Over-the-Counter hearing aid information

Privacy Policy

UNIVERSAL HEARING SERVICES, LLC
PRIVACY POLICY
Last Updated: July 21, 2026

  1. Purpose and Scope
    This Privacy Policy explains how Universal Hearing Services LLC, d/b/a Iowa Hearing Services (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects information provided by clients and website visitors. By using our website or services, you acknowledge and agree to this Privacy Policy.
    Our services are strictly educational and consultative. We provide remote guidance related to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, device selection discussion, setup support, and related educational resources. We do not sell, dispense, or ship hearing aids or accessories.
    This Privacy Policy is a general privacy notice and is not a HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices. The Company does not operate as a covered entity under HIPAA for the remote educational services described in the Client Service Agreement. We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of personal and health-related information you share with us.
  2. Information We Collect
    We may collect the following categories of information:
    Personal Identifiers
    Full name, address, telephone number, and email address
    Date of birth (when provided)
    Payment and billing information (processed and stored by PCI-compliant third-party processors; we do not store complete card numbers)
    Health-Related and Sensitive Information
    Hearing concerns, history of hearing difficulties, and lifestyle factors
    Client-provided hearing test results or audiograms (if voluntarily submitted)
    Current device usage, preferences, and symptoms you choose to share
    Information submitted through questionnaires, intake forms, or during consultations
    Responses to online questionnaires or eligibility quizzes (including the QR-code quiz on our marketing materials), which may include hearing-related information you choose to provide
    Notes related to educational guidance and follow-up sessions
    We treat health-related and sensitive information with a high level of care and confidentiality and do not use it for marketing or unrelated purposes without your explicit consent.
    Technical, Usage, and Communications Information
    IP address, browser type, device information, and approximate location data
    Website usage information, pages viewed, and referring URLs
    Cookies, pixels, and analytics technologies
    Content of emails, messages, and consultation notes (we do not audio- or video-record sessions without your advance consent)
  3. How We Use Your Information
    We use the information we collect to:
    Provide the educational and consultative services you request
    Schedule, confirm, and manage remote appointments
    Respond to inquiries and provide educational materials and support
    Offer general guidance regarding OTC hearing aid options and setup
    Improve website functionality, service quality, and internal operations
    Maintain accurate client records and comply with legal, tax, and regulatory obligations
    Detect, prevent, and respond to fraud, security incidents, or other harmful activities
    Send important service-related communications (appointment reminders, policy updates)
    We do not use sensitive health-related information for marketing purposes without your explicit consent. You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.
  4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
    We do not sell personal information for monetary or other valuable consideration.
    We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:
    With trusted service providers who assist us under contractual confidentiality and security obligations (payment processors, scheduling platforms, secure cloud storage, email services, video-conferencing platforms, and form tools). These parties may use the information only for the contracted purposes.
    When required by law, regulation, court order, or governmental request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Company, our clients, or the public.
    In connection with a business transfer (merger, acquisition, or sale of assets), subject to appropriate notice and safeguards.
    With your explicit consent in any other circumstance.
  5. Data Retention
    We retain personal and service-related information for as long as needed to provide services, maintain business records, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and comply with legal, tax, or regulatory requirements. When information is no longer needed, we delete or de-identify it in accordance with our record-retention practices, unless a longer retention period is required by law.
  6. Security of Your Information
    We implement reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your personal and health-related information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:
    Encryption of data in transit (TLS/SSL) and encryption of sensitive data at rest where appropriate
    Access controls, authentication requirements, and role-based permissions limiting access on a need-to-know basis
    Secure vendor management and contractual requirements for third-party service providers
    Staff awareness of privacy and data-protection responsibilities
    Incident-response procedures consistent with applicable law
    While we strive to protect your information, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
  7. Your Rights and Choices
    Subject to applicable law, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:
    Right to Access – request the personal information we hold about you
    Right to Correction – request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
    Right to Deletion – request deletion of personal information (subject to legal and record-keeping exceptions)
    Right to Limit Use of Sensitive Information – request that we limit use of health-related information to what is necessary to provide the services
    Right to Non-Discrimination – we will not discriminate against you for exercising privacy rights
    Right to Withdraw Consent – where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time (does not affect prior lawful processing)
    Communication Preferences – opt out of non-essential or marketing communications at any time
    To exercise these rights, email us at info@IowaHearingServices.com. We will verify your identity and respond within a reasonable time (typically within 45 days, or as required by applicable law). We may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes. If we deny a request, we will explain the reason.
  8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
    Our website may use cookies, analytics tools, and similar technologies to understand site usage, improve functionality, and support basic operations. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain website features.
  9. Children’s Privacy
    Our services are intended for adults 18 years of age and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us so we can delete it promptly.
  10. Third-Party Services
    We use third-party platforms to support our services (video-conferencing tools, scheduling software, payment processors, form providers, and cloud storage). These third parties maintain their own privacy policies and terms. We encourage you to review them. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party services.
  11. Contact Information
    Questions, privacy requests, or concerns about this Privacy Policy may be directed to:
    Universal Hearing Services LLC, d/b/a Iowa Hearing Services
    Email: info@IowaHearingServices.com
  12. Changes to This Policy
    We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last Updated” date at the top will reflect the most recent revision. Continued use of our website or services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy. We encourage you to review this Policy periodically.
  13. Related Documents
    This Privacy Policy works together with our Client Service Agreement and Terms of Service. In the event of a conflict regarding the handling of personal information, this Privacy Policy controls.