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Frequently Asked Questions about the EarPopper
Below are a few of the commonly asked questions we receive about the EarPopper. If we do not cover a question or concern, please feel free to contact us:
How Much does the EarPopper cost?
Does my insurance cover the cost of the EarPopper? (For U.S. residents only)
Is there a Money-Back Guarantee?
Why is my doctor not familiar with this product?
How can I find a physician in my area who is familiar with the EarPopper?
Why does the EarPopper require a prescription?
Who are candidates for the EarPopper?
What does the EarPopper do?
How does the EarPopper work?
How is the EarPopper used?
Is it safe? Could air pressure damage the ear?
Can this cause a disease to move from my nose into the ear?
Does it hurt?
Q: How Much does the EarPopper cost?
A: In the US- the suggested retail price for the EarPopper is $200.
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Q: Does my insurance cover the cost of the EarPopper? (For U.S. residents only)
A: The EarPopper may be covered by your insurance company. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage. The device may be covered under your prescription plan or durable medical equipment coverage (use HCPCS Code E1399). Your cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage, co-pay amounts and the individual pharmacy. Micromedics does not guarantee coverage of this device.
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Q: Is there a Money-Back Guarantee?
A: Yes – if you purchase your EarPopper directly from Micromedics- we will offer a 30 days money-back guarantee. If you are not totally happy with your results, return the device and we will return your money. See details below.
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Q: Why is my doctor not familiar with this product?
A: New technology is adapted at different speeds, with varying attitudes and responses depending on physicians, nurses, hospitals, clinics and local communities.
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Q: How can I find a physician in my area who is familiar with the EarPopper?
A: We are happy to provide you with the name and location of a physician or nurse practitioner in your area that is familiar with the EarPopper.
Contact Micromedics Customer Service:
Toll Free within US: 1-800-624-5662
Telephone: 1-651-452-1977
FAX: 651-452-1787
Toll Free FAX within US: 888-504-0606
Email: info@micromedics.com
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Q: Why does the EarPopper require a prescription?
A: In the United States, the FDA has deemed the EarPopper as a prescription-only device. It is necessary for a medical care provider to determine the EarPopper is suitable for your specific ear problems.
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Q: Who are candidates for the EarPopper?
A: Children and adults diagnosed with fluid in the middle ear, airplane passengers or divers who have problems adjusting to changes in elevation, persons with Eustachian tube dysfunction, etc.
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Q: What does the EarPopper do?
A: The EarPopper equalizes pressure in the middle ear by opening the Eustachian tube. The middle ear is a closed, air filled chamber that is normally ventilated by the Eustachian tube. The middle ear is separated from the outer ear by the ear drum. Under some circumstances, pressure in the middle ear can become higher or lower than the pressure in the outer ear. This condition can cause hearing loss, severe pain and, in some cases, cause fluid to accumulate in the middle ear.
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Q: How does the EarPopper work?
A: The Ear Popper directs a steady, controlled stream of air into the nose. Swallowing diverts the air into the Eustachian tube, opening the Eustachian tube and relieving pressure imbalance in the middle ear. (The effectiveness of this technique was originally discovered by Dr. Adam Politzer in the nineteenth century).
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Q: How is the EarPopper used?
A: The user places the EarPopper firmly against one nostril, blocks his/her other nostril, activates the device, and swallows while the device is running. For simple pressure imbalance, relief can be instantaneous. When fluid is present, the treatment is repeated twice in each nostril, twice a day and is recommended for seven weeks or until the hearing returns.
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Q: Is it safe? Could air pressure damage the ear?
A: The EarPopper is extremely safe. A recent clinical study funded by NIH (National Institutes of Health) was conducted on children and demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the device. There is no pressure in the ear until swallowing occurs. During swallowing, the pressure in the ear is controlled by the device at a very safe level. The total duration of pressure is less than one second.
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Q: Can this cause a disease to move from my nose into the ear?
A: There is no clinical evidence showing this treatment can cause any adverse reactions. Current clinical evidence shows the EarPopper is successful in treating patients suffering from middle ear pressure caused by colds, allergies, Otitis Media and eustachian tube dysfunction.
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Q: Does it hurt?
A: The familiar "popping" of the ears is caused by the opening of the Eustachian tube during swallowing. This is nature's own way of relieving pressure imbalance in the middle ear. The sensation of the ear "popping" during the EarPopper treatment is important because it indicates the treatment is working. The popping can be experienced as ranging from practically no sensation at all to a momentary mild feeling of pressure. The EarPopper has different settings to accommodate different tolerances of the sensation. Most of the children in the clinical study tolerated the sensation very well. Many even thought it was fun.
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Money Back Guarantee (US only)
We want you to be satisfied with your EarPopper purchase. If you are not satisfied with the EarPopper, you may return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund of the purchase price.
The item must be returned in good condition, in its original box, and with all paperwork, parts and accessories to ensure full credit. Please see our Return Rules and Restrictions and Return Exceptions before returning your item.
Our money back guarantee applies only to the EP-2100 EarPopper device purchased directly through Micromedics. The 30 day money back guarantee does not apply to devices purchased from pharmacies, distributors, other on-line sources, or physicians. The policy also does not apply to the EP-3000 in-office device.
Returns by Mail
Here are the basic steps:
- Pack the item securely in the original package, if possible. Enclose a copy of the original packing slip with the device.
- The device must be returned in good condition, in its original box, and with all paperwork, parts and accessories to ensure full credit.
- All return shipping charges must be prepaid. We cannot accept C.O.D. deliveries.
- Contact Micromedics Customer Service Department at 1.800.624-5662 to obtain your Return Authorization Number. Once you have obtained your Return Authorization Number, write this number on the outside of the package and ship the return package to the address provided by Customer Service. For your protection, we recommend that you use UPS or Insured Parcel Post for your return.
- Keep the Return Tracking Number from the package you are returning to ensure that the package is returned to us.
- You can expect a refund in the same form of payment originally used for purchase usually within 10-15 business days of our receiving your returned product. Delays may be experienced in the case of incomplete returns.
Return Rules and Restrictions
Items must be returned within 30 days of delivery.
You must include a copy of the original packing slip. Be certain to save copies for your records. Shipping and handling costs and other additional charges are non-refundable.
We will not accept CODs or third party billing for returned merchandise.
If there is extensive damage to an item upon delivery, call Customer Service immediately at 1-800-624-5662.
You can expect a refund in the same form of payment originally used for purchase within 10-15 days of our receiving your returned product.
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