INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Ask An Audiologist (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “Platform”). This Privacy Policy explains how Entheos Audiology Cooperative, Inc. collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal information when you use our healthcare directory website and services.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy applies to all users of our Platform, including healthcare practices, individual healthcare providers, and visitors browsing our directory.
By using our Platform, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.
If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Platform.
1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
We collect several types of information from and about users of our Platform:
1.1 Information You Provide Directly
Account Registration Information:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Business or practice name
- Professional credentials and licensure information
- Practice location(s) and address(es)
- Areas of specialization or services offered
- Business hours and availability
- Professional biography or description
- And other related information
Payment Information:
- Credit card or debit card information
- Billing address
- Payment history and transaction records
Note: Payment card information is collected and processed by our third-party payment processor (ie. Stripe). We do not directly store your complete payment card numbers on our servers.
Profile and Listing Information may include:
- Provider photos and headshots
- Practice or office photos
- Educational background and training
- Professional certifications and affiliations
- Languages spoken
- Insurance accepted
- Any other information you choose to include in your listing
Communications:
- Emails, messages, or other communications you send to us
- Customer support inquiries and correspondence
- Feedback, surveys, or testimonials
- Marketing communication preferences
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
Usage and Analytics Data:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
- Referring website or source
- Click patterns and navigation paths
- Date and time of access
- Search queries entered on the Platform
- Listings viewed or interactions with listings
Cookies and Tracking Technologies:
- Session cookies (temporary)
- Persistent cookies (stored on your device)
- Analytics cookies (Google Analytics, etc.)
- Advertising cookies (Facebook Pixel, etc.)
- Web beacons and pixel tags
See Section 3 “Cookies and Tracking Technologies” for more details.
1.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information about you from third-party sources:
- Public databases of professional licensing and credentials
- Social media platforms (if you connect your account)
- Business directories and verification services
- Payment processors (transaction confirmations)
- Analytics and marketing service providers
1.4 Aggregated and De-Identified Data
We may create aggregated or de-identified data from the information we collect. This data does not identify you personally and may be used for any purpose, including research, analytics, and marketing.
2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
2.1 Providing and Operating the Platform
- Creating and managing your account
- Displaying your practice or provider listings in our directory
- Processing payments for paid subscriptions
- Providing customer support and responding to inquiries
- Sending transactional emails (account confirmations, payment receipts, etc.)
- Maintaining the security and integrity of the Platform
- Enforcing our Terms of Use
- Fulfilling our contractual obligations to you
2.2 Improving and Personalizing the Platform
- Analyzing usage patterns and trends
- Understanding user preferences and behavior
- Improving our services, features, and user experience
- Developing new products and services
- Conducting research and analytics
- Testing and troubleshooting new features
2.3 Marketing and Communications
- Sending promotional emails about new features, services, or special offers
- Providing information about subscription upgrades or premium features
- Conducting surveys and requesting feedback
- Sending newsletters and industry updates
- Advertising our Platform to attract new users
You may opt out of marketing communications at any time (see Section 9 “Your Privacy Rights and Choices”).
2.4 Advertising and Sponsored Listings
- Delivering sponsored or featured listings to appropriate audiences
- Measuring the effectiveness of advertising campaigns
- Targeting relevant audiences for promotional content
- Optimizing ad placement and performance
2.5 Legal and Compliance Purposes
- Complying with legal obligations and regulations
- Responding to legal requests, subpoenas, or court orders
- Protecting our legal rights and interests
- Preventing fraud, abuse, or illegal activity
- Enforcing our Terms of Use and policies
- Protecting the safety and security of our users and the Platform
3. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES
3.1 What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our Platform. We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your usage and preferences.
3.2 Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies (Required):
- Necessary for the Platform to function properly
- Enable account login and security features
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Cannot be disabled without affecting Platform functionality
Analytics Cookies:
- Google Analytics: Tracks usage patterns, page views, and user behavior
- Helps us understand how users interact with the Platform
- Provides insights for improving our services
Advertising and Marketing Cookies:
- Facebook Pixel: Enables targeted advertising on Facebook and Instagram
- Tracks conversions and measures ad effectiveness
- Allows retargeting of Platform visitors
- Used for custom audience creation
Functional Cookies:
- Remember your preferences and choices
- Enhance user experience
- Enable personalized features
3.3 Third-Party Cookies
Third-party services we use may set their own cookies:
- Google Analytics
- Facebook Pixel
- Payment processors (Stripe)
- Email service providers (Mailchimp, SendGrid, etc.)
- CRM systems
These third parties have their own privacy policies governing their use of your information.
3.4 Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
- Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies
- Browser settings vary; consult your browser’s help documentation
- Disabling essential cookies may limit Platform functionality
To opt out of specific tracking:
- Google Analytics: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
- Facebook Pixel: Adjust your Facebook ad preferences
3.5 Do Not Track Signals
Our Platform does not currently respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals. We may implement DNT recognition in the future.
4. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION
We share your information in the following circumstances:
4.1 Public Directory Listings
Information you include in your practice or provider listing is publicly visible to anyone who visits our Platform, including:
- Practice name and location
- Provider names and credentials
- Services offered
- Contact information
- Photos and descriptions
- Any other information you choose to make public
You control what information appears in your public listing.
4.2 Third-Party Service Providers
We share information with trusted third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf:
Payment Processing:
- Stripe (primary payment processor)
- Other payment processors as implemented
- Purpose: Processing subscription payments and managing billing
- Data shared: Name, email, billing address, payment information
Analytics and Tracking:
- Google Analytics
- Facebook Pixel
- Other analytics tools
- Purpose: Understanding usage patterns, measuring performance, and improving services
- Data shared: Usage data, IP address, device information, browsing behavior
Email Communications:
- Mailchimp, SendGrid, or similar email service providers
- Purpose: Sending transactional emails, newsletters, and marketing communications
- Data shared: Name, email address, communication preferences
Customer Relationship Management (CRM):
- CRM system providers
- Purpose: Managing customer relationships, tracking interactions, improving support
- Data shared: Account information, communication history, support tickets
Infrastructure and Hosting:
- Cloud hosting providers
- Database services
- Purpose: Storing data, hosting the Platform, ensuring availability
- Data shared: All information necessary to operate the Platform
These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.
4.3 Business Transfers
If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, bankruptcy, or other business transaction, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change and any choices you may have.
4.4 Legal Requirements and Protection of Rights
We may disclose your information when required by law or when we believe disclosure is necessary to:
- Comply with legal obligations, regulations, or legal processes
- Respond to subpoenas, court orders, or government requests
- Enforce our Terms of Use and other agreements
- Protect our legal rights, property, or safety
- Protect the rights, property, or safety of our users or the public
- Detect, prevent, or address fraud, security, or technical issues
- Investigate potential violations of our policies
4.5 With Your Consent
We may share your information with third parties when you provide explicit consent or direction to do so.
4.6 Aggregated and De-Identified Data
We may share aggregated, anonymized, or de-identified data that does not personally identify you with third parties for research, marketing, analytics, or other purposes.
5. DATA RETENTION
5.1 How Long We Keep Your Information
We retain your information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide you with our services
- Maintain your account (while active)
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
- Fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy
5.2 Retention Periods
Active Accounts:
- Retained for the duration of your account plus applicable retention periods
Closed Accounts:
- Account data may be retained after account closure
- Payment records retained for 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
- Aggregated data may be retained indefinitely
Legal and Compliance Records:
- Retained as required by applicable laws and regulations
- May include financial records, legal correspondence, and compliance documentation
5.3 Deletion of Data
You may request deletion of your data at any time (see Section 9 “Your Privacy Rights and Choices”), subject to legal retention requirements.
6. DATA SECURITY
6.1 Security Measures
We implement reasonable technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction:
Technical Safeguards:
- Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
- Encryption of sensitive data at rest
- Secure database configurations
- Regular security updates and patches
- Firewall protection and intrusion detection systems
Administrative Safeguards:
- Access controls limiting employee access to personal information
- Employee training on data privacy and security
- Background checks for employees with access to sensitive data
- Confidentiality agreements with employees and contractors
Physical Safeguards:
- Secure data center facilities
- Restricted access to servers and infrastructure
- Environmental controls and monitoring
Payment Security:
- PCI DSS compliance through our payment processor (Stripe)
- We do not store complete payment card numbers
- Tokenization of payment information
6.2 Limitations
Despite our security measures, no system is completely secure. We cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information. You are responsible for:
- Maintaining the confidentiality of your account password
- Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access
- Using strong, unique passwords
- Keeping your contact information current
6.3 Data Breach Notification
In the event of a data breach that compromises your personal information, we will:
- Notify affected users without unreasonable delay
- Notify appropriate regulatory authorities as required by law
- Take steps to mitigate harm and prevent future breaches
- Provide information about the breach and steps you can take to protect yourself
7. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY
7.1 Age Restriction
Our Platform is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
7.2 COPPA Compliance
In compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA):
- We do not knowingly solicit or collect information from children under 13
- Our services are designed for adults (healthcare professionals and practices)
- If we discover we have collected information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete it
7.3 Parental Notice
If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at info@askanaudiologist.com, and we will take appropriate action to delete the information.
8. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS
8.1 United States Operation
Our Platform is operated in the United States. If you access the Platform from outside the United States, your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.
8.2 Data Protection Standards
The United States may not have the same data protection laws as your jurisdiction. By using our Platform, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and the application of United States law.
8.3 No GDPR Compliance
Our Platform does not currently support users in the European Union or European Economic Area. We do not process data subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If you are located in the EU/EEA, please do not use our Platform.
9. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS AND CHOICES
9.1 Access and Correction
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request a copy of your information
- Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Update your account information at any time
How to exercise: Log in to your account and update your profile, or contact us at info@askanaudiologist.com.
9.2 Deletion Rights
You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to:
- Legal retention requirements
- Legitimate business needs
- Contractual obligations
How to exercise: Contact us at info@askanaudiologist.com with your deletion request. We will respond within [30 days].
Note: Deleting your account will remove your listings from the Platform and may result in loss of access to paid features without refund.
9.3 Marketing Communications Opt-Out
You may opt out of marketing communications at any time:
- Click “unsubscribe” in any marketing email
- Adjust email preferences in your account settings
- Contact us at info@askanaudiologist.com
Note: You cannot opt out of essential transactional emails (account notifications, payment receipts, security alerts).
9.4 Cookie Management
You can manage cookies through:
- Your browser settings (block or delete cookies)
- Google Analytics opt-out: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
- Facebook ad preferences: https://www.facebook.com/ads/preferences
9.5 Do Not Sell My Information
We do not sell your personal information to third parties for monetary consideration. However, sharing data with advertising partners may be considered a “sale” under some state privacy laws.
California residents: You have the right to opt out of the sale of your personal information. Contact us at info@askanaudiologist.com to exercise this right.
9.6 Account Closure
You may close your account at any time by contacting customer support at accounts@askanaudiologist.com
Upon account closure:
- Your public listings will be removed
- We will retain certain information as described in Section 5 “Data Retention”
- Aggregated data may be retained indefinitely
10. STATE-SPECIFIC PRIVACY RIGHTS
10.1 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA):
Right to Know:
- Categories of personal information collected
- Sources of personal information
- Purposes for collection and use
- Categories of third parties with whom we share information
Right to Delete:
- Request deletion of your personal information (subject to exceptions)
Right to Opt-Out:
- Opt out of the “sale” or “sharing” of personal information
Right to Correct:
You can request the correction of inaccurate information.
Right to Limit Use of Sensitive Personal Information:
If we collect sensitive personal information (as defined under CPRA), you can limit its use to necessary purposes only.
Right to Non-Discrimination:
- We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights
How to exercise these rights:
- Email: info@askanaudiologist.com
We will verify your identity before processing requests. We will respond within 45 days.
California “Shine the Light” (Civil Code § 1798.83):
We do not disclose personal information to third parties for their direct marketing purposes unless you first affirmatively agree. If you have questions, contact us at privacy@askanaudiologist.com.
10.2 Other State Privacy Laws
Residents of other states with comprehensive privacy laws (Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, etc.) may have similar rights. Contact us at info@askanaudiologist.com to inquire about your state-specific rights.
11. THIRD-PARTY LINKS AND SERVICES
11.1 Third-Party Websites
Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources that are not controlled by us. This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party sites.
We are not responsible for:
- The privacy practices of third-party websites
- The content or security of external sites
- Any information you provide to third parties
We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
11.2 Third-Party Services
Third-party services integrated with our Platform (payment processors, analytics, etc.) have their own privacy policies:
- Stripe: https://stripe.com/privacy
- Google Analytics: https://policies.google.com/privacy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy
12. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
12.1 Updates and Modifications
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. When we make changes, we will:
- Update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
- Post the revised Privacy Policy on our Platform
- Notify you of material changes via email (to the address on file)
- For significant changes, we may provide additional notice through the Platform
12.2 Your Acceptance
Your continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to changes, you must stop using the Platform and may close your account.
12.3 Review Regularly
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
13. CONTACT US
13.1 Privacy Questions and Requests
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us:
Privacy Inquiries:
Email: privacy@askanaudiologist.com
Mail: Entheos Audiology Cooperative, Inc., 1501 S Clinton St, #10311 Fort Wayne, IN 46851
13.2 Customer Support
For general customer support or account questions:
Email: accounts@askanaudiologist.com
13.3 Response Time
We will respond to privacy requests within:
- 30 days for general inquiries
- As required by applicable law for rights requests (typically 30-45 days)
14. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES
14.1 Not a HIPAA Covered Entity
Important: Our Platform is NOT a HIPAA-covered entity. We do not:
- Access, store, or transmit protected health information (PHI)
- Create patient-provider relationships
- Provide healthcare services or electronic health records
- Act as a business associate under HIPAA
Healthcare providers using our Platform are responsible for their own HIPAA compliance. Do not post PHI or patient information on our Platform.
14.2 Professional Information
Information about healthcare providers’ credentials, licensure, and professional background may be publicly available or obtained from:
-
- State licensing boards
- Professional associations
- Public databases
- Provider-submitted information
We may verify this information, but we are not responsible for its accuracy. Providers are responsible for ensuring their information is current and accurate.
14.3 No Guarantee of Anonymity
While we take reasonable measures to protect your information, no online platform can guarantee complete anonymity. Be mindful of:
- Information you choose to make public in your listings
- Communications you send through the Platform
- Information visible to other users
15. DEFINITIONS
Personal Information: Information that identifies, relates to, or could reasonably be linked to you, including name, email, phone number, IP address, and usage data.
Platform: Our healthcare directory website and all related services.
We/Us/Our: Entheos Audiology Cooperative, Inc. and its affiliates, employees, and agents.
You/Your: The individual or entity using our Platform.
Cookies: Small text files stored on your device to collect information about your usage.
Third Party: Any entity other than you and us.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
By using our Platform, you acknowledge that:
- You have read and understood this Privacy Policy
- You consent to our collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described
- You understand your privacy rights and how to exercise them
- You are responsible for the accuracy of the information you provide
- You will not post protected health information or patient data
If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Platform.