Highlighting Howard Co. business
The beauty of hearing - Pathway Audiology
The ability to hear correctly can have a real impact on the way the world around us is perceived. The staff at Pathway Audiology, owned by Marisha Beck, AU.D., is focused on providing the best possible treatment and care to the community of Big Spring to ensure that her patients’ lives can be as enjoyable as possible.
“I have lived in Howard County for six years and moved here to work in the VA. I saw a need in Howard County for full-time hearing healthcare as many of our local residents were at the mercy of one day per week satellite locations,” Marisha Beck said. “This suggests that Howard County residents were having to travel to Midland/odessa, Abilene, Lubbock, or San Angelo for any issues that fell outside of the satellite clinic hours, or they were having to go without until that satellite clinic’s next visit to Howard County.”
One of the first people to greet you upon arrival at Pathway Audiology is Office Manager at Ashley Smith, whether you are coming for a hearing test for adults or children; tinnitus evaluations and management; hearing aid needs, including fitting, programming, cleaning and customization; earwax cleaning, and home/telehealth visits.
Since May 2018, Howard County residents have had access to the services provided, but in 2021, Beck was able to purchase the location, and renamed the business. With the new venture, Pathway Audiology became the only locally-owned and operated audiologist’s office in Howard County.
“We are the only locally-owned and operated audiology clinic in Howard County. We are also the only clinic open full-time, five days per week. This means that if you have an issue on Monday, you can come in on Monday. Our patients don’t have to wait for a specific day or travel to address their issues,” Beck said. “Since our business is locally-owned, our dollars and services are poured back into our local economy.”
Community support has flowed out to a 10U softball team in Coahoma, the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo, the Greater Big Spring Rotary Club’s Pints for Polio, and various Chamber of Commerce events.
Beck was diagnosed with hearing loss at three years of age, and wears hearing aids. Her experience provides a level of understanding with her patients, in regards to finding consistent support and the importance of having a service provider locally. “I understand, more than most, that going a few days without a functioning hearing aid means that I am missing out on important parts of communication with loved ones, and can cause significant stress. Therefore, I wanted a business that people could come to when there is need and at their convenience,” she said.
Pathway Audiology provides both pediatric services and services for adults. According to Beck, many other providers that come to our area are not licensed to evaluate children or even diagnose hearing loss and tinnitus.
As Beck and her staff look forward to the second half of the year, she has set some goals in place. She would like to see clinic upgrades that would allow her to be more pediatric-friendly and allow for testing of babies. In addition, she wants to educate the public and participate in local events to educate people of all ages about hearing loss, including prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. Of course, the continued investment into the community in which they live and work remains at the top of the goal list, as well.
While COVID-19 brought some hard blows to many local businesses, Pathway Audiology continued to roll with the punches.
“I think the pandemic has made everyone realize how important hearing is! So many people have struggled with hearing this past year due to use of masks,” she said. “For the business, we expanded our tele-health services and started curbside pick-up services.”
The importance of community has been one of the biggest opportunities for Beck and her business adventure has been building connections throughout the community and finding ways to invest back into the place she calls home. Many of the
opportunities have come through both the Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Big Spring Rotary Club.
Stepping into business for oneself is not an easy road to travel, pandemic or not, but it is a venture that can be rewarding.
“For those looking to start a business, first, pray about it! Next, research your community to determine if there is a need for your service through SWOT analysis and create a business plan. Discuss your idea/plan with other local, business-minded people who are willing to give you honest feedback,” she said. “LOCAL being key as our community is unique and unlike surrounding towns! Once you have the data, PRAY about it some more! Lastly, don’t be afraid to take the plunge if your data supports your business plan”
She continued, “We love the people of Howard County and it is our honor to serve you. Remember, we are the only local option when it comes to hearing health and wellness care. We live and shop in Howard County. We are in the business of patient-centric care, not business-centric care; we are here to serve you.”
Pathway Audiology is located at 210 W. Third Street, across from the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce building. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and closed for lunch from noon until 1 p.m. daily. To schedule an appointment or for more information email drbeck@pathwayaudiology. com or ashley@pathwayaudiology.com or call 432-606-1933. More information can also be found at www.pathwayaudiology.com.