IN Woodland Hills Spring 2019 | Page 11

INDUSTRY INSIGHT BETTER HEARING SPONSORED CONTENT HearWell Center— Where You’re Patient Number F or over 12 years, HearWell Center has been helping patients navigate the sometimes complicated, always frustrating world of hearing loss. It was started in 2007 by audiologist Dr. Suzanne Yoder with the aim of providing patients with the extra time and care needed to address their hearing goals in a friendly and professional environment. “HearWell Center is a small practice with a boutique approach to hearing care,” Dr. Yoder said. “We want people to have the best possible experience when treating their hearing needs.” Dr. Yoder herself is hard of hearing Dr. Suzanne Yoder, and has experienced Au.D. the complexities of hearing loss since childhood. “I grew up with technology that was very limited but made the best of it. I’m thankful that technology has changed so much over the years. Now, hearing aids are a joy to use and are very customizable,” she said. “In addition to hearing aids there are amazing new technologies to help when hearing aids are not enough, such as captioned phones, and Bluetooth connectivity with TV, cell phones and more. Plus, there are assistive listening systems at movie theaters and playhouses and many options for captioning that didn’t exist even fi ve years ago.” Dr. Yoder recently underwent surgery for a cochlear implant* in her left ear. 1 “Although I have successfully used hearing aids since the age of 4, my hearing loss progressed over time to the point that hearing aids were no longer helpful,” she explained. “After receiving my cochlear implant I’ve experienced a new level of hearing and more confi dence. Until I got the cochlear implant, I wasn’t able to do things people take for granted, like just picking up the phone.” Knowing the ins and outs of hearing loss from both the trained audiologist side and the patient side, Dr. Yoder is especially equipped to help her patients in a caring and understanding manner to help them fi nd the best solution to their own hearing loss issues. “Hearing loss is a deeply personal matter and everyone has diff erent goals when it comes to what they would like to accomplish through hearing aids. Some people want to hear the TV, or phone or movies. They may say they are struggling with tinnitus or speech clarity in social situations. Whatever their goal, we work to treat that,” she said. “For example, in cases of tinnitus, there are therapies available to help calm the body – relaxation therapy. No matter what, we try to match the treatment to the patient’s goals.” HearWell Center also addresses hearing loss before it happens. As a complete audiology center, Dr. Yoder and her three staff members can help people with routine hearing tests, hearing protection options, communication problems, assistive devices, hearing aid repair and replacement, and more. The small, family- oriented offi ce means that once you become a patient, you become family. What’s more, Dr. Yoder doesn’t push any one line or brand of hearing devices. As an independent practice, she prides herself on carrying unlocked, medical- grade hearing aids that patients can take anywhere for servicing or upgrades. “Hearing aids are long-term investments. And people move, travel or spend the winter somewhere other than Pittsburgh,” she said. “We don’t force our patients to go to any particular franchise for evaluations or reprogramming of their devices. We carry devices from all six of the major device manufacturers and we keep our training up on all technology.” For more information on HearWell Center, go to the website at hearwellcenter.com or call 412.254.8942. The practice is located at 2400 Ardmore Boulevard, Suite 401, in Forest Hills (15221). * Cochlear implants are surgically installed and are available to those with severe and profound hearing loss who no longer benefi t from hearing aids. WOODLAND HILLS ❘ SPRING 2019 7