Maico: family-owned hearing service brings professional skills to increasing client base
Family dedicated to hearing health
Nearly 45 years ago, Clarence Young opened Maico Hearing Service in St. John’s with his son, Roy. They completed their training through the Medical Acoustic Instrument Company (later shortened to MAICO) based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Shortly after opening the first clinic in St. John’s, they opened other outlets in central and western Newfoundland.
In the early 1990s, Clarence retired and Roy became the second generation owner of the family enterprise. About three years ago he was joined by his daughter, Karla Tucker, when she began working there full time. Karla became interested in audiology one summer while working at the clinic and seeing how people’s lives were changed through hearing technology. She said, “Some people came in quiet and withdrawn because they couldn’t understand during conversation but after being treated they came in chatting and joking with us. Their true personalities were able to shine through”.
After deciding to pursue a career in audiology, Karla studied at Memorial University and volunteered in the audiology department at the Janeway Hospital. She was later accepted at the University of Western Ontario and completed an internship at a hearing clinic in London, Ontario before moving back to St. John’s. She now holds a Master’s Degree in Audiology and represents the third generation working in the family clinic.
Maico presently has three audiologists on staff - Karla Tucker, Hilary Crossan, and Anne Griffin who serve clients throughout the province. Maico’s administrative staff has also grown to include Bernice Molloy in St. John’s, Adena Blackwood in Grand Falls-Windsor, and Beverley Small in Corner Brook.
Despite the clinic’s growth, Roy says “One thing that hasn't changed over the years is our service. Our top priority has always been to provide the best service possible. Our new employees also realize this and are willing to go the extra mile to help our clients in any way they can. We often receive phone calls and thank you cards from people wanting to let us know that they appreciate our hard work and the difference we have made in their lives.”
Technology, skill and selection
“We always ensure that we keep up with advancing technology,” says Karla Tucker, Audiologist, “as hearing aids are continually changing.” She reflected upon her grandfather’s day when hearing aids were adjusted with tiny screwdrivers. Today’s hearing aids are more advanced, smaller, perform better in noise, and can be connected to TVs and cell phones to send sound wirelessly to your ears.
Technology is not limited to the hearing aid an individual uses. Maico has the latest in assessment and hearing aid fine-tuning equipment. Karla notes “Our clients are often impressed with the techniques and equipment we use.” In maintaining their knowledge base, the Maico team is not only kept informed by manufacturers of hearing technology but attends conferences and seminars, and studies the latest information on testing and fitting procedures.
Over the years, Maico has expanded their product offerings and now deals with several different hearing aid manufacturers. For that reason, they can find the best hearing solution to meet each client’s needs.
As to a person with hearing loss acquiring a hearing aid, Karla says it is not, for example, like buying a car. “If you purchased a car from one dealer and the same car from another dealer, the service may be different but the car should operate in the same way. However, if you purchased a hearing aid from one clinic and the same hearing aid from another clinic, how well you hear and understand with it may be quite different. The knowledge and skill of the hearing professional are very important. The selection of the aid and how it is set and fine tuned for your hearing makes all the difference in the world.”
There are many causes of hearing loss including heredity, noise exposure, earwax, aging, and more. Maico treats a variety of clients of various ages whose hearing difficulties may stem from any of these causes. If you have difficulty hearing, call the number below or visit Maico’s website to locate a hearing self-check to determine if you may require further assessment or treatment.