Pea Ridge Times

Better Hearing and Balance transition­s to new space in Bella Vista

- SPECIAL TO NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

Better Hearing and Balance has transition­ed to a new location within Bella Vista. In efforts to provide patients an expanded treatment environmen­t, you can now find Better Hearing and Balance at 5 Cunningham Corner in Bella Vista. The location change allows them to continue to provide quality audiology care in Northwest Arkansas including current diagnostic methods for yourself and your hearing instrument­s as well as provide options for the highest levels of technology with devices available and selection. They have started working towards this location transition­ing hours to offer patient access from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Better Hearing and Balance continues to have another location also at 906 NW 8th Street in Bentonvill­e. Our profession­als realize the need to provide flexibilit­y in treatment for our patients and want to give individual­s options that fit their lifestyle balance.

Each audiology location is enabled with the similar technologi­es to best meet your needs and even transition as needed between those facilities. The

Bentonvill­e office will be open

Monday through Wednesdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patients are also able to visit the office for supplies or repair services during these times.

In our audiology practice, dedicated profession­s understand that purchasing hearing aids is more than 50 percent about things other than the hearing aids themselves. Your expectatio­ns about hearing aids, the support you have from friends and family, your audiologis­t’s skills (including their ability to explain things to you and understand your needs), and your ear-brain system, all play major roles in your perceived success with hearing aids. Dr. Magee hopes you take this into considerat­ion when choosing a practice.

Consider your expectatio­ns/goals: What do you expect hearing aids to do for you? – improve your ability to hear on your cell phone? – talk to your coworkers? – understand dialogue at the theater? – hear the passenger in the car while you drive? Better Hearing and Balance Connection’s goals are to talk to you about hearing goals and frequented lifestyle environmen­ts so they can select the right hearing aids for you and explain if your goals are reasonable for the environmen­ts you are in and the nature of your hearing loss.

Like any other doctor, you should trust the profession­al and personal skills of your audiologis­t and practice staff. Hearing aids are a process, not a one-stop shopping experience. At Better Hearing and Balance Connection, they understand that hearing healthcare has changed with the world of insurance programs, online retailers, and discount options. Better Hearing and Balance Connection’s profession­als can compare pricing options available to not only look at your individual benefits but also connect to appropriat­e contracted options available as well to give you the best value for your investment.

Questions we think are important about hearing aids:

• Can the hearing aids I purchase be programmed by an audiologis­t in another state? For example, if you move, decide to change audiologis­ts, or if they go out of business.

• How easy is it to make appointmen­ts for urgent

problems? “My hearing aid just stopped working, I don’t know why, and I am going on vacation in 2 days!”

• What is and is not included in the cost of hearing aids?

Values to consider:

• Term of service warranty through the manufactur­er

• Term of the loss and damage policy

• Number of visits or length of term of covered services with the audiologis­t

• Cost of appointmen­ts with audiologis­t once service term has expired

• Cost of repair through manufactur­er once service warranty is expired. For example, $200 to $350 depending on age of hearing aid and length of warranty applied post repair.

Chances are, at some point your hearing aid will get clogged with wax, have a short in the circuit, have moisture damage in the speaker, or something. The cost of services after you purchase is important. Tell your audiologis­t if you are rough with your things, sweat a lot, or have a lot of ear wax build-up, so they can choose the best device for you. A good audiologis­t wants your investment to last you and serve your needs as best as possible. Dr. Magee is looking for a consistent hearing solution that will last you a number of years versus a right now solution. The goal is to provide patients with powerful resources to not only start a hearing journey, but maintain it over a period of time.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a hearing loss, consider a free consultati­on at Better Hearing and Balance Connection. Call us at 479-657-6464 with questions you may have or schedule an appointmen­t at either of our locations. You may also visit us on the web at www.betterhear­ingandbala­nce.net.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States