Shelter in Place/Home Order Considerations for Hearing Healthcare Offices
On March 17, we circulated Starkey’s point of view on the definition of “essential” versus “non-essential” business as it relates to the hearing healthcare industry. At that time, the nation was focused primarily on social distancing. Over the course of the last week, concern over the virus has escalated, and some states are issuing more aggressive orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Six states have issued “shelter in place/home” orders, and frankly, we expect this to expand. This communication is to underscore our position on this evolving situation.
We are not aware of any state orders that directly conflict with our assessment. Moreover, state “shelter in place/home” orders continue to include applicable exemptions, including some of the following: healthcare offices, medical offices, medical device and equipment offices, clinics and consumer health products. While many elective and non-urgent medical and surgical procedures are being postponed, the primary rationale is to maintain capacity in our hospitals, clinical workforce and preservation of medical supplies.
Starkey believes that the hearing healthcare industry delivers essential health services during these trying times. Individuals with hearing loss must be able to communicate via telephone, television and other virtual platforms with their family, friends, colleagues, medical professionals and first responders.
As professionals, you must balance the needs of your business, your patients, the community and your family. The final decision on whether and how to remain open during this pandemic remains with you. However, below are a few considerations as you make these challenging decisions:
- Any patient with significant hearing loss MUST be able to communicate effectively, especially during a pandemic.
- Anyone who currently depends on a hearing aid for effective communication and needs a repair for a non-functioning device is considered to have an urgent/emergent need.
- If it becomes necessary to help someone with an urgent/emergent need, follow the CDC’s guidelines for control and prevention as well as social distancing.
- Regardless of your decision, audiologists/dispensers should leverage video/telehealth to address as many patient needs (both non-urgent and urgent) as possible to help flatten the curve.
Our commitment is to be your best partner during these difficult times. While we believe these remain sound practices, you are encouraged to check with your local government for specific guidance regarding the ever-changing COVID-19 environment.