A Better Hearing Center
Fostering a Patient-Centered Hearing Health Journey

T

he awareness of hearing health is gaining importance among all demographics. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, about 48 million Americans, irrespective of their age, suffer some extent of hearing loss in their lives. Whether age-related or noise-induced, it is detrimental to quality of life and can be a symptom of underlying cardiovascular issues.

Despite the importance of hearing health, many individuals bypass regular hearing tests. Those experiencing hearing loss may choose unprescribed solutions found online or in retail stores, including devices marketed as ‘hunting aids’ that merely amplify surrounding sounds. Opting for these alternatives, rather than seeking professional help, may provide a temporary solution, but can prove costly in the long run.

This is where A Better Hearing Center, an independent hearing aid practice, proves superior.

With a team of qualified healthcare practitioners, it offers a concierge service plan encompassing everything from hearing tests to hearing aid repair, tinnitus management, custom hearing protection, and ear wax management. It partners with hearing aid manufacturers to bring the latest, customized devices to patients while delivering expert advice and high-quality services.

“Hearing loss treatment is not a one-time fix but a healing journey,” says Jim Stobaugh, owner and hearing care practitioner, A Better Hearing Center. “As a trusted partner for clients, we guide them through the testing process and help them better understand their hearing health and care journeys.”

A Better Hearing Center’s comprehensive approach to hearing wellness is made possible by its network of qualified caregivers. They monitor the patient’s hearing health and conduct tests to program and deliver hearing aids that match their specific condition, as well as the investment they are willing to make. This degree of personalization helps foster deeper engagements and lasting relationships.

Paving the Path for Better Hearing

A Better Hearing Center’s team uses extensive tests and evaluations to assess the patient’s hearing status. These include pure tone and bone conduction assessments, otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometry for determining the nature and severity of their hearing loss. It also carries out speech audiometry testing to understand their ability to comprehend speech and set realistic expectations for hearing aid use.

All tests are conducted in soundproof booths, using headphones or ear inserts to ensure accurate results.

The team then counsels patients on the benefits and limitations of hearing aids based on their conditions.

A patient’s ear measurements are used to precisely program the hearing aid that can optimize their hearing experience. Similarly, when it comes to selecting the products, the team suggests the right technology and recommends manufacturers that align with the patient’s lifestyle.

A Better Hearing Center’s team conducts regular check-ins every three months, with adjustments and maintenance provided at no additional charge.

A Better Hearing Center also excels in relieving patients of tinnitus. Through specialized testing, its team identifies the frequency at which the tinnitus manifests, allowing advanced hearing aid adjustments to generate a masking sound that can effectively alleviate the phantom noise. Though no universal cure exists for this condition, it uses information and insights from patients to manipulate the frequencies and help them better control the symptoms.

It also offers ongoing educational programs to raise awareness about hearing loss, including its causes and associated risks. The company highlights the connection between hearing loss and comorbidities such as Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the potential impact of untreated conditions on overall well-being. Its online surveys are equally helpful for individuals in identifying the presence and extent of their hearing loss. The online screener enables patients to self-test in the comfort of their homes, promoting early detection and intervention. The goal is to go beyond correcting hearing loss and provide support for preventing it.

A True Counsel through the Care Journey

Counseling is a pivotal part of A Better Hearing Center’s offerings. It doesn’t rush through appointments and offers flexible scheduling options to create a comfortable atmosphere. The team carefully listens to patients and guides them through their hearing journey, demonstrating the proper use of hearing aids for optimal comfort.

Many individuals face difficulty in comprehending speech even after using hearing aids due to the decline of their brain’s interpretive ability. The team provides efficient training to help overcome these challenges.

A Better Hearing Center keeps all parties informed about a patient’s hearing health. With the patient’s permission, it notifies their primary care physicians and ENT specialists about test outcomes.

It also encourages family members to participate in the counseling sessions and conducts thorough evaluations of every case history to understand the impact of hearing loss on patients’ lives and their families.

“We treat our patients like family and are committed to delivering exceptional care, fostering positive transformation, and bringing the gift of improved hearing to everyone,” says Tammy Stobaugh, HAD, office administrator, co-owner, VP.

Its personalized approach to helping patients with hearing loss has positively impacted the lives of many.

A patient from Fairplay, Colorado, had endured significant hearing loss from working with loud equipment. Despite the perceived stigmas, including communication barriers, negative stereotypes, social isolation, and old age, he sought the assistance of A Better Hearing Center.

Through consultation and guidance, he was eventually able to hear the voices of his loved ones and appreciate simple joys like watching television. He started attending church, participating in meetings, and enjoying outings with friends.

With a score of 4.8, A Better Hearing Center’s Google reviews are also a testament to these life-altering experiences.

Broadening the Scope of Transformative Hearing

A Better Hearing Center plans to open new facilities across the U.S. and remain committed to staying on the cutting edge, leveraging digital platforms to ensure that the knowledge around hearing loss reaches more people.

Beyond a patient-centric practice, A Better Hearing Center pays equal attention to fostering a culture of growth and development, encouraging its staff members to advance in their careers and become practitioners.

“We pride ourselves in the fact that four individuals who began their journey at the front desk have successfully graduated and become licensed practitioners,” says Jim.

Looking ahead, A Better Hearing Center will continue providing top-notch services to patients. Its commitment to service excellence, fostering a supportive and familial work environment, and pursuing innovation has solidified its position as a leading hearing care provider.