Concha Audiology

A Letter from Dr. Concha:

First, I would like to say THANK YOU to all of our patients. It is a privilege that you have chosen us to help you with your hearing health needs. As you probably already know, your ears and hearing have a lot to do with your overall health. Hearing loss affects memory, cognition, balance, mental health, social interaction, income, family life and love. We are always working to be on the cutting edge of technology and knowledge about hearing and communication. We encourage you to follow us on Facebook as we post articles and other helpful items to help you along your hearing journey. We also can provide copies and links to articles related to hearing if you contact our clinics. The links between hearing loss and memory, balance, depression and income are among the most compelling reasons to treat your hearing loss right away.

People have asked us if over-the-counter hearing aids (OTCs) or personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) will affect our profession. We know that OTCs have been around for many years in the form of assistive listening devices (ALDs). They were able to be purchased from backs of magazines or online for years. OTCs are designed for mild to moderate hearing losses. Almost all of our patients have severe to profound hearing losses. The acceptance rate for our patients is almost 100%. Industry numbers for acceptance of OTCs show that 85% of OTC users will stop using them after a few months. Industry numbers also show that OTC users will eventually come to an Audiologist because they realize these devices do not work.

One of the reasons we are one of the best Audiology practices in the country is that we follow best practices. The emphasis when we follow best practices is on services and expertise we provide. We look at hearing aids as tools that are part of a comprehensive treatment plan for you.

Concha Audiology Best Practices include:

1. Developing a comprehensive treatment plan.

2. Using a patient-focused “income” measure.

3. Using meaningful clinical tests.

4. Establishing patient-specific treatment goals.

5. Selecting hearing aid features on the basis of the treatment goals, not the audiogram.

6. Verifying the hearing aid performance parameters with test box and probe microphone measures.

7. Validating your treatment plan.

8. Evaluating for and prescribe hearing assistive technology, as appropriate.

9. Itemizing your fees.

10. Providing post-fitting audiologic rehabilitation services.

We know there will always be people who are looking for a product; they are typically not going to be one of our patients. As all of you have experienced with us, we measure, verify and teach. When we do this, we have happier, satisfied patients. We are always looking for better ways to help you and we are continually learning about treatments or strategies that can benefit you.

Life, Love, Hearing,

Del Concha AuD., CCC-A, F-AAA