It may seem ironic, in a world filled with constant noise and distractions, that the importance of hearing health often goes unnoticed.
Elevated Hearing Center, Mount Vernon’s leading audiology clinic, is determined to change that narrative. There’s no reason people should have to suffer with hearing impairments.
Since its establishment in Nov. 2019, Elevated Hearing has been revolutionizing the way people perceive and address hearing loss. Driven by a passion to improve patients’ lives, the center has become a beacon of hope for those seeking comprehensive and affordable hearing solutions.
At the heart of Elevated Hearing is Dr. Robin Graham, who has had a personal connection to struggles with hearing loss. It was only a matter of time before she took helping people in Knox County into her own hands.
“The first patient was seen in Nov. 2019, and shortly after, on Dec. 4, 2019, we celebrated our ribbon cutting ceremony in collaboration with the Knox County Chamber of Commerce,” Dr. Graham said, recalling the early days of the clinic.
“Elevated Hearing Center was born with the patient in mind. In my previous position, I often found myself unable to provide reasonable treatment solutions for patients due to high hearing aid costs and limited insurance coverage. I wanted better for my patients. I wanted to help more people,” Graham said.
In order to help the most people, the Mount Vernon residents have to help themselves. The importance of regular hearing check-ups cannot be overstated. Yes, your mother continues to be right.
Think of it like establishing your own hearing timeline, so you can know, not guess, what has changed over the years.
“A baseline hearing test as an adult is very important. It can be used as a reference point for future comparisons and can also help detect hearing loss at an earlier stage. Early detection allows for better adaptation to amplification and ultimately leads to improved outcomes,” Dr. Graham said.
The good doctor advises retesting your hearing every few years, and if you have in fact been diagnosed with hearing loss, annual tests are necessary to monitor its progression.
No one wants to accept any kind of hearing loss. “I’m not getting that old. I can’t wear something in my ear all day. It might get better; I’ll just leave it alone.”
You can’t just avoid the problem if you want to continue to improve or not get a lot worse; but you can understand that you are not alone.
Hearing loss is a pervasive condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In the United States, it is the third most common chronic condition among older adults.
You’ll find that your family, friends and co-workers will be happy you’ve started to examine the issue and are looking at making communication that much better.
It’s also important to understand the relationship between hearing loss and other health conditions, which surprises a lot of prospective patients.
“Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and hearing loss often occur together. Recognizing your health conditions is crucial, as some can increase the risk of hearing loss,” Dr. Graham said.
Obviously those are big issues, but general quality of life is a factor as well.
Elevated Hearing wants patients to be aware that certain medications can be ototoxic,meaning that they can potentially cause hearing loss, tinnitus and even balance issues.
“It is imperative to work closely with prescribing doctors to explore alternative options before irreversible changes occur,” Dr. Graham said.
Every person’s hearing situation is a little different, so Elevated Hearing has become synonymous with patient-centered care, offering a range of services tailored to individual needs. The center’s team of experienced audiologists employs state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and today’s technology to accurately assess hearing capabilities and develop personalized treatment plans.
Elevated Hearing has collaborated with various hearing aid manufacturers to provide a wide range of devices, ensuring that patients have access to the latest advancements in hearing technology.
With insurance and health care costs, patients often are super concerned about being able to actually afford the ability to get hearing treatment. One of the distinguishing factors of Elevated Hearing Center is its commitment to accessibility. Understanding that financial constraints should not hinder individuals from seeking necessary hearing care, the center offers affordable options and works closely with insurance providers to maximize coverage.
During the process, it’s massively important that the patient actually knows and understands what is happening to them.
Great importance is placed on patient education and support. Through regular workshops and seminars, the Center empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their hearing health. The team of audiologists and support staff offer personalized counseling, assisting patients in adapting to their hearing aids and maximizing their hearing potential.
In the four years since its inception, Elevated Hearing has transformed countless lives, instilling hope and optimism in those living with hearing loss. By providing affordable solutions and promoting awareness, the center has shattered the barriers that previously prevented many from seeking treatment.
As Elevated Hearing Center continues to expand its reach, Dr. Graham and the team remain unwavering in their commitment to helping people overcome hearing challenges. With a strong focus on patient care, accessibility and education, they strive to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of better hearing health.
If you have questions about your hearing health or to set up a consult, please call 740-200-8915 or set up an consultation online.
“Consult this checklist to see if you have signs of hearing loss:
- difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in noisy places
- asking people to repeat themselves
- listening to music or watching TV with the volume higher than other people need
- difficulty hearing on the phone
- finding it hard to keep up with a conversation
- feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening
- tinnitus (ringing in your ears)
Sometimes someone else might notice problems with your hearing before you do.
Symptoms:
- Muffling of speech and other sounds.
- Trouble understanding words, especially when in a crowd or a noisy place.
- Trouble hearing the letters of the alphabet that aren’t vowels.
- Often asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly.
- Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio.
Untreated hearing loss can lead to avoidance or isolation from social situations, depression, reduced alertness, impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks, etc.
The ultimate goal in treating hearing loss as early as possible is to help maintain the ability to hear, especially the ability to recognize and understand speech.”
