All ears on Facebook

The campaign aims at increasing the low awareness about hearing care in India.

Marketers have been using Facebook for almost everything now. The latest in the list is a unique concept where people can take a hearing test online, get a personalised report and go on to book an online appointment for further analysis if required.

KRDS India, the social media agency, has developed a first-of-its-kind application for Amplifon, one of the world's largest hearing care solutions service providers. The app provides an online hearing test and aims to help those suffering from hearing loss.

Hearing loss is more common than people are aware of. One of 12 people in India has a hearing loss problem. Over 60 per cent of people in their 60s suffer from hearing loss. Describing the solution, Amandeep Singh, business head, KRDS India, says, "The goal for us was to create an efficient social media strategy for Amplifon that can reach out to India's over-55 generation, who are most often confronted with hearing loss problems."

A simple online test is all it takes. The questions in the test have been prepared by a certified audiologist to understand the user's problem and offer the right advice. Once identified, a user can report to the nearest Amplifon Care Centre and book an appointment.

Gaurav Bali, head of marketing, Amplifon India, says, "People search, interact and respond quickly on social platforms. Connecting with them online along with a physical interface is the need of the hour. In India, the awareness towards hearing care is very low and we are confident that this association will facilitate us in driving awareness online amongst the elderly and the ENT community."

KRDS India now plans to create several such Facebook applications for the hearing care service provider this year. The company is currently on a fast track expansion mode in India. Today, the agency counts commercial offices in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai and has worked with 40 leading brands across the country so far, such as Amway India, Microsoft, Air France India and CRY (Child Rights and You).