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Privacy Policy

  • Last Updated: March 30, 2026

For Visitors and Patients

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 visit our healthcare directory website, read our educational content, or submit callback requests to healthcare providers.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we handle your information.

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.

Note: This Privacy Policy applies to visitors and prospective patients. Healthcare providers and practices listing their businesses on our Platform are subject to a separate Business Privacy Policy.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect several types of information from visitors to our Platform:

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

Callback Request Forms:

When you submit a callback request to a healthcare provider, we collect:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Reason for inquiry or general health concern/question
  • Any additional information you choose to provide in the message field

Important: We recommend not including detailed health information, protected health information (PHI), or sensitive medical details in callback request forms. Provide only general information about your inquiry (e.g., “interested in consultation for hearing loss” rather than detailed symptoms or medical history).

Communications with Us:

  • Emails or messages you send to our customer support
  • Feedback, questions, or suggestions you provide
  • Any other information you choose to share with us

Newsletter Subscriptions (if applicable):

  • Email address for receiving updates or newsletters

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

Usage and Analytics Data:

When you visit our Platform, we automatically collect:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type and operating system
  • Pages visited and time spent on pages
  • Educational content you read or view (article titles, videos watched)
  • Search queries you enter in the directory
  • Provider listings you view
  • Date and time of your visits
  • Referring website or source that brought you to our Platform
  • Click patterns and navigation paths

Tracking Your Content Journey:

We specifically track:

  • Which educational articles you read
  • How long you spend reading each article
  • Whether you submit a callback request after reading educational content
  • The path from educational content to callback submission

This helps us understand which content is most helpful and improve the user experience.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies:

  • Session cookies (temporary, deleted when you close your browser)
  • Persistent cookies (stored on your device for future visits)
  • Analytics cookies (Google Analytics)
  • Advertising cookies (Facebook Pixel)
  • 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 from:

  • Analytics providers (Google Analytics)
  • Advertising platforms (Facebook)
  • Public internet sources (to understand traffic sources)

1.4 Aggregated and De-Identified Data

We may create aggregated or de-identified data from the information we collect. This data does not personally identify you and may be used for any purpose, including:

  • Understanding which health topics are most searched
  • Improving our educational content
  • Marketing and promotional purposes
  • Research and analytics

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

2.1 Providing the Callback Request Service

Primary Purpose:

  • Storing your callback request information in our system
  • Forwarding your contact information and inquiry to the healthcare provider(s) you selected
  • Enabling providers to contact you for scheduling or consultation
  • Maintaining records of callback requests for service improvement

Important: When you submit a callback request, the provider you selected receives your name, phone number, email address, and inquiry details. The provider may contact you directly, and their use of your information is subject to their own privacy practices.

2.2 Operating and Improving the Platform

  • Maintaining the functionality and security of the website
  • Understanding how visitors use the Platform
  • Identifying which educational content is most valuable
  • Improving the directory search and browsing experience
  • Troubleshooting technical issues
  • Developing new features and services

2.3 Analytics and Research

Educational Content Analytics:

  • Tracking which articles, guides, and videos are most popular
  • Measuring time spent on educational content
  • Understanding user engagement with different topics
  • Identifying content gaps or areas for improvement

User Journey Analysis:

  • Analyzing the path from educational content to callback requests
  • Understanding which content leads to user actions
  • Identifying patterns in how users find and contact providers
  • Improving the conversion from browsing to contacting providers

Directory Usage:

  • Understanding search patterns and provider discovery
  • Improving search relevance and results
  • Analyzing geographic trends in provider searches

2.4 Marketing and Communications

  • Sending newsletters with health tips or new content (if you subscribe)
  • Promoting our Platform to attract more visitors
  • Advertising on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram)
  • Remarketing to previous visitors
  • Understanding the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns

You may opt out of marketing communications (see Section 9 “Your Privacy Rights and Choices”).

2.5 Legal and Compliance

  • Complying with legal obligations and regulations
  • Responding to legal requests or court orders
  • Protecting our legal rights and interests
  • Preventing fraud or abuse of the Platform
  • Enforcing our Terms of Use

3. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

3.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our Platform. They help us provide a better user experience and understand how you use our website.

3.2 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Required):

  • Necessary for basic website functionality
  • Remember your preferences during your visit
  • Enable security features
  • Cannot be disabled without affecting website performance

Analytics Cookies:

  • Google Analytics: Tracks page views, user behavior, traffic sources, and engagement metrics
  • Helps us understand:
    • Which pages are most visited
    • How long users spend on the website
    • Which educational articles are most read
    • Where visitors are located geographically
    • What devices and browsers are being used

Advertising and Marketing Cookies:

  • Tracking Pixels (ie. Facebook Pixel): Enables targeted advertising on related websites, (ie. Facebook and Instagram)
  • Tracks:
    • Website visits and page views
    • Callback request submissions (conversion tracking)
    • User interactions with content
  • Allows us to:
    • Show relevant ads to people who have visited our Platform
    • Create custom audiences for advertising
    • Measure ad campaign effectiveness
    • Retarget visitors who didn’t submit a callback request

Functional Cookies:

  • Remember your search preferences
  • Enhance user experience with personalized features
  • Store your location for showing relevant providers

3.3 Content and Journey Tracking

We use cookies and analytics to track:

  • Which educational articles you read: Titles, topics, time spent
  • Video viewing behavior: Which videos you watch, how long you watch
  • Journey from content to action: Whether reading an article about a health topic leads to searching for providers or submitting callback requests
  • Search patterns: What specialties, locations, or services you search for
  • Provider listing views: Which providers you view and how long you spend on their profiles

This information helps us:

  • Create more valuable educational content
  • Understand which topics drive users to seek care
  • Improve the user experience
  • Optimize content placement and recommendations

3.4 Third-Party Cookies

Third-party services we use may set their own cookies:

  • Google Analytics (analytics and tracking)
  • Facebook Pixel (advertising and remarketing)
  • Content delivery networks (CDNs)

These third parties have their own privacy policies governing their use of your information.

3.5 Managing Cookies

Browser Settings:

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

  • Block all cookies (may impact website functionality)
  • Delete cookies after each session
  • Set preferences for third-party cookies
  • Receive alerts when cookies are being set

Consult your browser’s help documentation for specific instructions.

Opt-Out Tools:

Note: Disabling essential cookies may prevent you from using certain features of the Platform, including submitting callback requests.

3.6 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 With Healthcare Providers You Contact

This is the primary purpose of our callback request service.

When you submit a callback request form:

  • Your name, phone number, email address, and inquiry details are shared with the specific healthcare provider(s) you selected
  • The provider receives your information directly from us
  • We store your request in our system before forwarding it to the provider
  • The provider may use your information to contact you, schedule appointments, or provide information about their services

Important: Once we share your information with a provider, their use of that information is subject to their own privacy practices, not ours. We recommend asking providers about their privacy policies when they contact you.

4.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party companies that help us operate the Platform:

Analytics Providers:

  • Google Analytics: Usage data, IP address, device information, browsing behavior
  • Purpose: Understanding website traffic, user behavior, and content performance
  • Data shared: Anonymous usage statistics, page views, session duration, geographic location

Advertising Platforms:

  • Facebook Pixel: Website visits, page views, callback request submissions, user interactions
  • Purpose: Delivering targeted ads, measuring campaign effectiveness, remarketing
  • Data shared: Website activity, conversion events (e.g., callback submissions), device information

Email Service Providers (if applicable):

  • Email marketing platforms for newsletters
  • Purpose: Sending promotional emails, health tips, or content updates
  • Data shared: Email address, name, subscription preferences

Hosting and Infrastructure:

  • Cloud hosting providers and database services
  • Purpose: Storing data, hosting the website, 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.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or when necessary to:

  • Comply with legal obligations, subpoenas, or court orders
  • Respond to government or regulatory requests
  • Enforce our Terms of Use
  • Protect our legal rights, property, or safety
  • Protect the rights, safety, or security of our users or the public
  • Prevent fraud, abuse, or illegal activity

4.5 With Your Consent

We may share your information with third parties when you provide explicit consent.

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. For example:

  • “50% of visitors who read articles about hearing loss submitted callback requests”
  • “Users in the Atlanta area most frequently search for audiologists”

5. DATA RETENTION

5.1 How Long We Keep Your Information

Callback Request Data:

We retain callback request information indefinitely for the following purposes:

  • Analytics and improvement of our services
  • Understanding conversion patterns from content to callback requests
  • Research on user behavior and preferences
  • Measuring the effectiveness of our Platform over time
  • Compliance with legal obligations

This includes:

  • Your name, phone number, email address
  • Inquiry details and reason for callback
  • Date and time of submission
  • The provider you contacted
  • Any associated browsing or content history (which articles you read before submitting the request)

Other Data Retention:

  • Usage and analytics data: Retained for up to 26 months (Google Analytics default)
  • Cookie data: Varies by cookie type (session cookies deleted when browser closes; persistent cookies may last up to 2 years)
  • Email communications: Retained as long as necessary for our records
  • Aggregated data: Retained indefinitely (does not personally identify you)

5.2 Deletion of Data

While we retain callback request data indefinitely by default, you may request deletion of your data at any time (see Section 9 “Your Privacy Rights and Choices”).

Upon receiving a deletion request, we will:

  • Delete your callback request information from our active databases
  • Retain only anonymized or aggregated data that does not identify you
  • Maintain certain information as required by law (e.g., financial records, legal compliance)

6. DATA SECURITY

6.1 Security Measures

We implement reasonable technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect your information:

Technical Safeguards:

  • Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols (HTTPS)
  • Secure database configurations and access controls
  • Regular security updates and patches
  • Firewall protection
  • Intrusion detection and prevention systems

Administrative Safeguards:

  • Limited employee access to personal information (need-to-know basis)
  • Employee training on data privacy and security
  • Confidentiality agreements with employees and contractors
  • Regular security audits and assessments

Physical Safeguards:

  • Secure data center facilities with restricted access
  • Environmental controls and monitoring
  • Backup and disaster recovery procedures

6.2 Limitations of Security

No system is completely secure. Despite our security measures:

  • We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information
  • Data transmission over the internet carries inherent risks
  • Unauthorized access, hacking, or data breaches may occur despite our precautions

6.3 Your Responsibility

You can help protect your information by:

  • Being cautious about the information you include in callback requests
  • Not sharing sensitive medical details or protected health information (PHI) in forms
  • Using secure internet connections when accessing our Platform
  • Being aware of phishing attempts or fraudulent communications

6.4 Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach affecting your personal information, we will:

  • Notify affected users without unreasonable delay
  • Notify appropriate regulatory authorities as required by law
  • Provide information about the breach and steps you can take to protect yourself
  • Take measures to mitigate harm and prevent future breaches

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 information from children under 13
  • We do not knowingly allow children under 13 to submit callback requests
  • If we discover we have collected information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete it

7.3 Parental Notice

If you are a parent or guardian and believe we have collected information from your child under age 13, please contact us immediately at info@askanaudiologist.com, and we will delete the information.

7.4 Minors Aged 13-17

Minors aged 13-17 should obtain parental permission before:

  • Submitting callback requests
  • Providing personal information on our Platform
  • Signing up for newsletters or communications

Parents or guardians may request deletion of information provided by minors.

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 Consent to Transfer

By using our Platform, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and the application of United States law regarding data protection.

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 Your Information

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you.

How to request:

  • Email us at privacy@askanaudiologist.com
  • Provide your name and the email or phone number used for callback requests
  • We will respond within 30 days with the information we have on file

9.2 Correct Your Information

If your information is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request corrections.

How to request:

  • Email us at privacy@askanaudiologist.com with the corrected information
  • Specify which information is incorrect and provide the accurate information
  • We will update our records within 30 days

9.3 Delete Your Information

You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to:

  • Legal retention requirements
  • Legitimate business needs (e.g., defending against legal claims)

How to request:

  • Email us at privacy@askanaudiologist.com with your deletion request
  • Provide your name and the email or phone number associated with callback requests
  • We will delete your information within 30-45 days, except where retention is required by law

What gets deleted:

  • Your callback request information (name, phone, email, inquiry details)
  • Your usage and browsing history (where identifiable to you)
  • Cookie data associated with your device

What remains:

  • Aggregated or anonymized data that does not identify you
  • Information required for legal or compliance purposes

9.4 Opt-Out of Marketing Communications

If you receive marketing emails or newsletters from us (if applicable), you may opt out at any time:

  • Click the “unsubscribe” link in any marketing email
  • Email us at info@askanaudiologist.com to request removal from marketing lists
  • We will process your opt-out within 10 business days

Note: Opting out of marketing does not affect:

  • Callback requests you previously submitted (providers may still contact you)
  • Transactional communications related to your use of the Platform

9.5 Cookie Preferences

You can manage cookies through:

9.6 Do Not Sell My Information

We do not sell your personal information for monetary consideration.

However, sharing data with advertising partners (like Facebook Pixel) may be considered a “sale” under some state privacy laws.

To opt out of data sharing for advertising:

  • Email us at privacy@askanaudiologist.com with your opt-out request
  • We will exclude you from advertising data sharing within 15 days
  • Provide your email address or other identifying information so we can locate your data

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:

You can request:

  • Categories of personal information we collect
  • Specific pieces of personal information we hold about you
  • Sources of information
  • Purposes for collection and use
  • Categories of third parties with whom we share information

Right to Delete:

You can request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal exceptions).

Right to Opt-Out:

You can opt out of the “sale” or “sharing” of your personal information for targeted advertising.

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 (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. You will not be:

  • Denied services
  • Charged different prices
  • Provided different quality of service

How to Exercise California Rights:

  • Email: privacy@askanaudiologist.com
  • Mail: Entheos Audiology Cooperative, Inc., 1501 S Clinton St, #10311 Fort Wayne, IN 46851

We will verify your identity and 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, Utah, etc.) may have similar rights, including:

  • Right to access personal information
  • Right to delete personal information
  • Right to opt out of targeted advertising
  • Right to opt out of the “sale” of personal information
  • Right to correct inaccurate information

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@askanaudiologist.com.

11. THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES AND SERVICES

11.1 External Links

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites, including:

  • Healthcare provider websites
  • Medical information resources
  • Social media platforms
  • Partner websites

11.2 No Responsibility

We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of third-party websites. Third-party sites have their own privacy policies and terms of use.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

11.3 No Endorsement

Links to third-party websites do not constitute an endorsement of those sites or their privacy practices.

11.4 Healthcare Provider Privacy Practices

Important: When you submit a callback request, healthcare providers receive your information and may contact you. Their use of your information is governed by their own privacy policies, not ours.

We are not responsible for:

  • How providers handle your information
  • Providers’ compliance with HIPAA or other healthcare privacy laws
  • Communications you have with providers after submitting a callback request

12. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

12.1 Updates

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
  • For material changes, provide notice on our website or via email

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 should stop using the Platform and may request deletion of your information.

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

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us:

Privacy Inquiries:
 Email: privacy@askanaudiologist.com
Mail: 1501 S Clinton St, #10311 Fort Wayne, IN 46851

13.2 General Customer Support

For general questions about our Platform:

Email: accounts@askanaudiologist.com

13.3 Response Time

We will respond to privacy requests within:

  • 30 days for general inquiries
  • 45 days for rights requests (or as required by applicable law)

If we need additional time, we will notify you and provide an explanation.

14. IMPORTANT NOTICES

14.1 No Protected Health Information (PHI)

Do not include protected health information (PHI) in callback request forms.

Our Platform is not a HIPAA-covered entity. We are not equipped to handle PHI in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

When submitting callback requests:

  • Provide only general information about your inquiry (e.g., “interested in hearing consultation”)
  • Do not include detailed symptoms, diagnoses, medical history, or treatment information
  • Do not include information about specific medical conditions beyond general categories
  • Save detailed health discussions for your actual consultation with the provider

14.2 Security of Health-Related Inquiries

While we take reasonable security measures, callback request forms are not designed for transmitting sensitive medical information. Use general terms to describe your inquiry.

14.3 Provider Responsibility

Healthcare providers you contact through our Platform are responsible for:

  • Compliance with HIPAA and healthcare privacy laws
  • Protecting your information once you become their patient
  • Maintaining confidentiality of your health information

Their privacy practices are separate from ours.

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 how we use cookies and tracking technologies
  • You understand that callback request information is shared with healthcare providers and retained indefinitely
  • You understand your privacy rights and how to exercise them
  • You will not include protected health information (PHI) in callback requests
  • You are responsible for verifying provider privacy practices

If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Platform.

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