It isn’t often that that a glowing patient testimonial comes out of the blue, but that’s what happened to Megan Pruce, vice president of Marketing and Engagement at Vanderbilt Health.
She randomly struck up a conversation at a nail salon with a stranger who, Megan later learned, had just received a cochlear implant at Vanderbilt as part of the MyHearingHealth Bundle.
The woman lamented that, even with hearing aids, her hearing had gotten so bad that she couldn’t understand what her young grandchildren were saying. When she didn’t respond to them, the children stopped talking to her. She was crushed.
But she said her cochlear implant, an implantable device that takes the place of the damaged inner ear, changed her life—and her relationship with her grandchildren.
Overcoming Barriers
Many people who struggle with severe hearing loss don’t realize that a cochlear implant might be the answer. Others have been discouraged by waiting times that can last several months.
But MyHearingHealth takes an innovative approach to cochlear implants that coordinates and “bundles” all the services needed for a successful procedure and recovery. Appointments and travel are streamlined to a single day in many cases.
The procedure is performed by some of the top clinical teams in the country. Plus, a patient navigator guides patients through every step, explaining processes and answering questions. All this comes at a fixed price for employers and low to no out-of-pocket costs for employees.
This approach is so revolutionary, it was featured in a January 15, 2025 article in the New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst. It noted that the program earned an average patient satisfaction rating of 9 out of 10. The article cited MyHearingHealth as “an example of a patient-centered cochlear implant care delivery model that can … decrease wait times and travel burden through a coordinated care visit.”
A Unique Solution for Today’s Workforce
Today, many older workers delay retirement, and more employees are likely to have significant hearing loss. Even younger workers are experiencing early onset hearing loss due to increased use of personal listening devices and medical conditions. Severe hearing loss can lead to depression, difficulties in relationships and occupational stress.
MyHearingHealth can improve effectiveness, productivity and more. Check out this video and this story featuring Galyn Martin discussing how the MyHearingHealth Bundle improved her life.
For more information on how adding MyHearingHealth to your benefits portfolio can be an advantage for your team, email employersolutions@vumc.org or call (615) 421–0112.
