Hearing Health Centers' Bob Heiser is so passionate about helping people to hear better that he offers hearing tests for free
By Patricia Nugent
By the time Americans reach their 70s, two-thirds will suffer from some level of hearing loss.
What makes that number even scarier is the mounting evidence linking hearing loss to dementia. Essentially what studies are finding is that even mild loss speeds up cognitive decline and can lead to social isolation and depression.
As founder of Hearing Health Centers in Medina, for the past 27 years nationally board-certified hearing instrument specialist Bob Heiser has made a name for himself as having the largest operation in the area—offering more than 30 different brands of hearing devices from top manufacturers.
“Since hearing loss can happen gradually, many people don’t even notice it until it’s already had a negative impact on them,” says Bob.
“That’s why I encourage anyone 50 years or older to get a hearing screening so they have a baseline to work with. It provides a helpful record we can share with their physician going forward. As an incentive, I offer them for free. I literally have a tall file cabinet filled with people who underwent a screening and do not have any hearing loss, and that’s fine with me. To be able to detect and help those who do suffer from hearing loss is my mission.”
As a service to seniors, Bob and fellow hearing instrument specialist Amanda go to more than 30 local senior centers, nursing homes and assisted living places throughout the county.
Bob also stands by his work and offers a lifetime service warranty, as well as free check-ups every three months after someone is fitted for a hearing aid.
Barely Noticeable, Bluetooth Connected
Hearing devices have come a long way over the past several years, and Bob reports the leaps in technology have produced much more sophisticated levels of hearing. The goal of hearing is not to have all sounds amplified, he explains, but rather to be able to understand people you’re having conversations with, or watch television without a lot of background noise getting in the way.
The new Bluetooth-connected aids allow people to receive signals through their television or smart phone, and even have their aids adjusted remotely through their tablet or computer.
“Each type of hearing aid has its own set of unique characteristics that appeal to different clients,” he points out.
For instance, seniors with dexterity issues don’t need to worry about fumbling with batteries anymore thanks to the new rechargeable models.
“And for folks who don’t want a visible hearing appliance, there is a new class of nearly invisible aids called RIC, or receiver-in-canal, that feature an open-fit, with a thin plastic micro-tube that extends from the hearing aid behind the ear over the outer ear and into the ear canal,” he says.
Instrument of Change
Bob says when he was growing up, he knew a neighbor child who suffered from profound hearing loss yet was not properly treated for it.
“That’s what made me want to enter the field of audiology,” he recalls. “Hearing is a precious sense that often doesn’t get the credit it’s due.”
Bob likes to get to know his clients, and one of the little things that means a lot is that he even makes house calls to those who are unable to come to the center to adjust their devices and assess their hearing.
That extra care has garnered Hearing Health Centers lots of fans. Bob is proud to report that for the last eight consecutive years he has won Readers’ Choice Best of the Best from the Medina Gazette.
Hearing Health Centers is located within a shopping plaza at 754 N. Court Street in Medina. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m-5 p.m.; Saturday by appointment. Financing options are available, call 330-725-3259 or visit HearingHealthCenters.com to find out more.