In this interview, Blažo Pisarić, Founder and CEO of the Audio BM Group, discusses innovative solutions for hearing problems, emphasizing that the happiness of their clients is their satisfaction.
Do you have an estimate of how much of the population has hearing problems?
Statistics in Europe and in our region are quite similar, and they show that every 10th person has some form of hearing impairment, with a third of these individuals requiring hearing aids or some other form of treatment.
Many hearing problems, like tinnitus, are often a consequence of other illnesses, but the true cause cannot always be determined. How does your centre help in diagnosing these issues?
Modern life, full of activity and stress, is increasingly leaving its mark on people’s hearing. As a result, hearing disorders with unknown causes are not uncommon, one of which is tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. Our centre is equipped with comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostics for determining the degree and type of hearing impairment, allowing us to act clearly and precisely towards a solution. In specialised rooms where various life situations can be simulated, patients can try out all the hearing solutions offered by the world’s most renowned manufacturers. Additionally, at “World of Hearing,” we offer products aimed at preventing and preserving hearing health, such as custom-made earplugs for noise protection or water protection.
How do your patients accept hearing aids? Do you offer psychological support alongside technical assistance?
For a long time, hearing aids were stigmatised in society. Today, with advances in technology and a proper approach, hearing aids are products that users are extremely satisfied with. Of course, the psychological approach of our acousticians and defectologists is essential, as well as appropriately addressing the issue with patients and their companions. In most cases, children with hearing impairments come to our centre accompanied by their parents, and elderly people are accompanied by caregivers. At “World of Hearing,” with just a few clicks on the computer, the patient’s companion can experience exactly what the patient is hearing, and together, with the advice and help of our defectologists, they can choose the best and most comfortable hearing aid to suit the patient’s needs and hearing status.
Every 10th person has some form of hearing impairment
This approach is only available in our centre in Serbia, and the results are truly impressive. “World of Hearing” is a unique hearing centre in Serbia and the only one in the Balkans, and our company is preparing to open a similar centre in Belgrade next spring.
New technologies are emerging rapidly. How does this affect the development of hearing aids, and what is currently “state of the art” in this field?
The world of hearing aids keeps up with the development of new technologies. The latest hearing aids are both design and technical marvels. They are almost invisible and can flawlessly communicate with all devices that are part of our daily lives, such as mobile phones and smart TVs, and increasingly, artificial intelligence is guiding their operation.
From your work, I would highlight your success with completely deaf individuals. There is information that you have introduced over 600 people from the world of silence into the world of hearing. How did you achieve this, and with which technology?
Thanks to modern implants for the middle or inner ear, as well as the aforementioned hearing aids, everyone can hear today. It’s true that 600 of these completely deaf individuals, most of whom are children, have received inner ear implants and can now hear and speak normally.
I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of these 600 implanted individuals, to especially thank the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic Health Insurance Fund, without whose help these people would not have experienced the beauty of hearing.
