Bella Vista audiologist strives to help all in need

Dr. Gretchen Magee is passionate about helping people find the right hearing aid and educating them about hearing issues. As the audiologist and owner of Better Hearing & Balance Connection in Bella Vista, she is able to do both every day.

“I like to answer questions so that patients can learn about their hearing aids and be comfortable with using them,” Magee said. “The first consultation is free. I want to reduce the stigma of talking about hearing loss — our doors are open.”

Magee also tries to help those with limited incomes find financial assistance, access discount programs or navigate insurance benefits.

“We carry $700 hearing aids with one year of service, and I try to find ways for patients to have older-model hearing aids repaired as needed,” she said.

One option is to reprogram old devices.

“I want people to not be afraid to come visit with us about their hearing loss,” Magee said. “We are very honest and present the patient with as many options as possible.”

Better Hearing & Balance Connection visits the Schmieding Center for the elderly in Springdale once a month, providing and servicing hearing aids. It also conducts newborn hearing screenings and offers walk-in hours for service.

“Our office also works to make hearing health care affordable with our coupons that offer up to $500 off specials, which is discounted from the everyday price instead of the item being exponentially inflated just to be discounted,” Magee said. “All of the hearing aids we offer are $1,000 to $2,000 off MSRP, which is about 65 percent off.”

Magee said there have been recent developments with constant-wear hearing aids, which are typically worn continually for 34 months. Every six months, new technology is available, she said.

“There are hearing aids with Bluetooth technology, remote microphones for a direct feed and waterproof aids, which are good for this humid climate,” she said.

A member of the Bella Vista Business Association, Better Hearing & Balance Connection offers a valuable hearing-care package with the purchase of most hearing aids. The free package covers batteries for five years, disposable supplies and office visits.

Outside the office, Magee volunteers as a network volunteer for the American Tinnitus Association, and she serves as a mentor for audiology doctoral students. She serves as an accreditation review with the American Speech Language Hearing Association. She is also a Leadership Development Program reviewer for ASHA, helping select new career professionals and reviewing government structures. She also serves the American Academy of Audiology by helping other private-practice audiologists learn business enhancement strategies.

More information is available online at betterhearingandbalance.net or by calling (479) 657-6464.