Who we are and what this policy covers

Merit Hearing provides audiology, hearing aid, and related hearing-care services through locations in Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Florida. This policy applies to information collected through this website, including contact forms, scheduling links, cookies, analytics, advertising technologies, and embedded services.

This website policy is not Merit Hearing’s Notice of Privacy Practices. When Merit Hearing is acting as a health-care provider and information is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), that information is handled under the applicable Notice of Privacy Practices and other health-information policies. Not every piece of information collected through a public website is protected health information under HIPAA.

Information we collect

Information you provide

• Contact information, such as your name and email address.
• Your preferred office location and the contents of messages you submit.
• Appointment-request information provided through our scheduling service.
• Information you provide when contacting a Merit Hearing clinic by phone or email.
• Other information you choose to provide.

Please do not use a general website contact form for emergencies. Avoid including sensitive medical details unless the form specifically requests them and you are comfortable providing them.

Information collected automatically

When you visit the site, Merit Hearing and service providers may automatically receive information such as your IP address, browser and device type, operating system, referring page, pages viewed, approximate location, date and time of access, and identifiers stored through cookies, pixels, or similar technologies.

How we use information

• Respond to questions and appointment requests.
• Connect you with an appropriate Merit Hearing location.
• Provide and improve the website and our services.
• Understand website traffic and how visitors use the site.
• Measure advertising and outreach effectiveness.
• Protect the site, prevent spam and fraud, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Comply with legal, regulatory, security, and recordkeeping obligations.

Cookies, analytics, and advertising technologies

The site uses or may use cookies and related technologies provided through WordPress.com and Jetpack, Google services configured through Site Kit, Meta Pixel, and other website tools. These technologies can support essential site functions, traffic measurement, security, performance, and advertising measurement. Depending on configuration, providers may receive device, browser, interaction, and page-visit information.

Browser settings can be used to block or delete cookies, although doing so may affect website functionality. Advertising choices may also be available through the privacy settings offered by Google, Meta, and your device or browser. Where required by applicable law and technically supported, Merit Hearing will honor legally recognized opt-out signals.

Scheduling and other third-party services

Online appointment scheduling is provided through an external hearing-care scheduling portal. The site may also link to or embed services such as online hearing tests, maps, videos, social media, reviews, and clinic-specific tools. Information you provide directly to another service is also governed by that provider’s privacy practices. We encourage you to review those practices before submitting information.

When information may be disclosed

Merit Hearing may disclose information to clinics and staff who need it to respond to you; vendors that provide hosting, security, analytics, advertising, spam prevention, communications, or scheduling services; professional advisers; government authorities when required by law; or a successor in connection with a merger, financing, reorganization, or sale of assets. We may also disclose information with your direction or consent.

Merit Hearing does not sell patient medical records. Some state privacy laws may define certain advertising-related disclosures through cookies or pixels as a “sale,” “sharing,” or “targeted advertising,” even when no money is exchanged. Rights concerning those activities are described below.

Health information and HIPAA

If Merit Hearing receives information in its role as a HIPAA-covered health-care provider, applicable HIPAA notices and policies govern that protected health information. A website privacy policy or cookie banner does not itself authorize a use or disclosure of protected health information. Merit Hearing evaluates website technologies and vendor relationships with these obligations in mind.

Retention and security

We retain information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this policy, including responding to requests, providing services, maintaining records, resolving disputes, protecting the site, and meeting legal obligations. Retention periods vary by the type of information and applicable requirements.

Merit Hearing uses administrative, technical, and physical safeguards intended to protect information. No internet transmission, website, or storage system can be guaranteed completely secure.

Your privacy rights and choices

Depending on where you live and the law that applies, you may have rights to request access to, correction of, deletion of, or a copy of certain personal information; to opt out of certain sales, sharing, targeted advertising, or profiling; to withdraw consent; or to appeal a decision concerning a privacy request. These rights are subject to legal exceptions and verification requirements.

To make a request, email [email protected], call 1-800-627-8788, or use our contact form. Please describe the request and the state where you reside. We may need to verify your identity before responding. You may use an authorized agent where applicable law permits.

Children’s privacy

This website is not directed to children under 13, and Merit Hearing does not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13 without appropriate authorization. A parent or guardian who believes a child has provided information should contact us.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy as our practices, technologies, or legal obligations change. The effective date at the top of the page will show when it was last revised. Material changes may also be highlighted on the website when appropriate.

Contact Merit Hearing

Questions or privacy requests can be sent to [email protected], submitted through the contact form, or made by calling 1-800-627-8788.