But the good news is that this type of hearing loss is preventable! By taking steps to protect your hearing now, you can potentially avoid premature hearing loss.

Here’s everything you need to know to protect your hearing:

Limit Your Exposure to Loud Noise

Noisy bars, sporting events, or any environment over 60 decibels can cause damage to your ears that gradually adds up. As a general rule, if a place is so loud that you have to shout to have a conversation, it’s too loud.

The 60/60 Rule

Listening to music on your phone or mp3 player is a great way to pass the time. But if the volume is too loud, it can cause hearing loss. That’s why it’s important to follow the “60/60 Rule.” This means only listening to music at 60% volume for 60 minutes at a time.

Earplugs Are Simple, Cheap & Effective

When your environment is too loud, use earplugs. Earplugs are one of the simplest, yet most effective tools for protecting your hearing. Wearing earplugs can reduce loud ambient noise to safe levels. We recommend keeping a pair of earplugs in your bag or your car so you’ll always have a pair at the ready. Your ears will thank you.

Give Your Ears a Break

Another great way to prevent hearing loss is whenever you find yourself in a loud environment, such as a concert or a club, do your best to step outside and get away from the noise for a few minutes. This will give your ears a chance to rest and recover. It’s also a great idea to pick a “quiet day” each week, where you avoid loud music and noisy places.

Choose Noise-Cancelling Headphones & Listening Assistive Devices

Many people turn up the volume on their phones and mp3 players to dangerous levels because they can’t hear their music over the sounds around them. By using noise-cancelling devices, you can block the noise in your environment. This means you can enjoy your music at a safe, low volume.

Similarly, use assistive listening devices like AudioFetch whenever available. By taking advantage of wireless audio streaming solutions offered at sports bars, gyms, or other loud public places, you can help control the volume of your environment.

Get 25% Off in Honor of World Hearing Day

To celebrate this year’s World Hearing Day, which was on March 3rd, AudioFetch is offering 25% off* MSRP on all hearing assistive applications for the month of March 2020. Contact us today and mention “World Hearing Day” to take advantage of this special offer.

*Discount available from March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. One discount per customer. Must contact AudioFetch to see if your application is eligible and mention World Hearing Day.

Mar 01

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World Hearing Day - AudioFetch - Audio Over WiFi Streaming

Celebrate World Hearing Day

By AudioFetch | General, Hearing Loss | No Comments

March 3, 2020 is World Hearing Day. World Hearing Day is about raising global awareness for the importance of hearing. This day encourages people to protect their hearing while spreading the word about new solutions for the hearing impaired.

Being able to hear is part of a healthy, happy life. World Hearing Day invites us to reach out to the deaf and hearing impaired members of our community.

Hearing For Life

For many people, hearing is something we take for granted. We may not realize how hearing enriches our daily lives and helps us with everything from work to family life. Often, people are also unaware of the causes of hearing loss and may not be taking the necessary steps to protect their hearing.

Protecting your hearing includes basic lifestyle changes, such as wearing earplugs in noisy environments, limiting your exposure to loud music and noises, and resting your ears after noise exposure. These small steps can go a long way to preserve the lifespan of your ears.

Hearing damage is usually permanent and irreversible. However, if you or someone you love is already experiencing hearing loss or impairment, it’s not too late to seek out treatment options and interventions like hearing aids and discreet assistive listening devices.

Hearing Brings Us Together

According to the World Health Organization, it’s estimated that 6.1% of the world’s population is living with some form of hearing loss. That’s 466 million people! Sadly, many of these individuals don’t have adequate access to hearing aids or other accessibility tools. This can be isolating and contribute to health problems.

But you can help! Along with educating your friends and family about ways to protect your hearing, you can encourage your local business and community spaces to install assistive listening devices.

Businesses like Club de Golf Mexico, Hummingbird Wine Bar, and teb Interiors Inc. use listening assistive devices from AudioFetch to make their spaces welcoming and accessible to people with hearing issues.

Celebrate with AudioFetch

We actually treat every day like World Hearing Day — but we’re still celebrating!

In honor of World Hearing Day, we’re offering 25% off* MSRP on all hearing assistive applications for the month of March 2020. To take advantage of this special offer, contact us today and mention “World Hearing Day.”

*Offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. One discount per customer. Must contact AudioFetch to see if your application is eligible.

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